Beech-Hemlock Nature Trail

Every so often you run into a true gem that is not too far from you daily travels.

Such is the case of the Beech-Hemlock Nature Trail.

Going North on Lakeshore Drive, just off the beaten path of 31, the main drag back home, you will happen on the quaint sign above. The trail is on the East side of the road just across from Orchard Beach State Park.

I only discovered this trail a year or so ago.

This path is around a mile or so, and takes about 30 minutes at its longest point. The trail is heavily wooded with beech, maple, hemlock and other various needle-ed species. It is a refreshing mix.

The crew that built and maintain this trail did a great job marking it with interesting placards and information boards. It would be a great area to take children to aid them in their outdoor upbringing. TAKE YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE AND TEACH THEM!

Growing up in Northern Michigan I am very accustomed to the small prairies that are nestled between the forest groves. Until recently I have not noticed how much I enjoy these subtle prairies, luckily on this little jaunt I was afforded views of several:

On the last leg of the hike we stumbled upon some mushrooms that I cannot identify. Maybe Mungo could lend me a hand on this one:

If you are in the Manistee area be sure to check this quick trail out.

-J

Oh what a nice day

We are home for the  turkey-fest holiday and we finally got a chance to make sure that the beach is still around.

It is still there that is for sure. The day was gray, but it was still beautiful. Chelsea told me that the poor lighting would ruin my shots; while I agree that these are not of the highest quality they shall serve as a visual reminder of home and the beauty of our birthplace.

Enjoy:

More to come in a few.

-J

Mouthful of lake michigan does the trick everytime! Random indeed. Quick trip to the beach was great.

Pumpkin pie; it's how we roll

We are at the Hart Motel, a first rate joint.

Tim, the owner even taught us how to make Pumpkin Pie from scratch, and boy oh boy do I mean scratch.

Step 1:

Warsh your pumpkin.

Step 2:

Pose for a quick American Gothic Shot

Step 3:

Whack it right in half.

Step 4:

Crack it in half and find a big spoon.

Step 5:

Get in there nice and deep like and scoop out the seeds and guts. (Hint: Save the seeds, they are great salted and baked!)

Step 6:

Cut the meat of the pumpkin up, add some of the rind, add to boiling water.

Add nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger.

Boil until meat is very soft.

Mix with brown sugar and a little flour.

Heat and stir until very thick.

Step 7:

Have your girlfriend make her special recipe crust, and pour your mixture into it.

Voila! Homemade pumpkin pie from scratch.

More to come soon. It has been a good weekend.

Hope you are all enjoying your time responsibly,

-J

I have been here, and I have been there...

In the past few days it seems like I have been everywhere, in Michigan that is.

After what seemed like forever in the darkness, the trip from Ann Arbor, we awoke and darted further North to Traverse City. I delightfully gloomy day indeed was in front of us as we dropped mother off at the MRI joint and moseyed downtown TC to find a drink.

We stopped at Espresso Bay, a locally owned and operated cafe where the staff was more than accommodating and friendly, the barista even offered to put ice in the tea and gave us tips on cooling it quickly. Delightful indeed.

After a quick stroll downtown we stopped for a quick photo-op at one of C. Bromley's favorites: The State Theater:

All in all, a great day, got a few Christmas presents picked out, picked up a new watch and a cover for my Kindle.

Enjoy this day,

-J

In the next post look for a super cool Birthday present that my little brother got me! It will blow your mind!

Good Morning

Pals, gals and animals of all shapes and sizes, we are here, in the North Country and it feels good to be home.

The trip was long, since it got dark at about 5:30 pm, however I had a savior of the audio form. I am listening to The Brethren by John Grisham. Pretty good book so far. I am still reading The economist book, Why Popcorn costs so much at the movies, which is pretty good, but I really want to start The Living Great Lakes book. 

How splendid that will be.

Well it is off to Traverse, jetsetting as I do.

Hope you have a great day,

-J

Working on doing some new things for the blog! New adventures to come by the end of the week!