When Billy and I finished our drive home from St. Louis, Aunt Janet had joined the party! While these two state park 'tours' felt quite far apart, because of our St. Louis trip in between, they were really only about a week apart! = 0
For some reason, I only have Aunt Janet in one sign picture**, even though I remember taking one of her at each stop. I must have been using her phone, so that she had a record, and didn't get one on my own. = (
I think I should back up a bit. Avia came over one day and asked Aunt Janet if there were any special places she would like to see in Michigan. She mentioned Holland, but after discussing it, and conceding that the Tulips were unlikely to be on display this long past their prime, we were able to talk her into coming on a southwest state park tour with us!
This parking lot was almost completely in the shade, and local cross-country teams were running the trails in packs.
There were multiple trails, but we were bound for the beach! Luckily, the signs let us know that the beach trail led to the beach!
It was a pleasant, but .75 mile walk to the beach. Avia and Aunt Janet took a slower pace, so that the girls had longer to swim.
The girls wanted to leave an arrow at the split, but it didn't feel quite robust enough for me to agree to such a small sign.
A spider's favorite hangout? On the mushrooms, obviously!
We made it to the Lake Michigan beach! But it was a steep path down, so Aunt Janet settled on a bench, while Avia came down to make a plan!
A little bit overcast, but the water felt nice on my toes!
Goose or Seagull prints?
Dear tracks?
It's super hard to tell in this still photo, but this leave was slightly iridescent!
Once Aunt Janet and Avia were through taking the view, I gave the girls a five minute warning, then we climbed the dune hill* and headed back. We passed them about half way, but I wanted to get back to the car and eat, so that I didn't have to eat my lunch while driving.
While waiting, we saw this beautiful butterfly, who was very attracted to the car next to ours and flew around and around trying to see it from each angle?
We were all pretty tired by the end of this park, but were excited to drive south to the next one on the list!
later days
edit 8-17-25: backdated for continuity.
** edit 9-8-25: my mom sent me some pictures of Aunt Janet, so I've added them in where appropriate.
If you want to see all the state parks we've visited so far, here are the links to the posts:
Tahquamenon Falls #15
If you want to see all the state parks we've visited so far, here are the links to the posts:
Tahquamenon Falls #15
Keith J Charters #33
Muskegon State Park #50*
Ionia State Park #54
Algonac #60
Dodge #4 State Park #66a
Port Austin State Harbor #Bonus 1
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