Tuesday, August 2, 2016

sleeping bear dunes

Growing up with Aunt Dottie, she loved nature and often took us camping to enjoy our country's wonderment. There wasn't a hiking trail she didn't like as she was in awe of the beauty of nature.

Our trip would not be complete without visiting the beautiful area of Sleeping Bear Dunes in Empire, Michigan. We drove the scenic route that Pierce Stocking built in the 1960's. Amazing views.


The first stop on the scenic drive - the covered bridge.


Next, on to the amazing lake and dune views.


Coupled with these smiling faces.


Doesn't get much better than this.


So this was pretty cool. The sand dune took a very steep down turn here. I should have taken a picture of the sign that basically says "don't go down there, cause we ain't coming to get ya. Good luck getting back up."


So ... of course, people went down there.


Then struggled to get back up. For every step you take, you go back 3 feet.


You would think these guys would be taking in the view. Some of them were - but mostly they were watching the guy trying to slide down the dune head first on a cardboard slide. I should have taken a picture of him - but instead I shook my head and walked away.


Instead, I took a picture of Julia. She was up and down the sand dunes having a great time.


Beyond where she was sitting.


I'm pretty sure they were sick of me taking their pictures by the end of the day.


But when you pose ... I just can't help it.


This place was amazing.



This is a good one of Julia with Lake Michigan in the background.


The 10th stop on our scenic drive - then off to the climb.


There's Burke ... back at the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes Climb, he and Julia met the challenge.


While Holly and I went about looking for native wildflowers, hearing Aunt Dottie in my head uttering over and over, "neat".

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