3/20/2021
Onaway, MI
I wake up, still a bit disappointed in what I think was a failed northern lights viewing. But at least I can salvage the day with reason #2 that I drove 300 miles north: peanut butter cream filled donuts from the Mackinaw Bakery. I am prepared to be disappointed again, because the internet says they are closed. But I also know they close for winter, and today is the first day of spring. I must take a chance. But to my horror, the internet did not lie. They are gone. Forever. COVID did them in. There is a for sale sign in the window. I am distraught. Belly empty and devoid of joy, I call my mom and head to my next park, contemplating giving up on my whole trip and just going home.
We arrive at our first park. Gob has newfound energy as soon as we turn into the parking lot. Once again, the park is deserted.
The trail skirts the lake before heading inland in a loop. We start amongst the fir trees. The morning sun shines through, illuminating the tunnel formed by their crowns. As we turn away from the water, the pine needle carpet is replaced by decaying oak leaves and moss. The naked branches of the oak and birch trees allow the sun to reach the ground. We eventually get back to a pine forest. Dense needles means snow on the path. Gob does not mind. Deer cross the path before us. Gob is distracted by the snow.
The trail weaves us past the park entrance and through the picnic area overlooking Black Lake. It is still frozen and encased in snow. Gob doesn’t even try to take a swim.
**Still hangry and sad, I forgot to get my camera out of its night time presets and back to daytime mode. Unfortunately that means my pictures turned out a bit blurry and overexposed. Alas, we can’t all be perfect all the time.**
Interested in checking out this park? Find out more here!
Check out my other Michigan State Park adventures!
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