September 3-4, 2021
Ionia, MI
The temperature has shifted from unbearably hot, to dare I say, chilly. I wake up glad that I threw a pair of leggings into my duffle last minute. We bid farewell to our apple filled campsite and drive to the trailhead.
Gob is pleased to find out that we will be hiking the perimeter of a large lake. I agree to a pre-hike dip for the pup instead of waiting until the end of the hike to allow him time to dry. This does not stop him from attempting to take multiple dips throughout the hike.
We start at a jog. Partially because Gob is so excited, partially because I signed up for yet another half marathon that I am woefully unprepared for, and partially because I want to tire this dog out for the drive to our next park. He is practically hopping at the end of the leash – leaping forward with gusto like a sled dog in the Iditarod pounces through snow. In this scenario, I am the sled. But it doesn’t last. Approximately one mile in, Gob stops to roll in a particularly dewy patch of weeds. He emerges looking adorably scruffy. And refuses to run any further. We walk the rest.
The roughly 3 miles of trail winds through a prairie still dotted with yellow blooms of goldenrod and the occasional purple cone flower. Then the woods welcome us back in. And within the woods I find a treasure trove of bridges.
Interested in checking out this park? Find out more here!
Check out my other Michigan State Park adventures!
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