January 20, 2022
North Muskegon, MI
I find myself back in Muskegon. The weather nearly as opposite my previous visit as you can get. Biting cold, but still precipitating. This time, I trade in my old dog for my definitely-NOT-old mom. Because I can force her to ice skate with me. And I don’t trust my dog on blades.
We hop out of the car and straight into a winter-wonderland-snow-globe scene. Layers of puffy snow pants are added in preparation for the numerous falls we fully expect to occur. And finally, the skates are laced up. On shaky legs, we make our way out of the warming tent and onto the trail.
I expect us to make one, maybe two loops on this quarter-mile trail before our bodies betray us and our age shows. Either that or we will be so bruised from falling that we cannot continue. But instead, we are the picture of grace (mostly). And while we may have some close calls, we manage to stay upright. You heard me: ZERO FALLS! Be impressed with us. We flew around this trail so many times I couldn’t even keep count.
And we could have kept going if we didn’t have more stops to make before the sun sets. Including a second stop to Dr. Rolfs BBQ for a chili trio …and more tater tops with queso and brisket…
After my first visit to Muskegon State Park (see below), I knew I needed to come back in the winter for this unique experience. I mean, where else can you ice skate on a trail through the woods? Seriously where else can I go because this was truly an amazing experience and I want more. Make the trip. It’s worth it.
September 4-5, 2021
What should come as no surprise for a Michigander is that campsites book up fast in the summer. Especially Labor Day weekend. And of course I planned my trip last minute without realizing it was a holiday weekend. So of course the campsites are full. Luckily I am able to snag the last spot at Pioneer County Park just 2 miles down the road.
Still sprinkling on and off, Gob and I hang at the campsite for a bit. I eat a nutritious lunch of tater tots topped with queso and brisket (thanks Dr. Rolfs). Gob allows me to brush him, and the fur amounts to a second dog. As the rain falls harder, I open a book for the second time in two years. I read four pages before falling asleep. Some time later Gob and I both wake up. The rain has stopped, and we are ready for more adventure. We go in search of the Lost Lake.
And we find it! Along with a lovely if not strange couple seated on a park bench. Gob and I start to pass behind them.
Him: “Hey you.” But not in an attention grabbing way, more like the greeting to an old friend you haven’t seen in some time. At first I am unsure that he is even talking to me, but then he turns around.
Me: “Hello”
Him: “Enjoying your hike?”
Me: “Oh yes, but not nearly as much as him.” I gesture to Gob.
Him: “Looks like he wants to get in that water…it’s not too deep. You can see our tracks over there from where we were mucking about. Only about 2 inches deep. But it’s smelly.” He continues talking to me about cameras as I plan my exit. I start backing away.
Me: “Enjoy the rest of your hike.”
Him: “It was nice seeing you out here. Ya know. Enjoying nature and all.”
Her: Waves from the bench.
We see no other people on our 5 mile hike.
Back at our campsite, Gob opts to lay outside the van. Even though it is still sprinkling. We eat dinner. I read. Gob snoozes. Soon he climbs into bed. I shut the door. And then we are both asleep.
Morning comes, and at 7:30 Gob can wait no longer to start his day. We leave camp before most of our fellow campers have stirred. It’s a short drive back to the trailhead.
Today is all about the dunes. Almost 5 miles for this hike. And it always feels like much more. The first half is pretty mild. Mostly shaded. And once we’re out of the shade, we’re walking the shoreline of Snug Harbor. Which means Gob is taking many dips.
But as we reach the midway point of our loop and turn back towards the car, we also depart from the water. The dunes are immediately taller. And I am thankful we are doing this at 9:30 AM and not later in the day. Already the sun is beaming down without a cloud in sight, and I am sweating. Gob is drying quickly from his dips, but so far seems unbothered by the heat. My calves burn as we scale the dunes to reach the ridge. The views are worth it though.
Eventually we are back in the shade. I am in desperate need of some caffeine and maybe a sandwich. We load up the car and head for those exact things.
Interested in checking out this park? Find our more here!
Check out my other Michigan State Park adventures!
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