Ellen and I are going to be taking a hike every Friday for a few weeks. She has a Smoky Mountain adventure scheduled with friends in May, and she wants to get in shape. You might think that our choice of a hike local is odd, but I can explain. We hiked through Ludington, along the waterfront, and out of town to "First Curve" a parking location on the way to the state park. It was almost all on pavement, 5.3 miles.
The one off-pavement section was on-snow. One piece of the Ludington Waterfront Walkway goes through the Waterfront Park, which the city is also trying to establish as a sculpture park. There was a new one added last summer, named "Fruits of Farming." We had to fool around and take our pictures with it. Ellen is trying to steal a carrot, and I guess Maggie is attacking that flat of cherries at my feet. I'll need to go back in summer. The rest of the display was covered in snow.
Want a better look at what's in the girl's basket?
One part of our hike took us along some former industrial buildings. They are rather sad memorials to the fact that small factories rarely survive in this day and age. This nifty logo was on the front of the decaying Thompson Cabinet Company.
We also walked by the marina. It's so empty and desolate at this time of year! But from this perspective you can see both of the Queens at the same time. The Queens? If you were here a couple of weeks ago, you know that they are the carferries the Spartan and the Badger.
So, we continued through the edge of town, and saw lots of blue water. At least the sun was shining! And this will be the segue and tease for tomorrow's post. I think you'll find it ducky.
Oh, and the reason we were doing this pavement hike? It's a piece of a dream of mine for a trail that encircles about 80 miles in Mason and Lake Counties. There's a link below to a very early post about some exploring for it.
 | See Twin Queens of the Lakes
See Exploring Like a 10-Year-Old |
8 comments:
Looks like you had a good day for your Urban walk. Gotta love a day when you can get out, explore what's around you and enjoy a little bit of sunshine
Too cold yet for my taste, but good for the three of you; and thanks for the nice tour of Ludington.
I like the "Fruits of Farming" sculpture! Looks like a great place to visit....when it is warmer.:)
It is not a bad tour anyhow.
Ann- It really was nice. Sun always improves the disposition.
vanilla- The temp was right around freezing, so it was really quite comfortable for hiking.
Jean- there are so many really interesting sculptures in that park, all tied to local history and culture. It's a lot of fun!
rainfield- indeed, it was a very nice tour!
It looks like a nice sunshiny day, Joan, and you must have on layers because you don't even seem bundled up that warm.
We still in the throes of torrential rains. My son called and said the Sacramento River, close to his house, is almost at flood stage so I hope the rains slow down. I'm planning to go visit him Wednesday. I can't believe I haven't sen him since Christmas.
Sounds like it was a fun hike!
The weather will be much nicer in the Smokies. Closer to my neck of the woods!
Carmen- I had on a couple of layers, but it was right around freezing, and there wasn't a wind, so it was nice for walking
Ferd- The Smokies are awesome! I've been there a few times.
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