So the core group that's been hiking the Manistee National Forest this year decided to have a picnic to celebrate. Actually, we have one more hike next Sunday, but today was the only day that most everyone could make work.
![picnic lunch](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM0yvmc9TLi5qpSTVrUMiQ2IcxG18JjH4mZ6axY6tCZOxjnIxZNWDgWy3r4zEmbMX8FaeHu85Q3H7otptEbJ9IWU8OWBwr7SKXb_hWgtLiWj6bZYQiOMDmdDh6qtxJ5GKkUBUk8tYz6g/s1600/MNFpicnic01.jpg)
We met at the Big M warming shelter. Not that we needed to stay warm today, but there were huge swarms of Asian Ladybugs outside, so we didn't mind having us and the food inside.
![picnic lunch](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nqgTws9LwJx4v2UI06HjRdr0sxf-pcRCAD_yIlxG73NhN5eOZjrVWxicoPMZouvoeonE1On6iESQvQXtkciKTuTAmezuFp_tJjXzAXMBm73r5rMca3I1DVuHoCdLf-c_iaLPuNoon48/s1600/MNFpicnic02.jpg)
It was neat because we all got to talk with each other. On the hikes the faster people usually didn't see much of the slower ones, so this was nice.
![picnic lunch](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcJUKrF0YGpTGHGGKlGyysAss-ajy82XPOfHo7PeuLUSESX8Iyp7DrF9JFETNJwaWvOshhFEHqRbMONK_whXhyPZ8LLBsGneCIn4KGM3JUxkTGGyqbfXWgoYGwZsK8a7aNIHlkNn9Xho/s1600/MNFpicnic03.jpg)
All the ski trails make nice hiking paths when there isn't snow. The leaves are barely starting to turn colors here yet.
![hike](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii34EmBbpAxFa_5GLwa1BL2WSbAHNMDfegXyCkpxl3CYNIjuUhpuFmx1lSenD6hpF3gmwk85brUjQjWImA5kGNR16-wbh-LO3D75YlJWTraLSe-H-vO-L5JaAgfj1N_zr7Yi9SKtMjTbg/s1600/MNFpicnic04.jpg)
After we ate, three of us stayed to take a little 4-mile walk. I did get to see a piece of one trail I hadn't been on before.
![hike](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7hechSDkZibqZFXlqGgzGKhUP2r5_fABiTsOqczwpM7PNSP7BQBRzIXBgNPz9ut7mu89GfE8s6Pk_CpdLkDosNA5h4dzY_8VFVO00bcAEUmbaAlreUTvizNdieGkBPndjDmtMAuqwEM/s1600/MNFpicnic05.jpg)
Miss Sophie was festive in a Halloween tutu!
![dog in tutu](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ux9dxPZiFqKvUAnG-EnCb-sWqRCFNeQazZZoyqeZNNwgIfNP3034JTS8sF8IsDL8YeurZ7cyXC_4bCtFFdSmmVNQpYqS55Uq0Ox8QyiCm4S6iwjPZPqxxBu36Lq0rxNKtFP5BU9s6Z8/s1600/MNFpicnic06.jpg)
The group surprised me with a thank-you card and a very undeserved but appreciated gift for organizing the hikes!
![thank you card](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfOpHgbXsDIYhQsv3FnQuGNfY_FuO__LEV5-ITDDtmxcpkCf6lnz2L0vxWg2mS2YjffO1HQsW2E6QB8Bz2cwzxgl6drWWgYAsV60HfKktYHxruXEC_dx9CxKnSQqPP1t2sxNOdQh7pqw/s1600/MNFpicnic07.jpg)
The weather was perfect, the friendships are sincere, the doggie kisses were great, and life is good.
![]() | See Challenge Hike #12 |
if you like this blog, click the +1 |
1 comment:
Can a day get any better than that? Love the picture of Sophie in her costume
Post a Comment