Nordhouse Dunes Hike

A group of us went out to Nordhouse Dunes for a hike today. There were actually 9 of us. Two people didn't want to hike as far as some of us did, so they went out and back.

We did one of the longer loops which includes a fair amount of loose sand, coming near Lake Michigan.

I guess I like this tree. I've taken its picture before.

Hoary Puccoon is in bloom all over the dunes.

We came back to the parking by way of Nordhouse Lake, still with lots of water in it right now. It often dries up in August and September.

It was a lovely 67° when we started, but was 81 with 70% humidity by the time we finished. That was brutal. I haven't done much else today. But if I'm going to hike this fall, I have to get in shape.

Miles walked in 2026: 195.1

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness- old road to Lake Michigan, north to Lake Michigan Rec Area, Arrowhead Trail, Nipissing Trail: 6.9 miles.

See Nordhouse and Bells

Nordhouse and Bells

 Cathy and I took a hike today at Nordhouse Dunes. I should be spending more time working, but the colors are peak, and the weather is phenomenal. I really can't stay inside. This is the road into the Dunes.

The trails have names now, so we took the Nipissing, Middle, and Algoma Trails for a loop of about 4.4 miles.

This passes Nordhouse Lake which is often completely dry at this time of year. Three years ago in October, it still had water. Not this year!

Loved this line of ferns

And a gnarly oak tree. Looks spooky enough for October, right?

The witch hazel is in full bloom, and the sun made it look great.

There was even one branch with a fruit from last year still attached.

Managed to do some work, hike, do bell practice, get groceries, and go to the hardware store. Starting to get in gear to get back to writing the next mystery.

Here is the second bell choir piece from Sunday, "This is My Father's World." I think it's one of the prettiest pieces we've ever done.



I've made it to tired. Didn't sleep well last night.

Miles hiked in 2024: 503.1

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, Nippising, Middle, and Algoma Trails. 4.4 miles

See Nordhouse Dunes Hike