June 3 Adventure: Glen Arbor

Mom and Jordan’s visit to Grand Rapids began with a normal work week for us and an abundance of small day trips for them to nearby beaches and parks.  One afternoon Jordan got his adrenaline fix as they rented dune buggies and mom helped us by scoping out the small lake front towns so we could begin making a “To Visit” list once Rachelle got her car up here.  

Friday night s'mores

Weekend get away

Finally it was Friday and right after work, we escaped to Glen Arbor, 3 hours north and right on Glen Lake/Lake Michigan.  We got to stay in a small lake front bungalow, complete with a small private beach and paddle boats! We relaxed with smores and a small fire the first evening and got to sleep in Saturday then role out of bed right onto a lounge chair by the water.  The water was absolutely amazing! (Cold) but crystal clear and the most brilliant shade of blue! In fact, my dad mistook our photos for a tropical ocean front.  

BIG smile, mom

Out on Glen Lake

I'll give her an A in effort, but she's not getting a bid any time soon

Saturday afternoon we explored the nearby Sleeping Bear dunes and National Park.  First we got a work out by running…then crawling up the side of a dune; we reached a beautiful look out near the top and was able to see the Glen Lakes (Little and Big). After we caught our breath we SPRINTED down and to the car, needless to say sand was EVERYWHERE that day.  

Next we enjoyed a self-guided driving tour through the National Park and took in some amazing views of the dunes from various look out points.  My favorite spot by far was the Lake Michigan lookout stop.  My Eaton assignment manager had told us about this spot and warned us not to “get overwhelmed by the beauty and run all the way down the dune to the lake, you will not get back up”.  Sure enough, the park had posted a warning sign about climbing down the side of this particular dune and that if helicopter rescue was necessary, you would be charged.  Never the less, people were trotting down quicker than it took to READ the warning.  We overheard a sweaty little man saying he had just climbed back up and had taken almost 2 hours to do so!!   

"RESCUE FEES WILL BE CHARGED"

From where we were standing we could not even see the bottom of the dune so we ventured over to the lookout deck and the view was breathtaking! Lake Michigan looked like an ocean and down below the brave (foolish?) souls along the beach looked like ants!! The wind was unforgiving which made the trees and plant life up there so much more amazing.  According to the park pamphlet there was once a forest up there but centuries of erosion and wind had whittled it down to a few batches of trees hanging on for dear life.

Ant people making their way down to the lake shore

 Later that evening we enjoyed dinner in town and of course, more smores.  Monday morning came too quickly, but Jordan and mom were able to fit in a short trip to my office before they left for Chicago.  My assignment manager, Mike, took them on a short tour throughout our small plant and then they set out on their journey back home.  It was nice to have a piece of Texas in for the week and I cannot wait to be reunited with the rest of the family August 11!!