Sheldon and Geni's 2013 Camping Trip
Today is: August 25
We woke up in: Empire, MI We're going to sleep in: Empire, MI

This area is just spectacular. The dunes were incredible. We would go up to one level and think that was it, only to find another and then another. It is a steep climb! The views were beautiful! We got to a point where we just said that's it, so climbed to a high spot and cheated a bit. I'm sure the view was more beautiful closer up, but at least we got to see what was over the last level.

Then we went on a scenic drive that had 12 designated stops to view. Most of them were nothing special but I just loved number 9 which was the overlook to Lake Michigan. Looking down that steep dune and feeling like you were going to fall off a cliff, but then seeing the water down below was really thrilling The wind really blows in this area and at that spot, it was stinging our faces. Later, we stopped where I could at least put my feet in Lake Michigan and a young couple told us about Pyramid's Point -- a must see, they said. Of course the 3/4 mile hike to it was a steep uphill climb and the view was great, but I liked the overlook better. We did lots of climbing today and we didn't even go on any trail hike! Sleeping Bear park is just a very beautiful place.


Sleeping Bear Dunes- 110 foot high sand dunes


First level of the dune -Working our way up


More to go


Looking down from where we came


Didn't want to go any farther - so stopped here


Found a high spot so we wouldn't have to keep going -


This was view over the last dune if we walked last 1/2 mile


On our way down the dune


Easier than going up


Pierce Stocking scenic drive - Covered Bridge


Glen Lake - part of drive


Lake Michigan Overlook- 450 feet above lake


Overlook - it was so windy - sand was stinging from the wind blowing


view of dune from platform


water just beautiful - some (young folk) dared to walk down but admitted
the walk back up was pretty tough


North Bar Lake - sandbar on right - building up will cut it off from
Lake Michigan eventually


Got to walk in Lake Michigan at beach in Glen Arbor - so clear and
cool - rocky (small pebbles) on coast line. Cool but refreshing water


Pyramid Point - almost mile walk up to another great view


dunes so steep - water and view of Lake Michigan spectacular


Lighter blue is shallow water