A Michigan Winter Day Outing

[Colliemom]

It was a beautiful day this past Saturday when the Molly, Piper and I turned north in the big red truck, headed for the bridge and the U.P. The destination was Tahquamenon Falls, 159 miles north. . We were to meet up with camping friends from the U.P. The few clouds in the sky slowly disappeared under the warm sun as we drove along. Ice covered the Straits of Mackinac to the west as we crossed over the bridge, but a mix of ice and open water stretched to the east. The road stretched on before us, past snow covered forest and fields under a clear blue sky, through the small towns of Moran and Trout Lake, and for a short distance, along the blue waters of Whitefish Bay, ice free except for a few ice floes in this mild winter, until we reached Paradise and turned west toward the Falls. We met up with our friends and while Molly and Piper waited in the truck, I enjoyed their company and a great lunch at Camp 33, the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Restaurant. Afterwards, we gathered the dogs and set off along the much packed down and cleared trail to the falls which poured over the rim and sparkled in the bright sun like golden diamonds, it’s waters brown and frothy from the decaying vegetation and tannic acid in the surrounding watershed. White snow lined the river banks above the falls, while ice covered the frozen river below and hung from the cliffs on the sides of the falls. We took pictures, two of us descended the 94 steps to the brink taking more pictures and enjoying the magnificent beauty of nature before we walked back up and back to the parking area. . We sat for awhile enjoying the fire that the Park staff had built along with water and snacks. There were a lot of people there enjoying the beautiful sunny mid 40 degree day, the mood was joyful and upbeat. But as all good things must come to an end, we parted ways and turned our vehicles toward our respective homes. As we crossed the bridge heading south, the late afternoon sun gleamed off the chunks of crystal clear ice below, making it look like a bed of diamonds. It was indeed an great ending to a great day.

[SoCalGalcas]

Beautiful pictures Sue. Michigan is a very pretty state. So sorry my traveling days are over, or I would be back there in a flash! Lyn

[MandysMom]

Nice photos! What a nice way to spend a winter day. Glad you had a good day.
Velda

[BarbaraRose]

Love your poetic descriptions! Beautiful photos!

[Bethers]

Oooh thanks for sharing.

[monik7]

Great pics Sue.
Sandi

[snowball]

so very pretty.. if the falls frozen or at least part of it?
a nice day for you to enjoy with friends
sheila

[Colliemom]

No, they are completely open this winter Sheila. The ice is already no the edges, more from the mist than anything. Some years they have frozen over and the water runs a bit under the ice. I was down on the river one year walking around the base of the falls. It’s been a very mild winter this year and even the Great Lakes aren’t frozen over other than in Harbors and Bays and shallow areas all no the shorelines.