tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13656946575380052332024-03-18T12:31:18.411-05:00Amy's Creative PursuitsCreating beauty in my lifeAmy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.comBlogger2541125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-18152109803684275212024-03-17T00:00:00.001-05:002024-03-17T00:00:00.151-05:00Freshening Up the House for Spring!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);"><span style="font-size: 15px;">I </span><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">love </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">spring! It is my favorite season. I love to see everything pop out of the ground, turn green, and come to life. I enjoy seeing all the birds come back home, from robins, to swans, sandhill cranes, and so many more! I like to shed the winter coat and heavy sweaters and bulky boots and put on lighter, prettier clothes. Spring is a time to renew, to refresh, to restore; perhaps that is why we all get the urge to spring clean our homes. We want to freshen everything up just like Mother Nature is waking things up outdoors. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every spring I not only clean my home of the soot from the indoor wood stoves, but I also like to lighten up the look from the dark colors of winter to the light airy colors of spring. Here are some ways I freshened up my house for spring:</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> Purchase New Accent Furniture</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE784xioRXgk3fQm_HLRQ748JCcPOjXs6jDXtfg2jySuZm_vwN6QkUJd84HvVoknUWpqV59dsorlBXItMD9wgOwNIfMo3uazHS_3OaCqHBzGQo6Ro-ECvNYm8-vTR9yI0wNzBgs9k5liG-pUzJVvXMM7QtgasQq9smeIFw1SYGH90ZK_J-pF9U8oKdfyJ/s4032/IMG_2579.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE784xioRXgk3fQm_HLRQ748JCcPOjXs6jDXtfg2jySuZm_vwN6QkUJd84HvVoknUWpqV59dsorlBXItMD9wgOwNIfMo3uazHS_3OaCqHBzGQo6Ro-ECvNYm8-vTR9yI0wNzBgs9k5liG-pUzJVvXMM7QtgasQq9smeIFw1SYGH90ZK_J-pF9U8oKdfyJ/w480-h640/IMG_2579.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I don't buy new furniture every season, ha ha, but I have been looking for the perfect accent chair for a corner in my sitting room for years. It's not a very big space so not many styles of chairs will do. The chair needed to be small, but also comfy. So many smaller chairs are so uncomfortable to sit in for long periods. And of course the chair had to match the room! I waited patiently for the "perfect chair" for many years. Meanwhile, I had an old dining room chair sitting in this spot, until one day I would find this "perfect chair". Well "one day" finally came. I walked into Home Goods and there she was! Sitting right in front of the store on display. It was love at first sight. I knew I finally found my chair. Only, I was unprepared to buy it that day so I said "If it's still here on Sunday when I have a bigger car and my hubby with me, it was meant to be". Hubby and I swung by Home Goods after church and I couldn't believe she was still there! And hubby loved the chair as much as I did; that's a rarity! I thought he'd give me grief about buying such a girly chair. So he sat in it while I went to pay for it and would you believe two other women approached him as he was sitting in the chair saying "they wanted to buy it"? It's a miracle this chair was still there five days after I saw it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlTpbU0kA_MMrVazXyNajehZ6hBLyiORaIRF6BLXo2eW_-PPHdwscgoSZPUWHkkebR_1UwzCPtwI6su2XQc_LsnpK_NwcnrmFzpyDv7Rz_mRvNptFHmqIofBKxlmOMgvgLR1RFAlpTLPKt5BeVYrgIaGgOd3VQAHHmlpBJ78ihVrGwZ-YHnC-qpr89PLl/s4032/IMG_2580.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlTpbU0kA_MMrVazXyNajehZ6hBLyiORaIRF6BLXo2eW_-PPHdwscgoSZPUWHkkebR_1UwzCPtwI6su2XQc_LsnpK_NwcnrmFzpyDv7Rz_mRvNptFHmqIofBKxlmOMgvgLR1RFAlpTLPKt5BeVYrgIaGgOd3VQAHHmlpBJ78ihVrGwZ-YHnC-qpr89PLl/w480-h640/IMG_2580.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love everything about this chair! It's the perfect size, I love the style, the color, and guess what? It even swivels! The swivel aspect is PERFECT for this room because the chair can swivel to face the tv, or it can swivel out towards the other two chairs in the room so people can converse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tag on the chair says the color is "mint". Apparently "mint" is a hot, hot, hot color this spring. However, what designers are calling "mint" and what I consider "mint" are two different things. This subject came up with my "Ageless Style" group too because this month our clothing style challenge is "Pantone Colors 2024" and they have a Emerald Green color on their swatch which they are calling "mint". Nope, neither the Pantone Color nor this chair is "mint" to me. I would describe the color as a moss green or a sage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, regardless what name one wants to call this specific shade of green, it screams spring to me! It really freshens up the room just in time for spring!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9OF_jk_bt8RpjdHtWkZGKSVbEHshu9oZ7IhAbf2s1HcoP2r7OsfKTHFR1eQCI7WxckB1NQ_73BlSdyFhf9oG2LyJ1i5PGsM4qP_IpF50jO8rBqCVsiPpE-S6x02ZyH1pdOuzqQ55VBJNifir63bd4BfDbUmVmusoVdBm907f-Nej5E4TtlEY2jykQ8Uv/s4032/IMG_2577.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9OF_jk_bt8RpjdHtWkZGKSVbEHshu9oZ7IhAbf2s1HcoP2r7OsfKTHFR1eQCI7WxckB1NQ_73BlSdyFhf9oG2LyJ1i5PGsM4qP_IpF50jO8rBqCVsiPpE-S6x02ZyH1pdOuzqQ55VBJNifir63bd4BfDbUmVmusoVdBm907f-Nej5E4TtlEY2jykQ8Uv/w480-h640/IMG_2577.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Buy New Throw Pillows</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY1YsoNc3G3jyHCQKGHOZA9F6eoxWhzuZ4cC4zUryBmxnP8yxXUdoZhDMviCGnkU_OK-ToG4FPf5Q3rYNBKNqnWm5iZ2AT0-xwcDgtxV23jZ5sgmsqyfmmpqgwk-72mL5doRryMINFyQ7VX6aX9_OLBBjPrs5bXWfeZ4CbFNCpKhkqo3pa5PXOL5E-Se1/s4032/IMG_2583.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY1YsoNc3G3jyHCQKGHOZA9F6eoxWhzuZ4cC4zUryBmxnP8yxXUdoZhDMviCGnkU_OK-ToG4FPf5Q3rYNBKNqnWm5iZ2AT0-xwcDgtxV23jZ5sgmsqyfmmpqgwk-72mL5doRryMINFyQ7VX6aX9_OLBBjPrs5bXWfeZ4CbFNCpKhkqo3pa5PXOL5E-Se1/w640-h480/IMG_2583.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another easy way to freshen up a space is to purchase new throw pillows. Most of my throw pillows were pretty dated (like the burgundy one on the far left) so I donated them. I found these two new pillows at TJMaxx.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have never met a bird print I didn't love. I am instantly attracted to anything with birds on it. I love this pillow and because there was some burgundy in my new bird print pillow, I kept my old burgundy pillow but placed it in the background. The colors in the branches and steel cage also coordinate well with the seat cushion too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Kkhb1eqYhIxSjKM0VouSsuWu33E4Np0pqQfYSolZf4hHxzF8YvxkmtKQa_zo3LNfN9S4TdlPcH07DQvJPCU-mvDftsEIR0P9pqZQ1QhTbHGs-ef-Cci_g-DhrWUFm6NEnZx6zxIBIaTay9N5G60rOJSr-qfupgSbstz6Zzti_ziPjELkQHiwmUzHm3Js/s4032/IMG_2450.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Kkhb1eqYhIxSjKM0VouSsuWu33E4Np0pqQfYSolZf4hHxzF8YvxkmtKQa_zo3LNfN9S4TdlPcH07DQvJPCU-mvDftsEIR0P9pqZQ1QhTbHGs-ef-Cci_g-DhrWUFm6NEnZx6zxIBIaTay9N5G60rOJSr-qfupgSbstz6Zzti_ziPjELkQHiwmUzHm3Js/w480-h640/IMG_2450.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did you know Granny Squares are really in right now? While shopping I saw so many Granny Square quilts and pillows. If you can make one yourself, go ahead, but it's not my gift so I purchased one instead. This one was on clearance for $16.00. The colors are so perfect for spring. Did you notice that moss green (or shall I say "mint" 😀) is in the pillow too?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcN1ZPws7wPq8gpAtaX0i2wFJU3iMFeh1DC1iIjkXzMNJTUCa11hzITMPtqSKT6JQQo1sOOHpKdloCXB21jlpXLFM6CILkXlfGSc4x6OxhtGbEf-d41MbIDqNRSme-uAOpJcCMH3cvlBO9BXrcRtkgpt-JaLgbHPY7QPld6YrqeP82vk3Jo0FqaKKgKj93/s4032/IMG_2585.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcN1ZPws7wPq8gpAtaX0i2wFJU3iMFeh1DC1iIjkXzMNJTUCa11hzITMPtqSKT6JQQo1sOOHpKdloCXB21jlpXLFM6CILkXlfGSc4x6OxhtGbEf-d41MbIDqNRSme-uAOpJcCMH3cvlBO9BXrcRtkgpt-JaLgbHPY7QPld6YrqeP82vk3Jo0FqaKKgKj93/w640-h480/IMG_2585.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While I was taking these photos I noticed the beautiful shadow on the wall created by the lace curtain panel. Isn't it lovely? I don't think I ever noticed this before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqMOjy-sA8FmlEICbGO4afsNyCTffzVTkwTAaDi3nU5DCBfw9cMY7R4dbfEYJxgZwS1yIwQ-AAFTG85BhyJmHiTTLBx2zQcfHGPVZjRNi9Z_0Rm3zsK9CQJ4qYQ3I-umbOmjLrZipvqiKxBQMjL9RfSWlj0Q2E0GVOQnj5GbfvyrQNAcm15v9u7HlQuu3/s4032/IMG_2582.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqMOjy-sA8FmlEICbGO4afsNyCTffzVTkwTAaDi3nU5DCBfw9cMY7R4dbfEYJxgZwS1yIwQ-AAFTG85BhyJmHiTTLBx2zQcfHGPVZjRNi9Z_0Rm3zsK9CQJ4qYQ3I-umbOmjLrZipvqiKxBQMjL9RfSWlj0Q2E0GVOQnj5GbfvyrQNAcm15v9u7HlQuu3/w480-h640/IMG_2582.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvtBHqhinxO4KZTXw0fiyxEKND85JSKQrHsQkwKQ51lHAmY6_as-W_oRxDaI8PjqUwxCIsUJ93GYt4TtjvzMVHLo7T1FJDF0yOouJtqRauWZEq_BU8ZU8seo_fUDGdPD1kAl_U9sTg4gQwhPQxZEO17oCIETI54DVFhmFf9WimGAlk-aOqdCmCF2Aet7s/s4032/IMG_2581.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvtBHqhinxO4KZTXw0fiyxEKND85JSKQrHsQkwKQ51lHAmY6_as-W_oRxDaI8PjqUwxCIsUJ93GYt4TtjvzMVHLo7T1FJDF0yOouJtqRauWZEq_BU8ZU8seo_fUDGdPD1kAl_U9sTg4gQwhPQxZEO17oCIETI54DVFhmFf9WimGAlk-aOqdCmCF2Aet7s/w480-h640/IMG_2581.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Change Out Your Bedding</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I always change my bedding in our main bedrooms every season. I remove the puffy, down-filled comforters and replace them with a white, lightweight quilted bedspread. For the guest room, pictured below, I simply added my new quilt I just finished this winter. I just folded it in thirds and placed it at the end of the bed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHwdjgfcpSN2fEr3Gmfdl68eVemFO7gSmzXUS5ePE15C1kvXBgya9m0-SIc0OW1IKujrT0bgJgQoJ034sHcyJMgunKBsI5l3Iw6d6mFGH4IY6Aj9N3qa50Q2HPTkW7i9i2svaDoxoyTwHO7bYyl_jJSkNWvGKte-Yl27oawqDQ-H_Wsf6oHwlpbbecBBa/s4032/IMG_2591.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHwdjgfcpSN2fEr3Gmfdl68eVemFO7gSmzXUS5ePE15C1kvXBgya9m0-SIc0OW1IKujrT0bgJgQoJ034sHcyJMgunKBsI5l3Iw6d6mFGH4IY6Aj9N3qa50Q2HPTkW7i9i2svaDoxoyTwHO7bYyl_jJSkNWvGKte-Yl27oawqDQ-H_Wsf6oHwlpbbecBBa/w480-h640/IMG_2591.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Buy New Accent Pieces</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu0l454kNUCsQa3ZXz2y6PIKrXcmrYO9ExEChIsNq3CUL7ODlmisxCEvtY_br7-H3dk_iXcxTR9iUxCQVX5eQETPWvDkomWzi-N6sSEYb23NE3UMspZn27nzoJd1czwM9Vi-o0WB7MkyJleKuG0whH2AOK5guuybiZx4IEWptV_rQ5EgXHM2mrpGHhbZZ/s4032/IMG_2451.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu0l454kNUCsQa3ZXz2y6PIKrXcmrYO9ExEChIsNq3CUL7ODlmisxCEvtY_br7-H3dk_iXcxTR9iUxCQVX5eQETPWvDkomWzi-N6sSEYb23NE3UMspZn27nzoJd1czwM9Vi-o0WB7MkyJleKuG0whH2AOK5guuybiZx4IEWptV_rQ5EgXHM2mrpGHhbZZ/w480-h640/IMG_2451.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did you know in addition to "mint" green, mushrooms are also really "in" right now? I sure didn't, till I was out shopping and kept seeing mushrooms everywhere! I normally don't buy knick knacks because I have no place to put them, but when I saw this glass mushroom for only $12.99 I had to have it. It has a battery powered light and looks just as pretty unlit as it does lit up. I love the glass and coloring, and the fun shadows it makes on the wall when it's lit up. I'm not sure I found the perfect spot for it yet in my house, but for now I placed it on a shelf in the guest room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SJLNrNi8B3dhLYJlPEhRTi1iMjXsj3s9_vdcBEqCtue5r39_iongXw5etoxAve1-1jEnaCwRVIbzQ1dCFXYvqcWVxT1NuudZL1IeMF_QiFQCEwXz8zj5bdsJMQAggguqxVE3fOZudX-MkdpEFZ7hrlj4DjnRit3Lxf8FexILQEUf94YM8T7f-jVpyYaP/s4032/IMG_2452.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SJLNrNi8B3dhLYJlPEhRTi1iMjXsj3s9_vdcBEqCtue5r39_iongXw5etoxAve1-1jEnaCwRVIbzQ1dCFXYvqcWVxT1NuudZL1IeMF_QiFQCEwXz8zj5bdsJMQAggguqxVE3fOZudX-MkdpEFZ7hrlj4DjnRit3Lxf8FexILQEUf94YM8T7f-jVpyYaP/w480-h640/IMG_2452.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Decorate for the Holidays/Season</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpgzOk47uDjA7q11fMMJwJKQCQ1q3LIESpI-DvbzycoTsd1p8yde9QV-N8sD9umtGclthFsaBBdR2gg_f0_R2RvVkmDr29ss5ZCd3jG7ymRXFpCf9QQTLwVTwAkQ4bKaIjfm2h0rZ1vWxJhq3Lpm1mwxkyBNhxWiAVfJNc9NRl7j-2OliGNfcxu_6uj5R/s4032/IMG_2587.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpgzOk47uDjA7q11fMMJwJKQCQ1q3LIESpI-DvbzycoTsd1p8yde9QV-N8sD9umtGclthFsaBBdR2gg_f0_R2RvVkmDr29ss5ZCd3jG7ymRXFpCf9QQTLwVTwAkQ4bKaIjfm2h0rZ1vWxJhq3Lpm1mwxkyBNhxWiAVfJNc9NRl7j-2OliGNfcxu_6uj5R/w480-h640/IMG_2587.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally, the last thing I do is take down all the winter colors and florals and replace them with spring ones. First, I decorate for Easter, but after the holiday is over, I replace them with spring items.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a tiered tray I decorated for Easter. I decorated it just like I have in previous years (see this post <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2019/04/easter-metal-tier-tray.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>), but this year I added mushrooms, because they are so "in" right now. Do you see them poking out of the grass with their yellow and blue caps? So cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRawkSHyRC77FCDeQ44efsyTGJCEycath1JcaCykr9-YuPYlcUEel4-fhRTYHCo8cJwQyhzR-QWn9AxGgewhEx2F9aEFEoFKi2DNDlxkr8k-U3V7ZLKBnf8rUrDf97lwi5ZFoRRdrlMu_7IHj0NXnNDsynQJWgrK4quVukmmbQAEDni9lfBkYfr1-zpxi/s4032/IMG_2445.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRawkSHyRC77FCDeQ44efsyTGJCEycath1JcaCykr9-YuPYlcUEel4-fhRTYHCo8cJwQyhzR-QWn9AxGgewhEx2F9aEFEoFKi2DNDlxkr8k-U3V7ZLKBnf8rUrDf97lwi5ZFoRRdrlMu_7IHj0NXnNDsynQJWgrK4quVukmmbQAEDni9lfBkYfr1-zpxi/w480-h640/IMG_2445.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once Easter is over, I remove all the Easter items from the tiered tray and I do a "Lemon Theme" for the rest of spring/summer. You can see my Lemon Tiered Tray <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2019/05/how-to-decorate-metal-tier-tray-and.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWzzegVd7ccCshJ5cyxg_aoF1zpCqjZH_agUPJaZ3ii2GuPREdc4VD-MPwPDX9HWA6_YIp36tgadby_sAvCnoxiBr5AOTEx2NcCDoRxzYjyVsCdY-_1gPYs-hVIq4eybl2wE-IKw95eTnlTS8RgLgSFrn3zWbHsy1hnK2z3k4EP0aEtaILjkvErDSrl_k/s4032/IMG_2446.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWzzegVd7ccCshJ5cyxg_aoF1zpCqjZH_agUPJaZ3ii2GuPREdc4VD-MPwPDX9HWA6_YIp36tgadby_sAvCnoxiBr5AOTEx2NcCDoRxzYjyVsCdY-_1gPYs-hVIq4eybl2wE-IKw95eTnlTS8RgLgSFrn3zWbHsy1hnK2z3k4EP0aEtaILjkvErDSrl_k/w480-h640/IMG_2446.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For my china cabinet I replace all the holiday dishes with spring ones and then I decorate the top of the cabinet with more Easter decor.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRqI8-tn_wxkwGMhAv0zWrqOhYHWJI4a5HU_8liQhyphenhyphen_PkK9s8_mF8zKUizgzcgGIJU5Nj8yxuZ58LEFTpM3blVwH8tFZiE4WqEu5SvwrBQ8QC7XDciOLnjtvL1mfLuZSR_F0nvgNLAOGcldnTMr4Jlu7wQ1OnJYzm5djR5o2MQUlqujCFnZ_q3iB7TG-D/s4032/IMG_2447.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRqI8-tn_wxkwGMhAv0zWrqOhYHWJI4a5HU_8liQhyphenhyphen_PkK9s8_mF8zKUizgzcgGIJU5Nj8yxuZ58LEFTpM3blVwH8tFZiE4WqEu5SvwrBQ8QC7XDciOLnjtvL1mfLuZSR_F0nvgNLAOGcldnTMr4Jlu7wQ1OnJYzm5djR5o2MQUlqujCFnZ_q3iB7TG-D/w480-h640/IMG_2447.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Change Out Your Dinnerware</span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxX5Hd0bzONSfWdCKt-ZUaIWu_fQVQRs0B6rz_BYETWGSvkVv4ymEY2Uxx_EeGUcsdY0BPDICWJC3GUVLukHIdzF_BynSBW8sztBfhg4CncIPURTiOquG14LSAhheWA_uTH1Nsxi8PqfdKNdpuVS636I5ROZKz3TK_1Yf09KfM6WefCs6z4hRiiE2wnsHZ/s4032/IMG_2586.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxX5Hd0bzONSfWdCKt-ZUaIWu_fQVQRs0B6rz_BYETWGSvkVv4ymEY2Uxx_EeGUcsdY0BPDICWJC3GUVLukHIdzF_BynSBW8sztBfhg4CncIPURTiOquG14LSAhheWA_uTH1Nsxi8PqfdKNdpuVS636I5ROZKz3TK_1Yf09KfM6WefCs6z4hRiiE2wnsHZ/w640-h480/IMG_2586.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the seasons/holidays change, I always change out my plates. I have a plate rail all around my dining room which I use to display my plate collection. Here are some of my favorite Easter/Spring plates.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDyFqdufn9slPixt5VLd0_R2LIE3mtCx-7HHCfimhtD3ocO7ypsLxcvrWblLFnLHu1uGl2v_xGYttJeT-_ezP9tTQe39W2nxsnLCRRi_TLIDp5KzfYlsTntgiTic2U0u9HjwSTtlEUhcSp88ClfXS3wfVyScv0OFPIjukBzRYi3iBKpZyl0y7n9IcQHoR/s4032/IMG_2588.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDyFqdufn9slPixt5VLd0_R2LIE3mtCx-7HHCfimhtD3ocO7ypsLxcvrWblLFnLHu1uGl2v_xGYttJeT-_ezP9tTQe39W2nxsnLCRRi_TLIDp5KzfYlsTntgiTic2U0u9HjwSTtlEUhcSp88ClfXS3wfVyScv0OFPIjukBzRYi3iBKpZyl0y7n9IcQHoR/w480-h640/IMG_2588.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS98r7Dd-XRyOa-FBypu5TRuTG4__cn51SiPRxxK_dTjDKpKsBqFmYi3gNYKVH80pp9LXNKxTbMfpuEsKpeTsLenjxBjOrRr8zIbNOPene1alZbQtUzLFplsK2F8dlBYV9xYKPVjuSVaw_5GU-J1BxLca59FqRyCUPI6KCWCgTXm4juVtm9vdq9rqMmZSx/s4032/IMG_2589.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS98r7Dd-XRyOa-FBypu5TRuTG4__cn51SiPRxxK_dTjDKpKsBqFmYi3gNYKVH80pp9LXNKxTbMfpuEsKpeTsLenjxBjOrRr8zIbNOPene1alZbQtUzLFplsK2F8dlBYV9xYKPVjuSVaw_5GU-J1BxLca59FqRyCUPI6KCWCgTXm4juVtm9vdq9rqMmZSx/w480-h640/IMG_2589.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8-8I9vNtF3I4Sy9umRugGremf4b1zkuN6Y7uD87mNSoJjaJltBghyphenhyphenheQIp3ygiRjEjX1CtglrzcSIBriopc_oP6-WL1RUsuxV40D0irs6WZimP4lWR7qHzRORyX4nuhg9OynFzldCPrcdqyF3OiHgiLtYGoLB1lqp0ejMOgiOrDKLw81JY3rxVXOXjlS/s4032/IMG_2590.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8-8I9vNtF3I4Sy9umRugGremf4b1zkuN6Y7uD87mNSoJjaJltBghyphenhyphenheQIp3ygiRjEjX1CtglrzcSIBriopc_oP6-WL1RUsuxV40D0irs6WZimP4lWR7qHzRORyX4nuhg9OynFzldCPrcdqyF3OiHgiLtYGoLB1lqp0ejMOgiOrDKLw81JY3rxVXOXjlS/w480-h640/IMG_2590.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So what about you? Do you decorate for the holidays/seasons? I'd love to hear from you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br /> <p></p></div>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-32850219758645798462024-03-12T09:00:00.002-05:002024-03-12T09:00:57.775-05:00What I've Been Working on all Winter: Quilting, Beading, Bible Journaling, and Rock Painting<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This had to be the shortest winter ever! Spring came early both on the calendar and in the weather. We had a very mild winter which alarmed those worried about climate change but thrilled those who live in northern climates and who normally have to deal with brutal winters. Usually around this time of year I'm tired of dealing with freezing cold and I still have a foot or two of snow on the ground. This year it was 64 degrees outside yesterday and I was working in my garden. However, to my friends who worry about climate change, I have to mention that weather is cyclical. I had one of those "memory posts" pop up on my Facebook feed where I had posted NINE years ago how beautiful it was outside, in the sixties, and I was working outside in my garden. It reminded me that yes, this weather is unusual, but it has happened before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Winter is generally the time of year I get inside projects done because during the spring/summer/fall months I am too busy working outside. I usually do one remodel project a year, but other than my upstairs hallway, I've pretty much repainted/remodeled my entire house now and nothing urgently needed to be done. I thought about repainting my upstairs hallway this winter, but after just having hip replacement surgery in October, I thought it was best to set it aside for next year. Painting my hallway is no easy task as part of it is in a stairwell and would require scaffolding to reach. I'm not sure if my hip is ready for that task yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During October-December I was focusing on healing from my surgery, going to physical therapy/doctor appointments, and preparing/enjoying the holidays. But once January rolled around I was able to work on some hobbies of mine till I could get outside once again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Quilting</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBWtEjYicJcaZwwIafWgJ04nhmifGS-uz9yA1_i1Lr8p8kZp6vpHijvPqK4DZeEEEKjqrtKGVK7x6sB4PdkqD_N3iqG3t5sQCmByA1OJT5TN54A2SlQeXPiScPWMMNplq5gQBpzU8X51y_3d-tS2vZw07aYrf9Xatq3T-eCvdjfUubUwDly0g0xMCfkgM/s4032/IMG_2200.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBWtEjYicJcaZwwIafWgJ04nhmifGS-uz9yA1_i1Lr8p8kZp6vpHijvPqK4DZeEEEKjqrtKGVK7x6sB4PdkqD_N3iqG3t5sQCmByA1OJT5TN54A2SlQeXPiScPWMMNplq5gQBpzU8X51y_3d-tS2vZw07aYrf9Xatq3T-eCvdjfUubUwDly0g0xMCfkgM/w480-h640/IMG_2200.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first project to complete was a quilt. I use to work at a fabric store and I started all these quilts while I worked there but I never finished them. It's been a goal of mine to finish all these quilts. I do one quilt a winter and I thought this was the last one and would you believe I found another one in my stash? Ugh! So I guess next winter I will be finishing the last one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For this log cabin quilt, my best friend was kind enough to come over and help me piece it together. That saved a lot of time because I wasn't getting up and down from the sewing machine. The squares were already done, they just needed to be sewn together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First we placed them on a clean floor in a "windmill" design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QQmTJztLbTQJ0VkD2A3QWbjC-IlxfUY6On3ktCSAqcevB0g68e0uDW-iU_ozg8BnpRb2vvNXvlJx9FSi4TUCw9KHKhcL8pU0VTVAbLy1-xqwG8MQyDm4BUv1mj-vze36jsHZ1mXQUjuP_lsWLKT3ARoI0FA4F1gHnWHM58Lo8l8AOFSTWShkKIlPowV1/s4032/IMG_2192.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QQmTJztLbTQJ0VkD2A3QWbjC-IlxfUY6On3ktCSAqcevB0g68e0uDW-iU_ozg8BnpRb2vvNXvlJx9FSi4TUCw9KHKhcL8pU0VTVAbLy1-xqwG8MQyDm4BUv1mj-vze36jsHZ1mXQUjuP_lsWLKT3ARoI0FA4F1gHnWHM58Lo8l8AOFSTWShkKIlPowV1/w480-h640/IMG_2192.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then my friend brought pieces of the quilt over to me to be sewn. Working like this cut the time in half what it would usually take to finish a quilt top. I was so grateful for her help!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTKmKSmaR51x_ak-YjcGt3u0V6yEyoSuaOXNf1azRpCzUzrs90VgrmXsW7Lykzw44K1uH2yfKmEi82T7bR5p1YHhKC29IO8a_uHbbPaOa7k9b8GfLhMSqPyWxh_vJpJOzgJXdj6CuCeBseUlTM8qVv3dk5rWDNkD1ONBeAiqmdNeYcRBKBayCsJAgFyyc/s4032/IMG_2189.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTKmKSmaR51x_ak-YjcGt3u0V6yEyoSuaOXNf1azRpCzUzrs90VgrmXsW7Lykzw44K1uH2yfKmEi82T7bR5p1YHhKC29IO8a_uHbbPaOa7k9b8GfLhMSqPyWxh_vJpJOzgJXdj6CuCeBseUlTM8qVv3dk5rWDNkD1ONBeAiqmdNeYcRBKBayCsJAgFyyc/w480-h640/IMG_2189.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put the borders on and top stitched the quilt on my own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53HLGbwkU2zHN2XT0nvLknHu2xeojGkaBcv3sAfOfyyB8h7sJLyeeyYFkUCrcpiinmFJEzOGS6gArm3FzLDsm0bwoQovfU8yZoM1tLxm3JT_fLCWoq0OITU9Qa02bYseOQTAz1JDnGS4tbQxPDCNVS8Uaa7MD90eDo8HoA8SPlNudaYkSKYFiJDT11KMY/s4032/IMG_2426.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53HLGbwkU2zHN2XT0nvLknHu2xeojGkaBcv3sAfOfyyB8h7sJLyeeyYFkUCrcpiinmFJEzOGS6gArm3FzLDsm0bwoQovfU8yZoM1tLxm3JT_fLCWoq0OITU9Qa02bYseOQTAz1JDnGS4tbQxPDCNVS8Uaa7MD90eDo8HoA8SPlNudaYkSKYFiJDT11KMY/w480-h640/IMG_2426.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the back I used a collage material that coordinated with the colors on the front. I actually like the back of the quilt better than the front. ha ha.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYnuq8CIePj07coQ15LVcXO_O4SugtcuYJDY8BZpMlpd8uwHK9kb-Cb4AFyagOpfUU2qRVReRLA_g8oIwlAMuy7FSfwUPQSKFrV9D6IwyGSGEqy1Wp-oF6KG6iqNjT0GDqBqgHUSpEKp8wPN06sJ8bStE9Ub6zenS7mLqi96blanpBMMv54HRXW5XPIGO/s4032/IMG_2428.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYnuq8CIePj07coQ15LVcXO_O4SugtcuYJDY8BZpMlpd8uwHK9kb-Cb4AFyagOpfUU2qRVReRLA_g8oIwlAMuy7FSfwUPQSKFrV9D6IwyGSGEqy1Wp-oF6KG6iqNjT0GDqBqgHUSpEKp8wPN06sJ8bStE9Ub6zenS7mLqi96blanpBMMv54HRXW5XPIGO/w480-h640/IMG_2428.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is how I have it laid on my bed. I simply folded it in thirds and placed it at the end of the bed. I don't like the "country look" of quilts so I did not want to fully spread out across the entire bed, but I do love quilts as an accent. The colors in the quilt coordinate beautifully with the pillows that were already on the bed and they are also perfect for spring!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUvWgDo628TKUAF8hlUg_LASMnpvRzLllUW36SyD1QuKSEnjACJAwGG_f1SLjfL5dFIy5yvktv8ZTlKbUmeppncOE9IOimUZ8DoqYbiBLIbdd81F_8jwr5YuJl7iGuveN7WpZPNLUDYnCbKWwZzA73Ucr3s9ZcbKVWn7aeb7l0OFcRyLfngjulUFpRkSv/s4032/IMG_2591.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUvWgDo628TKUAF8hlUg_LASMnpvRzLllUW36SyD1QuKSEnjACJAwGG_f1SLjfL5dFIy5yvktv8ZTlKbUmeppncOE9IOimUZ8DoqYbiBLIbdd81F_8jwr5YuJl7iGuveN7WpZPNLUDYnCbKWwZzA73Ucr3s9ZcbKVWn7aeb7l0OFcRyLfngjulUFpRkSv/w480-h640/IMG_2591.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bible Journaling</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6ih-l8cIpZhBxhnq-ysvVLm04M4P6_ld2GZNf14OX3gbw-mhAS1EASY7hXeTPMw91e-_G6Eq057kUjfgVip2fh9tTUdUVd7koPZSf1eTEucIo6-7z_aphYJ7vpxdrfCRME9e5gDmaKANRei5w2upxdQ37BXmb82IIo0l4_zXIb-mxIUwqgQKireqb-h2/s4032/IMG_1117.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6ih-l8cIpZhBxhnq-ysvVLm04M4P6_ld2GZNf14OX3gbw-mhAS1EASY7hXeTPMw91e-_G6Eq057kUjfgVip2fh9tTUdUVd7koPZSf1eTEucIo6-7z_aphYJ7vpxdrfCRME9e5gDmaKANRei5w2upxdQ37BXmb82IIo0l4_zXIb-mxIUwqgQKireqb-h2/w480-h640/IMG_1117.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're wondering where my monthly bible journaling posts have gone it's because I haven't been doing it. I think I stopped when I had my surgery because I couldn't get downstairs to my craft room, and then I just got busy trying to have a normal life again. The top and bottom photos were the last two pages I completed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUepatjpJrUHmcAcAIMNLFTs9uHJ7ExxxHRHnkiBDv5LesuoPqbRKBkn-QGXTv64YAHN8U6W5GgPdUxuL66_hIorzXWrOIWdT2ow-Vr0QHieqUs4Yjhp6qdGQrni16zMkEgExKYWL_8nl3AgnxQ_udcFQ8rC_dSEMYWHFfutQwytZQ4UKfgMNTheqRCWhF/s4032/IMG_1118.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUepatjpJrUHmcAcAIMNLFTs9uHJ7ExxxHRHnkiBDv5LesuoPqbRKBkn-QGXTv64YAHN8U6W5GgPdUxuL66_hIorzXWrOIWdT2ow-Vr0QHieqUs4Yjhp6qdGQrni16zMkEgExKYWL_8nl3AgnxQ_udcFQ8rC_dSEMYWHFfutQwytZQ4UKfgMNTheqRCWhF/w480-h640/IMG_1118.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did however buy a Psalm coloring book to work on while I recovered from surgery. I didn't have to have access to all the crafts in my craft room to work on the coloring book. All I needed was the book and my coloring pencils.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VSnnBxiLsGZgMMBjFGgwHEF3IqvyUe9VxQCHv-9bY6f5aLTE_WXJhDmVnDOKWfI3x-myPEbFy8-8TwysdtJWuu0bhQA0XRaDz555XmMysNPlIhrgE1sFezZBcoxFpuMS9DnEdMq6_kPhJyYUEfNkdt7oq9hh6fyO0L-3enZ-8NuNmkOqzGWLd4TtC_UR/s4032/IMG_1910.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VSnnBxiLsGZgMMBjFGgwHEF3IqvyUe9VxQCHv-9bY6f5aLTE_WXJhDmVnDOKWfI3x-myPEbFy8-8TwysdtJWuu0bhQA0XRaDz555XmMysNPlIhrgE1sFezZBcoxFpuMS9DnEdMq6_kPhJyYUEfNkdt7oq9hh6fyO0L-3enZ-8NuNmkOqzGWLd4TtC_UR/w480-h640/IMG_1910.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7LgNWthvhYjRopxiX_zuBnjyymMlOThw48kJjgd46eAEv_gOR-RBSJdVdCLNewyIr6na_lFpJlH9SjOsaSJCYTCqe7_ZWm9mABUDR0rb0WQ2l0eOekDve-OzDjQPJHrKq_q4QxWjHlfT1QPT-KkrQqJA5ktUqW3rz5RDBUC37ykEGv8ZM_qzhAxXgIDi/s4032/IMG_1934.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7LgNWthvhYjRopxiX_zuBnjyymMlOThw48kJjgd46eAEv_gOR-RBSJdVdCLNewyIr6na_lFpJlH9SjOsaSJCYTCqe7_ZWm9mABUDR0rb0WQ2l0eOekDve-OzDjQPJHrKq_q4QxWjHlfT1QPT-KkrQqJA5ktUqW3rz5RDBUC37ykEGv8ZM_qzhAxXgIDi/w480-h640/IMG_1934.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a really cool book if you're interested in Bible Journaling but don't know how to start. This book has the entire book of Psalms with a space to write your reflections under each psalm reading for the day. There are also multiple pages to color scattered throughout the book. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw8HoO_jhgZYgM-YsAVehm-seuFFCKQSu6ME3QMyRoXtVe1LPH-_oz-LH-X2WatbooK7FFjlUvn07PYCVaJWIGrWYdkmBkDRtvYxzrjXaliNIb3m9CPVEweQ-SFpY-1AggaAxec9dqdUQzANB4ekpa6rYdNe1-PMiO6M9RKWDgb8jCSTbgxBwKK8T8g0H/s4032/IMG_2102.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw8HoO_jhgZYgM-YsAVehm-seuFFCKQSu6ME3QMyRoXtVe1LPH-_oz-LH-X2WatbooK7FFjlUvn07PYCVaJWIGrWYdkmBkDRtvYxzrjXaliNIb3m9CPVEweQ-SFpY-1AggaAxec9dqdUQzANB4ekpa6rYdNe1-PMiO6M9RKWDgb8jCSTbgxBwKK8T8g0H/w640-h480/IMG_2102.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I purchased my book at a small business, but I'm sure you could easily find a similar one on Amazon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCuL3bxhVfunzF1R6cwGdeSjAc1xC4wId3exPvb1qPe35_anFSg_bOn_wL9QE7vsu3qFx1HqSarUFMdsPvGE2BErm_kgPD44yIhIbQq9jweCvyg7jBDtmij63laDu1yRh6NFvqOSUvKyGBt8CPcnYhiWuoZBLu8zu_rDAeBAd4OHQwSXcye5ZAtnLvzeK/s4032/IMG_2183.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCuL3bxhVfunzF1R6cwGdeSjAc1xC4wId3exPvb1qPe35_anFSg_bOn_wL9QE7vsu3qFx1HqSarUFMdsPvGE2BErm_kgPD44yIhIbQq9jweCvyg7jBDtmij63laDu1yRh6NFvqOSUvKyGBt8CPcnYhiWuoZBLu8zu_rDAeBAd4OHQwSXcye5ZAtnLvzeK/w480-h640/IMG_2183.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-TSna1fen3-STTxDbHvWM_LOFr0gMUvdK8onUMW7J-qavgAb2Fb1us2-IIq1EU67zY6gop-PXOGx3fkBeZPV8bgjE8y6d4H9yUTRWmkScST85Y3bghvOtwMMfrBn0v74EusCNnufbDL2nKe38trUFdx-FzcR4a00c2-1iAI3U2FEMe_yW7CqF9qomtvG/s4032/IMG_2267.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-TSna1fen3-STTxDbHvWM_LOFr0gMUvdK8onUMW7J-qavgAb2Fb1us2-IIq1EU67zY6gop-PXOGx3fkBeZPV8bgjE8y6d4H9yUTRWmkScST85Y3bghvOtwMMfrBn0v74EusCNnufbDL2nKe38trUFdx-FzcR4a00c2-1iAI3U2FEMe_yW7CqF9qomtvG/w480-h640/IMG_2267.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdMII9LJHINEnWFX6ZxbaBjzdGsAUwJhyphenhyphen0eomqoaDmzKqk3xSn2aLR_LGZEDlaxEClLjA5IVutvyXu2BiGLrA8fIi3qLd-LT27i8bOBG1sZPxuzYptGU287b1ShXXxA8s6AHiFQXOcxqgcPtlqcuRhCo_4LMoa2LSXowVzWvF3riw_PXoCSLS5Z9U6kmO/s4032/IMG_2422.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdMII9LJHINEnWFX6ZxbaBjzdGsAUwJhyphenhyphen0eomqoaDmzKqk3xSn2aLR_LGZEDlaxEClLjA5IVutvyXu2BiGLrA8fIi3qLd-LT27i8bOBG1sZPxuzYptGU287b1ShXXxA8s6AHiFQXOcxqgcPtlqcuRhCo_4LMoa2LSXowVzWvF3riw_PXoCSLS5Z9U6kmO/w480-h640/IMG_2422.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_D-ZnsAd8j_6h0fxxLL9lyqKhz5kE2UDI1Ue0pauPAzqBXBH50tmMtZMkJx0BCi09rKBzGLNMGBNzwj2lKhVnohC6_rpBK4CZIhT6RF4APxmQ3dzgOUWOWisJ5ZeGM1r_GPqm7KrVOvXd92ofuEODVaWbeaoISX2T6VQyHszaQsXoIsKsGxGUmKEVcbn/s4032/IMG_2464.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_D-ZnsAd8j_6h0fxxLL9lyqKhz5kE2UDI1Ue0pauPAzqBXBH50tmMtZMkJx0BCi09rKBzGLNMGBNzwj2lKhVnohC6_rpBK4CZIhT6RF4APxmQ3dzgOUWOWisJ5ZeGM1r_GPqm7KrVOvXd92ofuEODVaWbeaoISX2T6VQyHszaQsXoIsKsGxGUmKEVcbn/w480-h640/IMG_2464.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Beading</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHQ_s0udOaqPeVJOCpPjR0B3DrFxvffHM697ISzM3CgVGOIiYP_9FYpTxw6qWmF5a3Mf6yVHGfBVrkqygSRWn98NvvBwRXrdAG25U7mpLP-7wR9sKsM6Vk1l313YQBDmQURfI7qBC0U3n-wwovVtpVnBteFJQ2_Vaze1eiWnSowo4fbO1Okhipb__I9qC/s3073/IMG_2454.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2760" data-original-width="3073" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHQ_s0udOaqPeVJOCpPjR0B3DrFxvffHM697ISzM3CgVGOIiYP_9FYpTxw6qWmF5a3Mf6yVHGfBVrkqygSRWn98NvvBwRXrdAG25U7mpLP-7wR9sKsM6Vk1l313YQBDmQURfI7qBC0U3n-wwovVtpVnBteFJQ2_Vaze1eiWnSowo4fbO1Okhipb__I9qC/w400-h359/IMG_2454.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most of my beading projects start with broken jewelry. As my inexpensive fashion jewelry breaks I throw it in my craft room and fix it when it starts to accumulate to a large pile. But my daughter also brings over her broken jewelry. She had a gorgeous vintage necklace that broke and for some reason I couldn't repair it so I ended up making three bracelets out of it: one for me, one for my daughter, and one for my granddaughter.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzupdvlLua2MvR708w-WLrOi2KqJW6y4amWjuChDdvZ4j4ELrkfNeFZMlF4OrffAJ2SjE8wXlejMS446qRMLhnQODuLn-zrrrL_Uf9LocmHa1qKwR5qknWctjkyrDnmp0OvqZ1wUEpjGSyA8LSqcWmViQO4xbSSxpXas6eXVXjlulbydoHiYeiG1AZWCI/s3028/IMG_2455.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="3028" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzupdvlLua2MvR708w-WLrOi2KqJW6y4amWjuChDdvZ4j4ELrkfNeFZMlF4OrffAJ2SjE8wXlejMS446qRMLhnQODuLn-zrrrL_Uf9LocmHa1qKwR5qknWctjkyrDnmp0OvqZ1wUEpjGSyA8LSqcWmViQO4xbSSxpXas6eXVXjlulbydoHiYeiG1AZWCI/w400-h369/IMG_2455.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nNvNJJfr-tEZwjaLpeG6rBXwXjDGlW9ZN2PI_9C2_lsSYvKTf1Rsx11RsAHGaZ23HkJa9mTW4HO-T1eo4rZUoAr59heIyWGz6cX9DzctN7eOkAEURLjcRlwA5Cv-HPfcwaQedsSfwahOJPvfztfxPbuxYQPa2gjHdGB8xuH21t9vu1DRd0xntODtSkEz/s4032/IMG_2456.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nNvNJJfr-tEZwjaLpeG6rBXwXjDGlW9ZN2PI_9C2_lsSYvKTf1Rsx11RsAHGaZ23HkJa9mTW4HO-T1eo4rZUoAr59heIyWGz6cX9DzctN7eOkAEURLjcRlwA5Cv-HPfcwaQedsSfwahOJPvfztfxPbuxYQPa2gjHdGB8xuH21t9vu1DRd0xntODtSkEz/w400-h300/IMG_2456.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT29VZgzK-3_W2leRZh-plBb1VSHN2MxkpeRQGzbZfiriLwLjYeiaqUV4MctD-GchpsBdh1Al0WuBscFRHoT_tDmyz7WFatppbSpM7D4sjJkGMCGWe-qN-pwKyFJo9r98AmcMLOXQEWyjiR5aJw8q6z94_FmM0FjU0ZxrVX3lLfkMVyjjc1uNZO-KcUO5I/s3344/IMG_2459.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3344" data-original-width="2907" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT29VZgzK-3_W2leRZh-plBb1VSHN2MxkpeRQGzbZfiriLwLjYeiaqUV4MctD-GchpsBdh1Al0WuBscFRHoT_tDmyz7WFatppbSpM7D4sjJkGMCGWe-qN-pwKyFJo9r98AmcMLOXQEWyjiR5aJw8q6z94_FmM0FjU0ZxrVX3lLfkMVyjjc1uNZO-KcUO5I/w557-h640/IMG_2459.jpeg" width="557" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My grandaughter also gave me a unicorn necklace that broke which she received for Christmas. The unicorn was on this flimsy cheap chain and I couldn't repair it, so I just made a whole new necklace for her just using the unicorn charm. Mine turned out prettier than the original if I do say so myself 😀</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lF6i0RaRLCnjn1BlaRowF6ZQylaA7jfqdIGH-xofnZkUUVnD2-8iKEDAYaGAFGDh6d0A4-XKXvbg0WGj8YnQOnXCPuLOMHQMEWlBYJ3WlUvwk1WsFX5z9L_5_bg60ymHIi8e0TPx6XmrdbPZpKOT4Uz4rW2dwhHxJb5aMbMVzTBNy9oLVatMU9QLdpME/s3799/IMG_2461.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3799" data-original-width="2564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lF6i0RaRLCnjn1BlaRowF6ZQylaA7jfqdIGH-xofnZkUUVnD2-8iKEDAYaGAFGDh6d0A4-XKXvbg0WGj8YnQOnXCPuLOMHQMEWlBYJ3WlUvwk1WsFX5z9L_5_bg60ymHIi8e0TPx6XmrdbPZpKOT4Uz4rW2dwhHxJb5aMbMVzTBNy9oLVatMU9QLdpME/w432-h640/IMG_2461.jpeg" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another friend gave me instructions to create a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1655978652/life-of-jesus-gospel-bracelet-jesus?gpla=1&gao=1&" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Gospel Bracelet"</a>. I was all excited to make one but I couldn't come up with a design that was attractive as it used such a wild assortment of beads, so I'm still thinking on that. However in the meantime, I made a nautical bracelet using seashells, fish beads (that I purchased for the "Gospel Bracelet") and small turquoise beads.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8DjX1KOXLiF2PJDpZO5wUOVTcErjFpVyr7jcSKIA1NJHJ1jxWtA_RAvE2e1M2WCxBan9q5x2Gi-t-l3tX0fMM2s1_vqxBcCYu6ghY1Bzr7uBsSxJirVYbw65wKsYdAnvwnLUjiHM1BPgtWCBAgewj7fiG66Vs-mPPLDwbvjwQeqBJdsgYiK_-mKI06FP/s3052/IMG_2462.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3052" data-original-width="2691" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8DjX1KOXLiF2PJDpZO5wUOVTcErjFpVyr7jcSKIA1NJHJ1jxWtA_RAvE2e1M2WCxBan9q5x2Gi-t-l3tX0fMM2s1_vqxBcCYu6ghY1Bzr7uBsSxJirVYbw65wKsYdAnvwnLUjiHM1BPgtWCBAgewj7fiG66Vs-mPPLDwbvjwQeqBJdsgYiK_-mKI06FP/w353-h400/IMG_2462.jpeg" width="353" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rock Painting</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZEyKQp_2mRAhJUj_jJycp5uUrj2XEkqvYEVY6IjCuN9TsRqjPHi7VOulrOdHz-zIEtGK_aKP9xOp2PgH0dZagx7g7q7iP-KlRmsCWhknf8DyFS4n0fNGq7q-WfKNwyIezPGhuhcidBDOGWe96anWM-m-4TbQr3QfLwbGjFllOlgXY_-hpifXFSxkgOoT/s4032/IMG_2467.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZEyKQp_2mRAhJUj_jJycp5uUrj2XEkqvYEVY6IjCuN9TsRqjPHi7VOulrOdHz-zIEtGK_aKP9xOp2PgH0dZagx7g7q7iP-KlRmsCWhknf8DyFS4n0fNGq7q-WfKNwyIezPGhuhcidBDOGWe96anWM-m-4TbQr3QfLwbGjFllOlgXY_-hpifXFSxkgOoT/w480-h640/IMG_2467.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've tried so many different styles of plant markers over the years and none of them seem to work for me for one reason or another. I need plant markers for my vegetable garden at least until the plants are up and growing so I can identify them, and most importantly, to not disturb the soil if there is seed there. I saw all these painted stone plant markers on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/amyscreations/rock-painting-designs/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> so I decided to give them a try. I just started working on them, so I don't have a great photo of them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They're super easy to make. I just paint the rock white first. I think white is the best paint color to use as it will stand out on top of my leaf mulch. Then I draw the design in with a pencil and then I paint it and seal it with an acrylic spray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jT2s8m8j7XkqxtlqEyrP3kkm5DCFk8RzNN468ndPOhGmibyyEV-K7VVc-pqUA8Dt0llUgewXkQTH8IvVU17UqlxJyqm4YVniNkSAe8Kuv-5cQ9iVJUTbgCrVUeXDY9D0TRdTEAT91aKo1-wbolLrNguBVJGT0pLhpg9l_uWSwiUzae66AiwKQxaPRD1d/s2766/IMG_2466.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2766" data-original-width="2560" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jT2s8m8j7XkqxtlqEyrP3kkm5DCFk8RzNN468ndPOhGmibyyEV-K7VVc-pqUA8Dt0llUgewXkQTH8IvVU17UqlxJyqm4YVniNkSAe8Kuv-5cQ9iVJUTbgCrVUeXDY9D0TRdTEAT91aKo1-wbolLrNguBVJGT0pLhpg9l_uWSwiUzae66AiwKQxaPRD1d/w592-h640/IMG_2466.jpeg" width="592" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Once I plant my vegetable garden, I will show the rocks as they look in the garden.<p></p><p>So that is all I've been up to this winter. What projects have you been working on? I'd love to hear from you!</p><p>Have A Great Day! Amy</p><p>Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE!</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-86354411811683634352024-03-06T00:00:00.001-06:002024-03-06T00:00:00.143-06:00The Columbian Park Zoo: The Perfect Small Zoo for Small Children<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have three grandchildren under the age of six and another one on the way. My daughter and I have discovered that the small zoos are actually better to take children to than the large zoos. Small children tire easily, and large zoos take all day to explore leaving the poor children exhausted. Yes, you can just do a small portion of a large zoo at a time, but since most have hefty admission prices, you really want to get your money's worth and stay all day. Small zoos on the other hand have just enough to peak a child's interest without overwhelming them. It doesn't take all day to walk through a small zoo. Usually one is done after just a few hours and then they can go home and take a nap. So I'm a huge advocate for small zoos for small children!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pa-R2WbTctsKMC94opkfUTsAjqoyqQnuJG_0I4_B5NR-oX7zWuFuFg_IHf_6jkVJ16HSjuwbwWPkX9vYLomPmwVO3XctCX90s5I5_X8BgAInJqgt5cCPBMny6kQHKvPuldw8pmU_G7EXz9gvyM54UarqzJB7qcLrfsOWzkIrcDwAllp54wFLik5F009U/s4032/IMG_0621.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pa-R2WbTctsKMC94opkfUTsAjqoyqQnuJG_0I4_B5NR-oX7zWuFuFg_IHf_6jkVJ16HSjuwbwWPkX9vYLomPmwVO3XctCX90s5I5_X8BgAInJqgt5cCPBMny6kQHKvPuldw8pmU_G7EXz9gvyM54UarqzJB7qcLrfsOWzkIrcDwAllp54wFLik5F009U/w480-h640/IMG_0621.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last summer we took the children and grandchildren to Lafayette Indiana to visit the Columbian Park Zoo. What a fun adventure that was!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were really impressed with all this zoo and park had to offer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our first stop was the "Australia" exhibit where we got to see wallabies, emus, a New Guinea singing dog, and a laughing kookaburra! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDTVg_aynUYhFgs9syaIPaE6RHvOX3ZlHcTgd1o0jpl5TVmF-TxwHnM6uti8u8H732p1Nptj-XKM1DBFVzjxH2PgXG2vYEAvUOpnT274skDiuioMmd8YA5cOqZKholZ1zSwJE-AiAGtnvcroY3g7urHeLZ6HOIgs8w5byZkjMeWETHJzcrAkmTukRVIvY/s4032/IMG_0623.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDTVg_aynUYhFgs9syaIPaE6RHvOX3ZlHcTgd1o0jpl5TVmF-TxwHnM6uti8u8H732p1Nptj-XKM1DBFVzjxH2PgXG2vYEAvUOpnT274skDiuioMmd8YA5cOqZKholZ1zSwJE-AiAGtnvcroY3g7urHeLZ6HOIgs8w5byZkjMeWETHJzcrAkmTukRVIvY/w480-h640/IMG_0623.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What we liked most about this exhibit was how the wallabies wandered around freely, they were not caged in. Guests are required to stay on the path, but wallabies can go wherever they want. You can really see the animals up close this way. There is an attendant in the area to make sure no one is harmed and everyone stays on the path. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlp_3Il2aZYZFUmzjVLl5F5HgRZdfPV_iufSC2tdCwduxDq1M31iiSZu8LaWzXRgt_c0nchB8pviM8dhoIKVDUHGjpK6Qohdp-vDglwA3Bqn4PjzQksUt2W0c-vQgwcKtr1ak1W9TftS6LdQWr5vBSOpprBb8wp_Z4yyiFlK_omG7yxpyG6R-bl0qviBp/s4032/IMG_0625.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlp_3Il2aZYZFUmzjVLl5F5HgRZdfPV_iufSC2tdCwduxDq1M31iiSZu8LaWzXRgt_c0nchB8pviM8dhoIKVDUHGjpK6Qohdp-vDglwA3Bqn4PjzQksUt2W0c-vQgwcKtr1ak1W9TftS6LdQWr5vBSOpprBb8wp_Z4yyiFlK_omG7yxpyG6R-bl0qviBp/w640-h480/IMG_0625.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rest of the Australian animals were behind a barrier of some sort but you still got a close look at them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TGvMEwsttlR0zCB7C7L0TSOBpL8bsT946wGRO-MNooyhSY2TuIvZlifWvjiGPCkWcyYESOt42YlbDaH-gKaJfwDRVtT-Y7GvqJpEjLJKMGBD1aeTBxD560RsUuvlY-K5LkfNruyZBc0TaiOwtYaswoIZZfOKQeeXyzfoJDRjFjUQArsCG0HpjFBnA5t2/s4032/IMG_0635.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TGvMEwsttlR0zCB7C7L0TSOBpL8bsT946wGRO-MNooyhSY2TuIvZlifWvjiGPCkWcyYESOt42YlbDaH-gKaJfwDRVtT-Y7GvqJpEjLJKMGBD1aeTBxD560RsUuvlY-K5LkfNruyZBc0TaiOwtYaswoIZZfOKQeeXyzfoJDRjFjUQArsCG0HpjFBnA5t2/w480-h640/IMG_0635.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our next stop was the "Butterfly Sculpture Garden" sponsored by Walmart. Here you can go inside the shelter to see butterflies and chrysalis, but you can also tour their beautiful outdoor flower garden where you will also see butterflies, but fun, playful sculptures as well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQJS9L5nLhldqvRaaJWsnPe978jlT0WtyeESUKMNd-_KFgGDhsYECTdGUY34Lg0AY9jhlT6cxGBRm9br8Vdtm_LpyddZeSuTHHSfpXKeSGwGW4rs-aslXhBe5I9uiy1_a07owXU1PnRgwwaUpU9pK_Bx3HXJvWuadyIiR-EdOJpzNKUX-nzhebE4GJGQd/s4032/IMG_0637.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQJS9L5nLhldqvRaaJWsnPe978jlT0WtyeESUKMNd-_KFgGDhsYECTdGUY34Lg0AY9jhlT6cxGBRm9br8Vdtm_LpyddZeSuTHHSfpXKeSGwGW4rs-aslXhBe5I9uiy1_a07owXU1PnRgwwaUpU9pK_Bx3HXJvWuadyIiR-EdOJpzNKUX-nzhebE4GJGQd/w640-h480/IMG_0637.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>A butterfly we spotted inside the butterfly house.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuKvWXoD9UD-HlEHtc7EEuXVowSvgj77bJ3DYu51FRa-xMxz9Wt0VHF2hMw67x3LlRYYf6JBRtTZgufQcwyaaNYQePKlMPBkD7IMxUq8dGUBMQatW79Mxijbv7ktkLjA4cmDIy55TOwfEH6hd4PLbybSB08Lqrp82_yeFZYPb3yUb_SWK4H3DGye-3YIq/s4032/IMG_0638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuKvWXoD9UD-HlEHtc7EEuXVowSvgj77bJ3DYu51FRa-xMxz9Wt0VHF2hMw67x3LlRYYf6JBRtTZgufQcwyaaNYQePKlMPBkD7IMxUq8dGUBMQatW79Mxijbv7ktkLjA4cmDIy55TOwfEH6hd4PLbybSB08Lqrp82_yeFZYPb3yUb_SWK4H3DGye-3YIq/w480-h640/IMG_0638.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My daughter and her ever growing family.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTL-X1fKBTos_p6aqk718FXJj-wuDe1EKyOq8WGHHOa0hjYJUOV4i-cUWJBiH0kgVQkOwEQ45dkd4ETZ19_19BjVe9O_4MBJpECVldzV0dTSEJGrjPw893209b5B3uxCTsWzOrFq31Vc1h2KN6jOr5HzJ3_7hgmmzLzvdJdBPR2OP1e0W2Gy4wTaThN4S8/s4032/IMG_0639.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTL-X1fKBTos_p6aqk718FXJj-wuDe1EKyOq8WGHHOa0hjYJUOV4i-cUWJBiH0kgVQkOwEQ45dkd4ETZ19_19BjVe9O_4MBJpECVldzV0dTSEJGrjPw893209b5B3uxCTsWzOrFq31Vc1h2KN6jOr5HzJ3_7hgmmzLzvdJdBPR2OP1e0W2Gy4wTaThN4S8/w640-h480/IMG_0639.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the fun sculptures provided lots of photo opportunities!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmqkZTwrbiusgkrQzqZ5bvMkssZ6pV6j8SqCj9T3PvzGmGNQdsmKjIaaV63U_CepUxfPC0p2IjjtEbNSEFHsV0dYGhyphenhyphena9x-jqH65vpjywBgHAqmxTTe7FnOR0x4owukixbIA5mLNHUmwOPU1h8z024JTQ7ZkP8ut8TiyOOwN8JOpyIFR3fS74Nl8t4XMo/s4032/IMG_0644.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmqkZTwrbiusgkrQzqZ5bvMkssZ6pV6j8SqCj9T3PvzGmGNQdsmKjIaaV63U_CepUxfPC0p2IjjtEbNSEFHsV0dYGhyphenhyphena9x-jqH65vpjywBgHAqmxTTe7FnOR0x4owukixbIA5mLNHUmwOPU1h8z024JTQ7ZkP8ut8TiyOOwN8JOpyIFR3fS74Nl8t4XMo/w480-h640/IMG_0644.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did spot this monarch on the butterfly bush outdoors.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctv_jyicmGSIE6GtHq-2m7LJhtDUJwrQzKlQgK70O5dVQU6ca7-lUXVg_wPkO2atw2nAyQKnM7zRkPLCYo7bZwQCK7uTf1yo3ydlWZA-6ys0eZ2E8HJV1Q045-2DidS-t8hopaPOOITbZT05JSuDOZ9_8Y6XouJRj0EaQ8g5uMmnaKAP7P-LMk7Nx4MxX/s4032/IMG_0651.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctv_jyicmGSIE6GtHq-2m7LJhtDUJwrQzKlQgK70O5dVQU6ca7-lUXVg_wPkO2atw2nAyQKnM7zRkPLCYo7bZwQCK7uTf1yo3ydlWZA-6ys0eZ2E8HJV1Q045-2DidS-t8hopaPOOITbZT05JSuDOZ9_8Y6XouJRj0EaQ8g5uMmnaKAP7P-LMk7Nx4MxX/w480-h640/IMG_0651.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The grandkids sure enjoyed climbing on all the fun garden art!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNo3oLO7GHFSoUH9zY5yNMOo-CULvcaafj2J5ELJh3tBBF-i1s0IAUPQRu9qloeZ2NuL8gI54P0rCNhpVSMKR32VRZHhj8ljs_Tu9sBoYpq9_oeefLWJnv7wWznU7ORgYCbPkwM0xsPmTJ5pus1gQFYgxiYt6nDSt6jYoUHRkm6at3mOuufUE14BjqhURz/s4032/IMG_0654.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNo3oLO7GHFSoUH9zY5yNMOo-CULvcaafj2J5ELJh3tBBF-i1s0IAUPQRu9qloeZ2NuL8gI54P0rCNhpVSMKR32VRZHhj8ljs_Tu9sBoYpq9_oeefLWJnv7wWznU7ORgYCbPkwM0xsPmTJ5pus1gQFYgxiYt6nDSt6jYoUHRkm6at3mOuufUE14BjqhURz/w480-h640/IMG_0654.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the perfect garden sculpture to represent the butterfly garden!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij37-gL5SfyHqbEFZxB25a9JpiK1crlN0sMrILvOmdpXeYMVwz1Sadzv7du6fsaQytmoG7fdL4N3vQU-r6zXjTmRSwIIADSgLNRecVRlwrF5wzQCMSLFM203NHPl9EmpgwODhNUrPWUWjCessBVqncME7JgvqweFl_Q2INQaZQAF-OtD2vn7OPwjwZZwwO/s4032/IMG_0659.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij37-gL5SfyHqbEFZxB25a9JpiK1crlN0sMrILvOmdpXeYMVwz1Sadzv7du6fsaQytmoG7fdL4N3vQU-r6zXjTmRSwIIADSgLNRecVRlwrF5wzQCMSLFM203NHPl9EmpgwODhNUrPWUWjCessBVqncME7JgvqweFl_Q2INQaZQAF-OtD2vn7OPwjwZZwwO/w480-h640/IMG_0659.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next up was "The Americas" where we saw prairie dogs, an eagle, barn owl, turkey vulture, porcupine, river otter, and a tortoise.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSe7NRPpgfCVS-UkEZgJnwEo3sklFBNQi6Ci2LpvN5ghK5JQFLEIqM_pVXXSg7dwXqSlttNPoFJClzapehBsMSzVCe7IEpnUEPJ5hk4OE9oJlBN4oe9nHOOYA1QYRDTLTPnqtsZdOYf7WuQkInr2wn9KCFvxiy5WfjKZXsggn-Huv026SMUc-g0G-iiys/s4032/IMG_0662.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSe7NRPpgfCVS-UkEZgJnwEo3sklFBNQi6Ci2LpvN5ghK5JQFLEIqM_pVXXSg7dwXqSlttNPoFJClzapehBsMSzVCe7IEpnUEPJ5hk4OE9oJlBN4oe9nHOOYA1QYRDTLTPnqtsZdOYf7WuQkInr2wn9KCFvxiy5WfjKZXsggn-Huv026SMUc-g0G-iiys/w480-h640/IMG_0662.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The grandkids had so much fun playing in the prairie dog exhibit. They ran around in underground tunnels popping their heads up above ground just like prairie dogs do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit1Rpjs6s_8ui0YJGKsiz07rYKS3HqOFs12aZw73OmJS0b45CGLpSTcxEufihZ8l329VUD66Onhirny9W6vPmwoJfTThsAh06I_KiiMCRpeNmfFoNSJrakxSWc07b5Jc8E88cqTSP3kkISsvtoDeI71z-b9TdV34StPEoTyRNpsG1hVpchzRsR3p9oLzs/s4032/IMG_0667.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit1Rpjs6s_8ui0YJGKsiz07rYKS3HqOFs12aZw73OmJS0b45CGLpSTcxEufihZ8l329VUD66Onhirny9W6vPmwoJfTThsAh06I_KiiMCRpeNmfFoNSJrakxSWc07b5Jc8E88cqTSP3kkISsvtoDeI71z-b9TdV34StPEoTyRNpsG1hVpchzRsR3p9oLzs/w640-h480/IMG_0667.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0JCkg2XZEiyoPs0sQdY5L8LAlr5CHYJyr9doRwigH10m0y0APhUeskyY-jBY8QgUyMBKQkKM8O6CApIyjUfoJuiIwvE3nYNlzc8Ica05R0-RS5AY2PLrbP5HM961T-205JUc_uikz00df08o9YNwmpKwV4nf1tD-5YGHxQ9KZmUoOffqYsLL_ARfYnSy/s4032/IMG_0669.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0JCkg2XZEiyoPs0sQdY5L8LAlr5CHYJyr9doRwigH10m0y0APhUeskyY-jBY8QgUyMBKQkKM8O6CApIyjUfoJuiIwvE3nYNlzc8Ica05R0-RS5AY2PLrbP5HM961T-205JUc_uikz00df08o9YNwmpKwV4nf1tD-5YGHxQ9KZmUoOffqYsLL_ARfYnSy/w640-h480/IMG_0669.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Penguin Cove" was so much fun. I don't know who found who more entertaining, the penguins or the grandkids. The penguins were just as intrigued staring at the children on the other side of the glass as the grandkids were looking at them. It was another fabulous exhibit where the kids could get really close to the animals. You just don't get that experience at larger zoos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcQXxA3e5HAt2sZWY_5H8duoPC64sBMSnLIcvKquPuc0fW7ddnmz4NyX2mSgxzeCvF50V5_bv45H9WLFxEH69hfJ7lKzQiTuTSV_VOJ2sIzQz5rch6xsh-Spc6Zq0Wgw6bAa921ZAfJmezmiBYtbHSZuWkyoN96alg4OrCpfPe1oAiliR7TmE8PZih4H_/s4032/IMG_0666.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcQXxA3e5HAt2sZWY_5H8duoPC64sBMSnLIcvKquPuc0fW7ddnmz4NyX2mSgxzeCvF50V5_bv45H9WLFxEH69hfJ7lKzQiTuTSV_VOJ2sIzQz5rch6xsh-Spc6Zq0Wgw6bAa921ZAfJmezmiBYtbHSZuWkyoN96alg4OrCpfPe1oAiliR7TmE8PZih4H_/w480-h640/IMG_0666.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagIKOqNMrjqoRmN7U8Ufb1bZCGnyYDxyQj7arh4-BEvRI7RLYl6162x7JSD9HQz6XErn77syeTfPz1tAOJabQ0wuzrobBhHCWadNMhVZJn9-iiNmqH2wTAizjw4nNSnJMzdlWC8dZG7WOTCwWpQOg61BxmGo8IsL8y1oNKzllxtyMde3oAU2XbuCIuUD4/s4032/IMG_0668.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagIKOqNMrjqoRmN7U8Ufb1bZCGnyYDxyQj7arh4-BEvRI7RLYl6162x7JSD9HQz6XErn77syeTfPz1tAOJabQ0wuzrobBhHCWadNMhVZJn9-iiNmqH2wTAizjw4nNSnJMzdlWC8dZG7WOTCwWpQOg61BxmGo8IsL8y1oNKzllxtyMde3oAU2XbuCIuUD4/w480-h640/IMG_0668.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The "Family Farm" exhibit made us feel like we were back in Wisconsin. There was a barn that held farm animals like the llama below. They also had a miniature horse, goats, and a pot bellied pig.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoUbGRlcgpKzmB11H-FW-Y-B9SxFYIu_w8GltSmNyt_oCL9Qs4YIZ-KZ_FErLlqXKzigxaVvPgfDeh-MLAPt4LKuwm5XIfv9pTwKGeQ25ktd81tqf81Bske9Pr55dGYnGrt9iTY53aQmCz3c6Ir44hFr7sB5l3HX5xXq7b4189SEwpmn83abFLqXWfetL/s4032/IMG_0670.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoUbGRlcgpKzmB11H-FW-Y-B9SxFYIu_w8GltSmNyt_oCL9Qs4YIZ-KZ_FErLlqXKzigxaVvPgfDeh-MLAPt4LKuwm5XIfv9pTwKGeQ25ktd81tqf81Bske9Pr55dGYnGrt9iTY53aQmCz3c6Ir44hFr7sB5l3HX5xXq7b4189SEwpmn83abFLqXWfetL/w640-h480/IMG_0670.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You could buy tickets for 25c a piece to feed the goats, that is quite the deal! You get a handful of seed for a quarter, and it doesn't last long as these critters are hungry!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirZEdQJgnCIJZv6tA2cZjyK9gv1qVwTuEYXED1ezqcjWY-Glop-mD-1j5YyiQcZGEkT0ZtfJHFQUb9sQVNVj2RwbBbf9yTFwZRm0afAejIph7OM1RRU5-3FUhIy6UWB6hFFTqWC5p6Bt33aBGk4pNgrfQ51dHFac9cJgX6Zbd7Cy7260bBbqJRytbp-JL/s4032/IMG_0702.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirZEdQJgnCIJZv6tA2cZjyK9gv1qVwTuEYXED1ezqcjWY-Glop-mD-1j5YyiQcZGEkT0ZtfJHFQUb9sQVNVj2RwbBbf9yTFwZRm0afAejIph7OM1RRU5-3FUhIy6UWB6hFFTqWC5p6Bt33aBGk4pNgrfQ51dHFac9cJgX6Zbd7Cy7260bBbqJRytbp-JL/w480-h640/IMG_0702.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFkxr-iFEXkDaOnbOWUzkfMZErhZiGrQ7dDJNEaln9cgSs2T0TsUUSCh9meAZbWSC87G2R2l-ZAmJYK7eL9en-azI5wWfYzaxM7b19m49a2KqERKQmMsmOEuuol3rBppqitJtLreXhr8JV7Zq4jqQ0zTqlX13aUERwQjnW1u5VSJZoR55YzL2A0FUwj4a/s4032/IMG_0717.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFkxr-iFEXkDaOnbOWUzkfMZErhZiGrQ7dDJNEaln9cgSs2T0TsUUSCh9meAZbWSC87G2R2l-ZAmJYK7eL9en-azI5wWfYzaxM7b19m49a2KqERKQmMsmOEuuol3rBppqitJtLreXhr8JV7Zq4jqQ0zTqlX13aUERwQjnW1u5VSJZoR55YzL2A0FUwj4a/w480-h640/IMG_0717.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There lots of farm architecture in this exhibit to make it really feel like you are on an actual farm, like this windmill and a real tractor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSyQ-6SzrMgz7awJe8xgZs8eK3Bp0yGC20AQgwqub6U7OojXFfrYAYywwL-LKngGG0m9XHvQi5-zvUrGAwqrozU0bj-KX4iuJ4QX8xgCZuE6n3zm1X3EhcACVSt9PHdY4v3Joj14B6SlRIoE_-3vVl3xiZf-IxhyF_HoMYfm89rlPkWvyWsg4j9xeSOz6/s4032/IMG_0728.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSyQ-6SzrMgz7awJe8xgZs8eK3Bp0yGC20AQgwqub6U7OojXFfrYAYywwL-LKngGG0m9XHvQi5-zvUrGAwqrozU0bj-KX4iuJ4QX8xgCZuE6n3zm1X3EhcACVSt9PHdY4v3Joj14B6SlRIoE_-3vVl3xiZf-IxhyF_HoMYfm89rlPkWvyWsg4j9xeSOz6/w480-h640/IMG_0728.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tuG_2-r_wZdtKkHINuHDlMNphqr2eNpSD241LXYTvGaFZ0w4_nse3R153zhKZn18YjL-D-8u-vbjiRNVbuvKmHiarT3_gKuBaL5CXVs97Lz_BrOvkyODjHx2TNLfQHus1zqDt80qmQMzIeJGuuI5C_n_Xbd6xp5DuS8pH7JX1LQ8B0GADHpTRTo4IZFD/s4032/IMG_0730.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tuG_2-r_wZdtKkHINuHDlMNphqr2eNpSD241LXYTvGaFZ0w4_nse3R153zhKZn18YjL-D-8u-vbjiRNVbuvKmHiarT3_gKuBaL5CXVs97Lz_BrOvkyODjHx2TNLfQHus1zqDt80qmQMzIeJGuuI5C_n_Xbd6xp5DuS8pH7JX1LQ8B0GADHpTRTo4IZFD/w640-h480/IMG_0730.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The zoo had this fun peep board in the "Family Farm" area to take photos of your fun day. I love the expression on everyone's faces!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQw_VDhoV4NA6HQI4xbCyUdMyKk-LVFdgbr6zswxyklKgA2ON1c8jefLFHQtll942texOMZFfIPU5XqPbRDoRTC1t3TFbgkw1DIv63boin0rbI4dTzVMwXxjrIV2XO-7lq4IzLE8a6rBotz6QPafqLbr2IoALqcZrcl6n_zRttit0FZjn2QsuXm_fthl6G/s3509/IMG_0696.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2950" data-original-width="3509" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQw_VDhoV4NA6HQI4xbCyUdMyKk-LVFdgbr6zswxyklKgA2ON1c8jefLFHQtll942texOMZFfIPU5XqPbRDoRTC1t3TFbgkw1DIv63boin0rbI4dTzVMwXxjrIV2XO-7lq4IzLE8a6rBotz6QPafqLbr2IoALqcZrcl6n_zRttit0FZjn2QsuXm_fthl6G/w640-h538/IMG_0696.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After we finished the zoo portion of Columbian Park Zoo it was time to explore the rest of the park. First: a TRAIN RIDE! Oh my gosh, Elisha, our youngest grandchild, was so excited. He loves trains. It was so funny, because he was happy to just climb aboard and sit on it. He had no idea it was actually gonna move! He started grinning ear to ear when the train started chugging along.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The park strategically placed animal statues along the train route. The grandkids loved finding them and pointing them out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K8tEOn95PRYBzp9rRwvrHcJmodlcmp1TuvXtp2MBBtJM4f_TNa_VXf4EiKQZMFKGix9Jau0k24EpM2RQ3a3NvMDcMnWn_azL6siYAstp1q3gR1et4OSg9HaV11jJq_uzqGGpXSaJEaU6m3E4JwzwjZYIerNBpY0pFvDI0GJxodjKLzKHxIu1tuQHAYs7/s4032/IMG_0684.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K8tEOn95PRYBzp9rRwvrHcJmodlcmp1TuvXtp2MBBtJM4f_TNa_VXf4EiKQZMFKGix9Jau0k24EpM2RQ3a3NvMDcMnWn_azL6siYAstp1q3gR1et4OSg9HaV11jJq_uzqGGpXSaJEaU6m3E4JwzwjZYIerNBpY0pFvDI0GJxodjKLzKHxIu1tuQHAYs7/w480-h640/IMG_0684.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The train made a circle around "Memorial Island". It was a good length of track, just the right amount of time. There was a cute realistic train station too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzU1PaA8gEKXt1HiZDFrz4bE4cKGTvT0LJ0BGTu0dQWeX8a3z47BZ-Bxef9D1JiQ7Q5iKDJqJSifky40KA1LP4RpVECjDQDHETHWPiyEJPQiUB_rwvztyXcwWpTUjl7GU6cL4LgEuTfIUmGo1ToNNhCbwc2jPOyL2LvahsTKBzi0qDP-INNk38JQ6i2za/s4032/IMG_0688.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzU1PaA8gEKXt1HiZDFrz4bE4cKGTvT0LJ0BGTu0dQWeX8a3z47BZ-Bxef9D1JiQ7Q5iKDJqJSifky40KA1LP4RpVECjDQDHETHWPiyEJPQiUB_rwvztyXcwWpTUjl7GU6cL4LgEuTfIUmGo1ToNNhCbwc2jPOyL2LvahsTKBzi0qDP-INNk38JQ6i2za/w480-h640/IMG_0688.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyz4uTDM8reyQO2LUGvY_RZGgxMCSqp6EqrWwQju7afN7TlekDbiZaer3k63ITuF0xGFR2GDQrkR6OZkd3HkisRFrgAr7DyK1OmXxQQ5eO6ztsaMgQRkDFB6rJR6JVDYRNxjDh0q7__ptrlRSapItK4f2qkIh8_1C0pMF-BKp0sHe-pQWRL06C-w5Am9M/s4032/IMG_0741.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyz4uTDM8reyQO2LUGvY_RZGgxMCSqp6EqrWwQju7afN7TlekDbiZaer3k63ITuF0xGFR2GDQrkR6OZkd3HkisRFrgAr7DyK1OmXxQQ5eO6ztsaMgQRkDFB6rJR6JVDYRNxjDh0q7__ptrlRSapItK4f2qkIh8_1C0pMF-BKp0sHe-pQWRL06C-w5Am9M/w640-h480/IMG_0741.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a picnic lunch, we explored the rest of the park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We first went to "Memorial Island" which was built to honor the brave men and women of Tippecanoe County who gave their lives defending our country.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The island is beautifully manicured and well maintained. There are stunning walking paths with bridges and views of the lagoon and gorgeous flower garden. There are also memorials honoring the veterans. This one was my favorite, it's called "Most Precious Offering"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHHRFbp23HtQK9UVCL0CR7fLE_Pfj569SA-Op7moP7WdYBucJR6cvfex14TXI-DksoVy4CGjU-cHM9Go7xvDrwQyAg8fMX8VxdeodBszHwgRHuWhIM6hprqW2WJO5JOMThZgvvB0ad7qxPDdBud8546q52ybT9En4hoGDJFmBD2f751_PaR8TENNXEEA_/s4032/IMG_0744.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHHRFbp23HtQK9UVCL0CR7fLE_Pfj569SA-Op7moP7WdYBucJR6cvfex14TXI-DksoVy4CGjU-cHM9Go7xvDrwQyAg8fMX8VxdeodBszHwgRHuWhIM6hprqW2WJO5JOMThZgvvB0ad7qxPDdBud8546q52ybT9En4hoGDJFmBD2f751_PaR8TENNXEEA_/w640-h480/IMG_0744.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a large amphitheater that is available to rent.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNyOKrJgNJpZBwYkFs92c0gxEkurzs8IaS00XXrA6QwE2011jknxJRfsnTS7ko6GD0PGSGSt-cs3Id0F_LGrJWuaO7gJzs53K9ASrS4KZzsn_EMdHd5WSee1VRB3QKm2A6Ai4Klff8X1n4Tng32elSNOUGKAOQ1oNetQbGq3fdt5N1W084r_es3vau3GM/s4032/IMG_0742.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNyOKrJgNJpZBwYkFs92c0gxEkurzs8IaS00XXrA6QwE2011jknxJRfsnTS7ko6GD0PGSGSt-cs3Id0F_LGrJWuaO7gJzs53K9ASrS4KZzsn_EMdHd5WSee1VRB3QKm2A6Ai4Klff8X1n4Tng32elSNOUGKAOQ1oNetQbGq3fdt5N1W084r_es3vau3GM/w480-h640/IMG_0742.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pond had fountains in it with a view of the back of the parks and recreation building and the Rush Pavilion in the distance.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-MqiDPxsl_fpZEFeyGeN8pRGhY4BT3vQqTaib8YY-Dwb61NRYjKROX9fKDkjfursyE3AddQ65pOAFutC69ii5cQ1pFG7N30EtXYdFeAsyOSIuaMnJrUCvfXHH0eOyFSghgQfaiG2qBSK3nyee2ZQHKyvCIM_31tFgJ99AD-Bas4_fk4lQX_t7gNADJ_y/s4032/IMG_0743.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-MqiDPxsl_fpZEFeyGeN8pRGhY4BT3vQqTaib8YY-Dwb61NRYjKROX9fKDkjfursyE3AddQ65pOAFutC69ii5cQ1pFG7N30EtXYdFeAsyOSIuaMnJrUCvfXHH0eOyFSghgQfaiG2qBSK3nyee2ZQHKyvCIM_31tFgJ99AD-Bas4_fk4lQX_t7gNADJ_y/w640-h480/IMG_0743.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lagoon was filled with ducks. I loved all the flowers and the gazebo added so much charm.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dUoELI5YUSKXERs-CI8CqG3KUZ1Tmoe-UOpK9l3fDjWHhGWk1JYJLWrr1xPDf38pHCyn3T3HL5X0bAPg8H5HuLZhyqnooRZwyD8HNG1MksVft49T912-9OAUgEyTc6sWJ2HMyMFhyaSJmMiFIYBtSmzcPkNqB2WsyB27x7h8naFsMKvwvMcIqnWe1Trr/s4032/IMG_0746.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dUoELI5YUSKXERs-CI8CqG3KUZ1Tmoe-UOpK9l3fDjWHhGWk1JYJLWrr1xPDf38pHCyn3T3HL5X0bAPg8H5HuLZhyqnooRZwyD8HNG1MksVft49T912-9OAUgEyTc6sWJ2HMyMFhyaSJmMiFIYBtSmzcPkNqB2WsyB27x7h8naFsMKvwvMcIqnWe1Trr/w640-h480/IMG_0746.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just look at the size of these Hardy Hibiscus flowers!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROWnc-NbmHt0AEwQNnNgK2fH1bS3E0QKB_sipSVHqmDKh_phUzW5AcJJwATP8_x1rxM99bDY367bvx3RaHDPegMBHsVmJU2Ogb4Nz8BtnZqHOSEVtUljrQwl4xjMGklPhlMeJvoKGY0ipZTyE9cFQtZYB7WmkLX7KIp-tDtyUTGbXKuyRHqMqtMBlmDSy/s4032/IMG_0749.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROWnc-NbmHt0AEwQNnNgK2fH1bS3E0QKB_sipSVHqmDKh_phUzW5AcJJwATP8_x1rxM99bDY367bvx3RaHDPegMBHsVmJU2Ogb4Nz8BtnZqHOSEVtUljrQwl4xjMGklPhlMeJvoKGY0ipZTyE9cFQtZYB7WmkLX7KIp-tDtyUTGbXKuyRHqMqtMBlmDSy/w480-h640/IMG_0749.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg453BamlIS05QpKG_4dVsQXkcCmp0cNO01v3hnj4z9Hw-ap3FeAVI4-a2Mc6gvBkmPBOOEqg3RjBuSWtj4esjcVb7IMAaGUm2AWkNE0loWfepVuPxpvqRSEHliQ0v90aaAsr9vmKaEH_Z2dujxByBGQJY7D56CQ59r9nREfX4xztdug-W2XikESM0K2t6h/s4032/IMG_0750.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg453BamlIS05QpKG_4dVsQXkcCmp0cNO01v3hnj4z9Hw-ap3FeAVI4-a2Mc6gvBkmPBOOEqg3RjBuSWtj4esjcVb7IMAaGUm2AWkNE0loWfepVuPxpvqRSEHliQ0v90aaAsr9vmKaEH_Z2dujxByBGQJY7D56CQ59r9nREfX4xztdug-W2XikESM0K2t6h/w480-h640/IMG_0750.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoHW5XW4i4dJagOu50rC6h7iSEbnShtPPesqG9-bA1q3M4jjhYnNrAhfi7yfuQKOxMzaCwjajRVTusSlHWkYKUIox1dXpwojBS70GImKty5VjnTRHhhzC16FJYlJk8nhGgpyE94vlcZVV7XueQ_C_qAXSTXu1GYyRahPMkFxjVo0pfD5uJNwqAzjoi7dt/s4032/IMG_0751.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoHW5XW4i4dJagOu50rC6h7iSEbnShtPPesqG9-bA1q3M4jjhYnNrAhfi7yfuQKOxMzaCwjajRVTusSlHWkYKUIox1dXpwojBS70GImKty5VjnTRHhhzC16FJYlJk8nhGgpyE94vlcZVV7XueQ_C_qAXSTXu1GYyRahPMkFxjVo0pfD5uJNwqAzjoi7dt/w480-h640/IMG_0751.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We just loved the beautiful historic charm of this building.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzAi17JYw-XNLMggLRNkDoa-wWWS8na_1HJjJjoJPJshAfK-UsKBuRpZctIsSmXqdp816qcWUMSckTv0CdBIMb2A_jxW2Z9g7y89aho9MkC_tSHuCC9fMXVevOoe-m5JlNkXRXU_s8oKmLG7dg9ePbkwoeod1ECxKJ4xyNx_GPhUtJ0tdHGGR00uEvmji/s4032/IMG_0752.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzAi17JYw-XNLMggLRNkDoa-wWWS8na_1HJjJjoJPJshAfK-UsKBuRpZctIsSmXqdp816qcWUMSckTv0CdBIMb2A_jxW2Z9g7y89aho9MkC_tSHuCC9fMXVevOoe-m5JlNkXRXU_s8oKmLG7dg9ePbkwoeod1ECxKJ4xyNx_GPhUtJ0tdHGGR00uEvmji/w640-h480/IMG_0752.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just look at these gorgeous garden paths! Isn't that arbor just stunning! And I love how you have constant views of the lagoon no matter where you go.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kjVnYqQ5OOV9T-xJhfJ2sX7m01HUvBsFQ90x1XrQL7M6EBxYQUEAVBLFnkI_LSoWNaSVMOffvIHoJHhHRMiJaZH9uZY06sl91xv_kuvP0cO1_kRxVCFkGJsguiBvszhnSuamUFWbx_4UalRUYBY-bbYvNLxGXC4wY_PCcX64SV01uFAhBXapuyiYxXpR/s4032/IMG_0754.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kjVnYqQ5OOV9T-xJhfJ2sX7m01HUvBsFQ90x1XrQL7M6EBxYQUEAVBLFnkI_LSoWNaSVMOffvIHoJHhHRMiJaZH9uZY06sl91xv_kuvP0cO1_kRxVCFkGJsguiBvszhnSuamUFWbx_4UalRUYBY-bbYvNLxGXC4wY_PCcX64SV01uFAhBXapuyiYxXpR/w640-h480/IMG_0754.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did take a paddle boat ride but it wasn't that great of an experience for us. The paddles were so close that we both had great difficulty paddling. I hadn't yet had my hip replacement surgery so it was actually extremely difficult. I would have turned around and gave up but I didn't want to disappoint the grandchildren so we muddled through.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEwtHuII1GSUVcHU5-ZntlIZHA78FMhOLxeTKNycn_gDYyoYcKllIQW_eq5HwtU012k9-N76E7vv-w9jOhYRCyhOuUt61d-N51GF8QQHd8Tj0w-TukEFMmClHRbexcrucrfTQn3uj8eCERvE3DO0BrGsp5-hdRrvNRAvPvsMAqGpBuLF5B2GEGDmbXf-Z/s4032/IMG_0757.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEwtHuII1GSUVcHU5-ZntlIZHA78FMhOLxeTKNycn_gDYyoYcKllIQW_eq5HwtU012k9-N76E7vv-w9jOhYRCyhOuUt61d-N51GF8QQHd8Tj0w-TukEFMmClHRbexcrucrfTQn3uj8eCERvE3DO0BrGsp5-hdRrvNRAvPvsMAqGpBuLF5B2GEGDmbXf-Z/w640-h480/IMG_0757.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, I did want to mention they had quite a large playground area. I only took the one photo below as I was busy keeping an eye on the grandkids. The playground is really spread out, with different sections for different age groups and interests. That was good, but bad at the same time because it's hard to keep track of three kids when they are all running to different sections at the same time. But we all made it home healthy and alive. ha ha!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2Opklv6QzwDCP1uvNgN_G83jQi3Fsd2F6SViyoAFKYsFjpSeJNURlB9HDZL3Hz4tZZ1RqrMupxnxQ7f1_51dP_kv_Aq5-vBt19G6777tRRrcQV0zDIbRHrC09mKcxdKAwFl2I3nOvKG40JuNMhxX16U8LUwVebmInS3PBqToyLz1X4NIWz7pe9FaUqH4/s4032/IMG_0760.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2Opklv6QzwDCP1uvNgN_G83jQi3Fsd2F6SViyoAFKYsFjpSeJNURlB9HDZL3Hz4tZZ1RqrMupxnxQ7f1_51dP_kv_Aq5-vBt19G6777tRRrcQV0zDIbRHrC09mKcxdKAwFl2I3nOvKG40JuNMhxX16U8LUwVebmInS3PBqToyLz1X4NIWz7pe9FaUqH4/w480-h640/IMG_0760.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> If you're ever in central Indiana I highly recommend a stop at the Columbian Park Zoo. They are open April 13 through October 5th. The admission is hard to beat: Children under 2 are FREE, everyone else is just $2.00. You do have to pay extra for goat feed, the train ride, and the paddleboat, but those are all pretty inexpensive too. Oh, and did I mention there is a water park too? We didn't go to that as there was enough to do in the park already, but it sure looked fun!<p></p><p>Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></p><p>Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-60877964075450835662024-02-28T00:00:00.002-06:002024-03-04T06:27:41.427-06:00 See all the Cranes of the World at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo Wisconsin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the past few weeks I've been sharing posts about our anniversary weekend trip to Madison, Wisconsin (see those posts <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2024/02/a-visit-to-olbrich-botanical-gardens.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2024/02/the-hidden-gardens-of-madison-wisconsin.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you missed them). We spent the day in Madison touring many of their beautiful gardens and then the next morning we woke up and wondered what to do next. We weren't quite ready to head home yet, so I googled "Things to do in the Madison area". To my surprise, there was a crane foundation in nearby Baraboo which was on our way home anyway. I couldn't believe it! I love birds, and I really love cranes! We have the joy of seeing sandhill cranes near my house all summer long, so I was so excited to visit a place that was dedicated solely to cranes...so off we went!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDj4-x0Mjuh4fYCovHd5I3A4Bn4NBa5uJDSHoJL36-noRN5bHId3UM-tsmf-VLyo-Z772DGjwrhgw1dJkTBAMZJB98cfpdFbCOAUBzg3BAU2n1DffCdsEOwHCYlih8w1G-Wx94c2WCUoZWXs2v4bY52hFPtJGjvGWE2g2GDoYrrZm5k-IMunDZUicDfGTM/s4032/IMG_0452.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDj4-x0Mjuh4fYCovHd5I3A4Bn4NBa5uJDSHoJL36-noRN5bHId3UM-tsmf-VLyo-Z772DGjwrhgw1dJkTBAMZJB98cfpdFbCOAUBzg3BAU2n1DffCdsEOwHCYlih8w1G-Wx94c2WCUoZWXs2v4bY52hFPtJGjvGWE2g2GDoYrrZm5k-IMunDZUicDfGTM/w640-h480/IMG_0452.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can hear the cranes calling the minute you step out of your vehicle! I couldn't believe my luck! I've lived in Wisconsin most of my life and I have been to Baraboo many times (in fact I even lived in the area very briefly) yet I had no idea this place was here! Thank goodness for Google!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our walk to the Visitor's Center we were greeted by these beautiful sculptures of flying cranes!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftCXfL1FHe9790v_9ifcsk661SA1iqRH8XKoNsni-W4hdmX33VYJqcyhyMqLDLU5EMyDGSBg1EWfRf5C8ktw1dEx5h-9cWM0Yl6sbqXuZ6z51Mc_4bTB4VEBT9dS7kvk7gf7C9sjP5Ltw6-ak_ehJV3CPBDWgbZ_gIYvsNYrhu75rFz1gDbe4JgZlv_K-/s4032/IMG_0453.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftCXfL1FHe9790v_9ifcsk661SA1iqRH8XKoNsni-W4hdmX33VYJqcyhyMqLDLU5EMyDGSBg1EWfRf5C8ktw1dEx5h-9cWM0Yl6sbqXuZ6z51Mc_4bTB4VEBT9dS7kvk7gf7C9sjP5Ltw6-ak_ehJV3CPBDWgbZ_gIYvsNYrhu75rFz1gDbe4JgZlv_K-/w640-h480/IMG_0453.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sculptures show the cranes in various stages of flight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzwrvi9rM7RjOWF4wGA_gTmj52efTOlwBsOkOtseLpUfxL1qVNNG6lkvaWkx4Bf2p8lRU_ID2lr36CEMO0BS0FOAfKZoH7Bo99UaRsQL509OYn797WWDMW6KRMnvPNlev9TG8pXaJkSUPt4_lwq4N0GO6xDpRiZcZCibbmKWqAexEb1uMNt99GQwDNXsn/s4032/IMG_0454.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzwrvi9rM7RjOWF4wGA_gTmj52efTOlwBsOkOtseLpUfxL1qVNNG6lkvaWkx4Bf2p8lRU_ID2lr36CEMO0BS0FOAfKZoH7Bo99UaRsQL509OYn797WWDMW6KRMnvPNlev9TG8pXaJkSUPt4_lwq4N0GO6xDpRiZcZCibbmKWqAexEb1uMNt99GQwDNXsn/w480-h640/IMG_0454.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://savingcranes.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The International Crane Foundation </a>has a nice Visitor Center and gift shop, but unfortunately I don't have any photos of it. The minute we got there a tour was starting, so we quickly joined in on the tour. The foundation does different free tours regularly. The tour we took that day was on the East Asia cranes.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pNnFsD9Oq4jcTXuta4eyrcCkBoQg4d4CboVPM6Uwj5y9pgBDBoSKOak6qDqqWx2cRO69JpmjNQJOnuWDYGE38GqDJTie7LUfU1NSKiVZ2SCWKYxzwmKkcEo5abHPzd3eghujSum6VOL35etponX7OZSPxrNjGkBQcdP2HADkiyp3EZzKqryzPPqJnC_Y/s4032/IMG_0455.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pNnFsD9Oq4jcTXuta4eyrcCkBoQg4d4CboVPM6Uwj5y9pgBDBoSKOak6qDqqWx2cRO69JpmjNQJOnuWDYGE38GqDJTie7LUfU1NSKiVZ2SCWKYxzwmKkcEo5abHPzd3eghujSum6VOL35etponX7OZSPxrNjGkBQcdP2HADkiyp3EZzKqryzPPqJnC_Y/w480-h640/IMG_0455.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saurs Crane</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://savingcranes.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The International Crane Foundation </a>in Baraboo Wisconsin is the ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD with all fifteen species of cranes. Can you believe that? That's crazy! Baraboo is just this little town in the middle of Wisconsin. No one would expect to find rare cranes here, but there are!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_1lJYSsN2Bhwlg0nd2qfS9nEC4YJaxNMFy6C1piZG48iTI80bgDvbdGuFomYgJe6f6zBQZ14tF7iO9ndymVnD5n9a2uTn4BFf0QzCjkuj9jqq_g3o3NxFH8uLgMgaxVcUDR2td8k8rqUNlIN49vI7z5B_mlBCwiijZf0xavMZSkHSjuust8YpRFKMAWA/s4032/IMG_0459.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_1lJYSsN2Bhwlg0nd2qfS9nEC4YJaxNMFy6C1piZG48iTI80bgDvbdGuFomYgJe6f6zBQZ14tF7iO9ndymVnD5n9a2uTn4BFf0QzCjkuj9jqq_g3o3NxFH8uLgMgaxVcUDR2td8k8rqUNlIN49vI7z5B_mlBCwiijZf0xavMZSkHSjuust8YpRFKMAWA/w480-h640/IMG_0459.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>All the cranes have an indoor and outdoor habitat to live in. Some can be a little camera shy like the crane pictured above. Some of the cranes are visible only behind a fence, but others are behind glass so you get a nice clear view. <div><br /></div><div>The foundation is so beautifully decorated with architecture, sculptures, and scenic backgrounds of the cranes home of origin.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeBxlbxVYjfruwFZOJBiaj7mtJauBnihMiC9UYCvtdVXVVPeDRsRuRNv6SgMTHJafFXANu-YI5UbCjiZ-yQmceS1GFKhFBW_PpUSe_IMeOXsL6YpVrvBCVkZIf8ZmWadecvDzYMUrgDFCm4GmqcnIxln5XHqle8e_ooReyZ6vHnL_H2UbA_RanVWhpqGk/s4032/IMG_0463.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeBxlbxVYjfruwFZOJBiaj7mtJauBnihMiC9UYCvtdVXVVPeDRsRuRNv6SgMTHJafFXANu-YI5UbCjiZ-yQmceS1GFKhFBW_PpUSe_IMeOXsL6YpVrvBCVkZIf8ZmWadecvDzYMUrgDFCm4GmqcnIxln5XHqle8e_ooReyZ6vHnL_H2UbA_RanVWhpqGk/w640-h480/IMG_0463.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Black-necked Cranes pictured below and in the video were a hoot! They were behind glass, so we got a nice clear view. Be sure to watch the short video so you can hear the sound they make.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKEp5wp4MGsHrdrr0b0DfEIb2S2k47bdR39YcMg9ouV7eZBWmiTzAAw2XNicQkUwQ9vvkzlcJVZSJFNd81auRdL0VvP0fbrCdM5x8IasNo207X-uTcBVoIO6tLO15d_awILP8vQvypTK5BM8hk1b5z1jcjTEfjSzoOh018AOiyDZQUZ4BKs_l0V29Nmvs/s4032/IMG_0464.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKEp5wp4MGsHrdrr0b0DfEIb2S2k47bdR39YcMg9ouV7eZBWmiTzAAw2XNicQkUwQ9vvkzlcJVZSJFNd81auRdL0VvP0fbrCdM5x8IasNo207X-uTcBVoIO6tLO15d_awILP8vQvypTK5BM8hk1b5z1jcjTEfjSzoOh018AOiyDZQUZ4BKs_l0V29Nmvs/w480-h640/IMG_0464.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-necked Cranes</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The Black-necked Cranes are a "Near Threatened" species.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD5DedFp4spDl4OgQimZ7eamU5aAnkaMzJvC829_JgMn9ldEoZ8K3rlU0JlnaDwmDdTJZ5Sfm731o3FdjDZkQ9hLosXNwSMvIwZ_RvKuJEjVNigrmXyRIXWOXGMB_9FeO5kiZapOrRtvg1XtWaU3CooqHqS1ox6VHSlMn-9Lw-7eXk-mMasyjrepGiDTo/s4032/IMG_0467.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD5DedFp4spDl4OgQimZ7eamU5aAnkaMzJvC829_JgMn9ldEoZ8K3rlU0JlnaDwmDdTJZ5Sfm731o3FdjDZkQ9hLosXNwSMvIwZ_RvKuJEjVNigrmXyRIXWOXGMB_9FeO5kiZapOrRtvg1XtWaU3CooqHqS1ox6VHSlMn-9Lw-7eXk-mMasyjrepGiDTo/w480-h640/IMG_0467.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4-s-54U76AU" width="320" youtube-src-id="4-s-54U76AU"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here is a fun and elegant work of art showcasing origami cranes.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yrW4pQl82hBgSv0GWaBjNZ_jPOgHGFDhmFYNi2_9lsU2aPibM6Mmo8Y4mLx-v1RbtbCaaqlbs1nfLs99FOExv-pLR0vrPNQ7jrvpA6za0PpWIw_pgzbhjft47o3pPht8jaZUVttuNoJMrVYS033pk_NHookClbd0ptHCnxScgpYOrnUGTbBO56uJMvdf/s4032/IMG_0470.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yrW4pQl82hBgSv0GWaBjNZ_jPOgHGFDhmFYNi2_9lsU2aPibM6Mmo8Y4mLx-v1RbtbCaaqlbs1nfLs99FOExv-pLR0vrPNQ7jrvpA6za0PpWIw_pgzbhjft47o3pPht8jaZUVttuNoJMrVYS033pk_NHookClbd0ptHCnxScgpYOrnUGTbBO56uJMvdf/w640-h480/IMG_0470.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This sweet bird was one of my favorites. Their population is rated "Vulnerable".</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHsnnDeaIWzUxfhz_20Rp8TxZvtkHH-XWMoZjitA8AiSaKX2LJneof6oIlwoSY9NT4I525u0Z_C0lgTyFKYOdLd6URSzfFNTq4-k55EUaUYEVHYnW70PPu8pNr6j9CQ5rNO-yvIIJUiz1GscNKF1-k5Svz86mKECvES4g3IMc7CWNpIKS0p7Rce9yGjMr/s4032/IMG_0474.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHsnnDeaIWzUxfhz_20Rp8TxZvtkHH-XWMoZjitA8AiSaKX2LJneof6oIlwoSY9NT4I525u0Z_C0lgTyFKYOdLd6URSzfFNTq4-k55EUaUYEVHYnW70PPu8pNr6j9CQ5rNO-yvIIJUiz1GscNKF1-k5Svz86mKECvES4g3IMc7CWNpIKS0p7Rce9yGjMr/w640-h480/IMG_0474.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-crowned Crane</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaDF3P3teDk5cS5a39sQpK46DLOtwoXZMv5KbPzMx6s8wjH-qShPVECrowLqfdu4waZHlzhZfBp5yBn1d7nIQVbF85tKlmOK0arJ5yLWWSj8d5inyOJbNRekep4D9_Nh0fcAEoAc3QDz_3CDPwAsMSh9fZvy6N1Z8az6FkXFbl6YCB91xL0MikRAGR8dS/s4032/IMG_0480.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaDF3P3teDk5cS5a39sQpK46DLOtwoXZMv5KbPzMx6s8wjH-qShPVECrowLqfdu4waZHlzhZfBp5yBn1d7nIQVbF85tKlmOK0arJ5yLWWSj8d5inyOJbNRekep4D9_Nh0fcAEoAc3QDz_3CDPwAsMSh9fZvy6N1Z8az6FkXFbl6YCB91xL0MikRAGR8dS/w480-h640/IMG_0480.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhvnySCIGbPBaEWaRqFvjy7JGqAU2U8XV3X0y87sRo2WHXdTVUSZlOIT0N5N7yvlHUXXunpB4Zx-EyyjTe3sNrhJX4_FA8Qfo8uc7IkHm-iOBxsvZ03bAAk32-XaQmK3tetdMIhgzxUiFUlMMwYq_DoRAjkhahadnsqKb-2ffizxkxEYaT7JWzkzfq4_r/s4032/IMG_0482.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhvnySCIGbPBaEWaRqFvjy7JGqAU2U8XV3X0y87sRo2WHXdTVUSZlOIT0N5N7yvlHUXXunpB4Zx-EyyjTe3sNrhJX4_FA8Qfo8uc7IkHm-iOBxsvZ03bAAk32-XaQmK3tetdMIhgzxUiFUlMMwYq_DoRAjkhahadnsqKb-2ffizxkxEYaT7JWzkzfq4_r/w480-h640/IMG_0482.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The main purpose of the International Crane Foundation is "Crane Conservation". They work tirelessly to protect the crane population around the world, but they also do captive breeding and reintroduction, landscape restoration, and education to safeguard the world's fifteen species of cranes. Pictured below is a photo taken at their "Restoration Overlook". It is a panoramic view of their 120 acre landscape restoration.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoPQAwg6avGhUxP9Dxd7_CbQBbe0LHdoO_c6-QVm3L_ypNv95a968klt63Gsqp3V157Xbo9zCWdR89a_9lTlN-kBburYCa3YRUhiT1aZFiyrx6xgSEGJkysTxB4Xe_2v1jyMg_o_hW5Ezko8JJw3_NGvqhea-trEj-XOAnnCfZY9ZA7wG1S3KO-kE9_s3/s4032/IMG_0485.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoPQAwg6avGhUxP9Dxd7_CbQBbe0LHdoO_c6-QVm3L_ypNv95a968klt63Gsqp3V157Xbo9zCWdR89a_9lTlN-kBburYCa3YRUhiT1aZFiyrx6xgSEGJkysTxB4Xe_2v1jyMg_o_hW5Ezko8JJw3_NGvqhea-trEj-XOAnnCfZY9ZA7wG1S3KO-kE9_s3/w640-h480/IMG_0485.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In the distance, and in the closeup below you can see the research center which is not open to the public.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXPQuIJTkpwUWXC6EaI-Zw1Et45qK8oLMoOstlehBVCl1B8AyDifMYmK6nMmQS4-uyBiZnyXk2-F86PRYuxE6tsgLfJP2BOmFtnISVFmCSBdmCBY-UJVdBTW2hS5r3YQeWSIhM2vrmfdqb2Lb2fu6eRGRtMwRnphJytF0IYMEFV1X7itsXxx4BTTzbq8_/s4032/IMG_0487.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXPQuIJTkpwUWXC6EaI-Zw1Et45qK8oLMoOstlehBVCl1B8AyDifMYmK6nMmQS4-uyBiZnyXk2-F86PRYuxE6tsgLfJP2BOmFtnISVFmCSBdmCBY-UJVdBTW2hS5r3YQeWSIhM2vrmfdqb2Lb2fu6eRGRtMwRnphJytF0IYMEFV1X7itsXxx4BTTzbq8_/w480-h640/IMG_0487.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkGN0UpDqBW_jigBeF9bysGgBaLe3K_MVzBxmeWnzO5c-relzuaSAnXuRUwUC9j4rNzTJOEAbzjlBWt6AwdlQKoh7yoOj2vUEfs0LNzNJ3lm-0gYzx7kDD8Nn_C7dG2cNrCajWyyTvCOconyowUHhn1ra-fMmBmBhSZNg-1hrCpMDKeMNCIHdH4qQagYw/s4032/IMG_0489.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkGN0UpDqBW_jigBeF9bysGgBaLe3K_MVzBxmeWnzO5c-relzuaSAnXuRUwUC9j4rNzTJOEAbzjlBWt6AwdlQKoh7yoOj2vUEfs0LNzNJ3lm-0gYzx7kDD8Nn_C7dG2cNrCajWyyTvCOconyowUHhn1ra-fMmBmBhSZNg-1hrCpMDKeMNCIHdH4qQagYw/w480-h640/IMG_0489.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooded Crane</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The Hooded Crane is rated as "Vulnerable".</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgif868OSzlF3YbJAKT24ILQbepgWNJMI7yV05VgyQkxQwLUsx3xMut8kEXrNC7XQstnrFq_ORxvUuFAVatosSBYpqeP2GlfSj2xq5YCGqcyWdAzJ_DRLwsxOSM10CtKJzC75zpTNvsNxTLIawRwWcsfsGV-D565TOPbNDbAl24hkUjhKJ9soGXYMzINU0M/s4032/IMG_0490.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgif868OSzlF3YbJAKT24ILQbepgWNJMI7yV05VgyQkxQwLUsx3xMut8kEXrNC7XQstnrFq_ORxvUuFAVatosSBYpqeP2GlfSj2xq5YCGqcyWdAzJ_DRLwsxOSM10CtKJzC75zpTNvsNxTLIawRwWcsfsGV-D565TOPbNDbAl24hkUjhKJ9soGXYMzINU0M/w480-h640/IMG_0490.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg538GwVHopda26eLO1gzczzIHpYmUr26WsXTv_3cTA3pBmyFkHx2-AH35FiHtmpdMbgxkwwtZYVwRsdAfcnrORf_xVlDfHvs0kKnZ3Fc5DZUQz_ykBelmFEPCnniZKhDiZQsAXb6I-9RgAAl8tUAlNIMagJuko1T4DGEO-Drve_5Jlqee8p2Yjf87xl6KT/s4032/IMG_0492.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg538GwVHopda26eLO1gzczzIHpYmUr26WsXTv_3cTA3pBmyFkHx2-AH35FiHtmpdMbgxkwwtZYVwRsdAfcnrORf_xVlDfHvs0kKnZ3Fc5DZUQz_ykBelmFEPCnniZKhDiZQsAXb6I-9RgAAl8tUAlNIMagJuko1T4DGEO-Drve_5Jlqee8p2Yjf87xl6KT/w480-h640/IMG_0492.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Eurasian Crane is rated "Least Concerned". It is a common crane and while we were visiting we got to see this bird in action as it came towards us with wings outstretched screaming his fool head off. Our tour guide said it was a treat to see that, even though it was a bit startling at the time. She said that is how the crane scares dangerous predators away.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynlqCLIui1AZCw5kigs26jb1cSUO_Zfh9UFcIgIeMxb4c9YrcpqqAVjmkFUzWhtsTfnv6xpUP9HiyYY3JGJCfBTKSUiLHEruTUNaWhauFan3QAvKQcHaUWsakJ0TjmNkrO8eNtNmMHEoR6HeZrhytOYihYa7jwXvb6QpraDL5rrm8ZPwrkeSYV-ug6Mgn/s4032/IMG_0495.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynlqCLIui1AZCw5kigs26jb1cSUO_Zfh9UFcIgIeMxb4c9YrcpqqAVjmkFUzWhtsTfnv6xpUP9HiyYY3JGJCfBTKSUiLHEruTUNaWhauFan3QAvKQcHaUWsakJ0TjmNkrO8eNtNmMHEoR6HeZrhytOYihYa7jwXvb6QpraDL5rrm8ZPwrkeSYV-ug6Mgn/w480-h640/IMG_0495.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurasian Crane</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewFcnmMl34B7Ih3UHvj4encPLdce8Q105lt2yVgB6eyZNsjBby2_Dsvok9M0Vvj3953BVOEVUWgODT3bRdxjv77Gzi8y4pJHPp-9F75juf8y2P6l1_l3gXk8ZY6FR_HxMUqaUymThg5r8L86-x88X1ODwA1lmkSSVt-TiM6IaoBtuLB8AcFyVmRGtoX1x/s4032/IMG_0496.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewFcnmMl34B7Ih3UHvj4encPLdce8Q105lt2yVgB6eyZNsjBby2_Dsvok9M0Vvj3953BVOEVUWgODT3bRdxjv77Gzi8y4pJHPp-9F75juf8y2P6l1_l3gXk8ZY6FR_HxMUqaUymThg5r8L86-x88X1ODwA1lmkSSVt-TiM6IaoBtuLB8AcFyVmRGtoX1x/w480-h640/IMG_0496.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLs47C6pGo1gZzvd0YGybryKpgyAUS0DNiBeElfdwWoY8hUB3qOHWP4BQ5lPqQWWLPa7k6z9CwaHe2qArHUXFSnmN0sDoNMLNPFbVYN8huLONZ4Z1uWlT_AMuNNS-vQz8ZISaYvNzhCIQDFERzyrP6KPlvTdpqwXIHZMrz-6nhyf0CSOhLVrEVKFx8m0Z/s4032/IMG_0499.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLs47C6pGo1gZzvd0YGybryKpgyAUS0DNiBeElfdwWoY8hUB3qOHWP4BQ5lPqQWWLPa7k6z9CwaHe2qArHUXFSnmN0sDoNMLNPFbVYN8huLONZ4Z1uWlT_AMuNNS-vQz8ZISaYvNzhCIQDFERzyrP6KPlvTdpqwXIHZMrz-6nhyf0CSOhLVrEVKFx8m0Z/w480-h640/IMG_0499.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iK73_AJ_Cdk-dESe2FcBtZux-fAKuWTitZfgB5ca7LKQAuRvIER4xa44BHDe-cqGozqyTiRW7_YKWnlX4Q8Js-m-bFdP0PORtF9Gnch_qNGYPHA0gAXt9ZblCLpKukooczTeFDuYlv6NovTDfzBckkPk9SHupLdsawBQdPEdCa11VTpqVhjTraEKu8Sd/s4032/IMG_0502.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iK73_AJ_Cdk-dESe2FcBtZux-fAKuWTitZfgB5ca7LKQAuRvIER4xa44BHDe-cqGozqyTiRW7_YKWnlX4Q8Js-m-bFdP0PORtF9Gnch_qNGYPHA0gAXt9ZblCLpKukooczTeFDuYlv6NovTDfzBckkPk9SHupLdsawBQdPEdCa11VTpqVhjTraEKu8Sd/w480-h640/IMG_0502.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wattled Crane</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Some areas of the foundation have nice amphitheaters like the one above the Wattled Crane exhibit where lectures can be held. Wattled Cranes are rated as "Vulnerable".</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfXPopPfdkmk-T3CHNX4DcCxzXUA6JX79xSOeP75oWAGsQPERyr3kbaNni5PmQVE7H6JVdZhQmGH754IXyeCGRxha8JNYmZjm1l0K93aycQgoLIVP4e52fTIKgJ5a5l15jgu_QtdfysbDiTHWemR7zhOhBa4S5WLpkkKzsky8Pio1DYZpeoMD3Wxrnamk/s4032/IMG_0506.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfXPopPfdkmk-T3CHNX4DcCxzXUA6JX79xSOeP75oWAGsQPERyr3kbaNni5PmQVE7H6JVdZhQmGH754IXyeCGRxha8JNYmZjm1l0K93aycQgoLIVP4e52fTIKgJ5a5l15jgu_QtdfysbDiTHWemR7zhOhBa4S5WLpkkKzsky8Pio1DYZpeoMD3Wxrnamk/w480-h640/IMG_0506.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Such a funny beak on this guy, almost like a turkey!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdmucUiywg3aGhNRf_kOesOjWG4SfFLiLS-VF7PZ6KI92t3GqPWIyxQNsB7TZhuUs65MyLCLq-JsXAHRnlSSMnaPPk8PTobFK_hD6igs0YjXqvvcevQ0WkktAXKzdkDZ-JUS3rBKsrgK6U7_lpnSlVm-7mIJcNrn-faPXXBmt6SZ72uSOJc5urhlnW4wx/s4032/IMG_0507.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdmucUiywg3aGhNRf_kOesOjWG4SfFLiLS-VF7PZ6KI92t3GqPWIyxQNsB7TZhuUs65MyLCLq-JsXAHRnlSSMnaPPk8PTobFK_hD6igs0YjXqvvcevQ0WkktAXKzdkDZ-JUS3rBKsrgK6U7_lpnSlVm-7mIJcNrn-faPXXBmt6SZ72uSOJc5urhlnW4wx/w480-h640/IMG_0507.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This fun resting spot is in the "Spirit of Africa" section of the park.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_Rf4bXWX0UhrbUb_ZrgicBsCRh26WCoHpsBHjQbo-VRVDGhNvu_pClwTP2KdL5vHMl1lCIUHL_pC-JVhbX4foU147tl_eRvSeXYT5mH9WGBX0vh0zggI2MxB3sm8dgyiWzZv4XaBFBzpZQsK32FB2ZscZIAtTPcESYS7iimpfCH4LMGjDbtvEEUCLLAL/s4032/IMG_0504.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_Rf4bXWX0UhrbUb_ZrgicBsCRh26WCoHpsBHjQbo-VRVDGhNvu_pClwTP2KdL5vHMl1lCIUHL_pC-JVhbX4foU147tl_eRvSeXYT5mH9WGBX0vh0zggI2MxB3sm8dgyiWzZv4XaBFBzpZQsK32FB2ZscZIAtTPcESYS7iimpfCH4LMGjDbtvEEUCLLAL/w640-h480/IMG_0504.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spirit of Africa</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39WXVvlEPvQS1aPhwE62KZofVytLpEAJEA76Y80mo8530s3QkjTc3Vq8f1s3Nv0ckfqhyOAFpfsh0KTilXO4M5D-6MoxiIT6XeKM3SgC0hi4KQYQiKz6TagoDU73iqcma_nG7YwSGXzIJty65dGgWWmR_ko2V0jEG_yQl80bvPGXeU44atG0Nd9tDRlvD/s4032/IMG_0505.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39WXVvlEPvQS1aPhwE62KZofVytLpEAJEA76Y80mo8530s3QkjTc3Vq8f1s3Nv0ckfqhyOAFpfsh0KTilXO4M5D-6MoxiIT6XeKM3SgC0hi4KQYQiKz6TagoDU73iqcma_nG7YwSGXzIJty65dGgWWmR_ko2V0jEG_yQl80bvPGXeU44atG0Nd9tDRlvD/w480-h640/IMG_0505.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demoiselle Crane<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Demoiselle Crane is so elegant and beautiful, isn't it. This crane is rated as "Least Concern". I'm happy about that!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWFkMN56cMZ-5wJEG06aSpKK5qEPi4jicOPh_acA2HyH7tm9TBMaXJ1xQqis21qEhf8K7RAp-rt5Km0v-8UuMeXXC7Z76sss24MdVdJK_NatkdXKz2QYfWnlts-KuLoNwNFDgNfdtZHPXigJ2kQbtopMV8puD_J493tFzkigqfoZK9JMK9KPhPhqhvfW0/s4032/IMG_0508.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWFkMN56cMZ-5wJEG06aSpKK5qEPi4jicOPh_acA2HyH7tm9TBMaXJ1xQqis21qEhf8K7RAp-rt5Km0v-8UuMeXXC7Z76sss24MdVdJK_NatkdXKz2QYfWnlts-KuLoNwNFDgNfdtZHPXigJ2kQbtopMV8puD_J493tFzkigqfoZK9JMK9KPhPhqhvfW0/w480-h640/IMG_0508.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Black-crowned Crane<br /><br />The Black-crowned Crane is perhaps the most unique of them all! Just look at that fun haircut! He is rated as "Vulnerable"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoMT0vRZUHmBMa0kIT_7bh9rWEAPu-0nIX0e5CwLmYFsBIIs9jWkr6ZE8zhvoHe64plAL_ZyXCxXpk4jCxPjWKNza5qo09WYiy4-t7jeA-LSy5C9uH_3oj6obxvi169xbicyW-_MjHRvIPUPSXjQaylpNemb8c8stCZwrRGcxEhUAjRzEsEfMnPNPySSe/s4032/IMG_0511.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoMT0vRZUHmBMa0kIT_7bh9rWEAPu-0nIX0e5CwLmYFsBIIs9jWkr6ZE8zhvoHe64plAL_ZyXCxXpk4jCxPjWKNza5qo09WYiy4-t7jeA-LSy5C9uH_3oj6obxvi169xbicyW-_MjHRvIPUPSXjQaylpNemb8c8stCZwrRGcxEhUAjRzEsEfMnPNPySSe/w640-h480/IMG_0511.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Crane<br /><br />The Blue Crane is also rated as "Vulnerable". My, what a beautiful bird. I love its soft coloring.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Pictured in the two photos below is the Whooping Crane Alcove. Unfortunately we didn't see any Whooping Cranes out and about this day. The Whooping Crane are rated as "Endangered". <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7d2XD7haSe1QodsxlnEMEvE-bO96KIzSYRC6iVVkFnDgWwqaeG5LCBPzXUogkTRNv7ajlClC8W9S0NMQ89p5dH3oGec0HfsgSDMld4cZaszLl4sTWlNa6Mudi-oSpszqOqxJJtyxrqfNCGn8p8UoX5bEQAektBRUJ0Fr03dhyphenhyphennfptIogfYo0AhUMeRtaQ/s4032/IMG_0512.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7d2XD7haSe1QodsxlnEMEvE-bO96KIzSYRC6iVVkFnDgWwqaeG5LCBPzXUogkTRNv7ajlClC8W9S0NMQ89p5dH3oGec0HfsgSDMld4cZaszLl4sTWlNa6Mudi-oSpszqOqxJJtyxrqfNCGn8p8UoX5bEQAektBRUJ0Fr03dhyphenhyphennfptIogfYo0AhUMeRtaQ/w640-h480/IMG_0512.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wDUDWQAfg0D5EPMfQMUwlwsIU_bHBrWm6vNSGc51A77TEXxV4o7oVPGFsK-S0vZBXNbJ3Q9stEZ43oKR2CKIYhPdUNbPzWUGxgaW7RVoKZxyzcE6P5LqHLJq9S-Z63ktB3oN8DqZo5f28IWn5GzbHciyxt3sAZiJIvmu8ZWQHvsT4R-TwgjUtN32tL3Z/s4032/IMG_0513.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wDUDWQAfg0D5EPMfQMUwlwsIU_bHBrWm6vNSGc51A77TEXxV4o7oVPGFsK-S0vZBXNbJ3Q9stEZ43oKR2CKIYhPdUNbPzWUGxgaW7RVoKZxyzcE6P5LqHLJq9S-Z63ktB3oN8DqZo5f28IWn5GzbHciyxt3sAZiJIvmu8ZWQHvsT4R-TwgjUtN32tL3Z/w640-h480/IMG_0513.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And before we left for the day, we got to see one last bird: the Siberian Crane, which is rated as "Critically Endangered".</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-9NV4a_-vvJbqtscY_n9iaQM0q8Eyoj2stFvQG1bMjmMxxzDsPMR8d5m14CtXh4u3NWn3UuagJhe482dhVUNgykbDKCFkn42yos_LEEmA8ks9fc9pD4vSOexQNNRgiSRxbOh3AeNKdTvK39rUEzh0Br_yy-SieAInoQL-LMmCuQTWEIVHMDexp2RuLM1/s4032/IMG_0523.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-9NV4a_-vvJbqtscY_n9iaQM0q8Eyoj2stFvQG1bMjmMxxzDsPMR8d5m14CtXh4u3NWn3UuagJhe482dhVUNgykbDKCFkn42yos_LEEmA8ks9fc9pD4vSOexQNNRgiSRxbOh3AeNKdTvK39rUEzh0Br_yy-SieAInoQL-LMmCuQTWEIVHMDexp2RuLM1/w480-h640/IMG_0523.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siberian Crane</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdmp927lRznkuemSd2lXsgqyOq7WLfIivzvDweGGnED2XWQ_ffq8QsnGboA767ojH-RvPIFmuMEa0gO16i-uqZQ_M8rC5f5XxwlnsPdWHEd-4T7X-r9gD_lP2j01ysXAeMvEQOTh6HGSeGK0lMYVOgnwejP52GgR7IEJbD1rxS5KVzg9jLHes2Zh3ox4L/s4032/IMG_0533.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdmp927lRznkuemSd2lXsgqyOq7WLfIivzvDweGGnED2XWQ_ffq8QsnGboA767ojH-RvPIFmuMEa0gO16i-uqZQ_M8rC5f5XxwlnsPdWHEd-4T7X-r9gD_lP2j01ysXAeMvEQOTh6HGSeGK0lMYVOgnwejP52GgR7IEJbD1rxS5KVzg9jLHes2Zh3ox4L/w480-h640/IMG_0533.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I forgot to mention that we did also see the common Sandhill Crane, but his exhibit is right in the Visitor Center, which I forgot to take photos of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You have to exit through the gift shop to leave the foundation, and on our way out we found these fun crane garden sculptures. They move elegantly in the wind. I really wanted to buy one, but they were kind of pricey for my taste. Looking back, I should have purchased one to support the worthy cause of the foundation. Maybe next time!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcXms4ea1_yC8WrSxhKjRD1n8T2GF2HEX51oiIn6m1xjRhN_nvOloZaF0rEMM_UED5u0P0eQcNbdbPYMTVG86A7GfqNF8FaTl76iMOoVNRmhtr0qSgVYnqCfFM6mwthtwHlOsFabfK-ean5KJ7YlvJlMu8Uyjz5Bl2COsuR6K_FzxrFAoTCu45-76MOFJ/s4032/IMG_0535.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcXms4ea1_yC8WrSxhKjRD1n8T2GF2HEX51oiIn6m1xjRhN_nvOloZaF0rEMM_UED5u0P0eQcNbdbPYMTVG86A7GfqNF8FaTl76iMOoVNRmhtr0qSgVYnqCfFM6mwthtwHlOsFabfK-ean5KJ7YlvJlMu8Uyjz5Bl2COsuR6K_FzxrFAoTCu45-76MOFJ/w480-h640/IMG_0535.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUSC9_U4BWXW3x8oUtF-IqGV_rkuFTRPYt_Or9miuaRkm_uUN9G_OLKajgvQwBzEEEgA5wahoC1nm6wV8IXO_brgfkJqLnkC63OGN2YSIX_HMugST3Qs8_SFTYVGSRkOPLp1WQL5Md-aMLx5c1bqsMeZmj6a1c26q2H0mcfnV8rXTLOSdSZ8qEdKUc8W4/s4032/IMG_0536.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUSC9_U4BWXW3x8oUtF-IqGV_rkuFTRPYt_Or9miuaRkm_uUN9G_OLKajgvQwBzEEEgA5wahoC1nm6wV8IXO_brgfkJqLnkC63OGN2YSIX_HMugST3Qs8_SFTYVGSRkOPLp1WQL5Md-aMLx5c1bqsMeZmj6a1c26q2H0mcfnV8rXTLOSdSZ8qEdKUc8W4/w480-h640/IMG_0536.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> If you're ever in the Madison/Baraboo area I highly suggest a stop at the International Crane Foundation, you won't regret it! Where else in the world will you see all fifteen species of cranes? No where! <p></p></div><div><a href="https://savingcranes.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The International Crane Foundation</a> is open daily May 1 to October 31 from 9:00 to 5:00. Admission is $12.50 for adults, $6.00 for youth, and under five is free.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have A Great Day! Amy</div><div><br /></div><div>Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-44357185519635164832024-02-21T00:00:00.001-06:002024-02-21T00:00:00.143-06:00The Hidden Gardens of Madison Wisconsin <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Two weeks ago, in <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2024/02/a-visit-to-olbrich-botanical-gardens.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THIS POST </a>I shared that for our anniversary we went to Madison, Wisconsin for the weekend. In that post, I only showed the Olbrich Botanical Gardens because I had so many photos it was already too long for most readers. We did however, visit three other smaller gardens in the city of Madison that I wanted to talk about; so this week's travel post will show the rest of the garden hopping we did in Madison Wisconsin.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Period Garden Park</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahC2L5DgWPtfBqPZJdpJB0bhHif2Deu-99H6Pfmkk_8eEZdiBHaxUUDSDDfOSwKevfmUVSlfmyHD22JWpjGKgSNSV-B6-4rPhc3cckOwjm1afp5caAuPA98SQk3JGrk1rg0J2of3RcYZqZ_bbCQY1u5vQKjOdWoq4-ZUN8_6g_LEPVYciWqogdRXnJC_n/s4032/IMG_0419.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahC2L5DgWPtfBqPZJdpJB0bhHif2Deu-99H6Pfmkk_8eEZdiBHaxUUDSDDfOSwKevfmUVSlfmyHD22JWpjGKgSNSV-B6-4rPhc3cckOwjm1afp5caAuPA98SQk3JGrk1rg0J2of3RcYZqZ_bbCQY1u5vQKjOdWoq4-ZUN8_6g_LEPVYciWqogdRXnJC_n/w480-h640/IMG_0419.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Period Garden park is a small garden open to the public in downtown Madison. It was so hard for us to find because it's not that visible from the street. Even with GPS we couldn't see it from our vehicle. We finally decided to park the car and get out and walk and it was then we discovered "the park" was actually the front lawn of an old home. In 1972 the owner of the property wanted to build an apartment complex on the lot, but a group of private citizens felt it would have ruined the aesthetics of the Victorian neighborhood so they purchased the property and turned it into a public park/garden. I didn't take any photos except the one above as it was so small (.235 acres) but I thought it was cool that a group of citizens and volunteers have purchased the property to keep the historic significance and also made it accessible to everyone to enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see more photos of Period Garden Park <a href="http://www.periodgardenpark.org/photos.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">University of Wisconsin - Madison Botany Garden</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzf3LId0KGY0_z5iz43fYVFYrVPWg8zhqg3KIvwITL3dEcJAGjKqXANyYnrRKik91O3MBqyGWHwHNd-gqTeA-Xy6h54yAXfchxm763aAVM4Qrn0p-fhs1ieRmLcQYPBCe4TQ55K43mypEBrKX_UDHdNVpVv4Drv2BEAE-_ATTn1NVM5JXyAzT774cr5yAD/s4032/IMG_0420.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzf3LId0KGY0_z5iz43fYVFYrVPWg8zhqg3KIvwITL3dEcJAGjKqXANyYnrRKik91O3MBqyGWHwHNd-gqTeA-Xy6h54yAXfchxm763aAVM4Qrn0p-fhs1ieRmLcQYPBCe4TQ55K43mypEBrKX_UDHdNVpVv4Drv2BEAE-_ATTn1NVM5JXyAzT774cr5yAD/w480-h640/IMG_0420.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next we went to the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus to enjoy their Botany Garden. A pond filled with koi and a pretty gazebo was its star attraction.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwqp3ZK1nIxqElggdPxCf_PNUvNFIsYrVMGSHE9cUoe0jtn9NaKok50Hhb_aRt8Z2PnEQaQlSTK0DfkAtaZ5LVGi-w8S7EQ4F4cLPexenHhMkoyuErSIEoWkismA6nPdRZFdgFGWxFD26GRHb8zrzr-k93FjgcjqBkB4s_a3Vs1rV5O3fccvXuGSZ4fHj/s4032/IMG_0421.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwqp3ZK1nIxqElggdPxCf_PNUvNFIsYrVMGSHE9cUoe0jtn9NaKok50Hhb_aRt8Z2PnEQaQlSTK0DfkAtaZ5LVGi-w8S7EQ4F4cLPexenHhMkoyuErSIEoWkismA6nPdRZFdgFGWxFD26GRHb8zrzr-k93FjgcjqBkB4s_a3Vs1rV5O3fccvXuGSZ4fHj/w480-h640/IMG_0421.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Allen Centennial Garden</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaQgDhl-Ui2ekcyrCTJ3-lcipj5KYKSh4hjWuqB-QTQXlAUdH0ZmqO71fDaH-CKdQfcuAUG-EEENutP6VpWUTvR-jg-Ik0VWO-cgTTWk1b3sJZd_ubauIBUkbpcANuaFISNST86JH0BR-tDfIHbEuZNSx8KkKhgNwTrrU5YTz4mbf9DzuGCXZU88rnTVC/s4032/IMG_0423.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaQgDhl-Ui2ekcyrCTJ3-lcipj5KYKSh4hjWuqB-QTQXlAUdH0ZmqO71fDaH-CKdQfcuAUG-EEENutP6VpWUTvR-jg-Ik0VWO-cgTTWk1b3sJZd_ubauIBUkbpcANuaFISNST86JH0BR-tDfIHbEuZNSx8KkKhgNwTrrU5YTz4mbf9DzuGCXZU88rnTVC/w480-h640/IMG_0423.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our last stop was the Allen Centennial Garden, and this garden is really worth the stop if you're ever in the Madison area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIVrUNE7NOQNgD2vaAV0TORHFgiNh1iHJ8oxToD_BzQOj5plfCfKsI0yeAo6BR-_JjEratKh_UFOhepzHh1NE-DqObHosSLxisT8Oc-nc2ypaS4NnpEDbNH_LZro3cjF2FkmGB9be1FpYuYxViZOlizQLYEBmvHVIbb_Nlm9s0QeCmJnhpLJY4pdDX_bW/s4032/IMG_0426.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIVrUNE7NOQNgD2vaAV0TORHFgiNh1iHJ8oxToD_BzQOj5plfCfKsI0yeAo6BR-_JjEratKh_UFOhepzHh1NE-DqObHosSLxisT8Oc-nc2ypaS4NnpEDbNH_LZro3cjF2FkmGB9be1FpYuYxViZOlizQLYEBmvHVIbb_Nlm9s0QeCmJnhpLJY4pdDX_bW/w480-h640/IMG_0426.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This garden is also free and open to the public from dawn to dusk for everyone to enjoy. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">According to its <a href="https://allencentennialgarden.wisc.edu/about/history/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Red Hat Text", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;">"Allen Centennial Garden is the artful living laboratory and public botanical garden of the Horticulture Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Garden serves as an outdoor classroom for UW-Madison students and the surrounding communities, providing meaningful learning opportunities for visitors of all ages."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudybgR5E-QzmZTOH0tvbe7p_SVOqFJ7y9q7BRoSSNISytLw755l_bBXw8BPvM50nDJGGBFnRwKPPxwkF0wqSMHgrE4zN8jKZnRkpMcJWcCESe9eSlh30L-MmdfjIQQRCvYNkQlSv4LU6s-KNa2upyLYpeACaAgaxUbnG1aakKUa1H8aKxvw25amqxigFG/s4032/IMG_0430.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudybgR5E-QzmZTOH0tvbe7p_SVOqFJ7y9q7BRoSSNISytLw755l_bBXw8BPvM50nDJGGBFnRwKPPxwkF0wqSMHgrE4zN8jKZnRkpMcJWcCESe9eSlh30L-MmdfjIQQRCvYNkQlSv4LU6s-KNa2upyLYpeACaAgaxUbnG1aakKUa1H8aKxvw25amqxigFG/w480-h640/IMG_0430.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This beautiful garden is the backyard of another historic home. The home isn't occupied now, but it once served as the Agricultural Dean's Residence. The ground breaking of the garden was in 1985. The garden is two and half acres.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrNPnvCuiAroydRplH3MhELB0sLz1_S_AOdlUgPvS5bf07v8D3T2ycKuhKNvZ0aJ7LpMwT_-AurS1KV5rdBDGiQO0Uq7bTzO0JHFldY1MzZRAOIf9ii7PiPlz5GAmBPkYbaRTpv8eBQeNlzpm0UH6bNA7sO5NDYsVwZqlC6UgkKz_0B7D4e5S9eFSqnuT/s4032/IMG_0431.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrNPnvCuiAroydRplH3MhELB0sLz1_S_AOdlUgPvS5bf07v8D3T2ycKuhKNvZ0aJ7LpMwT_-AurS1KV5rdBDGiQO0Uq7bTzO0JHFldY1MzZRAOIf9ii7PiPlz5GAmBPkYbaRTpv8eBQeNlzpm0UH6bNA7sO5NDYsVwZqlC6UgkKz_0B7D4e5S9eFSqnuT/w480-h640/IMG_0431.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is lots of architectural interest in the garden such as the gazebo above and the stunning red bridge below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are six different gardens at the Allen Centennial Garden: Japanese/Cottage Garden, New American Garden, French & Italian Garden, English Garden, Rock Garden, and a Woodland Garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5lI5Y-z_7cRGTxo_d4h_tv_FzpLEJQxcSGQGzzCFgVqtqXCU5sodfEmjnNxOkgKQpTulJmWT3bxZ1CrM0ZfqtJN40v9fTl8kMmBdxgu5HCd5TN_sMRAqokp7_d_k0A0lcRFaakzZv0c1eI4zXTD6uiswXCS_hWz3U0eywDwxA7kiDW2hqJNULylHWFTa/s4032/IMG_0432.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5lI5Y-z_7cRGTxo_d4h_tv_FzpLEJQxcSGQGzzCFgVqtqXCU5sodfEmjnNxOkgKQpTulJmWT3bxZ1CrM0ZfqtJN40v9fTl8kMmBdxgu5HCd5TN_sMRAqokp7_d_k0A0lcRFaakzZv0c1eI4zXTD6uiswXCS_hWz3U0eywDwxA7kiDW2hqJNULylHWFTa/w480-h640/IMG_0432.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seemed odd to see modern university buildings in the background of the garden. It's like a small spot of Eden in the midst of an urban jungle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW2gbEHkYovrKN-8MjOPpLuL24hmDpUp2dpoktvKczUlmK8NLWiIHzBfY1HYJe6yjWgXcK4qu33QSXewK-FTz4QJw7xLJ8bROfEp1wCX4S__2Hret_CPaHkFt2waP79An4RVR6y0V1K3uUWKITQL60wJuZD1KWbSNBstm9QF9cK3mCk9OPTwVbvYdOz-N/s4032/IMG_0433.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqW2gbEHkYovrKN-8MjOPpLuL24hmDpUp2dpoktvKczUlmK8NLWiIHzBfY1HYJe6yjWgXcK4qu33QSXewK-FTz4QJw7xLJ8bROfEp1wCX4S__2Hret_CPaHkFt2waP79An4RVR6y0V1K3uUWKITQL60wJuZD1KWbSNBstm9QF9cK3mCk9OPTwVbvYdOz-N/w480-h640/IMG_0433.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pond was filled with lily pads and koi. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAgV9vN2JCEn3dhPv_lTX60fZMS9m3zC8lg3cl78npUO78z5mXQcqlLcB0kt-CttOapKlBSdXXwFd9courfF2JzJ1v1FEy5ljzjjBeHLDI6UmxTy_0VYKw0mSURX0CfR52BGGJBLaKkqobSNYd3jd0XyBEkGbBEX9FAxDeAK7N9QJctBLwN4dqhqfZlzV/s4032/IMG_0434.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAgV9vN2JCEn3dhPv_lTX60fZMS9m3zC8lg3cl78npUO78z5mXQcqlLcB0kt-CttOapKlBSdXXwFd9courfF2JzJ1v1FEy5ljzjjBeHLDI6UmxTy_0VYKw0mSURX0CfR52BGGJBLaKkqobSNYd3jd0XyBEkGbBEX9FAxDeAK7N9QJctBLwN4dqhqfZlzV/w480-h640/IMG_0434.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just loved the red bridge. The color really popped in the sea of green. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzIU8LdYUnvB5PwBEJITRZ9zmx9cyRNc0kgYVFh5REkY_j_Zoc43oZg6hQZVjH6GldOvJcZx1Ru1QXMduzXP0C4k-ThYf1OyuD07ICMe5v9UAwSu6Z1XstSHGMdAyNQesifhYDpw7pR8lPOi-OX9Fr_tLCvg7Md1ZgUqFQJKUTRrk2CQAs0mbKCoCP7EV/s4032/IMG_0435.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzIU8LdYUnvB5PwBEJITRZ9zmx9cyRNc0kgYVFh5REkY_j_Zoc43oZg6hQZVjH6GldOvJcZx1Ru1QXMduzXP0C4k-ThYf1OyuD07ICMe5v9UAwSu6Z1XstSHGMdAyNQesifhYDpw7pR8lPOi-OX9Fr_tLCvg7Md1ZgUqFQJKUTRrk2CQAs0mbKCoCP7EV/w480-h640/IMG_0435.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0Jf-9ZSerfb5pMuBBSKNgM4yijnbtnyLhmA_MQYnMPKO9sUIuk0coB_tAJ0pMwTR_yo6idjExZ3dHCpPPEStadVugQSfbEKqI7hbMEX7qo4kkiSGOsBk6-7fzW4XY4xB0X7YazLzDedn7-ybiR7Zup3_JxpioxEJ4rFC_8ruHaZsSr7svVXe3Ym6-mct/s4032/IMG_0437.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0Jf-9ZSerfb5pMuBBSKNgM4yijnbtnyLhmA_MQYnMPKO9sUIuk0coB_tAJ0pMwTR_yo6idjExZ3dHCpPPEStadVugQSfbEKqI7hbMEX7qo4kkiSGOsBk6-7fzW4XY4xB0X7YazLzDedn7-ybiR7Zup3_JxpioxEJ4rFC_8ruHaZsSr7svVXe3Ym6-mct/w480-h640/IMG_0437.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The house was closed up tight when we were there. I have no idea if the home is ever open for tours, but I would have loved to have seen the inside.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOst6Im9COe4tIpDVdQECpbdSrRdDN6ETCP-xY-WL7a_bTThckdmCmNuIIor1YpogDUcsNMxJ2Y6MwuTg9mFeKD79lHPbgm-194SYmZOgj7GXW5AX58nHEcS65oTCBsZI7cK1UzorVgOMW_W3fIcNkN13Klp68wK6Fw4-D3znE3yPvDbZJEepTmE05GLb0/s4032/IMG_0440.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOst6Im9COe4tIpDVdQECpbdSrRdDN6ETCP-xY-WL7a_bTThckdmCmNuIIor1YpogDUcsNMxJ2Y6MwuTg9mFeKD79lHPbgm-194SYmZOgj7GXW5AX58nHEcS65oTCBsZI7cK1UzorVgOMW_W3fIcNkN13Klp68wK6Fw4-D3znE3yPvDbZJEepTmE05GLb0/w480-h640/IMG_0440.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the front of the house and what it would like from the street if you were just pulling up in your car.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6l6taLjg6M-b-TjCQkQYuLqk98RmTclgjBBhHHUBMQZDMYyScGxXmxZ8ebTOf3Lmgao98Os7eR2meTCx5s-mlfCPSaaZ1wau3em6h0reAK4IMDv4MV7O0ZRfMzuq1Up57-anWBOpQrFpcUzavoN8MhFtVrJ5H4ZFpRuLJFU_q7rnqmhE-jaqukvH_QtL/s4032/IMG_0441.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6l6taLjg6M-b-TjCQkQYuLqk98RmTclgjBBhHHUBMQZDMYyScGxXmxZ8ebTOf3Lmgao98Os7eR2meTCx5s-mlfCPSaaZ1wau3em6h0reAK4IMDv4MV7O0ZRfMzuq1Up57-anWBOpQrFpcUzavoN8MhFtVrJ5H4ZFpRuLJFU_q7rnqmhE-jaqukvH_QtL/w480-h640/IMG_0441.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTEVqEGNfva8YS0PjCx0oKq5LywOdCVJYld22K_Es3nK3aFbtpXG0xnQuDDFa9SThVR0a9jF3vcPINLjxoS_LPrMLC22aacUBlPQbPG-NUqFrWfeO0GNKkkabi6TZWX6xWxjmjID2GKBFNarCTwistvhWdMrfZBExUWeR37ZJZD4RPVY0pczH44vlOv-E/s4032/IMG_0442.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTEVqEGNfva8YS0PjCx0oKq5LywOdCVJYld22K_Es3nK3aFbtpXG0xnQuDDFa9SThVR0a9jF3vcPINLjxoS_LPrMLC22aacUBlPQbPG-NUqFrWfeO0GNKkkabi6TZWX6xWxjmjID2GKBFNarCTwistvhWdMrfZBExUWeR37ZJZD4RPVY0pczH44vlOv-E/w480-h640/IMG_0442.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are so many meandering paths leading to different styles of gardens. This inviting path pictured below led to the shade garden on the side of the house. I gathered lots of ideas for my home garden. I loved the idea of creating lots of different styles of garden in your own yard while considering all the different ecoclimates one could have in a large space. My yard for example has hot dry spots but also moist cool areas. Different types of gardens could be created that thrive in those areas of my yard.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-K2K-a0r_Cfix6colWldF2IE_v_uQHOfDrZcNrWje-SXx60wRIH2-6xG9C0NG1tDFwj0bIYhfy16hxqMxXgh27hUodvULAMfP5czu6ha_O4AQ3KKTqgF-x5M6XwsAojIEy5rYkJ-iVWryUY5-jpg2BjcmEloapPujLa8eckxI_karE8yuZYCfmQWAorB/s4032/IMG_0444.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-K2K-a0r_Cfix6colWldF2IE_v_uQHOfDrZcNrWje-SXx60wRIH2-6xG9C0NG1tDFwj0bIYhfy16hxqMxXgh27hUodvULAMfP5czu6ha_O4AQ3KKTqgF-x5M6XwsAojIEy5rYkJ-iVWryUY5-jpg2BjcmEloapPujLa8eckxI_karE8yuZYCfmQWAorB/w480-h640/IMG_0444.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were multiple gazebos and spots to sit and just enjoy the view.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-7-nIuIZzzl3ButSwgUTtO23Z1IvJaogcReilL8Rda1N64QsCMOS5Fduqg_cU30fHrGJzyPcINqy6gNYg3sd3oy6-NmVUgkHWleH4cqmV5anxQDPX8PSgM3a72tWI2oCdfO9D8dVEBv4v0UPSq5edqUe-znoP7W_OsPliFmzoBq0CPVMV8-ME0F_0F_K/s4032/IMG_0445.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-7-nIuIZzzl3ButSwgUTtO23Z1IvJaogcReilL8Rda1N64QsCMOS5Fduqg_cU30fHrGJzyPcINqy6gNYg3sd3oy6-NmVUgkHWleH4cqmV5anxQDPX8PSgM3a72tWI2oCdfO9D8dVEBv4v0UPSq5edqUe-znoP7W_OsPliFmzoBq0CPVMV8-ME0F_0F_K/w480-h640/IMG_0445.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The area in the front of the house opposite of the shade garden was very sunny so a nice circular front lawn was put in bordered by sun perennials.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVYZg7UAxSoyT8hd86boyWNkcW8LZdJdffJd9ArWAzF48bJDtdXTob6atlBgZvWL7J9Gre-_n_NmIe6eAmQI3FjEuxGqUDaYaht-Ek_NBAdAqL7BKD5bpiFXx3cmnoPVYYQQff-e6eaEQDVlkSbGDrcLkpwHkydvd9OYbGOovD6Vdzhdb-Q9M3-JplgJU/s4032/IMG_0446.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVYZg7UAxSoyT8hd86boyWNkcW8LZdJdffJd9ArWAzF48bJDtdXTob6atlBgZvWL7J9Gre-_n_NmIe6eAmQI3FjEuxGqUDaYaht-Ek_NBAdAqL7BKD5bpiFXx3cmnoPVYYQQff-e6eaEQDVlkSbGDrcLkpwHkydvd9OYbGOovD6Vdzhdb-Q9M3-JplgJU/w640-h480/IMG_0446.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvnl7kYtMoPt_drdOifoJpDgqLPUbDFkeuL5H-0KXpVWpgnQYwW6VCGeIuBNIYOcgHngLtoAPoQmMO-svwWZp_IO_Y2st9xoaW-qCCEWExn2SqauXxDB7gxNUqZVwtSGzgygFhTEPezNMG13g-0zkZFl7yW3rZvBN7RAYSwQFst7S_aLtnmFWVbHHG-S8/s4032/IMG_0447.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvnl7kYtMoPt_drdOifoJpDgqLPUbDFkeuL5H-0KXpVWpgnQYwW6VCGeIuBNIYOcgHngLtoAPoQmMO-svwWZp_IO_Y2st9xoaW-qCCEWExn2SqauXxDB7gxNUqZVwtSGzgygFhTEPezNMG13g-0zkZFl7yW3rZvBN7RAYSwQFst7S_aLtnmFWVbHHG-S8/w640-h480/IMG_0447.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were even gardens up against the foundation of the house.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUQKGYPs-0SOtKHQ-y9zIVXjj1wLdXDsRbhH8fhV6PxF4icRwYANzmcdtgkKEOszaLZSBnKQByhUlIdSnEGGmGp0xtY0b5fT6t26eR5tKXUbokz9HGlHCvq0RwhHVanC3cuCoAZKlQCboNdlDrHggvxYLgtDkwpeloVSjnEuCkX0KuzUoUUNyq7KNSdup/s4032/IMG_0448.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUQKGYPs-0SOtKHQ-y9zIVXjj1wLdXDsRbhH8fhV6PxF4icRwYANzmcdtgkKEOszaLZSBnKQByhUlIdSnEGGmGp0xtY0b5fT6t26eR5tKXUbokz9HGlHCvq0RwhHVanC3cuCoAZKlQCboNdlDrHggvxYLgtDkwpeloVSjnEuCkX0KuzUoUUNyq7KNSdup/w640-h480/IMG_0448.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHZIVYgxRat4ANtYZsEPyKRP6AZn7Xdt-wdO6zUfx0DdKp32h7UR1b9-OKm5tshT1Gny_zt85vimDoUTbLqKNITS3UH-pgnpR-gWN4n_g4RxPRwaRbCncQ0NC3FYPnVLarzhT8U_dxqIpp6cUl45j_WdY_d_6kq1jCAQc8wfz6zf3PXMuWrlwi7VP87bK/s4032/IMG_0449.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHZIVYgxRat4ANtYZsEPyKRP6AZn7Xdt-wdO6zUfx0DdKp32h7UR1b9-OKm5tshT1Gny_zt85vimDoUTbLqKNITS3UH-pgnpR-gWN4n_g4RxPRwaRbCncQ0NC3FYPnVLarzhT8U_dxqIpp6cUl45j_WdY_d_6kq1jCAQc8wfz6zf3PXMuWrlwi7VP87bK/w480-h640/IMG_0449.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We really enjoyed finding and exploring all the hidden gardens of Madison Wisconsin. It was like being on an adventurous quest!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><br /> <p></p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-55666427988856955252024-02-20T00:00:00.005-06:002024-02-20T06:48:58.893-06:00Two Heartfelt Handmade Cards<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I started this blog, it began as solely a card-making blog. But as the years went on I have been making cards less and less and my blog has transitioned into a lifestyle blog. Now I mainly make cards just for my grand babies or special events. Unfortunately this past month I had to make two cards for more serious reasons: one a sympathy card and the other an encouragement card.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicpYNLdGKwI8bQMjKU8W8UKsOjoOGfGdqVR-SIna_7jDZfa-7g-GFapNvOK3lSohZsOd16ADZNeQ_YT98BHm2sIjYK6m8khedaZd5dJE_LTu6FQz4oa6NNo9bdterdjvBdMmEXb8HkPlg9sPs3RqRprnKRn_QxQdVgGk4eiGefhqSvM54BIJiAaC5MHah/s4032/IMG_2203.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicpYNLdGKwI8bQMjKU8W8UKsOjoOGfGdqVR-SIna_7jDZfa-7g-GFapNvOK3lSohZsOd16ADZNeQ_YT98BHm2sIjYK6m8khedaZd5dJE_LTu6FQz4oa6NNo9bdterdjvBdMmEXb8HkPlg9sPs3RqRprnKRn_QxQdVgGk4eiGefhqSvM54BIJiAaC5MHah/w480-h640/IMG_2203.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first card was for an older gentleman who lost his wife. I always keep sympathy cards simple, because I think that is more appropriate for the solemn occasion. And for this one, I kept it extra simple because it was for a male. I also used a more masculine image.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">To make my card I first sponged a sky background with blue ink, then I stamped a trio of trees (retired Papertrey Ink) over the sponged background. I then cut the main image card and a blue background frame using Spellbinders Nestabilities then I glued it all together on a white card base. I stamped a sentiment in the same ink as the trees.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPIVlz3PYgQE9tifnqmV64H6ViqR-NGy5alamw1z8AnTA5j80wIAqFnnbzV8XmnpvkgvTQqNS2yFxtQ0Ry5AH_kwu55slq-Cu-maOiErubH1JSWij6Gn9OJMp1cF_WwoXuLAyFAwYnL9PzmyudubRpn8GZm3Gkjkg3dMMnH0wChOmZrRpnJuBEBxk2aQN/s4032/IMG_2204.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPIVlz3PYgQE9tifnqmV64H6ViqR-NGy5alamw1z8AnTA5j80wIAqFnnbzV8XmnpvkgvTQqNS2yFxtQ0Ry5AH_kwu55slq-Cu-maOiErubH1JSWij6Gn9OJMp1cF_WwoXuLAyFAwYnL9PzmyudubRpn8GZm3Gkjkg3dMMnH0wChOmZrRpnJuBEBxk2aQN/w480-h640/IMG_2204.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My second card is for a woman who just received some bad medical news. I wasn't that familiar with the situation as I heard it second hand, but I wanted her to know that I care and that I was thinking and praying for her. The inside of the cards reads "Whatever happens, God is there to keep you safely in His care".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8RSwLZ9p6B2bNdJPMGa-uQ3Ro2-wGctATVTJX9_m00IOdC3burzWGLhPMmW9rosR2F31zfapb8sNGwQCYIhSnj8s_gHfSjiVrEVefK3RZ1PLQmxZh0YfS6OGi6UF5zHLPlKaLkXz2DyJHFWtb1z7VxwB3bmdu6Wq3kZ4JpZFvxZHEDJHHvVy3xNUB28a/s4032/IMG_2276.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8RSwLZ9p6B2bNdJPMGa-uQ3Ro2-wGctATVTJX9_m00IOdC3burzWGLhPMmW9rosR2F31zfapb8sNGwQCYIhSnj8s_gHfSjiVrEVefK3RZ1PLQmxZh0YfS6OGi6UF5zHLPlKaLkXz2DyJHFWtb1z7VxwB3bmdu6Wq3kZ4JpZFvxZHEDJHHvVy3xNUB28a/w480-h640/IMG_2276.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">To make this card, I first stamped, colored, and cut out the Morning Glory image. Then I cut a white large oval followed by a blue scalloped oval using Spellbinder's Nestabilities. I glued all three pieces onto a white card stock base then stamped a sentiment onto the white oval. I finished the card with three clear crystals. All the images in this card are retired Stampin' Up!.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHPMN2LYByCWmnPICOY1bEOo_jnLt3b_mpYJ6Wbmj1IkzoSPEsjiGETQnVzNRt_-qtdKm6yXD9p-MB_gXnqT5jMRvI1CcXe5ELzlc9G3O1YV27faq9BzxO3oEtIXZPO2jWO_FC9XyCVfvh0KBMmhs0XVRdsTBLowYPoB64pP5TvA8VvAXedpkRJFPalwR/s4032/IMG_2277.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHPMN2LYByCWmnPICOY1bEOo_jnLt3b_mpYJ6Wbmj1IkzoSPEsjiGETQnVzNRt_-qtdKm6yXD9p-MB_gXnqT5jMRvI1CcXe5ELzlc9G3O1YV27faq9BzxO3oEtIXZPO2jWO_FC9XyCVfvh0KBMmhs0XVRdsTBLowYPoB64pP5TvA8VvAXedpkRJFPalwR/w480-h640/IMG_2277.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Handmade cards are always special, but I think they have extra meaning when given for more serious reasons. It really shows how much you care when you take the time to make it yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><br /> <p></p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-25914022223106966672024-02-15T00:00:00.002-06:002024-02-15T07:23:25.763-06:00How to Style Maxi Skirts with Ageless Style<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: 13.2px;">Ageless Style is a monthly style challenge and link up for women of all ages. Each month we pick a different theme and style an outfit based on that theme. This month's theme is "Maxi Skirts" and was picked by me!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">It was my turn to pick the theme for this month's Ageless Style Link Up and I chose "Maxi Skirts". Yes, maxi skirts are back in style! Not the jersey maxi skirts of the early 2000's (although I still use one of those as a bathing suit coverup) but those made with lightweight, </span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">flowy fabrics like cotton, rayon, chiffon, or linen. But perhaps the biggest maxi skirt trend right now is the denim maxi skirt!</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuec8nIFp-feYnADuYgDQck-ykBLFld5WTiQgI9lN8k4nW_QboT_8thQSAIPF1ia7y_8F2Jea2-GGo0qcvvQQUE6M2quMBqOt38GJifisuEJ7418XK3lavZ6nyXpY1BkcK5s1iPnDhymuO7vQD9U0DyAyqeqqLhN_CpauXPu2c6CqWx-LDeCSYoUaodCG/s4032/IMG_2215.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuec8nIFp-feYnADuYgDQck-ykBLFld5WTiQgI9lN8k4nW_QboT_8thQSAIPF1ia7y_8F2Jea2-GGo0qcvvQQUE6M2quMBqOt38GJifisuEJ7418XK3lavZ6nyXpY1BkcK5s1iPnDhymuO7vQD9U0DyAyqeqqLhN_CpauXPu2c6CqWx-LDeCSYoUaodCG/w480-h640/IMG_2215.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Denim maxi skirts are hot, hot, hot right now. If you don't already have one in your closet, I say go out and buy one! Even though they are great to wear in winter because they keep your legs covered and warm, you can also wear them in the summer with a tank and sandals.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5E-P__L9kV0sV5vz5Z_fExrQ1Z3tUZcKp6TS-zr38fcPdICsou0_JsH8i56jZwyDE57ExZ0uSpLSQK8cQ_nvhnMtNcUKGiDqtbGGhVF5YAoiO-tAYhwO-1OA-c4xoRbMLCg2J0oMamnKNnAsyAF7I2fIrPWa078RY0C0iToHjYiTA47ofl7j65yXbaKBc/s2551/IMG_2219.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2551" data-original-width="2123" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5E-P__L9kV0sV5vz5Z_fExrQ1Z3tUZcKp6TS-zr38fcPdICsou0_JsH8i56jZwyDE57ExZ0uSpLSQK8cQ_nvhnMtNcUKGiDqtbGGhVF5YAoiO-tAYhwO-1OA-c4xoRbMLCg2J0oMamnKNnAsyAF7I2fIrPWa078RY0C0iToHjYiTA47ofl7j65yXbaKBc/w532-h640/IMG_2219.jpeg" width="532" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had some rewards money after all my Christmas shopping, so I treated myself to a FREE denim maxi skirt from JCPenney. It is still available <a href="https://www.jcpenney.com/p/ana-womens-high-rise-long-denim-skirt/ppr5008321664?pTmplType=regular&catId=SearchResults&searchTerm=Womans+denim+maxi+skirt&productGridView=medium&badge=fewleft" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbTH-LsR543nMlN81nZk9lWFkGcMtAG9b8-b45LqcJDpr99129TvY8u5F7gxfK6fBAE9punjir65Pm9X-tJYQZhHX2jY-cNCMzeoyByV9ggW0MfzwbMC45JXtwNq_S2sflaYrAG5JCG0Wfqvg0iVk4-wYpyWOfyn9U4Jzwy9MT6axlg8foiRYcFncBlq_/s4032/IMG_2234.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbTH-LsR543nMlN81nZk9lWFkGcMtAG9b8-b45LqcJDpr99129TvY8u5F7gxfK6fBAE9punjir65Pm9X-tJYQZhHX2jY-cNCMzeoyByV9ggW0MfzwbMC45JXtwNq_S2sflaYrAG5JCG0Wfqvg0iVk4-wYpyWOfyn9U4Jzwy9MT6axlg8foiRYcFncBlq_/w480-h640/IMG_2234.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I styled my maxi skirt with a newer cropped cardigan that I previously showed you in <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/layer-it-up-with-ageless-style.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THIS POST</a>. Cropped cardigans go great with maxi skirts because they stop at the waist. You really need to avoid anything too long or bulky when wearing a long, heavy skirt like a denim maxi skirt or you will disappear under all that fabric. Tighter fitting tops, crop tops, and/or tanks work best with maxi skirts.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSTDuyJ2zTOvrYFTFiz_KGpF8hI-kvAsO6Rv2pW9TBArH6JgJMtdb5wnvZKkOXm_2bdtKLiJzKQsONj3_Vsq8-zO7YPBI_ruzBAoEMkvq3U6Qvha9E18_w7mDWW7KKo_NxGL6jCGdIVuc4esOBHmltOfnO7Q8Uz99KO6-I87vjsSX8OdYBFN0IV3s2SPv/s4032/IMG_2240.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSTDuyJ2zTOvrYFTFiz_KGpF8hI-kvAsO6Rv2pW9TBArH6JgJMtdb5wnvZKkOXm_2bdtKLiJzKQsONj3_Vsq8-zO7YPBI_ruzBAoEMkvq3U6Qvha9E18_w7mDWW7KKo_NxGL6jCGdIVuc4esOBHmltOfnO7Q8Uz99KO6-I87vjsSX8OdYBFN0IV3s2SPv/w480-h640/IMG_2240.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For shoes, I chose a pair of tall brown boots because it is still winter after all and I want to keep my legs warm. Other shoes you can wear depending on the time of year would be sneakers, ballet flats, sandals..heck, just about anything!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrLkcWt66VQJ55G2a39pnIftOscBETa7hjgTSGoIDb98JxxamPH46aefaYZLAkyhTUnB7D5ru3HBk56_PvD8PHXoYkh2sKnjHEfNruQYWScEo0voYFnWmku1i28QyEUaciQg7VJTb0ggZKCbgr1HhcmLWKdT-8cVTesH7htITeznaPFLL-X13BihyphenhyphenXw8r/s4032/IMG_2244.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrLkcWt66VQJ55G2a39pnIftOscBETa7hjgTSGoIDb98JxxamPH46aefaYZLAkyhTUnB7D5ru3HBk56_PvD8PHXoYkh2sKnjHEfNruQYWScEo0voYFnWmku1i28QyEUaciQg7VJTb0ggZKCbgr1HhcmLWKdT-8cVTesH7htITeznaPFLL-X13BihyphenhyphenXw8r/w480-h640/IMG_2244.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I felt I had a boho look going here even if I wasn't aiming for one, so I accessorized with some fun boho jewelry, a brown felt hat, and a boho style handbag.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9Z8S7I23Ml83x_TVdz-3isLx4PULn2T-o8hdTWf0Mg10oiyGyB5R6P1EJbWyZWrlSCPDbKD6fnFugOOyGSG0OZiBjmTApOXpd2YiEQcJPmY7JaDtA1LwmrjrqE-sA05DlH2LZ5BFfk4CS_95lu7HTgstdfplxbl_3Dzw1vsZJ7s36oLpxzgytANBrWKy/s4032/IMG_2245.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9Z8S7I23Ml83x_TVdz-3isLx4PULn2T-o8hdTWf0Mg10oiyGyB5R6P1EJbWyZWrlSCPDbKD6fnFugOOyGSG0OZiBjmTApOXpd2YiEQcJPmY7JaDtA1LwmrjrqE-sA05DlH2LZ5BFfk4CS_95lu7HTgstdfplxbl_3Dzw1vsZJ7s36oLpxzgytANBrWKy/w480-h640/IMG_2245.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really enjoyed wearing this outfit and it shows in the photos. I felt confident and comfortable. I love fashion that is easy to wear, yet stylish at the same time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxRt75ACDXCbH137zSN1z0N-ItxXQM_LT1CPSlKhT8FrgY5wpyCcQD9qVzO-0KLfpc-Pr_DPwMJK89U5CO7cwKT5Hh125z5bTfxwde9qYr1XeHV7v3HhqFBjiMSUD6xbKTghX1zqn5uX2FjJUtKyZ5q-YrUT6cLUXG5XlZB1R608EKPWW6tGw9F8lNi2N/s4032/IMG_2253.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxRt75ACDXCbH137zSN1z0N-ItxXQM_LT1CPSlKhT8FrgY5wpyCcQD9qVzO-0KLfpc-Pr_DPwMJK89U5CO7cwKT5Hh125z5bTfxwde9qYr1XeHV7v3HhqFBjiMSUD6xbKTghX1zqn5uX2FjJUtKyZ5q-YrUT6cLUXG5XlZB1R608EKPWW6tGw9F8lNi2N/w480-h640/IMG_2253.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So what about you? Have you purchased a denim maxi skirt or any other type of maxi skirt yet, or is this a trend you will be skipping? I'd love to hear from you.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HbIIrx8PGvd1ewJcSvLOOfrNobUHFglArC9fhcy9O1Fj-eSAY2zT7PVBUvCH-VbLVZpLh2451ZJfDRZMAx_5_vqxAoQc9AAwBAHiGpAP2e831sEE-35wahK7u9iYPMfSRDRuvM6xiTU2kTW9iJ34NIFqg3el7C-p0yJQhPkbOIuVPqknjyMHLgOmDGnx/s4032/IMG_2258.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HbIIrx8PGvd1ewJcSvLOOfrNobUHFglArC9fhcy9O1Fj-eSAY2zT7PVBUvCH-VbLVZpLh2451ZJfDRZMAx_5_vqxAoQc9AAwBAHiGpAP2e831sEE-35wahK7u9iYPMfSRDRuvM6xiTU2kTW9iJ34NIFqg3el7C-p0yJQhPkbOIuVPqknjyMHLgOmDGnx/w480-h640/IMG_2258.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now, be sure to check out what how the rest of the ladies in our group are styling their maxi skirts and link up with us as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0xa6FcCGWGXe0uDsqHBEQBXruPUSF5bGD9I3uldGmyy2X2Zg-yi4iMS-uLzxWN3N_ZP7vbA2gdNNJP4pR3vrHfA3BXbysf6Kg810osi8N-qLO5M9mb7wrYB9dLcr8kKv5ZIh_SPyqOjXO40TxVCBVEEz4YUR_KWt5uwsoAmmUbd6Qww0QXlkYz6BhZEW/s2160/1000013857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0xa6FcCGWGXe0uDsqHBEQBXruPUSF5bGD9I3uldGmyy2X2Zg-yi4iMS-uLzxWN3N_ZP7vbA2gdNNJP4pR3vrHfA3BXbysf6Kg810osi8N-qLO5M9mb7wrYB9dLcr8kKv5ZIh_SPyqOjXO40TxVCBVEEz4YUR_KWt5uwsoAmmUbd6Qww0QXlkYz6BhZEW/w400-h400/1000013857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: start;">Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits</p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: start;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.amyscreativepursuits.com%252F%26data%3D04%257C01%257C%257C93e5c58f7ca44697e7e808d92eab5eb2%257C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%257C1%257C0%257C637592135832994996%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C1000%26sdata%3DuqNlkT2goZAHxVZWJJNAddueKGMVb1QcJBB3BWWa8To%253D%26reserved%3D0&source=gmail&ust=1652969416147000&usg=AOvVaw0FLGTXc_9TIUvXZuIBGg_o" href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amyscreativepursuits.com%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C93e5c58f7ca44697e7e808d92eab5eb2%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637592135832994996%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=uqNlkT2goZAHxVZWJJNAddueKGMVb1QcJBB3BWWa8To%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Protected by Outlook: https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/. 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<!--end InLinkz code-->Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-37801214199037357562024-02-14T00:00:00.001-06:002024-02-14T00:00:00.137-06:00A Candlelight Walk In Interstate Park and other Valentine's Weekend Highlight<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Valentine's Day! I think it's wonderful that we have a holiday to show all the people in our lives how much we love them! I always give children and grandchildren Valentine gifts and cards so that they know how special they are to me, and my husband and I always make special plans for just the two of us. Since Valentine's Day fell on a Wednesday this year, I decided to take a break from showing you all my 2023 summer activities and share instead how we celebrated Valentine's Day this past weekend. We celebrated early because the holiday fell mid-week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZdKZeZ2q1AtyDewPVyyjf9vj-a6ZenxqCn6Y40vGmAda474FHGutfAyTrmJkfCkzgxOVbJKSxj-7md3Sj9rmPVxyNodwnit4_nl9ETEcYgi-9uoV9th2IBbMr-74rrR5EzAlsN58Qoo0DjyRToo8XUla1lfepdDWM-Jv7dJkcGx-rwsr6Wpu00ZRVMa6/s4032/IMG_2379.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZdKZeZ2q1AtyDewPVyyjf9vj-a6ZenxqCn6Y40vGmAda474FHGutfAyTrmJkfCkzgxOVbJKSxj-7md3Sj9rmPVxyNodwnit4_nl9ETEcYgi-9uoV9th2IBbMr-74rrR5EzAlsN58Qoo0DjyRToo8XUla1lfepdDWM-Jv7dJkcGx-rwsr6Wpu00ZRVMa6/w480-h640/IMG_2379.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We decided to spend a romantic weekend in the Osceola/St. Croix Falls area. For almost a year I have been seeing the most delicious food advertised by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWatershedCafewi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Watershed Cafe </a>on Facebook, that I had to go and eat there myself. The cafe is located right above a waterfall! In the summer, you can even enjoy your food outside and listen to the sound of water as you eat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOEaK-AZhZDDjXC6lxIPF7HYTZ50Nzw-bCR5IcGN0P-SjZWX6PwTyG6E5pjYi_LqXpiIu1iF2A0eozkH7qtgSeNfTLrxKi6nnUcFSVN2Mqj9JKlq0wQpw8_op4FKwxsC1fXKFLv0g639q1OQ0hHzdG0fRqiyLmwr97GyvQ3YAFg3Ig-EPY_BXK_VorUfv/s4032/IMG_2313.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOEaK-AZhZDDjXC6lxIPF7HYTZ50Nzw-bCR5IcGN0P-SjZWX6PwTyG6E5pjYi_LqXpiIu1iF2A0eozkH7qtgSeNfTLrxKi6nnUcFSVN2Mqj9JKlq0wQpw8_op4FKwxsC1fXKFLv0g639q1OQ0hHzdG0fRqiyLmwr97GyvQ3YAFg3Ig-EPY_BXK_VorUfv/w480-h640/IMG_2313.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a photo of the waterfall behind the cafe:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6pHl-5B4ReqRiK_e3FPge7qXbSrssen2Rilpu4GU0Q9qOtyh9nR5tnQ3Zj1MnGuQu3rL4SddZO-S5rBYTh8QjEanonf26hVUAdB_FPsjdqzkCRIkrjDrrSUrJ1UjxCVxHm9_oPyHPllmCJlzuPfz3tT1U8yTiJIhrtYRATBbzg6IQ02Qnh8KB-dOozNz/s4032/IMG_2284.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6pHl-5B4ReqRiK_e3FPge7qXbSrssen2Rilpu4GU0Q9qOtyh9nR5tnQ3Zj1MnGuQu3rL4SddZO-S5rBYTh8QjEanonf26hVUAdB_FPsjdqzkCRIkrjDrrSUrJ1UjxCVxHm9_oPyHPllmCJlzuPfz3tT1U8yTiJIhrtYRATBbzg6IQ02Qnh8KB-dOozNz/w480-h640/IMG_2284.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cafe offers the most incredible coffee beverages, so I had to get me some of that! I had a hard time deciding as there were so many choices, but I ultimately chose a "French Toast" latte. It was so incredible, but I'm pretty sure I had more sugar in that one cup of coffee than I've had all month. 😂</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8JD4jNk3gATyukZs1ChuBiWoTTqNug65904ijqHzYjjP9SKtxSX1aLcVvHreH1JUDVVi3RvEFHBdy-ZY1vjk9LN0zmYTYaSffCLFcXWbI2UQ4VOqRttUPabvtGpdJTTY5vxqe1SQpo7SfMnppPeWw13NiBU7Mez_4cMVUi6DxJyqc1pFSZXkoqttAUM9/s4032/IMG_2292.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8JD4jNk3gATyukZs1ChuBiWoTTqNug65904ijqHzYjjP9SKtxSX1aLcVvHreH1JUDVVi3RvEFHBdy-ZY1vjk9LN0zmYTYaSffCLFcXWbI2UQ4VOqRttUPabvtGpdJTTY5vxqe1SQpo7SfMnppPeWw13NiBU7Mez_4cMVUi6DxJyqc1pFSZXkoqttAUM9/w480-h640/IMG_2292.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Watershed Cafe is " <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">A sustainable restaurant featuring simple comfort food intentionally prepared with fresh, locally and seasonally sourced ingredients". </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;">My husband ordered a hamburger (of course) but said it was incredible because of the high quality beef. The fries were also amazing, and I can attest to that because I stole one off his plate they looked so good! I ordered a Hummus Sandwich which was also incredibly delicious, and to my surprise they came with a plate load of homemade potato chips. OH MY GOODNESS, were those chips amazing! I want the recipe!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09kvd_-JX3XCL-gII308-xinQbwNt3DgaQMh7KxYkfxsm7jcCdUIADGjtvlJW2EMxr9t3alJ6kDSO5SWCdzTx3-1Gzm9OK3U48_k8-mQq4vngNg8TCmByqXqnX17_YuvFG08O61iV1-1IXkDWIfVHoHOqzYdS6ybLcaixXzjtGTtZomdpLiEp7k3Rltel/s4032/IMG_2294.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09kvd_-JX3XCL-gII308-xinQbwNt3DgaQMh7KxYkfxsm7jcCdUIADGjtvlJW2EMxr9t3alJ6kDSO5SWCdzTx3-1Gzm9OK3U48_k8-mQq4vngNg8TCmByqXqnX17_YuvFG08O61iV1-1IXkDWIfVHoHOqzYdS6ybLcaixXzjtGTtZomdpLiEp7k3Rltel/w480-h640/IMG_2294.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After lunch we went down to the waterfall. There's a nice trail called the "Falls Bluff Trail Loop" that takes you right down to the waterfall, then along Osceola Creek to the St. Croix River. From there you can return back to town or hike up the bluff for scenic views. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKx-tEszO_Ld4AANIDgB0qngUUYhovFWHCLIGiiZqy2vPZudsYv1LY3cvPKb7k383jXB7p9Dl_ynfMhlfC5VEu345PJEaLNkSw2EwarPc7Mtq91WZjPN-sTYz5hyphenhyphenn6k6Ox62GAwepMEIqwNgRitv422LVCMc1S1AOYbKwA2rzjOhqbhLBbqqm9rBa_7_4/s4032/IMG_2295.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKx-tEszO_Ld4AANIDgB0qngUUYhovFWHCLIGiiZqy2vPZudsYv1LY3cvPKb7k383jXB7p9Dl_ynfMhlfC5VEu345PJEaLNkSw2EwarPc7Mtq91WZjPN-sTYz5hyphenhyphenn6k6Ox62GAwepMEIqwNgRitv422LVCMc1S1AOYbKwA2rzjOhqbhLBbqqm9rBa_7_4/w480-h640/IMG_2295.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cascade Falls is only 25 feet tall but it is quite impressive because of its width, and the water is so shallow, you can walk right up to the spray. You can even walk behind the waterfall! I'm sure it is quite the popular swimming hole in the summer!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jZLlBAgNga1p46R2gi8Dfx0sPEy6CYb5fkuO4izKN0qLMNpVQ5OvPhhab_wtmUDxPbAAwKZQoS7qgSIQmv6JPBW4pqyqNc8z6AIonuUhrJDqHJ0bHxe07dXFOcRkV6YXtH9Z2EkJzMx_7al8KOUqqABnInzmkmzCv5YQc2VX2kH7wBw5_dm4npJd_wls/s4032/IMG_2297.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jZLlBAgNga1p46R2gi8Dfx0sPEy6CYb5fkuO4izKN0qLMNpVQ5OvPhhab_wtmUDxPbAAwKZQoS7qgSIQmv6JPBW4pqyqNc8z6AIonuUhrJDqHJ0bHxe07dXFOcRkV6YXtH9Z2EkJzMx_7al8KOUqqABnInzmkmzCv5YQc2VX2kH7wBw5_dm4npJd_wls/w640-h480/IMG_2297.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is also a viewing deck for those who prefer to keep their feet dry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxc1aAnbYz981lA4fF67e2Xf9lmtfb8ionVUru7ZeRyCzPwJtWynMSiVJ6-0xAf8HnNZ1y2WXn1-B89pLQpR2yG0sVCXFpV2_gh9b4fZOMJAGCTo_ehAprQlIpjlpbTjvVvX_a2D6ERcwZlTWbkEM9Qri6Mb-fAa8ku824NA89xUKR42gyNCBw6IL_Qch/s4032/IMG_2302.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxc1aAnbYz981lA4fF67e2Xf9lmtfb8ionVUru7ZeRyCzPwJtWynMSiVJ6-0xAf8HnNZ1y2WXn1-B89pLQpR2yG0sVCXFpV2_gh9b4fZOMJAGCTo_ehAprQlIpjlpbTjvVvX_a2D6ERcwZlTWbkEM9Qri6Mb-fAa8ku824NA89xUKR42gyNCBw6IL_Qch/w480-h640/IMG_2302.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are a lot of stairs to take down from the town's Main Street to see the falls. I don't know if you can see them all in the photo below but they go straight up to the sky line in the photo below.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K6g-WtzJH5QeWZHH6zmCol_wzjkuwZm4PLpVo-AIIAUDk3zFa3zr_JdyNFa3xYNOYoOZJ4ClolTKKSrLTiURvs-TjOX5gdWttZ9-h2xgGg9CKIQ_hHIPW6cn1Cj16oBSt15vDQs_DREHb2rtD30kPnZDZ54BcAU0OLAD-cfePdeubsyaVG2QgPsQThQR/s4032/IMG_2303.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K6g-WtzJH5QeWZHH6zmCol_wzjkuwZm4PLpVo-AIIAUDk3zFa3zr_JdyNFa3xYNOYoOZJ4ClolTKKSrLTiURvs-TjOX5gdWttZ9-h2xgGg9CKIQ_hHIPW6cn1Cj16oBSt15vDQs_DREHb2rtD30kPnZDZ54BcAU0OLAD-cfePdeubsyaVG2QgPsQThQR/w480-h640/IMG_2303.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After viewing the falls, we hiked the remainder of the trail that ran along the creek. Most of it was boardwalk, which was really nice as this area can get muddy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt8b-WD6DI_7vQwYBeFoby-l7wovNYnqlTjJukrbwDJR6pjhL6LmRPDhctGQZd8krJFplS9amYmPZbcUjKLF4YP0Xwa2Vgh2X421qgGzz2I9nEidb6hgUtvSbkpGGYq6ZVeChaNzvwy7wB09sT1qTWzd0bEw2fuvBCPSX6l3RqHp0IMkW8s0vLrcXvoIb/s4032/IMG_2305.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt8b-WD6DI_7vQwYBeFoby-l7wovNYnqlTjJukrbwDJR6pjhL6LmRPDhctGQZd8krJFplS9amYmPZbcUjKLF4YP0Xwa2Vgh2X421qgGzz2I9nEidb6hgUtvSbkpGGYq6ZVeChaNzvwy7wB09sT1qTWzd0bEw2fuvBCPSX6l3RqHp0IMkW8s0vLrcXvoIb/w480-h640/IMG_2305.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcb654YqBlQ0nq3PBvVYF0CvNTDjH1iDaMnNRzvtAq2jLIH1ZZbdxLXrKoqGV-kfjJaa1ZsNvNxIhmnSHy0lzsudBE1yOj_8rU9HuIrhn-j2lPOhUwm7NfdNUxw9BBMQKvKqoRwDYZWa2XwHTa2Ndb1CSljeRHM1k3zTJlMAPsX0IOOkh_WkMPvTMFA95D/s4032/IMG_2307.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcb654YqBlQ0nq3PBvVYF0CvNTDjH1iDaMnNRzvtAq2jLIH1ZZbdxLXrKoqGV-kfjJaa1ZsNvNxIhmnSHy0lzsudBE1yOj_8rU9HuIrhn-j2lPOhUwm7NfdNUxw9BBMQKvKqoRwDYZWa2XwHTa2Ndb1CSljeRHM1k3zTJlMAPsX0IOOkh_WkMPvTMFA95D/w480-h640/IMG_2307.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent two hours strolling through the shops of downtown Osceola. They had some nice shops, but unfortunately I didn't take any photos of the town. I always have a hard time capturing nice photos of towns anyway. I feel the cars always ruin the photos and never capture the town's quaintness. But trust me, it's a nice town full of cute shops you will want to visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hubby of course had to have his photo taken next to the giant Indian statue. He loves having his photo taken next to statues for some reason. 😆</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-j7IFUJCZFZ4FFEaUMsUJuBKw2VtKsa4jiYNd_0JDCuBhMMoHxrWrGHWj8GERduEqmagb8Ff0_lcg_NLl6yLidG_hP5SyWKsfxAo4_oycqxLDk1B_ZSCbHu3R7zoZTmfJVposBHyy-RImtR6QkvpF-TZY0cPUjDdzQ3hgYDmy0hyphenhyphen8kCiS7z47EM2EQlN/s4032/IMG_2316.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-j7IFUJCZFZ4FFEaUMsUJuBKw2VtKsa4jiYNd_0JDCuBhMMoHxrWrGHWj8GERduEqmagb8Ff0_lcg_NLl6yLidG_hP5SyWKsfxAo4_oycqxLDk1B_ZSCbHu3R7zoZTmfJVposBHyy-RImtR6QkvpF-TZY0cPUjDdzQ3hgYDmy0hyphenhyphen8kCiS7z47EM2EQlN/w480-h640/IMG_2316.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After lunch and touring the town of Osceola we then headed over to Interstate Park. It's called Interstate because half the park is located in the state of Wisconsin and the other half is in the state of Minnesota with the St. Croix River separating the two parks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We only did one short day hike because we knew we'd be hiking more that evening. I had hip replacement surgery in October, so this was my first test run with the new hip and I didn't want to overdue it. As it turned out, I had zero pain with all the walking we did all day, but I was woken up with pain in the middle of the night and had to take Ibuprofen to get through it. So I probably did too much too soon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9UIMEgUitew0BINxwpvZr0eQIbNsBmttNQr1XUJ-b1_EfxIqeWm00cUd-wwQ1p-HzzgeYRTTUoXwhCyJ4-M6AbFeLZzmZV_sPMyKpE7qIluxxjtvVGa8qeKqGLDSnQKUto-BJsLnGz11fPTiZQdtFqZM7NGtG0wWHEi6XU7FziBmC0Vh4VGa_jhyphenhyphendpWo/s4032/IMG_2322.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9UIMEgUitew0BINxwpvZr0eQIbNsBmttNQr1XUJ-b1_EfxIqeWm00cUd-wwQ1p-HzzgeYRTTUoXwhCyJ4-M6AbFeLZzmZV_sPMyKpE7qIluxxjtvVGa8qeKqGLDSnQKUto-BJsLnGz11fPTiZQdtFqZM7NGtG0wWHEi6XU7FziBmC0Vh4VGa_jhyphenhyphendpWo/w640-h480/IMG_2322.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The day hike in Interstate Park that we did was just a short 0.5 mile loop called "Echo Canyon Trail". It was awesome because it ran along the Lake O'the Dalles and then up through an extinct river bed carved by glacial meltwaters.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3O_PnP66x3olaBiDdLaT_eeCC6nzuTfN6eFFGfiMAe2onQt1VCT6E8fstmOSigFoeMVDofRxgUtuA2NFUlHs9NRQOiHKuykT0so5I9Vd2x4qIpqMQoz0uNDrg_obBk7XkWVIdXjGxm0C52zaGFHPoywLrQ1ot8cabX7OBjC5ZJ4WdeC5J8Jvo9WL9NOsb/s4032/IMG_2330.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3O_PnP66x3olaBiDdLaT_eeCC6nzuTfN6eFFGfiMAe2onQt1VCT6E8fstmOSigFoeMVDofRxgUtuA2NFUlHs9NRQOiHKuykT0so5I9Vd2x4qIpqMQoz0uNDrg_obBk7XkWVIdXjGxm0C52zaGFHPoywLrQ1ot8cabX7OBjC5ZJ4WdeC5J8Jvo9WL9NOsb/w480-h640/IMG_2330.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was lots and lots of interesting rock formations and strewn rocks along the trail.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOJuwyx08XS7YV9oC0Lfww6lVKELCompeBls4Q9VPqxmKZnUwXszh5sOr3lPEbtAGFag85DPcTFali8n8sYBbu-mmjGjjEvJMHiqHlcb4VqGW-MWCwYkGyRxmx4a0mpnVyY69hFJeP1U1PxrI9qH1lvix-ODdpOsca-KBVYMzu1NM8KX4fgyHsgPULYNR/s4032/IMG_2338.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOJuwyx08XS7YV9oC0Lfww6lVKELCompeBls4Q9VPqxmKZnUwXszh5sOr3lPEbtAGFag85DPcTFali8n8sYBbu-mmjGjjEvJMHiqHlcb4VqGW-MWCwYkGyRxmx4a0mpnVyY69hFJeP1U1PxrI9qH1lvix-ODdpOsca-KBVYMzu1NM8KX4fgyHsgPULYNR/w480-h640/IMG_2338.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I usually have a hard time seeing the shapes that unusual rock formations get their names from, but there was no mistaking the Indian head in the rock formation below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ui5NQLbZSvpY43hUhw_oQxHbA669rPhjppxlvdaCTCURqnydD7NxvMFPo98Uu7j322uAf4kWWKXoTdpgmXYweQIPNU0Vzbc8fGJW2UafSXCblkQsxwbr0y2vvxAPFtJ7NMBJwo79YjvJ9flbMV67VkNY1ZCQxb8f5tC7Yivn9f-wjuELr07FRyngLFmB/s4032/IMG_2351.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ui5NQLbZSvpY43hUhw_oQxHbA669rPhjppxlvdaCTCURqnydD7NxvMFPo98Uu7j322uAf4kWWKXoTdpgmXYweQIPNU0Vzbc8fGJW2UafSXCblkQsxwbr0y2vvxAPFtJ7NMBJwo79YjvJ9flbMV67VkNY1ZCQxb8f5tC7Yivn9f-wjuELr07FRyngLFmB/w480-h640/IMG_2351.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_6nNA917LXrUkpTgkk_aE-ABuJHwyskbDrhlAymsOelQ0oXzY1eZzPxNccc-8vaRWwmTQEtKHzcNxcIiRqV3PJy9dV4hX4fJ-6Q8V1EwLgEep319Skawr27yrDNncN26F7jw57E7fm-QAPyY8KahNyVoAZKiLVyFRMYLnWWI-TB_jVCsgomrL8Z8lmkA/s4032/IMG_2354.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_6nNA917LXrUkpTgkk_aE-ABuJHwyskbDrhlAymsOelQ0oXzY1eZzPxNccc-8vaRWwmTQEtKHzcNxcIiRqV3PJy9dV4hX4fJ-6Q8V1EwLgEep319Skawr27yrDNncN26F7jw57E7fm-QAPyY8KahNyVoAZKiLVyFRMYLnWWI-TB_jVCsgomrL8Z8lmkA/w640-h480/IMG_2354.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqlxDM5IItE-wXvqhJrHdokDN0CuAjXjrSRtg5dotoWXo0T3NW4s2tz18Hj6-eRJ7VNmduy8jrBwVeAKPRK45_DGkdpSX86yJMzH_Ek_YNTn7HhENoE5LYG87rhcBB53vgnMovuNE-88Mwi59rUsTdD-7y5DyRaqqlVXcfZhtxzgbyOYklFJRttxvgxOy/s4032/IMG_2358.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqlxDM5IItE-wXvqhJrHdokDN0CuAjXjrSRtg5dotoWXo0T3NW4s2tz18Hj6-eRJ7VNmduy8jrBwVeAKPRK45_DGkdpSX86yJMzH_Ek_YNTn7HhENoE5LYG87rhcBB53vgnMovuNE-88Mwi59rUsTdD-7y5DyRaqqlVXcfZhtxzgbyOYklFJRttxvgxOy/w480-h640/IMG_2358.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After our day hike in Interstate Park, we checked into our hotel, rested a bit, then headed out to dinner. And finally, after dinner, we got to the most romantic part of our Valentine Day weekend: A Candlelight Walk through the forest after dark!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHH51wXqvLwLZwGDtxg08Ff5QnRlwchzqCsVzCkaEt0v7xzKvs88HM4VWEpiAVZXjR1me9qhUTPAB3Td-2A8sWnpaFMgJ6m2xJtluMYsf-qwieT7dNWJQ-Quje3-PLVthK4E4yjX2lqEcfw_vK7nKbeCdztdzEPYR-cUGDHL0VqR9sO4M3pFtrVT5YiwB-/s4032/IMG_2368.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHH51wXqvLwLZwGDtxg08Ff5QnRlwchzqCsVzCkaEt0v7xzKvs88HM4VWEpiAVZXjR1me9qhUTPAB3Td-2A8sWnpaFMgJ6m2xJtluMYsf-qwieT7dNWJQ-Quje3-PLVthK4E4yjX2lqEcfw_vK7nKbeCdztdzEPYR-cUGDHL0VqR9sO4M3pFtrVT5YiwB-/w480-h640/IMG_2368.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The park selected four trails to hike and lined the trails with candlelight. Here is a short video of one of the hikes, the Ojibwa Trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FEzOsD-Ru6k" width="320" youtube-src-id="FEzOsD-Ru6k"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Ojibwa Trail was only 0.5 miles so we decided we were still up for doing another trail, but first we decided to warm up by the fire pit which the park so generously prepared for us. Oh my, it was so toasty warm and it felt so good! The park even gave out free S'more fixings, but I don't like S'more's so I didn't have any.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnswKEvzRrMNl6NlFHmA5R3p0VaSIfA2z2vJsRnwG9tE_mcNECilV3xaUdt7JtnBemo4kUlcIEQprFgjtsJKB8OPFdPJlfPzw1-QBHMS3HINY4dqNGvQ1KhiPZ3PKWWOjdnGMDjUwV0nEpNUC17AjtLueYeB-5HaGopWURz72P2_MRo27_iq8GrCexzIrM/s4032/IMG_2370.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnswKEvzRrMNl6NlFHmA5R3p0VaSIfA2z2vJsRnwG9tE_mcNECilV3xaUdt7JtnBemo4kUlcIEQprFgjtsJKB8OPFdPJlfPzw1-QBHMS3HINY4dqNGvQ1KhiPZ3PKWWOjdnGMDjUwV0nEpNUC17AjtLueYeB-5HaGopWURz72P2_MRo27_iq8GrCexzIrM/w480-h640/IMG_2370.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj638OWMlwhGVR0hFmUsr8rKwhLax0Nw1ql-B4OrQROzIbQDR1_xQ2u3Qpf6m8IpEE99lBDzeEU0osk1NP-f-3qCi3VjBzbMlqkea2udD2vcxhTFCyRNkIJd73lvuuC_Oc3q0VLxGo25jtb1LC5nnfps3N02WuoJ1nrv0SDo2U1xjk7eFC6PSPjNhtJRqm/s4032/IMG_2373.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj638OWMlwhGVR0hFmUsr8rKwhLax0Nw1ql-B4OrQROzIbQDR1_xQ2u3Qpf6m8IpEE99lBDzeEU0osk1NP-f-3qCi3VjBzbMlqkea2udD2vcxhTFCyRNkIJd73lvuuC_Oc3q0VLxGo25jtb1LC5nnfps3N02WuoJ1nrv0SDo2U1xjk7eFC6PSPjNhtJRqm/w480-h640/IMG_2373.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqOplYNrpOT4eL_zv_yvSTIYzBFyQypjZly8uxSQdKdzpOanCROBCmjPb38gI0Q9-Rtzsh4LQsMHDZfM6IkYZ7DfvN1c1Y6R6EVhh0TQY8nJLcVwC0xCpaISEaJuppSNd-VuCUW9hgxQQGXUQdR8qLnN8fDPCxgeEAZWN7wECdD3n8eloFDcNP5gqxix0/s4032/IMG_2374.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqOplYNrpOT4eL_zv_yvSTIYzBFyQypjZly8uxSQdKdzpOanCROBCmjPb38gI0Q9-Rtzsh4LQsMHDZfM6IkYZ7DfvN1c1Y6R6EVhh0TQY8nJLcVwC0xCpaISEaJuppSNd-VuCUW9hgxQQGXUQdR8qLnN8fDPCxgeEAZWN7wECdD3n8eloFDcNP5gqxix0/w480-h640/IMG_2374.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once our weary old bones were warmed we went on our second and last hike of the evening the "Skyline" hike. I could see city lights in the distance, so I'm guessing that is how it got its name. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzhyLNt3K07rlRoIaY-kQPPCK_PJbVQneAKUwMysw9aU0u1loIhLi6KUIT7RaWVwwD769qQXfH0r3rO7yIUKlPOnbh7Nhz4Qtl_OXj1hqcHCQD77FgyZQlMFJAk_cOE_CpGpbVW65m4xnF3P45U8BRkpS3Z3cWIkCgsUsdu7S1xfGJyfkWfNHw70c_hsb/s4032/IMG_2380.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzhyLNt3K07rlRoIaY-kQPPCK_PJbVQneAKUwMysw9aU0u1loIhLi6KUIT7RaWVwwD769qQXfH0r3rO7yIUKlPOnbh7Nhz4Qtl_OXj1hqcHCQD77FgyZQlMFJAk_cOE_CpGpbVW65m4xnF3P45U8BRkpS3Z3cWIkCgsUsdu7S1xfGJyfkWfNHw70c_hsb/w480-h640/IMG_2380.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After our final Candlelight Walk, we went inside the Visitor Center to enjoy some refreshments and music.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Axi3y5duILA" width="320" youtube-src-id="Axi3y5duILA"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We loved the Candlelight Walk. The forest was just so peaceful and the candlelight gave it such a romantic feeling. What a perfect way to spend Valentine's Day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However, our weekend wasn't over yet! The following morning we went and explored the Minnesota side of Interstate Park.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI8XLUtX4YAD9ebXRLoKhr8l5YOrRyj-0GinwOciQLyq_KgChs547yq-_NOHtTVl8OxVeQAEIR2WRDsdcrxzqYtJlZCskaCN3lPsWBThuI65y2EnjDO4lVAjvQZVGHI0xa2ugKqBVsKyAmn2miKWKPl31ecXPWAU9yqp3jVWZ2sSLM58OeNCkzfq__Xjt/s4032/IMG_2400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI8XLUtX4YAD9ebXRLoKhr8l5YOrRyj-0GinwOciQLyq_KgChs547yq-_NOHtTVl8OxVeQAEIR2WRDsdcrxzqYtJlZCskaCN3lPsWBThuI65y2EnjDO4lVAjvQZVGHI0xa2ugKqBVsKyAmn2miKWKPl31ecXPWAU9yqp3jVWZ2sSLM58OeNCkzfq__Xjt/w480-h640/IMG_2400.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We saw some amazing panoramic views of the St. Croix river.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrhUGjapa9xPrp-9EajKqqiU2SiEiaIqf_4lANdzTTSFooPvVoatHnYQHlf3wB2JUPBeE14XoIEEUywU_aJrTGfN9QbFDldq-PJEtShoriISqQltoZLDz4nJwymexvlL3KrjVWaHMIaPzsYf_WuyXMDV5N82SitHgKZ4jKsmbidTpPYXLCjD6X30hITWm/s4032/IMG_2401.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrhUGjapa9xPrp-9EajKqqiU2SiEiaIqf_4lANdzTTSFooPvVoatHnYQHlf3wB2JUPBeE14XoIEEUywU_aJrTGfN9QbFDldq-PJEtShoriISqQltoZLDz4nJwymexvlL3KrjVWaHMIaPzsYf_WuyXMDV5N82SitHgKZ4jKsmbidTpPYXLCjD6X30hITWm/w480-h640/IMG_2401.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> We had such a wonderful Valentine Day weekend, and we didn't have to drive too far from home to enjoy it. Osceola is only 2 hours and 15 minutes away from our house! We enjoyed it so much, we wondered why we never visited before; but we will be back! I can't wait to explore the area more in the fall!<p></p><p>Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></p><p>Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-24725161390547275642024-02-07T00:00:00.001-06:002024-02-07T00:00:00.142-06:00A Visit to Olbrich Botanical Gardens<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The month of February is a wonderful time to dream of flowers and plan our gardens. I don't know about you, but this is the time of year when I'm itching to sink my bare feet into soft grass and to see beautiful blooms everywhere. I have grown so tired of the bleak landscape, and I want to see some color!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So what better time to share a travel garden post, eh? Last August my husband and I went on a romantic weekend to celebrate our anniversary. One of the places we stopped was in Madison, Wisconsin to tour the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQFpFJyWwQqpNM_JfuAdkrWFK9eL20MvgEEgarVyVsDaPehT0cjZBLZi6woZht5-Phw38YphPliqAy8BHcIwhHfaEfaWazV76kd0B0Gvw_3gQweTsv_hC4tigJ3vqS9JLd4_POaC1mKTIO4T2ncWfHel-gYofAs4AD_Yyz0uEvGDabBA81KmfVVz54ZK8/s4032/IMG_0297.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQFpFJyWwQqpNM_JfuAdkrWFK9eL20MvgEEgarVyVsDaPehT0cjZBLZi6woZht5-Phw38YphPliqAy8BHcIwhHfaEfaWazV76kd0B0Gvw_3gQweTsv_hC4tigJ3vqS9JLd4_POaC1mKTIO4T2ncWfHel-gYofAs4AD_Yyz0uEvGDabBA81KmfVVz54ZK8/w640-h480/IMG_0297.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have lived about four hours from Madison most of my adult life and yet somehow I never heard of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens before. I've been to Madison many times, my daughter and my son both did musical camps and concerts at their renowned university. And of course we went to the capitol and walked the infamous State Street a lot, but had I known there was a botanical gardens there, that would have been my priority upon every visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UDpYQuUojgS8A-1_6DeSVcc909117KlPnV2CQS8Bb-vC_09rn17FAp04txNr3fjkvDU3WA-HJ0ldeKehYj64hS0kiGIOkWeizfoWF7MMLJyrXF5SXdI2XEO-4mAwymSPUyFANH61DtShJbiirLh-AfY9NFuP1xmu50-xT99F0TbCaXvAOEsHiiOy_YTJ/s4032/IMG_0195.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UDpYQuUojgS8A-1_6DeSVcc909117KlPnV2CQS8Bb-vC_09rn17FAp04txNr3fjkvDU3WA-HJ0ldeKehYj64hS0kiGIOkWeizfoWF7MMLJyrXF5SXdI2XEO-4mAwymSPUyFANH61DtShJbiirLh-AfY9NFuP1xmu50-xT99F0TbCaXvAOEsHiiOy_YTJ/w480-h640/IMG_0195.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Olbrich Botanical Gardens has both a conservatory and outdoor gardens. The outdoor gardens are always free, which I found hard to believe because they are so amazing! The Bolz Conservatory has an admission price of $6.00 for adults, but it is also FREE on Saturday and Wednesday mornings if you get there before noon. We got in free because we are such early risers!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JKN3WrW8mOOf2RbSeW_x9Dfpv2q_kmN5pWOEXjQxNsMeroAme3fnDntGM8fiwAbCM6heZxNmXgdok7svSjqX6lDmfb7GtYpcQnMvPzVwkDjTdhOW7JWwlYowQWjRGoFNst6XX-U31i-vNtQSffdTA_KeeIVXLwRBrNfLzWOvZx_tTJvp53RIK_Wa9vlZ/s4032/IMG_0197.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JKN3WrW8mOOf2RbSeW_x9Dfpv2q_kmN5pWOEXjQxNsMeroAme3fnDntGM8fiwAbCM6heZxNmXgdok7svSjqX6lDmfb7GtYpcQnMvPzVwkDjTdhOW7JWwlYowQWjRGoFNst6XX-U31i-vNtQSffdTA_KeeIVXLwRBrNfLzWOvZx_tTJvp53RIK_Wa9vlZ/w480-h640/IMG_0197.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My favorite part of the conservatory were the butterflies! They have tons of beautiful butterflies flying all over the conservatory. I saw a few land on visitors hands too!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjaqC6teL7qzx4AOIg0HJLHQG_5M2RhHhlPG62qNqm4W1EFFhzjsEEs9WhxUaGdaH4QtHJh_yBM0cLcP8bS3e7lA7ZdgE1mfIuRi6FiSgjF3aeRbT-gAvukPHXqLIIBZWi-AxGDa2e9sF_9AyoE_bXTcQP0t-pCH9sltUfOQ5jHlXWqWuO6udAVvuJ762/s4032/IMG_0199.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjaqC6teL7qzx4AOIg0HJLHQG_5M2RhHhlPG62qNqm4W1EFFhzjsEEs9WhxUaGdaH4QtHJh_yBM0cLcP8bS3e7lA7ZdgE1mfIuRi6FiSgjF3aeRbT-gAvukPHXqLIIBZWi-AxGDa2e9sF_9AyoE_bXTcQP0t-pCH9sltUfOQ5jHlXWqWuO6udAVvuJ762/w480-h640/IMG_0199.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In addition to the flying colors, the conservatory is filled with colorful tropical plants like the purple orchid above or the interesting red one below.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7S3vHb2uWH_qc32JI1TMnhayg1Pdc_AbwWc7b_7ecU6OLBbXjYYBbH2Vsl4gV-09t8hZjk88L0uZKC3DxYVBo961Yog0sHSu3sNaWGlw1nnMyZ_bAqjmnpZHZCDm-etxkqpbXw_REIfZO7QmKBN-c3rjZ5_gLz8wc0zQoqg0ttxyihfSySBi0W2AYrjL5/s4032/IMG_0201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7S3vHb2uWH_qc32JI1TMnhayg1Pdc_AbwWc7b_7ecU6OLBbXjYYBbH2Vsl4gV-09t8hZjk88L0uZKC3DxYVBo961Yog0sHSu3sNaWGlw1nnMyZ_bAqjmnpZHZCDm-etxkqpbXw_REIfZO7QmKBN-c3rjZ5_gLz8wc0zQoqg0ttxyihfSySBi0W2AYrjL5/w480-h640/IMG_0201.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpT4xzfA0dpCzFgD-1RBt-hFXOl7cw_rO0Mbz_e_i2RWkUaa06ifGIIZdHm29B8gaPuNc6zRXADHTS_67SWgWcQDRXP6HlybASys1Y_GEJxHUFbPt735GN76LyQuHjGI8sCpUCapWc_7Gng98kg86dQn2UBrMPw1J8BavAnWr8HEVN76G4q6ABH6bTWaq/s4032/IMG_0203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpT4xzfA0dpCzFgD-1RBt-hFXOl7cw_rO0Mbz_e_i2RWkUaa06ifGIIZdHm29B8gaPuNc6zRXADHTS_67SWgWcQDRXP6HlybASys1Y_GEJxHUFbPt735GN76LyQuHjGI8sCpUCapWc_7Gng98kg86dQn2UBrMPw1J8BavAnWr8HEVN76G4q6ABH6bTWaq/w480-h640/IMG_0203.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lots of people grow the fuchsia colored plant pictured below as an annual in my neck of the woods.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n7ESa3x6zr5ia6b8i6-bbUPTNq_1zkjapMQMhNhQJJTWmq6Q0ggP_N3pTnzZQV4ZpB_8_fvOBF3YFuLxSEd1iwwFXZoNi2JBeSMMkl6gUyLUibPdATFnmuGZiQHL49XLrTNWg5-gWhi7wQE739GnKI1M6jHw4T_6u4mBiiHIlB64VzV-ywe8-e489f3u/s4032/IMG_0204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n7ESa3x6zr5ia6b8i6-bbUPTNq_1zkjapMQMhNhQJJTWmq6Q0ggP_N3pTnzZQV4ZpB_8_fvOBF3YFuLxSEd1iwwFXZoNi2JBeSMMkl6gUyLUibPdATFnmuGZiQHL49XLrTNWg5-gWhi7wQE739GnKI1M6jHw4T_6u4mBiiHIlB64VzV-ywe8-e489f3u/w480-h640/IMG_0204.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was completely awestruck by the size of some of the tropical plant leaves.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5g1qLap66Ejf-Qj_C6VV5TudT0jhVeP1Q3WiUWpDwFwFCg7S0kn1eNFq601NSfiTmCfLqALsnKnuUBoyHAZXCYoVMDge0B0kd2oseCjR-otJ8HNE4Z4DL3XQPSDJ6Cs3ky0Qufyy-TvuVO1v24wHa0kcxlEzfus9KVSBnDGnDfarJEm7eppYJZV48OYn/s4032/IMG_0205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5g1qLap66Ejf-Qj_C6VV5TudT0jhVeP1Q3WiUWpDwFwFCg7S0kn1eNFq601NSfiTmCfLqALsnKnuUBoyHAZXCYoVMDge0B0kd2oseCjR-otJ8HNE4Z4DL3XQPSDJ6Cs3ky0Qufyy-TvuVO1v24wHa0kcxlEzfus9KVSBnDGnDfarJEm7eppYJZV48OYn/w480-h640/IMG_0205.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And look at the beautiful white veining of this one!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OLXYVIm3EjN_pUVPakV4s7vvjl_3x5DEF4A4R8bta9nFTe9ENjEKv4c-2w3CltZ96SiCDvRyFt83MbRi8ifbP4LGyYgNjSPqU7fvHCG0Wr_K-r7giq2DrVJXkjNOpwj4-ttd-RlcofgYgmS_gXm4QuQzKfd2hbFXQnMrfLL2uAUp9ooXtm2Q2yrbO8nY/s4032/IMG_0206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OLXYVIm3EjN_pUVPakV4s7vvjl_3x5DEF4A4R8bta9nFTe9ENjEKv4c-2w3CltZ96SiCDvRyFt83MbRi8ifbP4LGyYgNjSPqU7fvHCG0Wr_K-r7giq2DrVJXkjNOpwj4-ttd-RlcofgYgmS_gXm4QuQzKfd2hbFXQnMrfLL2uAUp9ooXtm2Q2yrbO8nY/w480-h640/IMG_0206.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't take a whole lot of photos inside as it was so crowded it was hard to take pictures. There was a small waterfall and koi pond with bridges. The people below are standing in front of them. There's a balcony area, where this picture was taken from, where you can get a bird's eye view of the entire conservatory.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyt-SsPAHKfihsUjegaw_WfGtojRbws34USaeCcj4sEr4Q8rTxSG9_AM3MqqSotF_wUEy2AvKFDqcAYQ6sDjTuJ7kET5d34M0b20UbsuqMsRe2v5Fjghrq97GlFCdm2hwHq-KLV96eKOhcRM250Dg9ptWjhSHOschdyS-OsnGg8hOCiuETA0oblnEeFL-7/s4032/IMG_0208.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyt-SsPAHKfihsUjegaw_WfGtojRbws34USaeCcj4sEr4Q8rTxSG9_AM3MqqSotF_wUEy2AvKFDqcAYQ6sDjTuJ7kET5d34M0b20UbsuqMsRe2v5Fjghrq97GlFCdm2hwHq-KLV96eKOhcRM250Dg9ptWjhSHOschdyS-OsnGg8hOCiuETA0oblnEeFL-7/w480-h640/IMG_0208.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now it was time to move outside and view the outside gardens. The gardens are located at the edge of Lake Monona so you get a beautiful view of the water in the distance. You can barely see it in the photo below, but the lake is right past the green hedge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEv42bFgMKi-L7h4vXDFcKkf06aQURjTT006cWXDyTbaG2ibiIKtIEZhvpeYcSvpAd_ImfE_LYSTXp80WYu-HVoP2194iJCm6OsCf5_HsiL1H0w8lTsK8P8Dgcb18GNC38WwEyG4QGmXYLMSdxIY5-ivrY-WPi0ZjkiYzsOUtWb34P0kxyroBAlma57pc/s4032/IMG_0231.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEv42bFgMKi-L7h4vXDFcKkf06aQURjTT006cWXDyTbaG2ibiIKtIEZhvpeYcSvpAd_ImfE_LYSTXp80WYu-HVoP2194iJCm6OsCf5_HsiL1H0w8lTsK8P8Dgcb18GNC38WwEyG4QGmXYLMSdxIY5-ivrY-WPi0ZjkiYzsOUtWb34P0kxyroBAlma57pc/w480-h640/IMG_0231.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are so many gardens in Olbrich; I think I counted seventeen! The one above is the Sunken Garden. Originally designed in 1935 it is a formal English-style garden enclosed by a shrub hedge. The reflecting pool is 80 feet long.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhABax1YjWEWEL0LnLKwQxKt371i6ca31yQrJwEhLN1yJb-XK1eUoZSl2f0k-8SBPj9TzTfLARjJBl5z0F9ZQamTVHZyEUJ9gc_afeoBjKWDHHDxwMy5nxVVpYd_LGeiFSyj1cZY9IQjo3aJNdZ9F8xBag7-qcx_Ukls9Jam9GPdfMIB7-SQUKX8Ljb7VD/s4032/IMG_0244.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhABax1YjWEWEL0LnLKwQxKt371i6ca31yQrJwEhLN1yJb-XK1eUoZSl2f0k-8SBPj9TzTfLARjJBl5z0F9ZQamTVHZyEUJ9gc_afeoBjKWDHHDxwMy5nxVVpYd_LGeiFSyj1cZY9IQjo3aJNdZ9F8xBag7-qcx_Ukls9Jam9GPdfMIB7-SQUKX8Ljb7VD/w480-h640/IMG_0244.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pond was filled with the most breath-taking lilies!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1MQjs-j1Whl5oUPNV7pN0M09NTWB5v7Op1Y3V9y677uxb8XKUqACIAKNGBtspbXYSqiO4sRIh8ucrI0_YWbUHjJ096kYZBCAgfPzowOpXJEUpTmbrhWM9yDhugXnGnyAycCRsPEzpgdH6MeRopiUOxQKqJuBYEwaSfZliGWRNpG-GqNCg8HzD_H_DovW/s4032/IMG_0245.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1MQjs-j1Whl5oUPNV7pN0M09NTWB5v7Op1Y3V9y677uxb8XKUqACIAKNGBtspbXYSqiO4sRIh8ucrI0_YWbUHjJ096kYZBCAgfPzowOpXJEUpTmbrhWM9yDhugXnGnyAycCRsPEzpgdH6MeRopiUOxQKqJuBYEwaSfZliGWRNpG-GqNCg8HzD_H_DovW/w480-h640/IMG_0245.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-H1o2FMMUsh4Y78uQ9Eph7JFnRR-qxHpIijY4orftEF70c0ocE8dKx1Up86aWFDafvNjE7zYk3RIs_HPfpqcrs6yvWX0OEwgrAK3QWGgMNEphmnDouPGOf1dkAm5f8YKQXc9bhLIPIiRCd7xxk-zGFu5fSh5_6BX2b5NytTuOnxjCqVEOJWtd60w_lJO/s4032/IMG_0265.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-H1o2FMMUsh4Y78uQ9Eph7JFnRR-qxHpIijY4orftEF70c0ocE8dKx1Up86aWFDafvNjE7zYk3RIs_HPfpqcrs6yvWX0OEwgrAK3QWGgMNEphmnDouPGOf1dkAm5f8YKQXc9bhLIPIiRCd7xxk-zGFu5fSh5_6BX2b5NytTuOnxjCqVEOJWtd60w_lJO/w640-h480/IMG_0265.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pictured above is the Herb Garden. It is a "series of smaller gardens meant to delight the senses and illustrate the historic and contemporary importance of herbs".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Yxm6m3pUEkQ1VEtkEVsNyDpQ65VCicwimZ0D-1674bsTsBTeWuJXqCZKRykNLwnvODcorbq6fHB0uKGaqRxOVOAJS6-JxzRCfSnhVuBLuYv0Ff9H-Ma9uEfCk1jBxO1m9TBDM6lIBu3YLaLSKwriWuVIxh6z_7ZP1KkV7vYkfhDYUoX3vd_jFxkabrqA/s4032/IMG_0271.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Yxm6m3pUEkQ1VEtkEVsNyDpQ65VCicwimZ0D-1674bsTsBTeWuJXqCZKRykNLwnvODcorbq6fHB0uKGaqRxOVOAJS6-JxzRCfSnhVuBLuYv0Ff9H-Ma9uEfCk1jBxO1m9TBDM6lIBu3YLaLSKwriWuVIxh6z_7ZP1KkV7vYkfhDYUoX3vd_jFxkabrqA/w480-h640/IMG_0271.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were so many different paths criss crossing every which way at Olbrich, it was hard to figure out what direction to go. I didn't want to miss anything! We ended up taking the Birch Walk along Starkweather Creek and came upon a bridge that led us to the Thai Pavilion and Garden...my favorite part of Olbrich Botanical Gardens! The little statue above, called "Thai Naga", greeted us before we crossed the bridge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9zS-GQ00vjROqqRBAsC87lUEaaXjGAXDn7wnxQxricyl4rOJ8FU8pA1T6O0I-RY60ELJpTbSTb1NaFQrJciqgjLl7ewTucf6p_-X_7Bao-Mtj4QsyLKmHM_ZYUacNwgBaFKBdBcilsuivtqOsGBwic4Z5JqJIT9Ueij9T6irSIjMTk31WYD8kgPwEWyj/s4032/IMG_0281.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9zS-GQ00vjROqqRBAsC87lUEaaXjGAXDn7wnxQxricyl4rOJ8FU8pA1T6O0I-RY60ELJpTbSTb1NaFQrJciqgjLl7ewTucf6p_-X_7Bao-Mtj4QsyLKmHM_ZYUacNwgBaFKBdBcilsuivtqOsGBwic4Z5JqJIT9Ueij9T6irSIjMTk31WYD8kgPwEWyj/w480-h640/IMG_0281.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I got to the middle of the bridge, my jaw just dropped to the floor! What a beautiful magical structure I saw across the creek! The incredible building is the Royal Thai Pavilion, which was a gift from the government of Thailand and the Thai Chapter of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association. "It's the only one in the continental United States, and the only one outside of Thailand surrounded by a garden. The garden portrays a tropical feel by using large leafed and bright-flowered plants hardy in the Midwest."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYOORE4eo7cy01sDMDdSEI8N24DomT2w_ixPAxmgxyN9cMwAo5-Jk0Gcio4HZiokcrjcYrpqlTqn5yesflhcsbDbgZdpZqUP804Xusy-Qf4Pej_TaoY6itDqIWvveINBJKJeK1zyhl8MXJjwqbt2klaUXXjggMXSBHqTxMX3rabxkUyODHk8we5TAc1Yz/s4032/IMG_0290.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYOORE4eo7cy01sDMDdSEI8N24DomT2w_ixPAxmgxyN9cMwAo5-Jk0Gcio4HZiokcrjcYrpqlTqn5yesflhcsbDbgZdpZqUP804Xusy-Qf4Pej_TaoY6itDqIWvveINBJKJeK1zyhl8MXJjwqbt2klaUXXjggMXSBHqTxMX3rabxkUyODHk8we5TAc1Yz/w480-h640/IMG_0290.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I fell in love with this Thai Elephant statue in the Thai Gardens.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY52JJh2StvH703H8AV6btcymJhPyiNIMEQgOXAWqVPXM5TWGDuH53ZFoFxYX0dPiWZlbNbu7wc4XWq8UyQR3QFDdfse3hxRMoBp3B9_l5GvlaSGg9ryfmg5SunK26OrTwegzbdG1hv1H2LRurMBiZRb3FmSokAAnggCWrA7DhEZcDfpadN0EvGNIEXd65/s4032/IMG_0291.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY52JJh2StvH703H8AV6btcymJhPyiNIMEQgOXAWqVPXM5TWGDuH53ZFoFxYX0dPiWZlbNbu7wc4XWq8UyQR3QFDdfse3hxRMoBp3B9_l5GvlaSGg9ryfmg5SunK26OrTwegzbdG1hv1H2LRurMBiZRb3FmSokAAnggCWrA7DhEZcDfpadN0EvGNIEXd65/w480-h640/IMG_0291.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The elephant statue and the plaque below were in a beautiful tropical-looking garden in the Thai Gardens. The plaque reads: "This Bronze Elephant symbolizes the special relationship between the University of Wisconsin - Madison and the UW Almni in Thailand. Cast in Thailand for the Wisconsin Alumni Association-Thailand. Dedicated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maya Chokri Sirindlorn to Olbrich Botancials Garden 1/26/2007 Chitraloda Palace, Bangkok, Thailand".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOYdJAQsE9-HQGdp-M-5C9I_kvUXaK8swIjttmb2N6FBKROp44ThL8m2tHiEdM5vHWlozobXefwVQK9sfQZIju0D8q_QdM0N2NFAQnsGLdRlatGlhN42jqpx6fHPZqDfomG5NXYvIgskFPbF7vVaulLQF2u_FCQkf51j9w7aZ2xeZbPvC4K6w5Ktli9TR/s4032/IMG_0296.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOYdJAQsE9-HQGdp-M-5C9I_kvUXaK8swIjttmb2N6FBKROp44ThL8m2tHiEdM5vHWlozobXefwVQK9sfQZIju0D8q_QdM0N2NFAQnsGLdRlatGlhN42jqpx6fHPZqDfomG5NXYvIgskFPbF7vVaulLQF2u_FCQkf51j9w7aZ2xeZbPvC4K6w5Ktli9TR/w480-h640/IMG_0296.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I couldn't get enough of this magnificent structures surrounded by ponds filled with lily pads and tropical plants and flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03zEk-OlNDwHHqyYN-92CRyKS2_M0NWD-x0GKonIo6JD4y8pP6149jB7Xt9ZkUtOMti-jxDHoJCowQYWj5eUgsZ61KevV0LNCVZU8vG9UyYYgGUCPQp3VA_OqMhIFT37PDfyJQqcPvHWt1NW-wIkC1YwDqA2CvlMhSUw9R4oR8_IoWbpmcwEeeRNoJ1tO/s4032/IMG_0307.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03zEk-OlNDwHHqyYN-92CRyKS2_M0NWD-x0GKonIo6JD4y8pP6149jB7Xt9ZkUtOMti-jxDHoJCowQYWj5eUgsZ61KevV0LNCVZU8vG9UyYYgGUCPQp3VA_OqMhIFT37PDfyJQqcPvHWt1NW-wIkC1YwDqA2CvlMhSUw9R4oR8_IoWbpmcwEeeRNoJ1tO/w640-h480/IMG_0307.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After oohing and aahing the Thai Garden, we crossed the bridge once more and entered the Perennial Garden. The Perennial Garden is two acres of mixed borders of perennials, ornamental grasses, annuals, trees, and shrubs. "A rushing waterfall spills into a meandering stream and three tranquil pools highlighting aquatic plants"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJwEBHPAcIYOssDkrqETLl2ZyqgIqSIrlwOPzJl5V94SBv_G_EgU-A5BlP9WmEPRCgyOQz03WKpds5hbJbve0eHaxVqwClo3XjNxqtmVXsLp6FtH98Z03-sesqp52_s9lDbcDXk8T_ikdLvUgsZGf49njWUGAf9COMd8hvO-MNqvH9y_a2DHDuYDIcYn7/s4032/IMG_0313.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJwEBHPAcIYOssDkrqETLl2ZyqgIqSIrlwOPzJl5V94SBv_G_EgU-A5BlP9WmEPRCgyOQz03WKpds5hbJbve0eHaxVqwClo3XjNxqtmVXsLp6FtH98Z03-sesqp52_s9lDbcDXk8T_ikdLvUgsZGf49njWUGAf9COMd8hvO-MNqvH9y_a2DHDuYDIcYn7/w480-h640/IMG_0313.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroh5bcfgZZUDv4ZJruAamUFl2f-zhdjti-vuWo1GDV0cSbvLXFonil0B6q5H5QkSked5F6oBT404q60_ZDgkcCLPQKfR427Fb9StslWETJsp1Jbdnt81LCW996cBtqL5-41OZt6WOJhDeacMYl4jJJAqb11HIzEfVbiTNxViBkRsvu9d6FVqQMiSpAaLf/s4032/IMG_0316.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroh5bcfgZZUDv4ZJruAamUFl2f-zhdjti-vuWo1GDV0cSbvLXFonil0B6q5H5QkSked5F6oBT404q60_ZDgkcCLPQKfR427Fb9StslWETJsp1Jbdnt81LCW996cBtqL5-41OZt6WOJhDeacMYl4jJJAqb11HIzEfVbiTNxViBkRsvu9d6FVqQMiSpAaLf/w480-h640/IMG_0316.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because our visit was in mid-summer we saw lots of fall blooming plants like Golden Rod and Black Eyed Susans.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jcVHKAZXfBJCizFcMwePQBdjwOe7jTAvqeYMbFKjRhG9-nVeIOQB0g0Tas41l4MiB6zlLOKYojL1xrKABw3Ir-W7gaoBFtbtYT8m0yyrOkdo1AMHPwh_mOhuXi2l4z5Yx2nHW_0PBPRXaMs36sreTRma82yjbmHehv0ncRG7wlG_ms3CsIr_DFmAz26G/s4032/IMG_0322.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jcVHKAZXfBJCizFcMwePQBdjwOe7jTAvqeYMbFKjRhG9-nVeIOQB0g0Tas41l4MiB6zlLOKYojL1xrKABw3Ir-W7gaoBFtbtYT8m0yyrOkdo1AMHPwh_mOhuXi2l4z5Yx2nHW_0PBPRXaMs36sreTRma82yjbmHehv0ncRG7wlG_ms3CsIr_DFmAz26G/w480-h640/IMG_0322.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-QLSk7IyowpzTyalNg7PZTo4xZ91Zhp3UmMq69YKAb9HddXPApZthdk8pzGixcDop7t03DmVjahI2ajbPvSmfGwqnmKCwLQbkle78N8dERGWrUrTzYbyv3Z4kP-rZJlNnwG6AbMYJjU4-oqRnPux7p4wVjwwTrrCEJoH6j-LOxWc_YM3M4K6GXwv5egY/s4032/IMG_0323.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-QLSk7IyowpzTyalNg7PZTo4xZ91Zhp3UmMq69YKAb9HddXPApZthdk8pzGixcDop7t03DmVjahI2ajbPvSmfGwqnmKCwLQbkle78N8dERGWrUrTzYbyv3Z4kP-rZJlNnwG6AbMYJjU4-oqRnPux7p4wVjwwTrrCEJoH6j-LOxWc_YM3M4K6GXwv5egY/w480-h640/IMG_0323.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju76RQ_nJbam_Aqy7v9sGcInm3kLMz0vJXN0F4CFVy6Kf0_bP6YQBPiKd46c2Zxo1-ANZq-jkDcFxtEdWFQqoGHC357cSFRVShiNVm0Em81cnwZAiQPVmT0TGJCwd-SMLTVLviVXudGCdB24dXugcHyQmPrIIZm1V4x6BZdo7mpEtqbkzS-2RwxJgKjRES/s4032/IMG_0327.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju76RQ_nJbam_Aqy7v9sGcInm3kLMz0vJXN0F4CFVy6Kf0_bP6YQBPiKd46c2Zxo1-ANZq-jkDcFxtEdWFQqoGHC357cSFRVShiNVm0Em81cnwZAiQPVmT0TGJCwd-SMLTVLviVXudGCdB24dXugcHyQmPrIIZm1V4x6BZdo7mpEtqbkzS-2RwxJgKjRES/w640-h480/IMG_0327.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Great Lawn is a circular stretch of lawn with garden paths jutting out from eight points leading to all the different display gardens. A "Donors Arch" is at one end and the Conservatory, Visitor Center, Atrium, and Family Learning Center are in the background.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMgyE8V3JNn9nkL3cz5w_PyVxwoE_rX6D9StHmhbW7mY6omOJ_p-BI545Uk6afRlrksrSeQWxzqKnul5mtZ4FJb7rLb8In1Ha2EgjYQMtYcnJ79XbCp1H9boOmTaDqMXCeFRRuRmoB8pTPXpx0Q3Mi1Fv9R3F0V2Cj7Camsag_2EELmgSs0EMTGBBX0-Q/s4032/IMG_0331.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMgyE8V3JNn9nkL3cz5w_PyVxwoE_rX6D9StHmhbW7mY6omOJ_p-BI545Uk6afRlrksrSeQWxzqKnul5mtZ4FJb7rLb8In1Ha2EgjYQMtYcnJ79XbCp1H9boOmTaDqMXCeFRRuRmoB8pTPXpx0Q3Mi1Fv9R3F0V2Cj7Camsag_2EELmgSs0EMTGBBX0-Q/w640-h480/IMG_0331.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My second favorite part of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens was the Tower Garden. This garden combines a variety of ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, spring bulbs, perennials, climbing roses, tropical plants, and ornamental grasses. A Prairie Style Viewing tower and fountains are the highlight of this garden!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0YFlv7apkme18TESLpN-GA2kmWqfVEQ8OlYY8UrdjgIvVFt1bL0CUCWKd5fmqMhwFrTciBf4WFB82Rn-RUAi7ZzmREIwazeDg05wDRxDiosc0XMSy64fP-egqJ0ejUlPqGPwx_qg2yyTPC-LQ5VR3GFVx2NNMajRVI0BHHsoR9a1_bc09nsOsSaKtqSc/s4032/IMG_0333.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0YFlv7apkme18TESLpN-GA2kmWqfVEQ8OlYY8UrdjgIvVFt1bL0CUCWKd5fmqMhwFrTciBf4WFB82Rn-RUAi7ZzmREIwazeDg05wDRxDiosc0XMSy64fP-egqJ0ejUlPqGPwx_qg2yyTPC-LQ5VR3GFVx2NNMajRVI0BHHsoR9a1_bc09nsOsSaKtqSc/w480-h640/IMG_0333.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1m78UwJKfwyn_yJh3ZILziiNH0so6C-AjowpF0Mukse5l_YnHG-HkJBfNYard3xntkROXygycJuyM1oufGhmYyLvvsY11D9ep0snvEDmt4cbhzG-Gu0JzocTBIDTWdtBmVwhtbNxZb799cFMzoMc2HAKdhOg-ik8Nk9vwqhyphenhyphenZZneRYTW9uHUE-LT_JKu/s4032/IMG_0335.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1m78UwJKfwyn_yJh3ZILziiNH0so6C-AjowpF0Mukse5l_YnHG-HkJBfNYard3xntkROXygycJuyM1oufGhmYyLvvsY11D9ep0snvEDmt4cbhzG-Gu0JzocTBIDTWdtBmVwhtbNxZb799cFMzoMc2HAKdhOg-ik8Nk9vwqhyphenhyphenZZneRYTW9uHUE-LT_JKu/w480-h640/IMG_0335.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We walked behind the Tower Garden first and stumbled upon the Autumn Garden which is a Midwestern prairie-inspired meadow that highlights native plants. There is a lovely, shaded resting spot filled with rustic, handmade furniture for visitors to sit and rest and spell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu93iClKTuB7t1Cu8O_YyBn2SSpTRGO94ABYvK2k5wMaxMyf3zcUPRgSrDxGrfPL-rka8Z6ncvBL6r2qB5RSp0m2kxxevEYHiapvsMbWef7Uu117VAGgZkHIHStAM5Z0OWf-uYrSKA4y2hDe47yapktA1mBVfj8gHqHCx9vr7i4H-pgeIkeT0l1l6UIO60/s4032/IMG_0336.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu93iClKTuB7t1Cu8O_YyBn2SSpTRGO94ABYvK2k5wMaxMyf3zcUPRgSrDxGrfPL-rka8Z6ncvBL6r2qB5RSp0m2kxxevEYHiapvsMbWef7Uu117VAGgZkHIHStAM5Z0OWf-uYrSKA4y2hDe47yapktA1mBVfj8gHqHCx9vr7i4H-pgeIkeT0l1l6UIO60/w480-h640/IMG_0336.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Right behind the resting spot is a cute rustic shed. Yes, this is definitely midwestern style!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCOxMZNBo7utrszQALqpHgZ-bc5rbD1tPV48yXjfqfhtdrSeE4pDcahfBG3lUC65UPS4bq-ADKAjtStlrjWvHOHNVzkqEPg4z-ixDkgyMYiRgh-9m0oO4AopWTVZGtkuNGpbJFXlh0gGc86eYtflrNj9S48H-WF9KI_Nv0amfSp52Uv1dJYrnpQPIjaNw/s4032/IMG_0337.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCOxMZNBo7utrszQALqpHgZ-bc5rbD1tPV48yXjfqfhtdrSeE4pDcahfBG3lUC65UPS4bq-ADKAjtStlrjWvHOHNVzkqEPg4z-ixDkgyMYiRgh-9m0oO4AopWTVZGtkuNGpbJFXlh0gGc86eYtflrNj9S48H-WF9KI_Nv0amfSp52Uv1dJYrnpQPIjaNw/w480-h640/IMG_0337.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our way back to the front of the Tower Garden we strolled past the most beautiful, large hydrangea bushes I ever did see!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5AFWtcZ_wPzpj-UOnq_5s_KSXUPGAwtjPvdPljH7QRxnCj8ub5qALUKcXsv_th3j_U4ITdtAXAbXc6Fo-mRUP59S366LXIwfXXNi8dAWC2npzDbkeg40jg_u1_o0UGG1xqyZuyNIpumoGO3BOmz-hD9gp_wG8MtsMoEQVECE-admXxylUbxdkykEYaUS/s4032/IMG_0346.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5AFWtcZ_wPzpj-UOnq_5s_KSXUPGAwtjPvdPljH7QRxnCj8ub5qALUKcXsv_th3j_U4ITdtAXAbXc6Fo-mRUP59S366LXIwfXXNi8dAWC2npzDbkeg40jg_u1_o0UGG1xqyZuyNIpumoGO3BOmz-hD9gp_wG8MtsMoEQVECE-admXxylUbxdkykEYaUS/w640-h480/IMG_0346.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course I had to take a detour through the Eunice Fisher Hosta Garden first! "This small garden is home to a historical collection of hosts hybridized by Wisconsin native Eunice Fisher". I'm always interested in seeing Hosta gardens because I have a lot of shade in my yard and grow a lot of Hosta myself. I love to get ideas from other people's Hosta gardens.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt-dVAidGhN7OieW_h1xcB2VHAKe6RCQvYoK6brp3FiloM0pOQh8X7AkQ3jNxv9O7sT7crHFk5kMt8IpxuU2T1D360kxCSKHNb1kDp27GaYzJVHgOR1iLjSfpj4Xm_9F2Ku5kktm8-W_NiTriRF2Xa2AdnNpucoX5iVR7P6UIWewz6sJyY79iyqkEgMdc/s4032/IMG_0347.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt-dVAidGhN7OieW_h1xcB2VHAKe6RCQvYoK6brp3FiloM0pOQh8X7AkQ3jNxv9O7sT7crHFk5kMt8IpxuU2T1D360kxCSKHNb1kDp27GaYzJVHgOR1iLjSfpj4Xm_9F2Ku5kktm8-W_NiTriRF2Xa2AdnNpucoX5iVR7P6UIWewz6sJyY79iyqkEgMdc/w480-h640/IMG_0347.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, after a long detour, we were back in front of the Tower Garden. See, I told you this place was a beautiful maze of garden paths! This was my second favorite garden. Even though the brochure describes the tower as prairie-style, the entire area reminded me of Italy; perhaps it was all the limestone walls.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC-v-1HcKKrJl4BiS8jU4Xsi45uZfrZt1vtEQ-1PynIl8BsjuDk1963xQ52mobAy6l0aR63fHB3o3vayZBr_gyvhpJ2D4JIbPa0clqEe8b7SLB284rcmDusyvBoFyehQAdDbx5OSS5ZwMt1AupwEUH1LGomXQDj0Z-PJpBNF3GsHhPPhGzADn7JtAnvWz/s4032/IMG_0360.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC-v-1HcKKrJl4BiS8jU4Xsi45uZfrZt1vtEQ-1PynIl8BsjuDk1963xQ52mobAy6l0aR63fHB3o3vayZBr_gyvhpJ2D4JIbPa0clqEe8b7SLB284rcmDusyvBoFyehQAdDbx5OSS5ZwMt1AupwEUH1LGomXQDj0Z-PJpBNF3GsHhPPhGzADn7JtAnvWz/w480-h640/IMG_0360.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9sEnIQFKuVS4VnC2Ms73HVEwxdiANYME36dYx961X9bXyOcBHxieQRSCGonNmwm9ydNka-s4lcvjqs03p5RZHCtN0iRzXiGbRscjxt0k6kmf-lueqdZhmn2AQY9WibqKICQcEioo0Igd_xRF1cnT-K6Gg_9zNYIAEmYQ-YPdTFpHmrR5knllm5blcpwn/s4032/IMG_0361.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9sEnIQFKuVS4VnC2Ms73HVEwxdiANYME36dYx961X9bXyOcBHxieQRSCGonNmwm9ydNka-s4lcvjqs03p5RZHCtN0iRzXiGbRscjxt0k6kmf-lueqdZhmn2AQY9WibqKICQcEioo0Igd_xRF1cnT-K6Gg_9zNYIAEmYQ-YPdTFpHmrR5knllm5blcpwn/w640-h480/IMG_0361.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa76pWib-QFG7693BFZLwlFskCamk1p3el5Lx02YNVbPdkyd9n-Oo_Gkww1FdOU3wygecEk3hHgeFyhRFXB6lddjP8KmhpB1eESc92EadxudOGE4yD35ACXfCaAbTQdxjSIoymuLiBW3UeCOEgk89SKAkY7KaCYzYxd25_F_hcBJa1W9BJh46EPNJjrBG/s4032/IMG_0364.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoa76pWib-QFG7693BFZLwlFskCamk1p3el5Lx02YNVbPdkyd9n-Oo_Gkww1FdOU3wygecEk3hHgeFyhRFXB6lddjP8KmhpB1eESc92EadxudOGE4yD35ACXfCaAbTQdxjSIoymuLiBW3UeCOEgk89SKAkY7KaCYzYxd25_F_hcBJa1W9BJh46EPNJjrBG/w480-h640/IMG_0364.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I noticed the planters were all filled with succulents, which is a good idea because then they don't have to be watered everyday!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6wAhiDSPtZvRkn5pN7NyOWigaEilTu8iCWVJcMZPRa0S6YNOJvwpFfS2QREaztv5ckSNG2geKwDqghbHl4MKumuShSo3XyYpLJps4kP0GBMoYW5_vVLJuXxXv7ntkZGZc9ZG13sVInxsDWpQHve1QK2BEjCmMr00C9lGREhG3jWrY_L7D_EpIpy_GsWS/s4032/IMG_0365.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6wAhiDSPtZvRkn5pN7NyOWigaEilTu8iCWVJcMZPRa0S6YNOJvwpFfS2QREaztv5ckSNG2geKwDqghbHl4MKumuShSo3XyYpLJps4kP0GBMoYW5_vVLJuXxXv7ntkZGZc9ZG13sVInxsDWpQHve1QK2BEjCmMr00C9lGREhG3jWrY_L7D_EpIpy_GsWS/w480-h640/IMG_0365.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFc_VR3d95xY9FXVAKJUioQnx6u_MH9l21nUXxck-_bvTq_y85Lo_E0wXGDIk6FrUR-qbjMnbReEwJN-9E8kooLCLiBZbJ95cvF83QV_J3kJuSZ_NQu8yTkSedTttSBVLq4O7QKc-P1CW5OnulWg9cya-tUYkd3l5ZNo49_GFhQEqQ6kvh7E608LZE1VJ/s4032/IMG_0366.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFc_VR3d95xY9FXVAKJUioQnx6u_MH9l21nUXxck-_bvTq_y85Lo_E0wXGDIk6FrUR-qbjMnbReEwJN-9E8kooLCLiBZbJ95cvF83QV_J3kJuSZ_NQu8yTkSedTttSBVLq4O7QKc-P1CW5OnulWg9cya-tUYkd3l5ZNo49_GFhQEqQ6kvh7E608LZE1VJ/w480-h640/IMG_0366.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4R6E0gb6rWvOXGvPPyP6iJwZLhlRWsEnQgZxDS08hH7nYWVonSBhOVhv-T0fB6SvX6CYOCYIuYi5aqhEqscenVPfUfZYHrvi0Rh7ZBTqmFiKH-qeTsgfelMOuh86gTZ_G5aMBn-QEaDnYts__IaEMpjZzrm8G1WKOwiHsIss850zSZolFBkHIcusH6gp/s4032/IMG_0369.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4R6E0gb6rWvOXGvPPyP6iJwZLhlRWsEnQgZxDS08hH7nYWVonSBhOVhv-T0fB6SvX6CYOCYIuYi5aqhEqscenVPfUfZYHrvi0Rh7ZBTqmFiKH-qeTsgfelMOuh86gTZ_G5aMBn-QEaDnYts__IaEMpjZzrm8G1WKOwiHsIss850zSZolFBkHIcusH6gp/w480-h640/IMG_0369.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Hardy Hibiscus was one of the stars in this garden!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwoL2gVcA6jJx7aN9cAegPDftU49AYGLPAMexOA0YEb3O1AOQE_bcY_BosekVgCz4d_s8vDkMANuc3xLmqlCBnrNgJ9eJiYEgqZDCH3a8bWC9MDjS90SSADyF6HNAjosyxF2bnf4qYibh_ZYDN_5HmZJr0Q2OisFrpTM1GBcyCMvWo53dsUU96vnKDTjW/s4032/IMG_0371.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwoL2gVcA6jJx7aN9cAegPDftU49AYGLPAMexOA0YEb3O1AOQE_bcY_BosekVgCz4d_s8vDkMANuc3xLmqlCBnrNgJ9eJiYEgqZDCH3a8bWC9MDjS90SSADyF6HNAjosyxF2bnf4qYibh_ZYDN_5HmZJr0Q2OisFrpTM1GBcyCMvWo53dsUU96vnKDTjW/w480-h640/IMG_0371.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKCfKeP96FICGe6HiE2UXHrpAmE7cygYUmwiUwHxgYWtQ-ENRFb-OyToCB_ivBKIg9Rq7Bo71n7n5Sy3SZT5OcOGkQMIIvHv2eEBhmVO_E5f066Q6W6Rd_x3va_n6YkA_QkOgsyluiood2_hSik6nFbyHmjBHXjnBX7mGcnEK30kP11AkugAFu1H-YbfF/s4032/IMG_0376.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKCfKeP96FICGe6HiE2UXHrpAmE7cygYUmwiUwHxgYWtQ-ENRFb-OyToCB_ivBKIg9Rq7Bo71n7n5Sy3SZT5OcOGkQMIIvHv2eEBhmVO_E5f066Q6W6Rd_x3va_n6YkA_QkOgsyluiood2_hSik6nFbyHmjBHXjnBX7mGcnEK30kP11AkugAFu1H-YbfF/w480-h640/IMG_0376.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just look at all the variety and interest in the planting bed below. I love the mix of the tropical cannas with the Day Lilies in the background, and how the Heuchera softens the hard scape of the path.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpeW__RT2bqTgmBjRyq1mzEioH18QqXatHp65vQYOIRafAXGIyGb3WSHwLldxtFXBnnkYASiTW8HpSWGxP3-k_6qQOftDHKm5gTNN4_3krt_tE0AaWAqgbgRmMZBYODJHUlaFA3O6TDLZ6o4GlwuJprecBZT_AaFJB2aFra7qDcKULDP7V5Y2znTjafPd/s4032/IMG_0374.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpeW__RT2bqTgmBjRyq1mzEioH18QqXatHp65vQYOIRafAXGIyGb3WSHwLldxtFXBnnkYASiTW8HpSWGxP3-k_6qQOftDHKm5gTNN4_3krt_tE0AaWAqgbgRmMZBYODJHUlaFA3O6TDLZ6o4GlwuJprecBZT_AaFJB2aFra7qDcKULDP7V5Y2znTjafPd/w480-h640/IMG_0374.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so surprised to see Kale growing among the ornamentals, but why not? So many edible plants like Kale, Swiss Chard, Dill, or Chive make beautiful landscape plants.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEl7aQ3CiDxY7743c1J8pqaITtHQaFsgX5Ub7O0Nd0IUJErOc04pEbBYjGOBGEGKrC240lcidu-6V2-vQqyTQrZqFVVzWj5iwrfRJlqTN0Yr5BVh8gFg1QA0njXp6xW3uutZkrHVhBQ1Gt4A0nxNIjP9tOAhYqV6oUJ5RpQG7qQ1bTC_XXlOBevrJb7Tq/s4032/IMG_0377.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEl7aQ3CiDxY7743c1J8pqaITtHQaFsgX5Ub7O0Nd0IUJErOc04pEbBYjGOBGEGKrC240lcidu-6V2-vQqyTQrZqFVVzWj5iwrfRJlqTN0Yr5BVh8gFg1QA0njXp6xW3uutZkrHVhBQ1Gt4A0nxNIjP9tOAhYqV6oUJ5RpQG7qQ1bTC_XXlOBevrJb7Tq/w480-h640/IMG_0377.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pictured below is the underside of the Tower. I love the view of the bench and pottery.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitg452BirUXrDCtIL3teBUaY6_zNiR6mBljPzF8OjdWjBjoTHwC1Bie5LCbQHrNuKXXQ71-euFLuKZLUZNTnSGPZvSK5PwCmRQQnNEn82HEVAFancjs7eWKAOovLzlZA6pp3MOLjAb5fnIH93YWP-4acfZt2VIBm6okqX4Bf2pomjT2c1iZk_FfSPgcY5/s4032/IMG_0389.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitg452BirUXrDCtIL3teBUaY6_zNiR6mBljPzF8OjdWjBjoTHwC1Bie5LCbQHrNuKXXQ71-euFLuKZLUZNTnSGPZvSK5PwCmRQQnNEn82HEVAFancjs7eWKAOovLzlZA6pp3MOLjAb5fnIH93YWP-4acfZt2VIBm6okqX4Bf2pomjT2c1iZk_FfSPgcY5/w480-h640/IMG_0389.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next three photos were taken from the top of the tower. You can see Lake Monona really well from the tower.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TDj4i5NTRLqtqhGE7MS6uKnNrS-Ch37_3B5_Q98BmrcqdW6qzv4AbPybZbexveGD80Tb_TylwNA9jcqolez6U9tLdVY9uHTiBHbV88gwl3xyMi1X7Tu1cYcA1CiJXWNHViTBzA73KbTiQkF-rzpi4_g7GvDSag6sF3zj6nFF9RqteJ8UltE8PxM0_h78/s4032/IMG_0394.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TDj4i5NTRLqtqhGE7MS6uKnNrS-Ch37_3B5_Q98BmrcqdW6qzv4AbPybZbexveGD80Tb_TylwNA9jcqolez6U9tLdVY9uHTiBHbV88gwl3xyMi1X7Tu1cYcA1CiJXWNHViTBzA73KbTiQkF-rzpi4_g7GvDSag6sF3zj6nFF9RqteJ8UltE8PxM0_h78/w640-h480/IMG_0394.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-ru7Ykve0uBRF-8_ycv0KfwrlxtLX7pqHmH_UuDxLb1gez_4o2Ya5aHME1hxDPYEYmVh2tN5EFJU2wikwjqLmMhL3px2kvApEOsdWT9ITZkLBPqdVCARasIbEx_VCEozKZxorCFYJtuvqUFr0koXtpV5QYVGd4G75eES4a9CTaMR4_GrniJAFnyzb4am/s4032/IMG_0395.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-ru7Ykve0uBRF-8_ycv0KfwrlxtLX7pqHmH_UuDxLb1gez_4o2Ya5aHME1hxDPYEYmVh2tN5EFJU2wikwjqLmMhL3px2kvApEOsdWT9ITZkLBPqdVCARasIbEx_VCEozKZxorCFYJtuvqUFr0koXtpV5QYVGd4G75eES4a9CTaMR4_GrniJAFnyzb4am/w480-h640/IMG_0395.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQeiv6D5x4Ysub0wJNrmplnn0JXHINOzOCv9uC8OHkc29xuQUoaRH6jq0saLar1uwA2ebYqs9p9026X-hlxMAFXRXkfaJGDS0jBqAtjMyuQeFk_67b_mLLGyKTgDP564vdW98ls0CzfDb3zispzq09kwHhLzkqwDwDYSxNAgBygLG1Vf2_qoRnRvYAYIy/s4032/IMG_0400.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQeiv6D5x4Ysub0wJNrmplnn0JXHINOzOCv9uC8OHkc29xuQUoaRH6jq0saLar1uwA2ebYqs9p9026X-hlxMAFXRXkfaJGDS0jBqAtjMyuQeFk_67b_mLLGyKTgDP564vdW98ls0CzfDb3zispzq09kwHhLzkqwDwDYSxNAgBygLG1Vf2_qoRnRvYAYIy/w480-h640/IMG_0400.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our last stop of the day was the Event Garden. First we had to walk down another glorious path with a structure above leading us to the spot where wedding ceremonies are performed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29mZ6rNTlsoaelQy4r2ZpP2zq1B61CMqqU5iVqsGuZ0W50jLXbnpVZOLRZOCzKVITl7Axq9E4Q6UjtVuao_F1bbSBuUrks0rdj3H1QKQMBANyG0iF_IDfLN1-TAWt9iRTNZ4ApIiqA4ezFNYhMWsO6Cq8H_rKy6x9bgWT_oE0Aip4lFjPmH30qsd2jrs4/s4032/IMG_0409.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29mZ6rNTlsoaelQy4r2ZpP2zq1B61CMqqU5iVqsGuZ0W50jLXbnpVZOLRZOCzKVITl7Axq9E4Q6UjtVuao_F1bbSBuUrks0rdj3H1QKQMBANyG0iF_IDfLN1-TAWt9iRTNZ4ApIiqA4ezFNYhMWsO6Cq8H_rKy6x9bgWT_oE0Aip4lFjPmH30qsd2jrs4/w480-h640/IMG_0409.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YLKE3EL0a_yv5tmuMYQyYYHipmiMrr6r4DRxCnEbj9IgboSKovhFFqrk_dN6qD4Ptz6XansclkDOA1MwMASmcJWLPGRf0_6Bzz4NJhT68EE80kKkGqj3H0Mk9wCOFN6eiCU6psD0MMwa0RGEfLGTbRfzMmIY8Iw70Hh3BQNHZojzPt9jhnTbr_VfcsgR/s4032/IMG_0417.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YLKE3EL0a_yv5tmuMYQyYYHipmiMrr6r4DRxCnEbj9IgboSKovhFFqrk_dN6qD4Ptz6XansclkDOA1MwMASmcJWLPGRf0_6Bzz4NJhT68EE80kKkGqj3H0Mk9wCOFN6eiCU6psD0MMwa0RGEfLGTbRfzMmIY8Iw70Hh3BQNHZojzPt9jhnTbr_VfcsgR/w640-h480/IMG_0417.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I noticed this area had the most annuals of anywhere else in the park, probably to ensure that something was always blooming for one's wedding!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-3vHHKJl8k8imU8HBSOYbTKnKvg5f8ErFnLDoumDT7Uf7SWYDsn0RXWLZaOBcY8iF7PRMaQTSw30OZImBhgBrNOoNbdTvc_FmBzJuVCzPXFQgRPRxQAejKZi7waFJEGmOWojqyADW0pqsJNM71zz03vxVaLuUa13pV2qpAD8fnqO7hyphenhyphenBaWbSPib-wXAG/s4032/IMG_0418.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-3vHHKJl8k8imU8HBSOYbTKnKvg5f8ErFnLDoumDT7Uf7SWYDsn0RXWLZaOBcY8iF7PRMaQTSw30OZImBhgBrNOoNbdTvc_FmBzJuVCzPXFQgRPRxQAejKZi7waFJEGmOWojqyADW0pqsJNM71zz03vxVaLuUa13pV2qpAD8fnqO7hyphenhyphenBaWbSPib-wXAG/w480-h640/IMG_0418.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're ever in the Madison, Wisconsin area, please stop and visit the Olbrich Botanical Garden, you won't regret it! It's open daily 10 to 6 during the months of April - September and 10 - 4 during the months of October - March. Admission to the outdoor gardens are always free, but donations are gratefully accepted. There are wheelchairs and scooters available and even free tram rides for those who need assistance to see the gardens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Information in quotes came from the Olbrich Botanical Gardens Garden Guide and Map.</span></div><br /><br /><p></p></div>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-54786220112094474892024-01-31T00:00:00.001-06:002024-01-31T00:00:00.142-06:00Blueberry Picking at Rush River Produce<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that my travel series to Michigan's Upper Peninsula is over, I will be spending the next few weeks highlighting some of our local travel adventures. I know it's January and not the time of year to go blueberry picking, but with all my summer gardening chores, I really do not have time in the summer to write up these kinds of posts. Plus, I figure why not allow my readers some time to read about them now, so they can plan for next summer? I did have one reader comment recently how nice it was to see pictures of flowers on my blog during the dreariness of winter, so that's another good reason! You will see lots of gorgeous flowers in this post! So let's settle in, put the winter blues aside, and start dreaming of summer shall we?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQoE78-zq4e-1simYHDh_ZZ7mc17kGLWPWdm3NZxdDTdvcwAt9e26hTnEE2DwlkXVy5ndGC28AdttfRYeyeKR8uvXXlizQsPjPng5pqbiRkfn1PeFwZR0pGdGxct_yqmVn-OY-pw6AB4m_A0HKa0G3d4COh2k284ZCJyt49_fQ2POWbEOTuN0E-0bJ1Ny/s4032/IMG_9853.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQoE78-zq4e-1simYHDh_ZZ7mc17kGLWPWdm3NZxdDTdvcwAt9e26hTnEE2DwlkXVy5ndGC28AdttfRYeyeKR8uvXXlizQsPjPng5pqbiRkfn1PeFwZR0pGdGxct_yqmVn-OY-pw6AB4m_A0HKa0G3d4COh2k284ZCJyt49_fQ2POWbEOTuN0E-0bJ1Ny/w480-h640/IMG_9853.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every year my husband and I go blueberry picking. I pick enough blueberries for the year. I don't can them or anything, I just freeze them to use in smoothies and other recipes. We normally go to the same orchard, but this year a friend recommended another place so we decided to give it a try. This one is located in the rolling hills of Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. The beautiful country drive is worth going here alone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AUtV3xefZWFA6vrC1PHm1Akkk3Xu554bV04n4VrzCLQn6Mv2hfahSblnaIYdxz7HvxrMyJXcFA9u_aqGzHZbWw0770enlg7uVshyyMSzqdYeSxKXqM9d49Bl1zNAEuH7QDhjiomWlfN-UojcsEmiMJoPuhJKPRQDWyzzhAYV2U4wMYhT8AaGv-v4izEB/s4032/IMG_9814.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AUtV3xefZWFA6vrC1PHm1Akkk3Xu554bV04n4VrzCLQn6Mv2hfahSblnaIYdxz7HvxrMyJXcFA9u_aqGzHZbWw0770enlg7uVshyyMSzqdYeSxKXqM9d49Bl1zNAEuH7QDhjiomWlfN-UojcsEmiMJoPuhJKPRQDWyzzhAYV2U4wMYhT8AaGv-v4izEB/w480-h640/IMG_9814.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we first pulled in to Rush River Produce I could not believe how crowded it was! There were cars and people everywhere! "Where did they all come from?" I wondered "This place is in the middle of nowhere". The family run farm must get this amount of business every year because they had plenty of parking with signage to boot! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We started walking, eager to pick our berries, but I immediately became distracted by all the beautiful flower gardens! Oh my! It was a feast for the eyes!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh4NJ1WSsCHQmhQ9pTw8HvsUGM7hQItUDKbx065_ANMqiG9D56Ysgbwv16SkZswH2VW-W468m2rw1Ikiur92FwT2hmX7WvzMMsvlTXRmoEN2Zmvn51x7NCVS-7ha9qSaFw-iS3Nk3H6VkPtIs7cuy_jUlNwdwLxUyyw_iiiqvh6dNDNHyb3AiHOmtBzc3/s4032/IMG_9815.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh4NJ1WSsCHQmhQ9pTw8HvsUGM7hQItUDKbx065_ANMqiG9D56Ysgbwv16SkZswH2VW-W468m2rw1Ikiur92FwT2hmX7WvzMMsvlTXRmoEN2Zmvn51x7NCVS-7ha9qSaFw-iS3Nk3H6VkPtIs7cuy_jUlNwdwLxUyyw_iiiqvh6dNDNHyb3AiHOmtBzc3/w480-h640/IMG_9815.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This purple poppy seemed to dominate the landscape. I don't know what variety it is, as I've never seen anything but an orange or red poppy before, but it was gorgeous and so prolific!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA9RdWvxeSOIhRLl4IqIkaUghZJ3uq8m5rZsyW3-y6vIJB3pVxnEETToEZ5G6dT0CROErWVFzRVr1ChgIKUwzPu8gD_Cu4cLLGRV9QKX3CERoT_Ho7m8wWR-GTLEQUYvAHVBqbAiBEdMW2Ae6fz_jwJdeQa3jrtsRSNlFFoxKCxY9zZt6O_eVafwuUUfh/s4032/IMG_9816.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA9RdWvxeSOIhRLl4IqIkaUghZJ3uq8m5rZsyW3-y6vIJB3pVxnEETToEZ5G6dT0CROErWVFzRVr1ChgIKUwzPu8gD_Cu4cLLGRV9QKX3CERoT_Ho7m8wWR-GTLEQUYvAHVBqbAiBEdMW2Ae6fz_jwJdeQa3jrtsRSNlFFoxKCxY9zZt6O_eVafwuUUfh/w480-h640/IMG_9816.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beyond the poppy gardens are the blueberries. The farm grows 14 different varieties of Blueberries, and you are allowed to taste test before you pick away!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG_vYBUFwfl3R7FM3B5t_xtxWvLZpHFV3yEqSAZH4q5iq6SL-jqQ8Vq-RMwU5hxO0YtkbFXo2pimISMpkeZe4kMPtduoiSVySV8g0foZKTjAeFwt0IaFsY_U2J8nWORP8uxLDSt4ILQwQRL6ns4tXR2I8SxwfMZJQ7glDyjOFYJD6G_EC_cZ60lVvmA7i/s4032/IMG_9825.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG_vYBUFwfl3R7FM3B5t_xtxWvLZpHFV3yEqSAZH4q5iq6SL-jqQ8Vq-RMwU5hxO0YtkbFXo2pimISMpkeZe4kMPtduoiSVySV8g0foZKTjAeFwt0IaFsY_U2J8nWORP8uxLDSt4ILQwQRL6ns4tXR2I8SxwfMZJQ7glDyjOFYJD6G_EC_cZ60lVvmA7i/w480-h640/IMG_9825.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrrRZNQa1KqXUwxIpuNWUjDVY9W4WuhwPC-Do4skOal7jLIgKq8kxqpYDcWa_EC2nNWEKzHUkXjXWTEq5TWURzBNhBt-yprlMWZXqo98K3Kt5kkgrDhVO7WoFDsmZky9K2J2ubQj_mewHaIvmv0v8RkavRyKBa3iJT3vqZjI8V5uWVJV-OKyic6Rt3Nwb/s4032/IMG_9826.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrrRZNQa1KqXUwxIpuNWUjDVY9W4WuhwPC-Do4skOal7jLIgKq8kxqpYDcWa_EC2nNWEKzHUkXjXWTEq5TWURzBNhBt-yprlMWZXqo98K3Kt5kkgrDhVO7WoFDsmZky9K2J2ubQj_mewHaIvmv0v8RkavRyKBa3iJT3vqZjI8V5uWVJV-OKyic6Rt3Nwb/w480-h640/IMG_9826.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I grew Dill in my vegetable garden for the first time last year and I was amazed at how easily it grew and what a beautiful plant it was. So I was not surprised at all to see Dill used as a border plant in these flower gardens.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZzuSjm9038a_7YbuWJBk3M5FqNL6Za5a5xI7pQrhRBnaYKhuGCzCkL5RJ3iDiQLLQ5Fs4TfYJnsrVpgLFhvcfICHtV7NlFlVFhlmV2llR1vl-Nn7xyyfg_rnBy2Tb8yOC3RYmQuVgQhlZdpUHkATIpN6vPFKcDtwMbY6RPDm710PwKxQPnVSzi_ozISU/s4032/IMG_9827.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZzuSjm9038a_7YbuWJBk3M5FqNL6Za5a5xI7pQrhRBnaYKhuGCzCkL5RJ3iDiQLLQ5Fs4TfYJnsrVpgLFhvcfICHtV7NlFlVFhlmV2llR1vl-Nn7xyyfg_rnBy2Tb8yOC3RYmQuVgQhlZdpUHkATIpN6vPFKcDtwMbY6RPDm710PwKxQPnVSzi_ozISU/w480-h640/IMG_9827.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffEj6YpLww6wS7JWosxeRkodzdZe5v-qiTB0XJL8bDtgkZzLQhPvP6tlcfjpxoHbhOBLfjf88wyEvR0Qqb3gTErfqEsb5hhzcOu-bmtmpTFd5Y0MRu5z5mCa0p9PLDOpM6H8W0x-X5cL0exsBetWaMAVwZES7FjpMVdn_aC8e1k89Mp_mbLwKfB8C9pmg/s4032/IMG_9828.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffEj6YpLww6wS7JWosxeRkodzdZe5v-qiTB0XJL8bDtgkZzLQhPvP6tlcfjpxoHbhOBLfjf88wyEvR0Qqb3gTErfqEsb5hhzcOu-bmtmpTFd5Y0MRu5z5mCa0p9PLDOpM6H8W0x-X5cL0exsBetWaMAVwZES7FjpMVdn_aC8e1k89Mp_mbLwKfB8C9pmg/w480-h640/IMG_9828.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The vegetable garden was equally impressive. Just look at all that colorful lettuce! And those onions! I couldn't believe the size of them. Mine never grow that big. I kept wondering what their secret was because their soil didn't look all that great and they don't even mulch!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitffChhWs0Ti7cARRADS9FOTuTX6GribCfHkheTvTqzgiz027FmEXlNpCgGWKU0_FJ62ZP2_0cHNY5-5tbJ1YjJpUiyH17pSCkxun9yu6cLN3Z0PKMSGhBpcIgk_kPE9KFC4rYwPdhjzdrArOsVSYDdiic0WloFZc0Mkc5jLzJp4f5pQs6eQzoBJw1K6H_/s4032/IMG_9829.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitffChhWs0Ti7cARRADS9FOTuTX6GribCfHkheTvTqzgiz027FmEXlNpCgGWKU0_FJ62ZP2_0cHNY5-5tbJ1YjJpUiyH17pSCkxun9yu6cLN3Z0PKMSGhBpcIgk_kPE9KFC4rYwPdhjzdrArOsVSYDdiic0WloFZc0Mkc5jLzJp4f5pQs6eQzoBJw1K6H_/w480-h640/IMG_9829.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XX5cHBMAcoAjRV8xKhpMDWfNWERcSW5wScr7qiF7KK8MqOvoWzGjWW5mVj3qzki4QZtN3BlMvOuEYnj5D02gNFrVCIGnk3ObnACCbkfY8g4kyhq3HQR08vot33SBbosaYtDIy6shVGEhMkzsPn3i0O7YVuY0zRxZ6H0bmuMm4VASql7r5LkWeyDIsctc/s4032/IMG_9830.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XX5cHBMAcoAjRV8xKhpMDWfNWERcSW5wScr7qiF7KK8MqOvoWzGjWW5mVj3qzki4QZtN3BlMvOuEYnj5D02gNFrVCIGnk3ObnACCbkfY8g4kyhq3HQR08vot33SBbosaYtDIy6shVGEhMkzsPn3i0O7YVuY0zRxZ6H0bmuMm4VASql7r5LkWeyDIsctc/w480-h640/IMG_9830.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In addition to poppies, they had lots of tall hollyhock too!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxXrnThcnXvIMJQZVux53KrZanSfyMqpsYel2PJvVmqPUdiMeGSX70BNKrsJ5-OH_YZihsUQF9BB6PGA3yRzVKvEGXIHxclR0ysLbg8WqVt0NhRKyxZAOC2MtOAd1vYwWj61kcdPtO7V3O78uD9pcgIqBmXPHUqXiCqFlvdj_YIyQqw1EgicEHSVTMCQl/s4032/IMG_9831.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxXrnThcnXvIMJQZVux53KrZanSfyMqpsYel2PJvVmqPUdiMeGSX70BNKrsJ5-OH_YZihsUQF9BB6PGA3yRzVKvEGXIHxclR0ysLbg8WqVt0NhRKyxZAOC2MtOAd1vYwWj61kcdPtO7V3O78uD9pcgIqBmXPHUqXiCqFlvdj_YIyQqw1EgicEHSVTMCQl/w480-h640/IMG_9831.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After strolling through the flower and vegetable gardens we headed out to the blueberry fields. My oh my! It was huge! Where did all the people go? We didn't know where to begin. Rush River Produce has nine acres of blueberry plants!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfj0JIhH04Shyqb4zjSaIf0o8uCL4wSbjLWNsdNOgeYHvtsdAT-vM-XelzGnnliwXU7oEV1otZ1Vx_BJU3luz3wCMoDxjXx_accWlXgyyN1agG6VVEWDCnnAT3SfHwSV3m7-AB9oWVlUwkN00XSNdX83Ix-zA6h2KM1olG5XbvGc6J2mmp16_MbylRk7nB/s4032/IMG_9832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfj0JIhH04Shyqb4zjSaIf0o8uCL4wSbjLWNsdNOgeYHvtsdAT-vM-XelzGnnliwXU7oEV1otZ1Vx_BJU3luz3wCMoDxjXx_accWlXgyyN1agG6VVEWDCnnAT3SfHwSV3m7-AB9oWVlUwkN00XSNdX83Ix-zA6h2KM1olG5XbvGc6J2mmp16_MbylRk7nB/w640-h480/IMG_9832.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rows between the blueberry plants are nice and wide so there is plenty of space to move around. The ground was a worn down lawn so I never felt uncomfortable, like I was walking in weeds or brush.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though we brought our own buckets, the farm lends you these easy to use carriers to aid you in your blueberry picking!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUgIq0P2iXeiCDrS9iy5sTicluYVfif96rhhol9hvm8lOcRV4tNGzuooTjjQ1KpM_ZZh-p3I1JenQUXpF7Vl4n2rrjiYdKRZoFOV2fbI_DOjWiC297Xi25LkBjYwTAV8t5yR19sF9vi0B-c5NSTiv5tc3y4Cp7oiSOe30LwwqPpNln0qgaCNdw5K1zi_-/s4032/IMG_9837.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUgIq0P2iXeiCDrS9iy5sTicluYVfif96rhhol9hvm8lOcRV4tNGzuooTjjQ1KpM_ZZh-p3I1JenQUXpF7Vl4n2rrjiYdKRZoFOV2fbI_DOjWiC297Xi25LkBjYwTAV8t5yR19sF9vi0B-c5NSTiv5tc3y4Cp7oiSOe30LwwqPpNln0qgaCNdw5K1zi_-/w480-h640/IMG_9837.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had no problem finding lots of blueberries to pick. I like to pick mine when they are still light, like in the photo below. Other people wait till they turn that dark purple and are slightly mushy. To me they are over-ripe at that point. These will ripen more at home as it takes awhile to process them. If I pick them to plump and purple, they can get mushy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySWWD09W4x3gCxsDA-AowtL3r0LbEA6IYIR4-uN6YnWXn12bx7keNj5gA6eoaKi3nNRqs4yemooaMOgb8tkS3IGLyCkRyRxarMwo5HO9FGg4udHLKdbyk7oP3MYVwxPlErBP27T7LOVX8UXmqcXA_LqVXHQY37gLIFBSXcHbUlMfC3AuYvZJtiqI6ejli/s4032/IMG_9840.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySWWD09W4x3gCxsDA-AowtL3r0LbEA6IYIR4-uN6YnWXn12bx7keNj5gA6eoaKi3nNRqs4yemooaMOgb8tkS3IGLyCkRyRxarMwo5HO9FGg4udHLKdbyk7oP3MYVwxPlErBP27T7LOVX8UXmqcXA_LqVXHQY37gLIFBSXcHbUlMfC3AuYvZJtiqI6ejli/w480-h640/IMG_9840.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hubby worked diligently picking away, but I still was the faster picker and picked a lot more blueberries than he did.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzh6Tu2Ebv2qD7edkwUAdjCpDBlWKygnKkg2glSm6zdmerWUC69QbqDmIunHrDKWkykuo460bI6E5r-gEnKnyj8X_d96au7SJh6WrMNw62wzxDmrgut8Y0M241eAu8yyGlw181wwk37LcFmdffeq94Bn2o3VIzqbsD1xWomwPExrLcQkOQaOkmok_FEY9/s4032/IMG_9842.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzh6Tu2Ebv2qD7edkwUAdjCpDBlWKygnKkg2glSm6zdmerWUC69QbqDmIunHrDKWkykuo460bI6E5r-gEnKnyj8X_d96au7SJh6WrMNw62wzxDmrgut8Y0M241eAu8yyGlw181wwk37LcFmdffeq94Bn2o3VIzqbsD1xWomwPExrLcQkOQaOkmok_FEY9/w480-h640/IMG_9842.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A ha! There's some other blueberry pickers!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIpzYUSFIn9Jr_xFScc34v6sz8DVw8O318fcEAm_PgAAzqHEMFI6RivWQ0J7v1YKJxsQY7N-AqBVDbW2PTzT1oHB0D2eVsGcvpWGeLbtLlgcYS7TJwZ8jzx3i_3_d5fmCr7gF8uWerxLUMxdrIXByrU747sGKQi5SOkRUWfNx0PHvWvESaB84aAsMBYd3/s4032/IMG_9843.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIpzYUSFIn9Jr_xFScc34v6sz8DVw8O318fcEAm_PgAAzqHEMFI6RivWQ0J7v1YKJxsQY7N-AqBVDbW2PTzT1oHB0D2eVsGcvpWGeLbtLlgcYS7TJwZ8jzx3i_3_d5fmCr7gF8uWerxLUMxdrIXByrU747sGKQi5SOkRUWfNx0PHvWvESaB84aAsMBYd3/w480-h640/IMG_9843.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After we filled two pails of blueberries we went to pay for them. On the way out we saw more beautiful flower gardens. Just look at the size of these clematis plants!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSVrOiQAoF6cxjHgDNeoGB1MOko3QfwJnBBNmnY4XwsJLGq_PYI-dVEAHb34ewrIypMYeiw0RHhkTzb2mTSBIjzoKtrvg-nqWd6ZQEvVzo0h_mhlav6pUKscFqYw_05K_xt-zeYxnBX3DPdI0gSH1wZFLJ1Yb7niShyphenhyphenrhXGsC6H8GThbrpIDSTjgEJHMZ/s4032/IMG_9856.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSVrOiQAoF6cxjHgDNeoGB1MOko3QfwJnBBNmnY4XwsJLGq_PYI-dVEAHb34ewrIypMYeiw0RHhkTzb2mTSBIjzoKtrvg-nqWd6ZQEvVzo0h_mhlav6pUKscFqYw_05K_xt-zeYxnBX3DPdI0gSH1wZFLJ1Yb7niShyphenhyphenrhXGsC6H8GThbrpIDSTjgEJHMZ/w480-h640/IMG_9856.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This garden was a mixture of hollyhock, poppies, tall Asiatic lilies, iris, and petunias.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JwqbKXl2MzqiNn8VbdaIpHrr69q3UojCQta1ylMmPysbDIc36Xg9na60HMCTZZeWu7w7sV5lfps99gG48SR9OoXNQ3CCvJkRqBjW2U-_uZS1-uQCGR3YsbzalIPACQJE0CBtJa6lnbt84BGjy3XuPwaBDIg1DAQIZSiIs8np-50qiAz98qPqIQSwyRQ1/s4032/IMG_9874.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JwqbKXl2MzqiNn8VbdaIpHrr69q3UojCQta1ylMmPysbDIc36Xg9na60HMCTZZeWu7w7sV5lfps99gG48SR9OoXNQ3CCvJkRqBjW2U-_uZS1-uQCGR3YsbzalIPACQJE0CBtJa6lnbt84BGjy3XuPwaBDIg1DAQIZSiIs8np-50qiAz98qPqIQSwyRQ1/w480-h640/IMG_9874.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HyHPL_VlseoI4-on35sjuSElsEHtJubM57bbjB-PNXKF3bUVaSv1JYxCffKFfSFXx5DhIhiCL9q7eHHsAMbd-eW-yzx50TusveqwGfIwA0cVRVJ4zOXUKd3S25KJn2VxwZNgnwBJ2Ke7rJbszw5gmrQ8pAomTPgMP5uY7X3UYrefwaBlfvRE7EBmnPzk/s4032/IMG_9875.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HyHPL_VlseoI4-on35sjuSElsEHtJubM57bbjB-PNXKF3bUVaSv1JYxCffKFfSFXx5DhIhiCL9q7eHHsAMbd-eW-yzx50TusveqwGfIwA0cVRVJ4zOXUKd3S25KJn2VxwZNgnwBJ2Ke7rJbszw5gmrQ8pAomTPgMP5uY7X3UYrefwaBlfvRE7EBmnPzk/w480-h640/IMG_9875.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had so much fun picking blueberries and strolling through all the beautiful gardens at Rush River Produce. However, I don't think we will go back as their blueberries are a lot more expensive than our usual place. It was a fun adventure, and it was good to try someplace new, but we pick blueberries for economical reasons and not just for the experience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><br /> <p></p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-34789923800496252172024-01-24T00:00:00.001-06:002024-01-24T00:00:00.129-06:00The Chapel Loop Trail in The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: A Hike of a Lifetime!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">This post is the final post of a travel series to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. To start at the beginning go </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/st-ignace-and-mackinaw-city-michigan.html" rel="nofollow" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">. The remaining posts in consecutive order are </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-amazing-historic-homes-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #2b00fe; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> , </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-grand-hotel-on-mackinac-island.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>, </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/12/exploring-natural-attractions-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/12/tahquamenon-falls-state-park.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span><span style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2024/01/the-waterfalls-and-scenic-views-of.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-size: small; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, and </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2024/01/pictured-rocks-national-lakeshore-boat.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #2b00fe; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On our last day in Michigan's Upper Penisula, my husband and I took the hike of a lifetime: the Chapel Loop Trail. I first saw this hike advertised on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqNo8JyN-aO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and knew I had to take it! However, it was 10 miles long. I wondered, "Could I even hike 10 miles?" The longest trail we ever took before was probably 6 or 7 miles, and those were tough. But those trails all involved steep inclines, the author who reviewed this trail said it was all flat terrain and said not to fear it. I've been having issues with my hip (I've since had hip replacement surgery) and my husband has frequent knee and back issues off and on, so we were hesitant. What if we got half way through and felt we couldn't make it? It's a loop, so there's no point in turning around. In the end, we decided to give it a go. We would just start at dawn and take it nice and slow, or so we thought.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPNuPBLC3ii0dkDP11pTnMvUNpxWxArBCUFXDYd5zmyCpbUpUa3gHrz3F_HB-stMJJKLqvj_SIyv1ycZW-yKwKa___vX2R2J5HYOqmdO19BQYIROX17ZJveFs-pokgQ5E5JjSw-x1mJ1cnvYg5Dyp3PnC_UhfJB6-WK8Mq0AapInkT-hFVVS0EzrwVGFN/s4032/70741013787__416AB4E7-8720-4C76-8E3F-678319AC811A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPNuPBLC3ii0dkDP11pTnMvUNpxWxArBCUFXDYd5zmyCpbUpUa3gHrz3F_HB-stMJJKLqvj_SIyv1ycZW-yKwKa___vX2R2J5HYOqmdO19BQYIROX17ZJveFs-pokgQ5E5JjSw-x1mJ1cnvYg5Dyp3PnC_UhfJB6-WK8Mq0AapInkT-hFVVS0EzrwVGFN/w640-h480/70741013787__416AB4E7-8720-4C76-8E3F-678319AC811A.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We knew we were in trouble at the trailhead when the second we exited our vehicle we were attacked by mosquitoes. It was insane! We jumped back into our vehicle to change instead of gearing up outside the vehicle like we usually do. Then we sprayed, and sprayed, with the strongest mosquito repellent there is. That helped keep them off of us, but it didn't stop them from buzzing around us. We noticed other hikers get out of their vehicles, start the trail, and then turn around and go back, so it wasn't just us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so determined to hike this trail, I would not let the mosquitos deter me, so we ventured into the woods.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8stCtYl71coov_vG82mC1tpoGJucw8VR2OW-jCiw6feKuPWKTuqPwZqbFDtCGHYsuMroWB8mYNSF_ErdBxzxjJQrWPYO4zL8UzrPfCMcU4pXm6WBhRAGnwTUEE4IzeJ4VW3fA63-vMkpRhMdVYc5dvgU7etVZjHtVn5vdCX3sPt-8jVCEDpsqdoUm8W1/s4032/IMG_8899.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8stCtYl71coov_vG82mC1tpoGJucw8VR2OW-jCiw6feKuPWKTuqPwZqbFDtCGHYsuMroWB8mYNSF_ErdBxzxjJQrWPYO4zL8UzrPfCMcU4pXm6WBhRAGnwTUEE4IzeJ4VW3fA63-vMkpRhMdVYc5dvgU7etVZjHtVn5vdCX3sPt-8jVCEDpsqdoUm8W1/w480-h640/IMG_8899.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This hike has it all: two waterfalls, riverside walk, beaches, scenic views, and Lake Superior. You start and end the hike through a forest. This was one of the most beautiful, magical forests I had ever seen in my life. It is filled with glorious ferns, rock covered moss, and fascinating mushrooms. I only wish I could have enjoyed it more. We ended up RUNNING through the first forest because even with all the repellent, the mosquitoes were eating us alive!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuBiuFCd753GkBEeNleGzI_FRFcfY0ujv7BnXF6u6Y8BuTVUczoA0kNEQQcHgL2-Bhex-GzRZS3gy4DsXShl8XdiDoWDltqcsAzp52AykmQwcPfwmjBlgpIe-3GV6pIbtZn2gsR3PFd-IIPBbYW58CCz6kvuriSwmeFXrhp2445onv-ha6Ld4JFvSFUiJ/s4032/IMG_8902.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuBiuFCd753GkBEeNleGzI_FRFcfY0ujv7BnXF6u6Y8BuTVUczoA0kNEQQcHgL2-Bhex-GzRZS3gy4DsXShl8XdiDoWDltqcsAzp52AykmQwcPfwmjBlgpIe-3GV6pIbtZn2gsR3PFd-IIPBbYW58CCz6kvuriSwmeFXrhp2445onv-ha6Ld4JFvSFUiJ/w480-h640/IMG_8902.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Mosquito River, which empties into Lake Superior and Mosquito Falls.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CrNnD_hl9ZkKgP_mLscNIvDR6YHafv8ehbUXDuP7QpcIofvJ2x7yWer69XzUIoK2n-gHCdyWGwduzxVajdsHvjaUv78g2a8uKlE2D-y0jrXRqBksuosFgZmJl86TMODjySVRoTB_Ozk6YRy9ypPv3XDS3ELxYC_AD_6hCrVDHgpKS_JCsFp1yDPu0ujk/s4032/IMG_8912.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CrNnD_hl9ZkKgP_mLscNIvDR6YHafv8ehbUXDuP7QpcIofvJ2x7yWer69XzUIoK2n-gHCdyWGwduzxVajdsHvjaUv78g2a8uKlE2D-y0jrXRqBksuosFgZmJl86TMODjySVRoTB_Ozk6YRy9ypPv3XDS3ELxYC_AD_6hCrVDHgpKS_JCsFp1yDPu0ujk/w480-h640/IMG_8912.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9wJ2x-UfwHhVHOWXcfnOA7-5nMHGdNOkN77jp7HjturAPnHESWreMKbIcWDdK6i1Q3vhXLw319YFyZO-TpNAA_b4_L0G3DdeUxtpdPm14PI2f4DfIY27K8oUgHyLR7hh0UkYtSMXc3CE5WYb3l3uTzcWaSW9PIKHaQ_h2Qbwox_Gp0dc7WDqzyVbV_tk/s4032/IMG_8915.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9wJ2x-UfwHhVHOWXcfnOA7-5nMHGdNOkN77jp7HjturAPnHESWreMKbIcWDdK6i1Q3vhXLw319YFyZO-TpNAA_b4_L0G3DdeUxtpdPm14PI2f4DfIY27K8oUgHyLR7hh0UkYtSMXc3CE5WYb3l3uTzcWaSW9PIKHaQ_h2Qbwox_Gp0dc7WDqzyVbV_tk/w480-h640/IMG_8915.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The forest path is a very narrow dirt path filled with lush ferns.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0e_SUff-EdfsSEfg2kOsI2mTagHLz9Zr8LpchoFdg0CbGsavMylLMaZasdp3UfcC-8kJ3hZrUibjv0B4dxIJW7NfYWo1IHSyp6L0QDZFuKS3RSlzW8lb6HjP3tSQuKtAhiRVAcrp2_0yTDRL_Jr2Az64O1i3EzOWRmPIczbxrjL32PLMbCu6Pv54ECuc_/s4032/IMG_8917.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0e_SUff-EdfsSEfg2kOsI2mTagHLz9Zr8LpchoFdg0CbGsavMylLMaZasdp3UfcC-8kJ3hZrUibjv0B4dxIJW7NfYWo1IHSyp6L0QDZFuKS3RSlzW8lb6HjP3tSQuKtAhiRVAcrp2_0yTDRL_Jr2Az64O1i3EzOWRmPIczbxrjL32PLMbCu6Pv54ECuc_/w480-h640/IMG_8917.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This cute wooden bridge went right over the falls.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkC5MgBeHcaPzNnUKO3svQmh7Z8IPpZAF3DkmKkzN4xuWG7rWZkXphDXPufeKCK47LSMD4mTBGnMoFdgcC1EerQq79Ccz4m2odqPxpMnni_qCzoR0FPNTnF6HlJbuBm-jbVo7WUOFYiWiaZZgiDz7f5B2nS5iWM9o54TflBd-M7BNjVGuTV03UT5EEmi2/s4032/IMG_8922.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkC5MgBeHcaPzNnUKO3svQmh7Z8IPpZAF3DkmKkzN4xuWG7rWZkXphDXPufeKCK47LSMD4mTBGnMoFdgcC1EerQq79Ccz4m2odqPxpMnni_qCzoR0FPNTnF6HlJbuBm-jbVo7WUOFYiWiaZZgiDz7f5B2nS5iWM9o54TflBd-M7BNjVGuTV03UT5EEmi2/w480-h640/IMG_8922.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just look at how Mother Nature thrives in this cool, wet climate. Those mushrooms and ferns are incredible!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyImxw7ULMzmry8cbBtdbZUwZZLD1InVDHjxRWZovmJMTVIOKz9dvZx30igeFThmqTx_TKNHaIjEDVNcTRVVkc0Dn1ua9tMmhvWoxt5AUQITO-bIDdRfWKV9gL-TlRLDCrLPb5ZD_kuwa1gwkWs8k1grr5KjfnBmlA-oZ80_6iTv2IxH1QaRd4KKb9gTa/s4032/IMG_8937.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyImxw7ULMzmry8cbBtdbZUwZZLD1InVDHjxRWZovmJMTVIOKz9dvZx30igeFThmqTx_TKNHaIjEDVNcTRVVkc0Dn1ua9tMmhvWoxt5AUQITO-bIDdRfWKV9gL-TlRLDCrLPb5ZD_kuwa1gwkWs8k1grr5KjfnBmlA-oZ80_6iTv2IxH1QaRd4KKb9gTa/w480-h640/IMG_8937.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Eventually we made it out of the mosquito infested forest and onto the beach where thankfully we didn't experience anymore mosquitoes for the rest of the day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPfpmAmxUlq7VT3_eb6HR7zCJrLHhY285fJzyGZXK5g0KbqIZZfYx2qoTvH44pQzHqhyphenhyphenfX1W0L5adZu7dE6JD6PM4TOuF0JXfIHBrqSSs-eM2RubIczIzeYRysu2RnLfx9bypqASlupLtE4iGkAsJy2iE34-gR51ntPTnJltqCydnh3a30qZdFR2vXaf2/s4032/IMG_8953.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPfpmAmxUlq7VT3_eb6HR7zCJrLHhY285fJzyGZXK5g0KbqIZZfYx2qoTvH44pQzHqhyphenhyphenfX1W0L5adZu7dE6JD6PM4TOuF0JXfIHBrqSSs-eM2RubIczIzeYRysu2RnLfx9bypqASlupLtE4iGkAsJy2iE34-gR51ntPTnJltqCydnh3a30qZdFR2vXaf2/w480-h640/IMG_8953.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The middle portion of the loop runs along the edge of the Pictured Rocks. We saw many of the famous sites that we saw on the <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2024/01/pictured-rocks-national-lakeshore-boat.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">boat tour</a> the day before, only this time, we were on top of them instead of in the water and we could get a lot closer to these natural wonders. The photo below is of "Lover's Leap".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfg-CWgnnX2ZQ26qi0FQ5zkjpebFl4NI2-YOw3RSfs2Uc5Q996xYx-3Kx_CsOMZ3pDHLw54DG4dpf7XV8elGs1Gcdk1peXwUiskV5WjbETXHJDkn9xvGqgoCbEf_MglQ8CKZzBMaLcLMpZy3JU0mvYxEg802gkGJ_v-Mxr4QAbaoKDy6AVqzzfH7vuWqR5/s4032/IMG_8966.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfg-CWgnnX2ZQ26qi0FQ5zkjpebFl4NI2-YOw3RSfs2Uc5Q996xYx-3Kx_CsOMZ3pDHLw54DG4dpf7XV8elGs1Gcdk1peXwUiskV5WjbETXHJDkn9xvGqgoCbEf_MglQ8CKZzBMaLcLMpZy3JU0mvYxEg802gkGJ_v-Mxr4QAbaoKDy6AVqzzfH7vuWqR5/w480-h640/IMG_8966.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The views from this hike are incredible! However, there are no railings anywhere, so be careful and don't get too close to the edge. There are steep drop offs right into the shallow water below.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1NhDIo9Gas4QFKUqdlc-fKL-LnfPhpuFgx_t1aR72ygEIQZGpqDxAF-e7Jkxpw4Lg0CSUfhTze1fmVjbEbdMfsNjWL34_oIZUUvrPk8ht1pwRyMeB5LHLYG8ykT8vHrXuZqumBULulVeA_oI8K-2P9vxigG31hcigIwPtUg7jCcPGWQcoyEkmXMNrLcK/s4032/IMG_8967.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1NhDIo9Gas4QFKUqdlc-fKL-LnfPhpuFgx_t1aR72ygEIQZGpqDxAF-e7Jkxpw4Lg0CSUfhTze1fmVjbEbdMfsNjWL34_oIZUUvrPk8ht1pwRyMeB5LHLYG8ykT8vHrXuZqumBULulVeA_oI8K-2P9vxigG31hcigIwPtUg7jCcPGWQcoyEkmXMNrLcK/w480-h640/IMG_8967.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was spring, so we saw spring wildflowers everywhere!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYHXxcJhKvcoz5MOIwqQ3HD991E2xgCpIZnarlAeQvQw7AsAtB8UrL-5_aYtuoYUSBlg3XN5b81lRluQE7zMiXvg2bd9XWzi1NVZSeP6fOatBdv7n3TeNxC1wV4baHZxrxneQps-BCyjhEheIiTENLk3q3R6A491Y8P2Olt1zC2kXsqZ6ApN0FF4meHfk/s4032/IMG_8977.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYHXxcJhKvcoz5MOIwqQ3HD991E2xgCpIZnarlAeQvQw7AsAtB8UrL-5_aYtuoYUSBlg3XN5b81lRluQE7zMiXvg2bd9XWzi1NVZSeP6fOatBdv7n3TeNxC1wV4baHZxrxneQps-BCyjhEheIiTENLk3q3R6A491Y8P2Olt1zC2kXsqZ6ApN0FF4meHfk/w480-h640/IMG_8977.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGC_pKwIv-2mXzVxB3JVwYcBbU5KlvbLTKhE-nQ-fD80RYP32EU5QOaFrialfSHwfgzGsvb0Su1LOKFV_kdVh400pDHHUYfDAre6WlU3-XNyoH-8XRXu83bGnyOaYquXaZvL55cesiWtBSIBEpSDoZ1CRhraTDgbEYLXHbuHbFXlktxY_Y8453dFv4dqL0/s4032/IMG_8979.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGC_pKwIv-2mXzVxB3JVwYcBbU5KlvbLTKhE-nQ-fD80RYP32EU5QOaFrialfSHwfgzGsvb0Su1LOKFV_kdVh400pDHHUYfDAre6WlU3-XNyoH-8XRXu83bGnyOaYquXaZvL55cesiWtBSIBEpSDoZ1CRhraTDgbEYLXHbuHbFXlktxY_Y8453dFv4dqL0/w480-h640/IMG_8979.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The water is so beautiful and clear in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area. The blue green color reminds one of water one might see in the Caribbean, not in Michigan!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DniOuo-n8B1zjTGS5nkVoZHK7GqLYOp8IuGig3e7wDB5MqKCGa8iCzYzvRrVZNTyIjLWHk_lyZUFOKEaoMn2xMmnt3Qh6uu-0dDZW4IW47s89JzlmBogl4KLeDL8MSAMwbVRYnt-K2FudagtZGloRLIdU-GNOZViTr1BKufDFC1aOuKBI05HoEqpSflI/s4032/IMG_8984.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DniOuo-n8B1zjTGS5nkVoZHK7GqLYOp8IuGig3e7wDB5MqKCGa8iCzYzvRrVZNTyIjLWHk_lyZUFOKEaoMn2xMmnt3Qh6uu-0dDZW4IW47s89JzlmBogl4KLeDL8MSAMwbVRYnt-K2FudagtZGloRLIdU-GNOZViTr1BKufDFC1aOuKBI05HoEqpSflI/w640-h480/IMG_8984.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember in <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2024/01/pictured-rocks-national-lakeshore-boat.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">last week's post</a> when I shared how part of the cliff collapsed into the water? Well now here we are right on top of that collapsed cliff!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNN8_zAJnMIHhvDRmtkBNQ8PJL_SUUkwu3x5LyCosr4kRnrK_1bLY6iHdpnRIWEHDowTfvlTC_k2EVu4JPM0lOvNJfNMbMRZ5NYTokxgq5cH4ym4_cCzPOC5arf3IdVvZ_WJcAokHpD9LJJIUhyphenhyphenFG4SLb-X2Zs8o6LQFn4jzN5brJAZNMbG5_X8O7QlDi/s4032/IMG_8989.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNN8_zAJnMIHhvDRmtkBNQ8PJL_SUUkwu3x5LyCosr4kRnrK_1bLY6iHdpnRIWEHDowTfvlTC_k2EVu4JPM0lOvNJfNMbMRZ5NYTokxgq5cH4ym4_cCzPOC5arf3IdVvZ_WJcAokHpD9LJJIUhyphenhyphenFG4SLb-X2Zs8o6LQFn4jzN5brJAZNMbG5_X8O7QlDi/w640-h480/IMG_8989.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsXJTlbBIgekOwlVTLpl-aQ_6XepkViErwGWfUP59NtfU2Lv4_9ishTwOtJcHXbx0y94iJZva7M8Z6VN4s9wwY-1zogR3YlGPpiiQcBsvbtVjfdJYBX4mq6enTvY5qmKsT9idEbxHMqOyU7ZaEGvJ0xfWbm8esBevhF7FOcTPkBP8P7nFMy4i-ISU_d7L/s4032/IMG_8991.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsXJTlbBIgekOwlVTLpl-aQ_6XepkViErwGWfUP59NtfU2Lv4_9ishTwOtJcHXbx0y94iJZva7M8Z6VN4s9wwY-1zogR3YlGPpiiQcBsvbtVjfdJYBX4mq6enTvY5qmKsT9idEbxHMqOyU7ZaEGvJ0xfWbm8esBevhF7FOcTPkBP8P7nFMy4i-ISU_d7L/w640-h480/IMG_8991.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though it was scary knowing that part of the cliff fell away a few years earlier, we thought it was the perfect spot to have lunch! It was so peaceful, and the warm sun felt wonderful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuonlru99N8urspNaQhO0xLQBy91rn6oOQfkXclR40bLMVp82q7U10AL9uljYdv5W18GemtFvjh_M8k0wWLzuDsQxP2NVzsLVdFDMo1JYkBIG0dh9Hhp54sA97o_vGDd6hf8pSdH7soScsNU41LvGH3IfCHMxGXN8627Wzha7XhaRduOYBgjDYAnjHvql/s4032/IMG_8996.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuonlru99N8urspNaQhO0xLQBy91rn6oOQfkXclR40bLMVp82q7U10AL9uljYdv5W18GemtFvjh_M8k0wWLzuDsQxP2NVzsLVdFDMo1JYkBIG0dh9Hhp54sA97o_vGDd6hf8pSdH7soScsNU41LvGH3IfCHMxGXN8627Wzha7XhaRduOYBgjDYAnjHvql/w480-h640/IMG_8996.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To give you an idea of the enormous size of these cliffs, that is an adult male hiking on top.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TwbHaI-FYnBD0eDpZMTi28TOio6MKlfacn7-DIx4R3GYaOnmw5C10lmQSpzx-1fqljACO41jWRhZMXii5CR25SOHFnwCx4ImEW7VqQAmQ3OV8DQcwstFNT91RkwedmVkByQugLjE9eUS0S5v3IchJ-Ra7wzRHPnKbMsyDki9ZPFOfPPfLhxCuT9ircXo/s4032/IMG_9003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TwbHaI-FYnBD0eDpZMTi28TOio6MKlfacn7-DIx4R3GYaOnmw5C10lmQSpzx-1fqljACO41jWRhZMXii5CR25SOHFnwCx4ImEW7VqQAmQ3OV8DQcwstFNT91RkwedmVkByQugLjE9eUS0S5v3IchJ-Ra7wzRHPnKbMsyDki9ZPFOfPPfLhxCuT9ircXo/w480-h640/IMG_9003.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While I rested a bit, hubby walked a little further to explore more. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSUf1_y20kKPmtdafUkddf8XUTUjiADGgMuMqiCPLWc0kvqN6ABzADokQKgFjruNVlvEDP-Enp-3cDOuR_LQvYUJG3I0vF3BGja_ygCjwjOmDPozaPlpBo3fVTTC96YLVS9FwDiOX2Y0bkxhwX9a6HHLCBnm7N-9PT024eNHyp0OnVOpBRDdve6f7dfPp/s4032/IMG_9009.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSUf1_y20kKPmtdafUkddf8XUTUjiADGgMuMqiCPLWc0kvqN6ABzADokQKgFjruNVlvEDP-Enp-3cDOuR_LQvYUJG3I0vF3BGja_ygCjwjOmDPozaPlpBo3fVTTC96YLVS9FwDiOX2Y0bkxhwX9a6HHLCBnm7N-9PT024eNHyp0OnVOpBRDdve6f7dfPp/w640-h480/IMG_9009.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbHG2IlKhkOrdgWbqHxn5CN7-OqBDUsXBsU43Vyo04zNkUnIVqdnojXZgyfOaiXfAIVTiMeWV9PaJ6bmcZUypA2oZwG3hPiegjgQ0RZkqVMh30DTZ4Qrj3VPCGc14iP0B2mNcmoQ7wWA9SdH8c3_6cBxSK-SCMpB2kTI3eiYGvs8CPyO-umPJLL7NeN3i/s4032/IMG_9011.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbHG2IlKhkOrdgWbqHxn5CN7-OqBDUsXBsU43Vyo04zNkUnIVqdnojXZgyfOaiXfAIVTiMeWV9PaJ6bmcZUypA2oZwG3hPiegjgQ0RZkqVMh30DTZ4Qrj3VPCGc14iP0B2mNcmoQ7wWA9SdH8c3_6cBxSK-SCMpB2kTI3eiYGvs8CPyO-umPJLL7NeN3i/w480-h640/IMG_9011.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Grand Portal", another famous site we saw the day before, is pictured below. I couldn't believe we walked this far! I was quite impressed with my 60 year old body. This is not a popular hike. I think the distance frightens most hikers away. We only ran into one other hiker who planned to go the distance and a couple of group of hikers who were hiking this trail as part of a much larger trail system. Most hikers just hike the three mile Rond trip trail Chapel Falls or the 6.1 mile round trip trail to Chapel Rock and Chapel Beach.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBjmFB14VkGUEOWfZJahQdWdUhgQzc9DFuKgY26xe1VyC76L-BbneWXRqvryG7W8pDub7yKFqyvrsyo8966-mdCQtM6O4RuSo-czovsDGWR42pPwK0kXY3hp20WlbIz-NoA04nqEn8Y-gl8fZrzo78Q8GaDwQbt6HalrGDs1qwa6fk1cquOd5c4svpD0U/s4032/IMG_9027.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBjmFB14VkGUEOWfZJahQdWdUhgQzc9DFuKgY26xe1VyC76L-BbneWXRqvryG7W8pDub7yKFqyvrsyo8966-mdCQtM6O4RuSo-czovsDGWR42pPwK0kXY3hp20WlbIz-NoA04nqEn8Y-gl8fZrzo78Q8GaDwQbt6HalrGDs1qwa6fk1cquOd5c4svpD0U/w480-h640/IMG_9027.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We saw one of the boats that we had taken the day before.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0s3MaMX10QQSUfiSU5OH_wZ1jVB415cz3THIt4ked6ryo5R3EdrKDKVykfBNmfs0qrB0C8gSjFeCpHi22BpvJbkmk_B6IOI2Ycrfa1SKMCTEUg5cxZJnsXeDF6l7z8Qefv2Rrf88LXiy_nN4Tpa8J97LinxMxwjixwBOeeDzHTONE0an62qXNC0IjZJ6/s4032/IMG_9036.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0s3MaMX10QQSUfiSU5OH_wZ1jVB415cz3THIt4ked6ryo5R3EdrKDKVykfBNmfs0qrB0C8gSjFeCpHi22BpvJbkmk_B6IOI2Ycrfa1SKMCTEUg5cxZJnsXeDF6l7z8Qefv2Rrf88LXiy_nN4Tpa8J97LinxMxwjixwBOeeDzHTONE0an62qXNC0IjZJ6/w480-h640/IMG_9036.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also saw lots of kayakers. It was so quiet and the acoustics were so perfect that we were able to hear every word they said and talk to them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtEl1Ob6yNZzdb01ABsMkhBICXx567bJoZb3lSTsKXWopjxs-aKqv2A4D761tMaubBKTJ86e3iyTlAPUEIgLw9re_hsxia6mqMxM2T-imBbUEjHbtk2mHE2GovSGGxJ8E49Kcj5WtLAP-Xh0FKGbZhk0uHhdlmZ2-sOzhyphenhyphens9JgWmvaQPhfVwdaM7tRZe7/s4032/IMG_9041.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtEl1Ob6yNZzdb01ABsMkhBICXx567bJoZb3lSTsKXWopjxs-aKqv2A4D761tMaubBKTJ86e3iyTlAPUEIgLw9re_hsxia6mqMxM2T-imBbUEjHbtk2mHE2GovSGGxJ8E49Kcj5WtLAP-Xh0FKGbZhk0uHhdlmZ2-sOzhyphenhyphens9JgWmvaQPhfVwdaM7tRZe7/w480-h640/IMG_9041.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7VfmgPGL2kGJh5-e57E9S0b3TQSzWl4s9DT_lKYm82niPTHZ-Mif4vjJCZBNsRmXCdwlGD0SV-zFyFmvgEVCbBjlzx4rMumiANCgHf1C_HhN6orJWDud516v0UPL0aOKeEMRpGSy-BLgzPt1epn_1NQF0vWarvn6ZVVwUuvKJrMa_DkvdlY5yzN6xL0l/s4032/IMG_9045.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7VfmgPGL2kGJh5-e57E9S0b3TQSzWl4s9DT_lKYm82niPTHZ-Mif4vjJCZBNsRmXCdwlGD0SV-zFyFmvgEVCbBjlzx4rMumiANCgHf1C_HhN6orJWDud516v0UPL0aOKeEMRpGSy-BLgzPt1epn_1NQF0vWarvn6ZVVwUuvKJrMa_DkvdlY5yzN6xL0l/w480-h640/IMG_9045.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Chapel Cove; the same cove our boat pulled inside of the day before.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sWiDabzGEuTC6Lu5Al3k4mAUe8aCinVIySjdnU8VuCLcljYQhNoQrcQRL6JnBNlqEBdn8gaYhfVtXzLzMbjm8IPthIhkHV9j9QyDMBgts4cUaDBK6s4iUmPIEDiQD5TSMwBfDWB_0RlgCt14QQ3C4te6_FhxrgWxvrO7O6CpxB-l7vIFl5yOfzoikVEQ/s4032/IMG_9051.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sWiDabzGEuTC6Lu5Al3k4mAUe8aCinVIySjdnU8VuCLcljYQhNoQrcQRL6JnBNlqEBdn8gaYhfVtXzLzMbjm8IPthIhkHV9j9QyDMBgts4cUaDBK6s4iUmPIEDiQD5TSMwBfDWB_0RlgCt14QQ3C4te6_FhxrgWxvrO7O6CpxB-l7vIFl5yOfzoikVEQ/w640-h480/IMG_9051.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We finally made it to Chapel Beach! We were more than half way through our hike at this point. It was beautiful here. It was great seeing the waterfall up close that we saw from our boat tour the day before. Here the Mosquito River empties into Lake Superior.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB-KwVjX4W0Su6Opdzgs4GX1BbwCk8XVRl-D1k-qP0fq9FTHFs2QSw0ptZPSV-z5oaQq6u2bNrhS9K_Yi1VLZrz7jVrjMkxipAkKo0LVE2bWVSsbPBVYxW0oJTlNVBMV4fa5DtD6ehUetA-JbjbJpTUrfT2KsMxOpW7UoKoLdR6SQkyg_VNfoBCsTymF6/s4032/IMG_9056.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB-KwVjX4W0Su6Opdzgs4GX1BbwCk8XVRl-D1k-qP0fq9FTHFs2QSw0ptZPSV-z5oaQq6u2bNrhS9K_Yi1VLZrz7jVrjMkxipAkKo0LVE2bWVSsbPBVYxW0oJTlNVBMV4fa5DtD6ehUetA-JbjbJpTUrfT2KsMxOpW7UoKoLdR6SQkyg_VNfoBCsTymF6/w640-h480/IMG_9056.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is a little video of this same waterfall emptying into Lake Superior:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B7VBREz5m7Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="B7VBREz5m7Q"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somehow we got off the trail and couldn't find it again. Even though were experienced hikers, for some reason, getting lost on trails is a habit of ours. 😂. Part of the reason is that people always create side shoots or short cuts on their own and it's hard to know which way to go. We weren't particularly worried on this trail, because we knew it followed the lake, so we just had to keep the lake on our left side until it was time to go back into the forest again. We saw the beach from the top of the cliff and we knew Chapel Beach was part of the trail and we'd be fine if we just got down to the beach. So we decided to climb down this slope (you can see the slope in the center left of the photo below), but I ended up falling and slipping down on my hands and arms. I got pretty banged up and was quite bruised the next day. Once we were down on the beach and were walking towards the waterfall, we saw the stairs that led to Chapel Beach. Stairs would have been a lot easier than sliding down a cliff. 😂</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXplRjlxBCYOOUUGTNuu9_TytZ88p1xdFw40KdLvwlypwVDLU3wN8V5YzdW_dRTgoXAnLDKP2D4OH__ddn7dOIrihoDbfR6TMeMT1yX1zzgIvgwz54qJqjhxCOsc81ApQiHjxVtp7kppUfZBtx3yX47jCTKvcJSMSkJ2DnZRYsFkPK7g_krRjxSW_otzGD/s4032/IMG_9057.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXplRjlxBCYOOUUGTNuu9_TytZ88p1xdFw40KdLvwlypwVDLU3wN8V5YzdW_dRTgoXAnLDKP2D4OH__ddn7dOIrihoDbfR6TMeMT1yX1zzgIvgwz54qJqjhxCOsc81ApQiHjxVtp7kppUfZBtx3yX47jCTKvcJSMSkJ2DnZRYsFkPK7g_krRjxSW_otzGD/w640-h480/IMG_9057.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was pretty proud of myself that I was doing such an adventurous hike with a bad hip and all!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY-XbCmYM7EJYu8bGPAOQywvZSn57t3OVtc7TW6Q3AOn8yumQNt2YeeYfx9m24h7rR9ncGOG9KjmhKcOu4AvSNDADdFk1w9RoabCDRNN9IF53xs2zHMISbRBWS_BltQ5IWYgWuQDaRbw4MZKD7Vcsr9jw2fBGV5d_EtHlH-K0_67yJxlaAnJCW_CktH9D/s4032/IMG_9059.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY-XbCmYM7EJYu8bGPAOQywvZSn57t3OVtc7TW6Q3AOn8yumQNt2YeeYfx9m24h7rR9ncGOG9KjmhKcOu4AvSNDADdFk1w9RoabCDRNN9IF53xs2zHMISbRBWS_BltQ5IWYgWuQDaRbw4MZKD7Vcsr9jw2fBGV5d_EtHlH-K0_67yJxlaAnJCW_CktH9D/w480-h640/IMG_9059.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got a nice view of Chapel Rock from the beach.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAPNJvtqaIkPODJtVlGpHu20JlmV7LCYd_OkBL3jH7z3GULlvPaG-MpVe_IkiCEGBxLlKekql8meLZ0R5NoZSpl1YbT4NZyPS2bGj7Ag2JIrkxLYpxglbmKTu5b20Ip3SzPW2A02rKtUV4JARSK3GVnL-Hvf3IbGJXCgAw8xiMrcnyQ7WuGNS0K_QC8nL/s4032/IMG_9067.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAPNJvtqaIkPODJtVlGpHu20JlmV7LCYd_OkBL3jH7z3GULlvPaG-MpVe_IkiCEGBxLlKekql8meLZ0R5NoZSpl1YbT4NZyPS2bGj7Ag2JIrkxLYpxglbmKTu5b20Ip3SzPW2A02rKtUV4JARSK3GVnL-Hvf3IbGJXCgAw8xiMrcnyQ7WuGNS0K_QC8nL/w480-h640/IMG_9067.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And it was pretty exciting walking across the bridge that I had seen from the boat the day before.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi980pgEA2ZgQ9X9qbjzqEBQYmfGX8-gWaGSa1sBQcoeFE67cumCimhVlEGXQMxAPRE7x8deZOx0Uglo468GLiXi9olcBurIE59QZAMMOLA9fzy6h3cYnG2sK5n5sa7M3RDJNiyfT0BWbmDZjOgg7qgBZQGg_jKcAQRQLeeC2bqrqpIUe6iIz_GkcUxLOgq/s4032/IMG_9071.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi980pgEA2ZgQ9X9qbjzqEBQYmfGX8-gWaGSa1sBQcoeFE67cumCimhVlEGXQMxAPRE7x8deZOx0Uglo468GLiXi9olcBurIE59QZAMMOLA9fzy6h3cYnG2sK5n5sa7M3RDJNiyfT0BWbmDZjOgg7qgBZQGg_jKcAQRQLeeC2bqrqpIUe6iIz_GkcUxLOgq/w480-h640/IMG_9071.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiaNzeotNhk4iqrC50ZTL9KEqYbJQV3P_ffsumVxlZoitoEIau9CKbVczxoab5bXgo5nSZlGkT1JHLzkU9Jw-UuLUSrIIZ0FgbV254zd6hJxo8x06T_h5fL-BqjrSG-i6fguRHsiCZXmzts8QY2J6wvPeOkXsDF5Gr7Ts8vHZUYSCDzMSOMH_a42kQpp8/s4032/IMG_9074.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiaNzeotNhk4iqrC50ZTL9KEqYbJQV3P_ffsumVxlZoitoEIau9CKbVczxoab5bXgo5nSZlGkT1JHLzkU9Jw-UuLUSrIIZ0FgbV254zd6hJxo8x06T_h5fL-BqjrSG-i6fguRHsiCZXmzts8QY2J6wvPeOkXsDF5Gr7Ts8vHZUYSCDzMSOMH_a42kQpp8/w480-h640/IMG_9074.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the view from the bridge above the waterfall looking out into Lake Superior. So cool!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF2qo9zyc2tVpnMHMfmqbAJXMpMGfrWx8TcagAKX9GAkhYOGp_X5gacYGT1MIOqWenQ_AFK1b1YZaOZ6-toWnOOa2lir9EsjWlVQf0LOEbfpHTvGeFEoNbEr8Erfy9ZOjzq3A2COH8SsMw1ETrV8h_sboLmcxXaU2ubtuwpXREZIpBw0g-oQPS3HuBhqV/s4032/IMG_9077.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF2qo9zyc2tVpnMHMfmqbAJXMpMGfrWx8TcagAKX9GAkhYOGp_X5gacYGT1MIOqWenQ_AFK1b1YZaOZ6-toWnOOa2lir9EsjWlVQf0LOEbfpHTvGeFEoNbEr8Erfy9ZOjzq3A2COH8SsMw1ETrV8h_sboLmcxXaU2ubtuwpXREZIpBw0g-oQPS3HuBhqV/w640-h480/IMG_9077.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chapel Rock was so much better to see in person than from a boat. The root system of the tree on top of the rock goes across the sky to the other rock formation. Isn't that incredible?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lJRFtnecQbq2fBo74uTt88Jcf27F212EIon4dRoTafWPsOH7uQwDs0P7B9eAAFTef2tiReoKh-qSWzVJgMXs1uBhKMVtNIeroNH-ki8kETYcKjznXD9_UWaKbHrV1kxxcBtYlkLVey0zQstfvpMknTF9eNeRMjR4FbrVe8qaqwvxeCCBp6OW0Y8dJA3o/s4032/IMG_9083.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lJRFtnecQbq2fBo74uTt88Jcf27F212EIon4dRoTafWPsOH7uQwDs0P7B9eAAFTef2tiReoKh-qSWzVJgMXs1uBhKMVtNIeroNH-ki8kETYcKjznXD9_UWaKbHrV1kxxcBtYlkLVey0zQstfvpMknTF9eNeRMjR4FbrVe8qaqwvxeCCBp6OW0Y8dJA3o/w480-h640/IMG_9083.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here you can see the root system from another angle. God the creator is amazing, isn't He? </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1IsMSb0Fg0bUXX85iBXcjEAvwABnNIU_OipPH66F0YEs34z2wPdysEGaV8HmQdsKZFi5-207YGEX910UrjjmRBsNbDc5HcY0BNlwihDBXJaWzLPA3TdpLyRu0e117IKlif_qHPjlmiAStzozMYH4Mm49YplopoMxG5vIsHrUbNPL-r_ZKpXDowg0Z7yn/s4032/IMG_9084.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1IsMSb0Fg0bUXX85iBXcjEAvwABnNIU_OipPH66F0YEs34z2wPdysEGaV8HmQdsKZFi5-207YGEX910UrjjmRBsNbDc5HcY0BNlwihDBXJaWzLPA3TdpLyRu0e117IKlif_qHPjlmiAStzozMYH4Mm49YplopoMxG5vIsHrUbNPL-r_ZKpXDowg0Z7yn/w480-h640/IMG_9084.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7dw_o_w45J1wIcwl4JJtQlp1DIljfNfFVRJAz5p5I4fRH-q9p1ZOEbtaNSp1zLQja-UIS8mFjy0VPzUNy2CIv0V141az3o33n63OObso9QsJzktRNUJ2MKjeQhdZhAhw3lANUk0_oXBgIXyBrzTZGX4Fs11OcE7ZBROHCRPOfOKDJMAM4p8-jynPjJyA/s4032/IMG_9089.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7dw_o_w45J1wIcwl4JJtQlp1DIljfNfFVRJAz5p5I4fRH-q9p1ZOEbtaNSp1zLQja-UIS8mFjy0VPzUNy2CIv0V141az3o33n63OObso9QsJzktRNUJ2MKjeQhdZhAhw3lANUk0_oXBgIXyBrzTZGX4Fs11OcE7ZBROHCRPOfOKDJMAM4p8-jynPjJyA/w640-h480/IMG_9089.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now it was time to finish the loop and go back into the forest again. We were pretty nervous about running into all those mosquitoes again as many hikers that only did the 3 or 6 mile trail versions said the mosquitoes were horrendous. But thankfully, the mosquitoes were all gone! It was late afternoon by this point and it must have gotten too hot for them. We were able to walk the rest of the hike to our car pest free and we enjoyed hiking through the forest instead of "running" through it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilO5BeqXPPMcTlBZGQ9WwzmEVRF8BpCUWS5BALZ8d6oT5QoKOKrRCMlfEx_nF3M5XBcRQst40i6BKlg2pKikN8Rw45149q1sA7H7dROaf-MmKkSBUhgYd9ap8Hhyphenhyphennqe96XA4od03xA9VbamzkpIFb88dTl7C8ZF9NZzyIcOGsT4Y75omd_G0CfOux5bF00/s4032/IMG_9090.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilO5BeqXPPMcTlBZGQ9WwzmEVRF8BpCUWS5BALZ8d6oT5QoKOKrRCMlfEx_nF3M5XBcRQst40i6BKlg2pKikN8Rw45149q1sA7H7dROaf-MmKkSBUhgYd9ap8Hhyphenhyphennqe96XA4od03xA9VbamzkpIFb88dTl7C8ZF9NZzyIcOGsT4Y75omd_G0CfOux5bF00/w480-h640/IMG_9090.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once again we saw lots of tall, glorious ferns!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbRIajb8sT7bDxxDeCAYZZfr4yvno3BCxoizY3IUAuW_iZTYYnu1kqXukLsnAbWPrhHaDz6J7GvEIROCuEIlWMcpQAiQPnO-pFChUB1-sREmL2-9XQgLGQhMaETl5zjOBLe1TFr6xzEE6XpkwsrqmtF-lLFrVsjOPtn1A-fCcUHiJUVeL_sh8E4ileJpw/s4032/IMG_9091.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbRIajb8sT7bDxxDeCAYZZfr4yvno3BCxoizY3IUAuW_iZTYYnu1kqXukLsnAbWPrhHaDz6J7GvEIROCuEIlWMcpQAiQPnO-pFChUB1-sREmL2-9XQgLGQhMaETl5zjOBLe1TFr6xzEE6XpkwsrqmtF-lLFrVsjOPtn1A-fCcUHiJUVeL_sh8E4ileJpw/w480-h640/IMG_9091.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tree canopy of this trail is amazing. The tall trees surround both sides of the trail and seem to touch each other at the top allowing only a bit of sky to poke through.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso2O5x14yVZsQ_2DLv122OSHDjniieYGNRriV2X5gUv3sqJUSKoCdXBw1yScqZTHDBrsoT5H9s_UK3F9OVt-TleZ2cR0dV88kvQeIawur5X_MtOsiA3Rg9zqCcNLDCj4Sc8C0zWDjZKRJkxzbIAvRSJ4QyMHR2-OX1RX0Oos6k8ED9OJEHJ9seJ8s31U9/s4032/IMG_9092.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso2O5x14yVZsQ_2DLv122OSHDjniieYGNRriV2X5gUv3sqJUSKoCdXBw1yScqZTHDBrsoT5H9s_UK3F9OVt-TleZ2cR0dV88kvQeIawur5X_MtOsiA3Rg9zqCcNLDCj4Sc8C0zWDjZKRJkxzbIAvRSJ4QyMHR2-OX1RX0Oos6k8ED9OJEHJ9seJ8s31U9/w480-h640/IMG_9092.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The third waterfall we saw on this hike was the grandest one of them all; perhaps that's why the Chapel Falls hike is so popular. We ran into lots of hikers on this trail. This waterfall is 60 feet high.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AiUE71TMqvm1H080eyFokyf1JjSRtbl0FaDxZy4BTX_Nido6U28tFirTcxtA4AFZh9c9f8tXISzGra9NiYWqr1PT1WMCALlYGRdzEowU8cOKKA6Sfk2h2CzIBjQUU_5uTNefSVJL_SUuHcJgNm_iVORd6TCGRXrJyhSXnFgeV1vwmrwIJ9l92OxfsGqO/s4032/IMG_9098.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AiUE71TMqvm1H080eyFokyf1JjSRtbl0FaDxZy4BTX_Nido6U28tFirTcxtA4AFZh9c9f8tXISzGra9NiYWqr1PT1WMCALlYGRdzEowU8cOKKA6Sfk2h2CzIBjQUU_5uTNefSVJL_SUuHcJgNm_iVORd6TCGRXrJyhSXnFgeV1vwmrwIJ9l92OxfsGqO/w480-h640/IMG_9098.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just like the Mosquito Falls trail, the Chapel Falls trail had lots of pretty bridges to stop and take a picture!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvEzLRqgUvfTEQf4c7BfoT7lSrmNLg6NVdRne7aaYaawGiojC18xUzEfS6Ki8fknXjn8hUazyo-lnOIS-pgB_7tpjPHPXPU8x4jP7Z8-zUHI7IoFnyyyXd3M9CNbivcms6apJRdP3hjTefOStFLg9euGup1Y5iLKOpclLDE6HIPh6Izi1h9Qqf_vlmS2H/s4032/IMG_9102.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvEzLRqgUvfTEQf4c7BfoT7lSrmNLg6NVdRne7aaYaawGiojC18xUzEfS6Ki8fknXjn8hUazyo-lnOIS-pgB_7tpjPHPXPU8x4jP7Z8-zUHI7IoFnyyyXd3M9CNbivcms6apJRdP3hjTefOStFLg9euGup1Y5iLKOpclLDE6HIPh6Izi1h9Qqf_vlmS2H/w480-h640/IMG_9102.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are two different viewing decks to give you different angles of the falls. By the time we reached this deck and saw a bench, we stopped and sat for quite awhile. We explained to all the other hikers that we had hiked the entire ten mile loop, and everyone we lamented too was quite impressed with us. 😂</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwrCaHq1n15fRsOwOeWRsROEYTnfZQ6OUFZe9Q40w_t6v21vvjajIjRToAdExvyUt219jfzeQbV4nHt_NrUxQgzhqheUmIX2nxcVqA0I6XmMyw0eU3WWLSQGM07C0bIbGr4KbLzvWA1XmEbZtK_bnKb3SJ-6a5tHj61f6xGj_tKaaEhuaVh0JrFYIKtr7/s4032/IMG_9107.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwrCaHq1n15fRsOwOeWRsROEYTnfZQ6OUFZe9Q40w_t6v21vvjajIjRToAdExvyUt219jfzeQbV4nHt_NrUxQgzhqheUmIX2nxcVqA0I6XmMyw0eU3WWLSQGM07C0bIbGr4KbLzvWA1XmEbZtK_bnKb3SJ-6a5tHj61f6xGj_tKaaEhuaVh0JrFYIKtr7/w480-h640/IMG_9107.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYmmaRv5-ShyphenhyphenXB_MvvVcmDKVUBnhyphenhyphenH2jMsBgUoVeMlnZMxQWmwoHleZsUT_Yt3u5jF10i9HVhfL4NftwcW4PYYq6qHnpuMhyr2AeMaYogp48rd842ODOhUjlPRyi6JPslHZ3oMyzhwN9IQyjAfCySVG5FJzyLbhEH3Sb31tMu4obs8C5awmtvNOk4zwxf/s4032/IMG_9110.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYmmaRv5-ShyphenhyphenXB_MvvVcmDKVUBnhyphenhyphenH2jMsBgUoVeMlnZMxQWmwoHleZsUT_Yt3u5jF10i9HVhfL4NftwcW4PYYq6qHnpuMhyr2AeMaYogp48rd842ODOhUjlPRyi6JPslHZ3oMyzhwN9IQyjAfCySVG5FJzyLbhEH3Sb31tMu4obs8C5awmtvNOk4zwxf/w480-h640/IMG_9110.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I saw one last grouping of wildflowers I just had to take a photo of before we were finally in the parking lot.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpmJPaDLNYPSO8LKzsvsptT0RyZ4D904gL42pzRMNwm5iykW94Rv9j92fbwSHk1tMuL6YfDjlgaaOT_Lxh49bvQNiai8D8b-A0mQozx2JxqyBa7g0juh6WLCJYZJ0oUT6tc3jw-WI2XSh62BLPeY7OcCc1N8plfyKR2a3Hv_iHMzWj65xNlvTKh9ODUH7/s4032/IMG_9111.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpmJPaDLNYPSO8LKzsvsptT0RyZ4D904gL42pzRMNwm5iykW94Rv9j92fbwSHk1tMuL6YfDjlgaaOT_Lxh49bvQNiai8D8b-A0mQozx2JxqyBa7g0juh6WLCJYZJ0oUT6tc3jw-WI2XSh62BLPeY7OcCc1N8plfyKR2a3Hv_iHMzWj65xNlvTKh9ODUH7/w480-h640/IMG_9111.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the time we got to our car we were dirty, muddy, bruised, and the most exhausted we had ever been in our entire lives, but it was so worth it! Wow! What a hike! It was one of the top five trails I have ever done in my life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And that concludes the end of my Upper Peninsula travel series. Next week I'm going to start covering some our more local summer adventures so you can start planning your summer trips!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="http://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><br /> <p></p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-23091195187262330362024-01-18T00:00:00.001-06:002024-01-18T00:00:00.133-06:00"Rock Your Jeans!" with Ageless Style<div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: 13.2px;">Ageless Style is a monthly style challenge and link up for women of all ages. Each month we pick a different theme and style an outfit based on that theme. This month's theme is "Rock Your Jeans" and was picked by<a href="https://chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://distinctlysouthernstyle.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rosemary</a>..</span></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Welcome back to Ageless Style. We took last month off due to the holidays but we are back in full swing showing off our jeans. In years past, it always seemed only one type of jeans were in style and if you wore anything else you were considered out of style. But now, it seems anything goes when it comes to jeans. You can wear wide leg, bootcut, flare, straight leg, whichever style you prefer and you are still on trend. Even skinny jeans are still being worn, although they are trending out.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For this theme, I decided to show two new-to-me jean styles. I was growing tired of the skinny jean trend last year, so I went shopping and purchased a pair of wide leg jeans (the light blue pair on the left) and a pair of straight leg jeans (the black pair on the right). I really like them both, and I am more than happy to say "goodbye" to my skinny jeans. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Wide Leg Jeans Straight Leg Jeans</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="text-align: start;" /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNjaQNhqogNgyMb3vAwFYU6ClHqqX0Pn6XJ3SDQZSG390dSLvmHQuf3HMp3XQ9U9RK6FqNwRHXb1AIq-ksFsRZyeOqlD6MR9iAPpty65LnGe8nMGuD4OIfjLWMn9j1EM43Wc33Fy-iF3PVx-Um8BjU6jA8pWHKZsY54xH06iZd6gn_Ist6UMOga6DaCoQ/s3698/IMG_2031.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3698" data-original-width="2709" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNjaQNhqogNgyMb3vAwFYU6ClHqqX0Pn6XJ3SDQZSG390dSLvmHQuf3HMp3XQ9U9RK6FqNwRHXb1AIq-ksFsRZyeOqlD6MR9iAPpty65LnGe8nMGuD4OIfjLWMn9j1EM43Wc33Fy-iF3PVx-Um8BjU6jA8pWHKZsY54xH06iZd6gn_Ist6UMOga6DaCoQ/s320/IMG_2031.jpeg" width="234" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6nO-WAxNYo1EE6mUsjjfrj4j7yIUaz8mhFDxHWvppQSfJs_Yz8oHV0NvSE8_2vUWqBV4lpUO5O2yQyOfOkVgL_KNiZcC8LbEMWDy9FaMTQqIAgjWsVervG-93O6y6M6ocjlHx1NhsXcvMrcyBgSVU8XpZVkXb0D4Z2GQOhyphenhyphenmt-fDuq7IUEqQJ6pfEr46/s3870/IMG_2108.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3870" data-original-width="2970" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6nO-WAxNYo1EE6mUsjjfrj4j7yIUaz8mhFDxHWvppQSfJs_Yz8oHV0NvSE8_2vUWqBV4lpUO5O2yQyOfOkVgL_KNiZcC8LbEMWDy9FaMTQqIAgjWsVervG-93O6y6M6ocjlHx1NhsXcvMrcyBgSVU8XpZVkXb0D4Z2GQOhyphenhyphenmt-fDuq7IUEqQJ6pfEr46/s320/IMG_2108.jpeg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First let's talk about the wide leg jeans. These are a light wash. I have recently read that dark washes are more on trend so if you're going to invest in a new pair of jeans I would purchase a dark wash. However, I am happy to have a light wash option, especially in the spring.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8cSzawvdknRQ-DpKImjym0Kjg1MG0iG5qsBj7aja5Uk-yMI6L8YorE4O9QHCri07217ljxIMc8A3RgZEOjJX26ikC-y54aNqzcX5OQHbCj8fYWtyUi4jQIwteUoOjYdF2Z1mYtWXNJKW8Fn3r0350Vc5JSb-zBlJSmGUsk8uY1bhZO9SMtY26tGYXjAn/s4032/IMG_2057.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8cSzawvdknRQ-DpKImjym0Kjg1MG0iG5qsBj7aja5Uk-yMI6L8YorE4O9QHCri07217ljxIMc8A3RgZEOjJX26ikC-y54aNqzcX5OQHbCj8fYWtyUi4jQIwteUoOjYdF2Z1mYtWXNJKW8Fn3r0350Vc5JSb-zBlJSmGUsk8uY1bhZO9SMtY26tGYXjAn/w480-h640/IMG_2057.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The jeans are straight and wide right down to the framed hem. They have a looser fit, and are super comfy (unlike those tight fitting skinny jeans). The brand is <a href="https://us.mavi.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mavi</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I paired my light wash jeans with a complimentary color: periwinkle. Light wash jeans look great with navy, purple, pink, and light neutrals such as oatmeal, grey, white, and camel. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KhdM5JxVQ9YerIbHhKOnVoNNakcEyVIePnuSTRZaZQg0at3BTqe6DPhb98ysnmwGpQhxQftIrf7dPRfyhCB6IbXa9MCsHNDad7piDZNoi6YT32SjleoQu8CU1SYb0xQraOY4jcTmrxIVeYNlHYq7sN2J_k9PqDncPifEqfJHj4rzXKyHM_n6qA92kt-I/s4032/IMG_2062.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KhdM5JxVQ9YerIbHhKOnVoNNakcEyVIePnuSTRZaZQg0at3BTqe6DPhb98ysnmwGpQhxQftIrf7dPRfyhCB6IbXa9MCsHNDad7piDZNoi6YT32SjleoQu8CU1SYb0xQraOY4jcTmrxIVeYNlHYq7sN2J_k9PqDncPifEqfJHj4rzXKyHM_n6qA92kt-I/w480-h640/IMG_2062.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My second pair of jeans is a pull-on straight leg jean by <a href="https://liverpoolstyle.com/collections/women-straight-leg-jeans" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Liverpool</a>. These are also super comfy. If you're having a had time transitioning out of your skinny jeans, straight leg jeans will help ease the transition.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvemTT_OHibJjej9wDl3L_nW_YidvuwB2nM0r6bJOJsg52sbSDjcxHu8u8mBsddjtCq3loK3fszhZd1nrBopbINiIGXmQKw2wOLUBzPJFVOh8Cu-LK_XsRjh378LOXbfXS6ijGgimBROV4DbJTVICPVAnMalrQcThzJ7RX-w480noftlqP1HgecJwsO7J/s4032/IMG_2118.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvemTT_OHibJjej9wDl3L_nW_YidvuwB2nM0r6bJOJsg52sbSDjcxHu8u8mBsddjtCq3loK3fszhZd1nrBopbINiIGXmQKw2wOLUBzPJFVOh8Cu-LK_XsRjh378LOXbfXS6ijGgimBROV4DbJTVICPVAnMalrQcThzJ7RX-w480noftlqP1HgecJwsO7J/w480-h640/IMG_2118.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm wearing the same black <a href="https://www.dsw.com/en/us/product/mia-jody-chelsea-boot/438522?activeColor=001" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mia Jody Chelsea Boot</a> with both my light wash wide leg jeans and my straight leg black jeans. The fact that I can wear the same style and color of boots with two completely different pairs of jeans shows how versatile this bootie is!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0UaLBO39YAX_4BJgLsgGEGGHo43DLyELOdqZXOodmc5IRLb01l7kkwou3O8W73WaESZfwX92MxZhSydEemV2PhdKnbLWHTtqX-HSgRLm5mijZMVUKyM1XIeNIrr9as8XUSlWU6og-8MWjVMuG5TrgJodRwTCPFJ9L0yW_DNIb8SZ-1ROOcpspsydR_Zu/s4032/IMG_2137.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0UaLBO39YAX_4BJgLsgGEGGHo43DLyELOdqZXOodmc5IRLb01l7kkwou3O8W73WaESZfwX92MxZhSydEemV2PhdKnbLWHTtqX-HSgRLm5mijZMVUKyM1XIeNIrr9as8XUSlWU6og-8MWjVMuG5TrgJodRwTCPFJ9L0yW_DNIb8SZ-1ROOcpspsydR_Zu/w480-h640/IMG_2137.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wore this outfit when it was -25 degree windchill outside. The straight legs help balance out the oversize sweater. Wide leg jeans worn with this large sweater would have made me look like the Michelin Man 😂</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsjCzBeYE-Zn3Ona2NDIwFqg7YI83tp1kPs28VjEV-xlZ_E79SCoEX2hcZRcb18jnqbR6F-XVq5onO_P67ldB3nXEydkLo1EzatXxlFFXHvwMw-jIo4ntWMd25kRxgOf-9e6-yT4O3UV0OI8ZP9X48ROOZnYieZ7wE3EkgKIo79da73aiOcRTi6NATJiR/s4032/IMG_2143.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsjCzBeYE-Zn3Ona2NDIwFqg7YI83tp1kPs28VjEV-xlZ_E79SCoEX2hcZRcb18jnqbR6F-XVq5onO_P67ldB3nXEydkLo1EzatXxlFFXHvwMw-jIo4ntWMd25kRxgOf-9e6-yT4O3UV0OI8ZP9X48ROOZnYieZ7wE3EkgKIo79da73aiOcRTi6NATJiR/w480-h640/IMG_2143.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So what about you? What style of jean is your current favorite? Are you still wearing skinny jeans, or did you ditch them? I'd love to hear from you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now be sure to visit the other ladies in our group and link up with us as well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a Great Day! Amy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="http://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOjiHXkFmJMxS54nUAOsyySDiN29BDm7O3W58NYc_KkpuTJjpKwrPsYd2-uZkJep5Jbj1mzBcZ6yNeMCXiPH2rdXL_OuNNLtAN6lEGrzDxYvvHVxvG_zbp1BrUeRwdxnWNv1nJVl0rF2_Q1q_QFRGhTSjCZr9aAw85mKtsPT-6d4cC1Px_hUfuv16FVRu/s2160/1000013857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOjiHXkFmJMxS54nUAOsyySDiN29BDm7O3W58NYc_KkpuTJjpKwrPsYd2-uZkJep5Jbj1mzBcZ6yNeMCXiPH2rdXL_OuNNLtAN6lEGrzDxYvvHVxvG_zbp1BrUeRwdxnWNv1nJVl0rF2_Q1q_QFRGhTSjCZr9aAw85mKtsPT-6d4cC1Px_hUfuv16FVRu/w400-h400/1000013857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: start;">Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits</p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.2px;"><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: start;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.amyscreativepursuits.com%252F%26data%3D04%257C01%257C%257C93e5c58f7ca44697e7e808d92eab5eb2%257C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%257C1%257C0%257C637592135832994996%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C1000%26sdata%3DuqNlkT2goZAHxVZWJJNAddueKGMVb1QcJBB3BWWa8To%253D%26reserved%3D0&source=gmail&ust=1652969416147000&usg=AOvVaw0FLGTXc_9TIUvXZuIBGg_o" href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amyscreativepursuits.com%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C93e5c58f7ca44697e7e808d92eab5eb2%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637592135832994996%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=uqNlkT2goZAHxVZWJJNAddueKGMVb1QcJBB3BWWa8To%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Protected by Outlook: https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/. 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<!--end InLinkz code-->Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-39004943128925632102024-01-17T00:00:00.001-06:002024-01-17T00:00:00.137-06:00Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Boat Tour<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This post is part four of a travel series to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. To start at the beginning go </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/st-ignace-and-mackinaw-city-michigan.html" rel="nofollow" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. The remaining posts in consecutive order are </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-amazing-historic-homes-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> , </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-grand-hotel-on-mackinac-island.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>, </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/12/exploring-natural-attractions-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/12/tahquamenon-falls-state-park.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, and </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2024/01/the-waterfalls-and-scenic-views-of.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are ever fortunate enough to visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the number one thing to do is take a Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Boat Tour. The tour highlights what the area is famous for: it's glorious, unique pictured rocks!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #2b00fe; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAE7XTTUd5VNy9rdVpb35nEWEAUapuQqwcNO2PocYPrMUvtv1MAl51x95bEOZBXhLuN7a0x7SdRyrJrnqgDTHeens-BW4116O66gRHe7V5ix5v5gFLCCVqValj8Ul1U0mYNvfZx7c7e40nFZERc6MbHnGpgRVST4uVRIsjQReAlBUjqisnsyVFHcmvbk6/s4032/IMG_8830.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAE7XTTUd5VNy9rdVpb35nEWEAUapuQqwcNO2PocYPrMUvtv1MAl51x95bEOZBXhLuN7a0x7SdRyrJrnqgDTHeens-BW4116O66gRHe7V5ix5v5gFLCCVqValj8Ul1U0mYNvfZx7c7e40nFZERc6MbHnGpgRVST4uVRIsjQReAlBUjqisnsyVFHcmvbk6/w640-h480/IMG_8830.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is 42 miles along the southern coast of Lake Superior between Munising and Grand Marais.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although you can get a glimpse of the pictured rocks on a few hikes and overlooks, the best way to see them is by boat. There are a variety of boats available through <a href="https://picturedrocks.com/fares-schedule/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pictured Rocks Cruises</a>. We took the Spray Falls Cruise because we wanted to see the waterfall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKhyphenhyphen7eSFj4UnL7Iyqg8urkNJXkcBAXad8xk96Y8HFx0sLRL_t_CeZR7cQQwzpPbK3IVmHcKfRSrt3kKafjEQNaOTT1Hth_Zt9mhkpYRow7VxODqSo1L25id2X5DnFB-8QUNny0eREm-OJ9MLR-WwvzRcWQh2b-maqN10yYQZNh_RPBmGrCeOf2pTZDnZR/s4032/IMG_8801.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKhyphenhyphen7eSFj4UnL7Iyqg8urkNJXkcBAXad8xk96Y8HFx0sLRL_t_CeZR7cQQwzpPbK3IVmHcKfRSrt3kKafjEQNaOTT1Hth_Zt9mhkpYRow7VxODqSo1L25id2X5DnFB-8QUNny0eREm-OJ9MLR-WwvzRcWQh2b-maqN10yYQZNh_RPBmGrCeOf2pTZDnZR/w640-h480/IMG_8801.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner's Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore features sand stone cliffs, sea caves, and formations that rise 50 to 200 feet above Lake Superior. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV-6TXBctDXiMq7AZ4GxBFIJKoehZLePyArIcITQfJKfnMOx-kWjvyPgN3MmZE83DgKADeO3ZStEuOLOKB-sf-dRAzsFlMRg64SIiYdurtHPPQy1v5Flj7oYkWWXzeJnYgKGZGA2xVqWrY7qQqp0qTrtt3IS-uyI2Pk-hyLMadn69jSW4hxkC46M2YUI5/s4032/IMG_8807.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV-6TXBctDXiMq7AZ4GxBFIJKoehZLePyArIcITQfJKfnMOx-kWjvyPgN3MmZE83DgKADeO3ZStEuOLOKB-sf-dRAzsFlMRg64SIiYdurtHPPQy1v5Flj7oYkWWXzeJnYgKGZGA2xVqWrY7qQqp0qTrtt3IS-uyI2Pk-hyLMadn69jSW4hxkC46M2YUI5/w480-h640/IMG_8807.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Veil Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Another great way to see the Pictured Rocks is by Kayak. You can bring your own, rent one, or take a kayak tour!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitufsyrYLPJ1IyhDBocI0kEicafNUKPXluGmTy4xnnSViJyQKFEKI-qDXD0t4ATY6ujOWf5cNQGSml6N_OM6tHNmUEjsB4p017vsi_Cs_VS4GA5re_uYwY1WlP13PXkhT73BkSRNmQJqT4pVNRDyKZ1x986Zp74zGJCY0rOybEiSdZRhDvvEiM3ClWxvrx/s4032/IMG_8811.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitufsyrYLPJ1IyhDBocI0kEicafNUKPXluGmTy4xnnSViJyQKFEKI-qDXD0t4ATY6ujOWf5cNQGSml6N_OM6tHNmUEjsB4p017vsi_Cs_VS4GA5re_uYwY1WlP13PXkhT73BkSRNmQJqT4pVNRDyKZ1x986Zp74zGJCY0rOybEiSdZRhDvvEiM3ClWxvrx/w640-h480/IMG_8811.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rocks are stained these interesting patterns and colors because of the minerals in the water.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioc8wOdRCwBwRlLrwlOEeVz5VNduZ9Ij1U2YTx5xw8v6DLCFQ8aWrz9-Jy8EjSSKKgOIdw_Aa0l1wyNNuWH7CbCdbjC4kEhoEUTif7Jk1BBV3dfxEepXYgZPzhPaYWq2sVlZ3f-kGW_O8o5QiVoeN5klifM8NSn88Gir6EbAGMTsMKHsuo9ddG09dz-0_/s4032/IMG_8816.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioc8wOdRCwBwRlLrwlOEeVz5VNduZ9Ij1U2YTx5xw8v6DLCFQ8aWrz9-Jy8EjSSKKgOIdw_Aa0l1wyNNuWH7CbCdbjC4kEhoEUTif7Jk1BBV3dfxEepXYgZPzhPaYWq2sVlZ3f-kGW_O8o5QiVoeN5klifM8NSn88Gir6EbAGMTsMKHsuo9ddG09dz-0_/w640-h480/IMG_8816.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tours last between 2-2 1/2 hours and cost around $50 per adult. Not a bad price if you ask me! Please be advised it is FREEZING on the water, even if you go on a 90 degree day! The best place to sit is up on top, but that wind is a killer! They do have an indoor area to sit, but the views aren't as nice.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMZCOTqNd7neav4Y6tghFqechy2KV0dmm0sevXd5Qe66UE7Iwy8riyfdp8YPsSVoIhksZUTW0EK87QcqZeKicyK_F17hboeimFRMH0675SoxIJDwvifyHbDnbMkz0ysnbUgq39gCTsZdxuh_JxjOI4e3gT8ZkNjTHCk6cWeqJ1HkdRKp_4czo5qwV1Q_o/s4032/IMG_8819.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMZCOTqNd7neav4Y6tghFqechy2KV0dmm0sevXd5Qe66UE7Iwy8riyfdp8YPsSVoIhksZUTW0EK87QcqZeKicyK_F17hboeimFRMH0675SoxIJDwvifyHbDnbMkz0ysnbUgq39gCTsZdxuh_JxjOI4e3gT8ZkNjTHCk6cWeqJ1HkdRKp_4czo5qwV1Q_o/w640-h480/IMG_8819.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted Coves<br /><br />The huge sandstone walls and coves of the seashore are an incredible sight to behold! The colors of the coves are constantly changing through time. Minerals like iron, copper, and lime leak out of its sandstone walls and trickle down its face creating this marvelous work of art.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUOuQp2tE1BANCIBHKb45t4CBBmMdBO8ti87asMqAIZhe-J_6gRRaZgXbWWXdI1Bb7s8FUCMl3Lq_sNQdmJveoPTAJOw6an97h7aXRWLc8ujmvcSqWmqtGwsLd2KAa7ITK0oTCFwbq6W5yetPSAj7leoCFfNOI6xFKvi3eWtIp9U_DbmudyDcWRlCmdoO/s4032/IMG_8821.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUOuQp2tE1BANCIBHKb45t4CBBmMdBO8ti87asMqAIZhe-J_6gRRaZgXbWWXdI1Bb7s8FUCMl3Lq_sNQdmJveoPTAJOw6an97h7aXRWLc8ujmvcSqWmqtGwsLd2KAa7ITK0oTCFwbq6W5yetPSAj7leoCFfNOI6xFKvi3eWtIp9U_DbmudyDcWRlCmdoO/w640-h480/IMG_8821.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The force of Lake Superior waves splashing on the walls create caves and arches over time.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eVVYDcl61JnpxwS0C8XyTxItRIiBVUgbpvEZa1KvQKcSwX_gJvn0J9gpjvylgcI3StJzprvEHz1JO02zCBaRvhdaHkjAn2M3HrKDIaysvZVmcgk2S8nVD63sEADh6z24p22UkZb2MO208uyi0LowrAfTC_V8gqzPvfLGRpQoZD1Mx-djtJKYfxb6Mjr_/s4032/IMG_8829.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eVVYDcl61JnpxwS0C8XyTxItRIiBVUgbpvEZa1KvQKcSwX_gJvn0J9gpjvylgcI3StJzprvEHz1JO02zCBaRvhdaHkjAn2M3HrKDIaysvZVmcgk2S8nVD63sEADh6z24p22UkZb2MO208uyi0LowrAfTC_V8gqzPvfLGRpQoZD1Mx-djtJKYfxb6Mjr_/w640-h480/IMG_8829.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caves of All Colors</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Lover's Leap" is an arch that extends from the shoreline out to an outcropping directly in Lake Superior. Folklore says it's named for lovers who jumped off the rock and into the water to declare their love for one another. However, this is ill-advised today as the water is too shallow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmh4m9-4nNxwl8UeEZTXM_ZqmlLMHWxqspXoubofV9ZA7scwNm2IFneNaHmv__eJ4-lE61fpqy80TZVnA9qOeoUgMAGuKcDR1w2XlOBr-IIxBUyqTzeH5L6eV-7dql1C7LuhsUtjtu097oViQS67xvSCA60QJ65NQllFwfLyuIrtKVjme0yqozbd3Uod65/s4032/IMG_8886.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmh4m9-4nNxwl8UeEZTXM_ZqmlLMHWxqspXoubofV9ZA7scwNm2IFneNaHmv__eJ4-lE61fpqy80TZVnA9qOeoUgMAGuKcDR1w2XlOBr-IIxBUyqTzeH5L6eV-7dql1C7LuhsUtjtu097oViQS67xvSCA60QJ65NQllFwfLyuIrtKVjme0yqozbd3Uod65/w480-h640/IMG_8886.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4zTXa572qoJB52o4LEGtCEdDLPT8CJFO1yTMMAWCgySQY_-URGhfB8_sbztryFCTIQvjagCBitXuoy74-_guwqyshuz1gqSx3EldUqBHVydJxI68hSfmau5Ty2Zmvb94p-4UKCnFwOPmg953MbfO3pJfiOEjT3SwsW65UWnVjo4HjO1H8WffA9tv6HUE/s4032/IMG_8832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4zTXa572qoJB52o4LEGtCEdDLPT8CJFO1yTMMAWCgySQY_-URGhfB8_sbztryFCTIQvjagCBitXuoy74-_guwqyshuz1gqSx3EldUqBHVydJxI68hSfmau5Ty2Zmvb94p-4UKCnFwOPmg953MbfO3pJfiOEjT3SwsW65UWnVjo4HjO1H8WffA9tv6HUE/w640-h480/IMG_8832.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lover's Leap</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ts651rAW_yQvAAZLDX1Dp3NUEY6qD9maBViduZqMH_3KXJcVFLHc2WFXiEQQVgBJuoN8tjdYdaOfs7s7K2MqmYTazKxKKJBD0rahWOuhfpDMvGg6EJtWcqItKA_MRY0lbY6x1vHT1tIr5Unf7UM6Ya3uXLo-YOayWJhn9M2ux8QCvM7pehTTc-e4rGhy/s4032/IMG_8834.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ts651rAW_yQvAAZLDX1Dp3NUEY6qD9maBViduZqMH_3KXJcVFLHc2WFXiEQQVgBJuoN8tjdYdaOfs7s7K2MqmYTazKxKKJBD0rahWOuhfpDMvGg6EJtWcqItKA_MRY0lbY6x1vHT1tIr5Unf7UM6Ya3uXLo-YOayWJhn9M2ux8QCvM7pehTTc-e4rGhy/w640-h480/IMG_8834.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAG3uaOStEG_zTGOFB_yFySbIoMqfzonwTBPoFjihSQL8E1_7_XaPpEXPPiwI91P86Y0dMmUTA0qMdWNAZNaOd3sotYm_DRS3AeVNceqiYAUcFbuuuUbLNpo9tceJYUCgXnXnchme9ETL0wraIr1T_4-fqOH9ltRZcW9Z6FDHPCqIWcp_Ub2K8znDQpuC/s4032/IMG_8835.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAG3uaOStEG_zTGOFB_yFySbIoMqfzonwTBPoFjihSQL8E1_7_XaPpEXPPiwI91P86Y0dMmUTA0qMdWNAZNaOd3sotYm_DRS3AeVNceqiYAUcFbuuuUbLNpo9tceJYUCgXnXnchme9ETL0wraIr1T_4-fqOH9ltRZcW9Z6FDHPCqIWcp_Ub2K8znDQpuC/w640-h480/IMG_8835.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rainbow Cave is a mammoth cave cut deep into the lakeshore with mineral stained walls that remind one of ancient hieroglyphs. Moss coats the cracks high on the cave walls. The colors of this cave are very unique,</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLX6TGrm69RwX4Y88MeF35IXi_vdgIPu8jykQWzokZlyjQHEbStySsx_DeAg-ALxj95Lo4tJA7csCDmUMMxjZiARyz4ao8CpHdCJocjQsF7MNVe9sBIvCn1Bzl1qPOckYZ6jSNa8YSoCZ4hgQ9pb_fDcmYtoPswK5ao7dnMx1tT2jMWpTdlZGLZt3HX6n/s4032/IMG_8841.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLX6TGrm69RwX4Y88MeF35IXi_vdgIPu8jykQWzokZlyjQHEbStySsx_DeAg-ALxj95Lo4tJA7csCDmUMMxjZiARyz4ao8CpHdCJocjQsF7MNVe9sBIvCn1Bzl1qPOckYZ6jSNa8YSoCZ4hgQ9pb_fDcmYtoPswK5ao7dnMx1tT2jMWpTdlZGLZt3HX6n/w640-h480/IMG_8841.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Cave</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iVXrblBR_onK4pxdTf0XGM2ov1-ZE1cHzzKGFEHCGxoGQQolT7m8gqWfG2_GuyHNWPGKJ09M36JzOqegmgCtvHUpLh4gLq9OilnmA9NzCLZkeHK3lqJOojrusY_QWJtM3dHUKQPgXdPrADxblndd4fjKEAjzPZBjEaEi4wMjQcQ9K5LL4_VTfsYtR9g4/s4032/IMG_8844.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iVXrblBR_onK4pxdTf0XGM2ov1-ZE1cHzzKGFEHCGxoGQQolT7m8gqWfG2_GuyHNWPGKJ09M36JzOqegmgCtvHUpLh4gLq9OilnmA9NzCLZkeHK3lqJOojrusY_QWJtM3dHUKQPgXdPrADxblndd4fjKEAjzPZBjEaEi4wMjQcQ9K5LL4_VTfsYtR9g4/w640-h480/IMG_8844.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is ever changing. Here a huge section of the cliff fell into the water not too long ago. Back in 2021 boaters watched with fear as the cliff collapsed. See the video <a href="https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2021/06/28/watch-200-foot-pictured-rocks-cliff-face-plummets-into-lake-superior/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE!</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMxEi53wQdL5_RfH16co6jNYo36Xll_W7eKrV1d4k7R4962Qc0Syucsu4c6ogFR2-kCE7h3Iiws2HMYvP6H2_ObQxla31VBeYIgwQZ9KS-R9C1jBgzUgRw1Pm_QyE5IfM9r4DqwBqoqZRSHeCOhlkR6l4qB16sD_N1WuQpbM2APWe-UnwX3SlY038UXM4/s4032/IMG_8848.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMxEi53wQdL5_RfH16co6jNYo36Xll_W7eKrV1d4k7R4962Qc0Syucsu4c6ogFR2-kCE7h3Iiws2HMYvP6H2_ObQxla31VBeYIgwQZ9KS-R9C1jBgzUgRw1Pm_QyE5IfM9r4DqwBqoqZRSHeCOhlkR6l4qB16sD_N1WuQpbM2APWe-UnwX3SlY038UXM4/w640-h480/IMG_8848.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This rock formation got its name because viewer's thought it resembled an Indian's head. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPuBQYu92fTX1_FFzdNMbFo7ck-qogFsdqxNbqomxqf-AqAlMzbJ4AlpwNe9TVew13C2uyYcpMmyLchK9fMlGmNHZxogC1D_dCOwv4Znkxgxr61Kyp9VYgxXIJwIntlnJ53lKGdQmLfWWS-Mv6wpYvztJyVKUojjIyNLdy-GRSuieTvOM6CvlB4WjIpVs/s4032/IMG_8850.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPuBQYu92fTX1_FFzdNMbFo7ck-qogFsdqxNbqomxqf-AqAlMzbJ4AlpwNe9TVew13C2uyYcpMmyLchK9fMlGmNHZxogC1D_dCOwv4Znkxgxr61Kyp9VYgxXIJwIntlnJ53lKGdQmLfWWS-Mv6wpYvztJyVKUojjIyNLdy-GRSuieTvOM6CvlB4WjIpVs/w640-h480/IMG_8850.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Head</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDcGiimZHGTwUmNmnqlI-v30iLUvM3nAOv2hv-IlL_zCG80dpGUMz-cpKSV14RkN2dTdIGTwtIH4Ke4zbsoRZAt_oeLm0YiLKRYOPHDqlK7GemqlscoBlsmwe5bLXjhLnhHBB1IIJA02mTuGX_ZiWqITcgXK0geWMxI0LB8zD_yP44AMsHmJmilSAp8Gb/s4032/IMG_8851.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDcGiimZHGTwUmNmnqlI-v30iLUvM3nAOv2hv-IlL_zCG80dpGUMz-cpKSV14RkN2dTdIGTwtIH4Ke4zbsoRZAt_oeLm0YiLKRYOPHDqlK7GemqlscoBlsmwe5bLXjhLnhHBB1IIJA02mTuGX_ZiWqITcgXK0geWMxI0LB8zD_yP44AMsHmJmilSAp8Gb/w640-h480/IMG_8851.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grand Portal is another suspended archway but unfortunately is partially blocked by another rock fall.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKISl6XFoXrhrXB11dqy8SiXxmIlEWdEHBD73GOCMpscyN3vy7pYdUBazoSG91AYixz8r7U6b5bNrHZf4Gu_gS1zSKMpR8ksjIzoeJpIZZxEk63zdo9_0gCkOI5dps6-tLR0G1X0Sug7T1DPITHZ2lrBqLaKFe6X5TggWt3FqSLFwc9QKwRHgoRXOr5pzD/s4032/IMG_8854.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKISl6XFoXrhrXB11dqy8SiXxmIlEWdEHBD73GOCMpscyN3vy7pYdUBazoSG91AYixz8r7U6b5bNrHZf4Gu_gS1zSKMpR8ksjIzoeJpIZZxEk63zdo9_0gCkOI5dps6-tLR0G1X0Sug7T1DPITHZ2lrBqLaKFe6X5TggWt3FqSLFwc9QKwRHgoRXOr5pzD/w640-h480/IMG_8854.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Portal</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0F2wdeDmMKaOlPzMSnY08b8nSeFGqKiImD-4D85a3ze3ymqx0eudARzpDe4lVrVvezMBxuv7nlEWXzsP20sJF3eyEoxECmHV9Sgv96ld45ZKaA8ocW2S9l-3VlxCbxr2GRHdaGNFd9tO-MqkjdfjpB-BvPj6eahb4K7giS8P4lfWBfkPkRss-5MRy0EA/s4032/IMG_8859.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0F2wdeDmMKaOlPzMSnY08b8nSeFGqKiImD-4D85a3ze3ymqx0eudARzpDe4lVrVvezMBxuv7nlEWXzsP20sJF3eyEoxECmHV9Sgv96ld45ZKaA8ocW2S9l-3VlxCbxr2GRHdaGNFd9tO-MqkjdfjpB-BvPj6eahb4K7giS8P4lfWBfkPkRss-5MRy0EA/w480-h640/IMG_8859.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq5YuPh8zAuepwg70WN2KMLjv-eJdOxcehH64I8_kvyV5gycTD-2PNdrZJLR1GWJsD6aeMcuzxLApG_2AaMrfZftdb7NlVS-tgo4OYmRU5G4eTrJjwhxmOdzmklORKNNvhdRYSv2O05tNy3xfxnXeeBroluyX3QOK7cuATaSXwuvqAU929lY-wJVCjvoR/s4032/IMG_8861.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq5YuPh8zAuepwg70WN2KMLjv-eJdOxcehH64I8_kvyV5gycTD-2PNdrZJLR1GWJsD6aeMcuzxLApG_2AaMrfZftdb7NlVS-tgo4OYmRU5G4eTrJjwhxmOdzmklORKNNvhdRYSv2O05tNy3xfxnXeeBroluyX3QOK7cuATaSXwuvqAU929lY-wJVCjvoR/w640-h480/IMG_8861.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVQCfCWBKe4r5xygatUC6teGnQ1MXwUPbtib9NjRnFWATK0pPGBi6yNA44DjIUgPfndzEPPHk1gW8J559VydlBlTozPUc2-md0LB-iyAK4uogKGkmkFAV7NxbKAkTgtwFj6BDRVErJI7ImrWmQRWbla7ub4FNPwJi7R2JvsKgC-avx4YrRNbWkwQlJQ4c/s4032/IMG_8865.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVQCfCWBKe4r5xygatUC6teGnQ1MXwUPbtib9NjRnFWATK0pPGBi6yNA44DjIUgPfndzEPPHk1gW8J559VydlBlTozPUc2-md0LB-iyAK4uogKGkmkFAV7NxbKAkTgtwFj6BDRVErJI7ImrWmQRWbla7ub4FNPwJi7R2JvsKgC-avx4YrRNbWkwQlJQ4c/w640-h480/IMG_8865.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel Cove<br /><br />One of the biggest highlights of the boat tour is when the boat guides you inside this unique cove and turns off its engines.. You are surrounded on three sides by the sandstone cliffs! It's so much fun!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN394d1jUyFuGzykVIgQb86CZ51EO0g3OLoAfY2aAr0iWt1X_W-yCBWMdFpmb9WjSeH_U8aOeZUPHIHDQm-EnM29arDl6MgpZQ65BE64HOmUcg32RbqGGWkAs0wEHb9HSUW77aGN4TYQMjpZGTLUah0-LhbEoDcVQvEcKLTnm1yMp4JLsCcNHlRVwyQ7gk/s4032/IMG_8868.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN394d1jUyFuGzykVIgQb86CZ51EO0g3OLoAfY2aAr0iWt1X_W-yCBWMdFpmb9WjSeH_U8aOeZUPHIHDQm-EnM29arDl6MgpZQ65BE64HOmUcg32RbqGGWkAs0wEHb9HSUW77aGN4TYQMjpZGTLUah0-LhbEoDcVQvEcKLTnm1yMp4JLsCcNHlRVwyQ7gk/w640-h480/IMG_8868.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The pictures above and below are taken from the back of the boat<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyBIrQ5trUli1ucz3gc9GOhv6o1_WtfDMGR8jrxq3K3-k5muIlNCiq2GVUjwsJ_0Kufkse-vxmue65yw6f_FNUF8YpJB2z7wfXZhmiTTSERklLdfkdyom8bYNVojUCl_V9KINBe2VfWY0XRNMngi2xuVlob7QnToQyMb4lRFOI3u7f_dNcXcxHoyI31He/s2991/IMG_8869.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2991" data-original-width="2814" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyBIrQ5trUli1ucz3gc9GOhv6o1_WtfDMGR8jrxq3K3-k5muIlNCiq2GVUjwsJ_0Kufkse-vxmue65yw6f_FNUF8YpJB2z7wfXZhmiTTSERklLdfkdyom8bYNVojUCl_V9KINBe2VfWY0XRNMngi2xuVlob7QnToQyMb4lRFOI3u7f_dNcXcxHoyI31He/w602-h640/IMG_8869.jpeg" width="602" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Here is the cove we drove into. It can't happen on any tour, the weather has to just perfect for the boat driver to achieve this miraculous feat!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dvu2wRJy7SjBiPgvu5AVD65IAftMRrkhMa7kh1OkvrFnXRdn2W2xTnq9o2N_19kSg7iKZq0x0vEUg1SRwhsNrLjKiZwELGsnKIeJGw1W2XCvjBuLGW4VeSbsaPchRavrR0ad-AmHF0P8u3jbdZb8poyHW6I_fZixstfrJFJKmdda4dchP60PnQuvLSzx/s4032/IMG_8871.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dvu2wRJy7SjBiPgvu5AVD65IAftMRrkhMa7kh1OkvrFnXRdn2W2xTnq9o2N_19kSg7iKZq0x0vEUg1SRwhsNrLjKiZwELGsnKIeJGw1W2XCvjBuLGW4VeSbsaPchRavrR0ad-AmHF0P8u3jbdZb8poyHW6I_fZixstfrJFJKmdda4dchP60PnQuvLSzx/w640-h480/IMG_8871.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got a little preview from the boat of where we would be tomorrow on our 10 mile Chapel Loop hike! We ended up sitting near this very waterfall and walking across the bridge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj641wJdYVFNp1RkaSN1-em0KSPFSUkcObLtpxXttxSeem0IZcp0WOel19Qt6FmvwpdSdxlAppVr8Nlo1PxLWy4fIxd-uX2EZVg-rh3irKV1tGX03BaXGA_KlVTVfwYMBtESL2TiwjvWI4PmppJ36LNLDeKfBsI2U5ETpYzMm9WAN91Ok1GgxoF4KI_5lDG/s4032/IMG_8873.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj641wJdYVFNp1RkaSN1-em0KSPFSUkcObLtpxXttxSeem0IZcp0WOel19Qt6FmvwpdSdxlAppVr8Nlo1PxLWy4fIxd-uX2EZVg-rh3irKV1tGX03BaXGA_KlVTVfwYMBtESL2TiwjvWI4PmppJ36LNLDeKfBsI2U5ETpYzMm9WAN91Ok1GgxoF4KI_5lDG/w640-h480/IMG_8873.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chapel Rock was another highlight of our trip that we saw on both land and from the water. It has a tree growing on the top of the rock formation!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfaPb2Mwd3nuK3_jaBLasjIKrmuh6G5Gk4WU7Dao5tFW8V3eVv6ULf5yEQaHd6hYmBHhdugKm1c-OQRY_Fh-knzu4iJIzio8g68p1rH7HJyH8SKMxS6vV5S8nwu4yq160bktiKjzOli-CB92WVWZjKdWibbghE5q7BEWNzs3dlpirgm6UR_dL98gL4yzo/s4032/IMG_8874.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfaPb2Mwd3nuK3_jaBLasjIKrmuh6G5Gk4WU7Dao5tFW8V3eVv6ULf5yEQaHd6hYmBHhdugKm1c-OQRY_Fh-knzu4iJIzio8g68p1rH7HJyH8SKMxS6vV5S8nwu4yq160bktiKjzOli-CB92WVWZjKdWibbghE5q7BEWNzs3dlpirgm6UR_dL98gL4yzo/w640-h480/IMG_8874.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel Rock<br /><br />Spray Falls is the biggest highlight of the boat tour. It's not too often you see a waterfall falling over a sandstone cliff and into a lake! It is 70 feet tall.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR4lDK6mv9bJX5nnXAIQC0a9FDBlePTYwpmtUpVrguaEOXYSZG8yfwTzZzfUsHAZVOaPytJGRFp4DniqKpux1b1vac7NSR4qw1n-ECg4No6KmrNMR1WZgxBCOBstrFBGU-0z-HyTuToa8-bL-xtDNTYoyVci4RgaAOEFjnC9xdBr-4odOBO4_L2EpphgU/s4032/IMG_8881.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR4lDK6mv9bJX5nnXAIQC0a9FDBlePTYwpmtUpVrguaEOXYSZG8yfwTzZzfUsHAZVOaPytJGRFp4DniqKpux1b1vac7NSR4qw1n-ECg4No6KmrNMR1WZgxBCOBstrFBGU-0z-HyTuToa8-bL-xtDNTYoyVci4RgaAOEFjnC9xdBr-4odOBO4_L2EpphgU/w480-h640/IMG_8881.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spray Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>I just loved this photo of the American Flag in front of the sandstone cliffs. So beautiful!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cpyRqG1tGpiaMKdHdaaHlCWvcO8l2o5CL23i70qSA_rW91eteQv3V5cEjsjms2rhbu_PmQN4vKEbHNiVlGYlIHL8HjqusSFp2TA3eOVHUgVTqweRLQ62u8jUSx0ypKfU76i-maEvoNPFRYu5QrfedPIkiLU1o388WiTO3pu0lHh0z2K4wz4NsxQGVZ2O/s4032/IMG_8885.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cpyRqG1tGpiaMKdHdaaHlCWvcO8l2o5CL23i70qSA_rW91eteQv3V5cEjsjms2rhbu_PmQN4vKEbHNiVlGYlIHL8HjqusSFp2TA3eOVHUgVTqweRLQ62u8jUSx0ypKfU76i-maEvoNPFRYu5QrfedPIkiLU1o388WiTO3pu0lHh0z2K4wz4NsxQGVZ2O/w480-h640/IMG_8885.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would be a nervous wreck kayaking on a huge lake like Lake Superior, but there were certainly a lot of kayakers out there when we were visiting.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vD55Uc5rOcZr5uAhuIDtA9K-JXntCX8FHCHsz0lQofd2qs11EbddlqtxWO8nlCyeaysL9i0MCVm3-L5yrQV7XyWFXHOG5aZkESYxHZIeccTiGc_-mHG5BoIFQwMKG1LOyrBc0AtYDzPbAnbnXMO_POjJPexUMQzR5pyK5ViF-_El47LcebSLvdZri_be/s4032/IMG_8890.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vD55Uc5rOcZr5uAhuIDtA9K-JXntCX8FHCHsz0lQofd2qs11EbddlqtxWO8nlCyeaysL9i0MCVm3-L5yrQV7XyWFXHOG5aZkESYxHZIeccTiGc_-mHG5BoIFQwMKG1LOyrBc0AtYDzPbAnbnXMO_POjJPexUMQzR5pyK5ViF-_El47LcebSLvdZri_be/w640-h480/IMG_8890.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This old lighthouse is a highlight of the tour. Built in 1868 as a guide for boats traveling in from Lake Superior to the east channel of Grand Island and in to Munsing Bay.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ0BWqgv4JXaxfljQdXrSYa9ccgrSajASjVjz1by6MR6UDyWAsFIk4xkjnk9fBZol14MJSbFXZi5XX-Lfn39GnmW39m1qYn7kAZjlske5R4z8XhJyr8I3eKdhSBzELv8vyWSXIg0Xikh1n9Hfgzf8-ZZzV5Eru5U0KamVDFvI-4h7mbYPXonRlYMihl10/s4032/IMG_8892.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ0BWqgv4JXaxfljQdXrSYa9ccgrSajASjVjz1by6MR6UDyWAsFIk4xkjnk9fBZol14MJSbFXZi5XX-Lfn39GnmW39m1qYn7kAZjlske5R4z8XhJyr8I3eKdhSBzELv8vyWSXIg0Xikh1n9Hfgzf8-ZZzV5Eru5U0KamVDFvI-4h7mbYPXonRlYMihl10/w480-h640/IMG_8892.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East Channel Lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>After our boat tour, we were starving so we headed out for dinner. We went to Pictured Rocks Pizza. We loved the fun, quirky atmosphere. You could eat indoors or out, we chose inside as it was hot outside. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpepEQE6teaqOMKHwUr6wFG5uL0P0JW6SdHAPkXRzYGXj5GAS8HMovgKfiHxYfAa4eK2aXe8b-oqxlN7ipknTIraLx7skS0Q5k6XBy6n_3bTXpa8FYliyH6-pQP-7CmOcDcBaF8ePj_B1i5pIZu1FlwgqOcQ0sSOLy77-wcZb_wIoLQTQYKk1QltEo8aKw/s4032/IMG_8896.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpepEQE6teaqOMKHwUr6wFG5uL0P0JW6SdHAPkXRzYGXj5GAS8HMovgKfiHxYfAa4eK2aXe8b-oqxlN7ipknTIraLx7skS0Q5k6XBy6n_3bTXpa8FYliyH6-pQP-7CmOcDcBaF8ePj_B1i5pIZu1FlwgqOcQ0sSOLy77-wcZb_wIoLQTQYKk1QltEo8aKw/w480-h640/IMG_8896.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pizza was great, but they have more to offer other than just pizza like this Alfredo pasta dish! All was yummy!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6kt7Tm0TAjD6kSlfj-UUB9n9jz7U2dlSxB8LMuhB-PO4U8UZ8x5QC4CVUIeNpWRQzM4yOCd8kqAfoetyXHwRrYeuAn2k8vg7eqmatQqPgdH3XDumb79WH7sDdklSRLEU7woICNdzCo_4qGpSIkYDy_xGd1MMj6rR2_RCu0IsNT9OKFpPO43rqc6U6dnc/s4032/IMG_8897.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6kt7Tm0TAjD6kSlfj-UUB9n9jz7U2dlSxB8LMuhB-PO4U8UZ8x5QC4CVUIeNpWRQzM4yOCd8kqAfoetyXHwRrYeuAn2k8vg7eqmatQqPgdH3XDumb79WH7sDdklSRLEU7woICNdzCo_4qGpSIkYDy_xGd1MMj6rR2_RCu0IsNT9OKFpPO43rqc6U6dnc/w480-h640/IMG_8897.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> I hope you enjoyed my Pictured Rocks Boat Tour! Next week, I will take you on the hike of a lifetime: the Chapel Loop! 10 miles of adventure of forests, rivers, bridges, waterfalls, beaches, and sandstone cliffs! Stay tuned!<p></p><p>Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></p><p>Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-84673292320505890572024-01-10T00:00:00.002-06:002024-01-16T07:29:47.133-06:00Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Waterfalls and Scenic Views<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">This post is part four of a travel series to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. To start at the beginning go </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/st-ignace-and-mackinaw-city-michigan.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">. The remaining posts in consecutive order are </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-amazing-historic-homes-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> , <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-grand-hotel-on-mackinac-island.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>,</span> <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/12/exploring-natural-attractions-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, and </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/12/tahquamenon-falls-state-park.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 13.2px;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">!</span></span></span></p>On day four of our visit to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, we planned to have one of the biggest highlights of our trip: a boat ride to see the Pictured Rocks! The boat ride wasn't until 2:00 pm so we needed something to fill our morning and we decided it was a good time to explore Munising's waterfalls and other scenic views. All the waterfalls and views were in relatively short driving distance and involved short, easy hikes, so it wasn't difficult. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But before I show you all of that, I wanted you to see the view from our hotel. This hotel didn't have a private beach like our hotel in St. Ignace did, but it still had great views and you could eat breakfast outside and enjoy these views too! This hotel is the "Holiday Inn Express Munising-Lakeview".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOA4hSiMH_KehcculmunRAFt5N2ldy4b-NDB5L8bqfWutVPyekbDqlcBeJbQk4qINsyCVDuG-n9tk0spVFzXU9UU-ccjDdgRgQgeG3x7msZisnK382XCrwMjLIlWbArsz_NjbTyLYSPyBgBOPoIMiaCdUkRvlS9InbqW6OawsCzRiqQ_0zwRIbNVPr-SM/s4032/IMG_8697.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOA4hSiMH_KehcculmunRAFt5N2ldy4b-NDB5L8bqfWutVPyekbDqlcBeJbQk4qINsyCVDuG-n9tk0spVFzXU9UU-ccjDdgRgQgeG3x7msZisnK382XCrwMjLIlWbArsz_NjbTyLYSPyBgBOPoIMiaCdUkRvlS9InbqW6OawsCzRiqQ_0zwRIbNVPr-SM/w640-h480/IMG_8697.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Miners Falls</span></div><div><br /></div>The first waterfall we went to was "Miner's Falls". It's an easy .6 mile one way trail that ends at the falls. There are 77 steps leading down to the viewing platform at the falls. Pictured below shows the first part of the hike which offers a nice flat gravel path through the woods.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfQUXNLYAHYi6rt94qbOQ5xM0KsuEX5QI5DZgUZdvXO2HnGls5abbkf8gv2dXlKHEWDcJxEFMecMzEEZuYJZYKj6PqoIPYwck1y3ejcAv37kiMm-yEmpngFd7P09eXIf5FHNViHLDzGrgWRp6oamTSMLxDDfuQt2iNP_TE-LNUb9JlKufCiyfaRdPmJMK/s4032/IMG_8699.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfQUXNLYAHYi6rt94qbOQ5xM0KsuEX5QI5DZgUZdvXO2HnGls5abbkf8gv2dXlKHEWDcJxEFMecMzEEZuYJZYKj6PqoIPYwck1y3ejcAv37kiMm-yEmpngFd7P09eXIf5FHNViHLDzGrgWRp6oamTSMLxDDfuQt2iNP_TE-LNUb9JlKufCiyfaRdPmJMK/w480-h640/IMG_8699.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I saw a lovely field of blue flowers.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_xKvd69QBzpiEJncpVUTof_TPx7TXvVfW78MCBSpv7qs4C9o39D6d-Q1rbfbB4LGRRUFn3Yuw9lW7f-XGEkWEwULm-x0dOWCjHxA8oOH2-RofJOsDDCfEg900iTT7SC8yFcliGEEkC_Z4RSvUN7YDPzO4Z2viaVQE9IbyuiLR_vQni1SPG23N2TOwftz/s4032/IMG_8701.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_xKvd69QBzpiEJncpVUTof_TPx7TXvVfW78MCBSpv7qs4C9o39D6d-Q1rbfbB4LGRRUFn3Yuw9lW7f-XGEkWEwULm-x0dOWCjHxA8oOH2-RofJOsDDCfEg900iTT7SC8yFcliGEEkC_Z4RSvUN7YDPzO4Z2viaVQE9IbyuiLR_vQni1SPG23N2TOwftz/w480-h640/IMG_8701.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The falls cascade fifty feet over a sandstone outcrop.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDy5OUMmqxjz_VXNnjJ7QoJfjUslFSRBdXMjpID-9_cUyp9woAdsRfguXQp46nI5RvQ7yUPkUAupe4bF8wZH_AC4bZma2B76rNbTD-vZskFMCq6tjpH3Kos03IxjJ1Y6Fgu5Jtka_LWAJyyrm5RRR0sKoaqaLwiku80tUyjSq1OnV2TVmFOvaQuZsnlFv/s4032/IMG_8716.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDy5OUMmqxjz_VXNnjJ7QoJfjUslFSRBdXMjpID-9_cUyp9woAdsRfguXQp46nI5RvQ7yUPkUAupe4bF8wZH_AC4bZma2B76rNbTD-vZskFMCq6tjpH3Kos03IxjJ1Y6Fgu5Jtka_LWAJyyrm5RRR0sKoaqaLwiku80tUyjSq1OnV2TVmFOvaQuZsnlFv/w480-h640/IMG_8716.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a short little video showing Miner's Falls in action. Sorry for the sideways video. For some reason I thought I could turn the camera sideways while operating it, but I guess not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PcmEgO0L1X0" width="320" youtube-src-id="PcmEgO0L1X0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Miners Castle Overlook</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Next, we got a taste of what this area is known for: it's Pictured Rocks. We will be seeing a lot more on our boat ride, which is the best way to see the Pictured Rocks, but it was nice to see them from above too.</div><div><br /></div><div>This view is from Miner's Castle Overlook. The rocks are colored from mineral stains. Miner's Castle is located about 5 miles from Munising and is the only cliff area in the park accessible by vehicle. So if you want to see the Pictured Rocks without boating or hiking, this is the way!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ78h_GaAD3eVyRrDWuDIJL-4egXdkP-p1HM3J6uFqmj_idPoW_yEoZ-fuwZ9z8zR-kKpqL_yuGlatYBYHk_Wiw1H3JG9N_ivTz_Y9VK81dQtHqChdslxRGTO4C6Qnz9EL-bQMFX2WGkdQnYx__No93KI1klQpWtfwvO-KNneexOwcHJeOy5C8yEOJ1uK/s4032/IMG_8724.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ78h_GaAD3eVyRrDWuDIJL-4egXdkP-p1HM3J6uFqmj_idPoW_yEoZ-fuwZ9z8zR-kKpqL_yuGlatYBYHk_Wiw1H3JG9N_ivTz_Y9VK81dQtHqChdslxRGTO4C6Qnz9EL-bQMFX2WGkdQnYx__No93KI1klQpWtfwvO-KNneexOwcHJeOy5C8yEOJ1uK/w480-h640/IMG_8724.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeUU_f4CJvG9EvJbFJWrvciwIVtAxrUYVAbezrnNXzoBxa4MhdWBNOhjAwkxwCLkKoSpl9lbCuthNOnjRnkntH92G_Riq-Pbcpn5Qti5vLtRCbsPu2FO6-4O40wRO5JsZIWagHuWnKiPLYJST8vsH1o59CjeUbe3ZP1el8pFrar2XWytTERcneZ0I93GP/s4032/IMG_8725.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeUU_f4CJvG9EvJbFJWrvciwIVtAxrUYVAbezrnNXzoBxa4MhdWBNOhjAwkxwCLkKoSpl9lbCuthNOnjRnkntH92G_Riq-Pbcpn5Qti5vLtRCbsPu2FO6-4O40wRO5JsZIWagHuWnKiPLYJST8vsH1o59CjeUbe3ZP1el8pFrar2XWytTERcneZ0I93GP/w640-h480/IMG_8725.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are two breath taking views overlooking Lake Superior and the Grand Island.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbrqX28MY1NFCRMSMe7cwxYGxL8bRG7pXvsRAvp3e15mAcCL49YcZbfI-yPN14MJR2QKFwi5sgfL26Q17enWSdPfC9NhAVfR-ytmR9onKYHJ10Zkg57x5dPMfu8WgWOThIuZXIsJtzTYyz5cvZVdO_weqxPGyAUezXhRtwuYLSO8EyzLQWnVHq-xz5ogO/s4032/IMG_8727.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbrqX28MY1NFCRMSMe7cwxYGxL8bRG7pXvsRAvp3e15mAcCL49YcZbfI-yPN14MJR2QKFwi5sgfL26Q17enWSdPfC9NhAVfR-ytmR9onKYHJ10Zkg57x5dPMfu8WgWOThIuZXIsJtzTYyz5cvZVdO_weqxPGyAUezXhRtwuYLSO8EyzLQWnVHq-xz5ogO/w480-h640/IMG_8727.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Miner's Castle got its namesake from the rock formation below. There used to be two points, but one fell off in 2006.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8YwHIbEII18-1fElksBor3JStpr_LVeKd-fkJ69kUctkDvq_0pM1D5KmTkzh4E5ws0Y4WGFE1XOUiMV_CAikL0OOCKG876XfjJm3KJmNUnvBc2hoRNr5hImuNbL64eLHsyyKID7zjBMqlkJHvFGPmimXEsNT2uS4iSXgaV1fyObaP50Fr1hAB28pO-TL/s4032/IMG_8730.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8YwHIbEII18-1fElksBor3JStpr_LVeKd-fkJ69kUctkDvq_0pM1D5KmTkzh4E5ws0Y4WGFE1XOUiMV_CAikL0OOCKG876XfjJm3KJmNUnvBc2hoRNr5hImuNbL64eLHsyyKID7zjBMqlkJHvFGPmimXEsNT2uS4iSXgaV1fyObaP50Fr1hAB28pO-TL/w480-h640/IMG_8730.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This trail is an easy 0.5 mile with some stairs to the overlooks, but the stairs are so pretty you don't mind! There is also a trail to Miner's Beach from here, but we didn't take it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu9mrzCu0_hT2mc13DMOK_rAgO4ONe0KPT5xh_koK-yBvyr33hxDo4MXdD7add8p1qQZY10fxilB82FZxO2ysTIT4b6uisJT7xEyObbzQgklmh9yhMhCQeKj6ycN8lSAc_gju_c_rOwOBCWCwcOOkoefqGTjgpbAacQlBVit2Zif_Ea2AG0xpmB7Bo0E8/s4032/IMG_8733.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMu9mrzCu0_hT2mc13DMOK_rAgO4ONe0KPT5xh_koK-yBvyr33hxDo4MXdD7add8p1qQZY10fxilB82FZxO2ysTIT4b6uisJT7xEyObbzQgklmh9yhMhCQeKj6ycN8lSAc_gju_c_rOwOBCWCwcOOkoefqGTjgpbAacQlBVit2Zif_Ea2AG0xpmB7Bo0E8/w640-h480/IMG_8733.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Munising Falls</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, we went to my favorite waterfall in Munising: Munising Falls. This waterfall is just a short walk from the Visitor's Center, but it is such a beautiful, magical walk it was almost more enjoyable than the waterfall!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once again, I was greeted by these beautiful blue, spring flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0a_8ANWb-9H-Q3fOZcprPDu5zgiEMRM5eGPB5UfWQhzxT49ZteGx4DEamaoXbQ6k_izhoSYjmNWgVpTamj6AS6cbJmMye1UQIw4X2JHyBeQ7d5WH42UJYJChilbnND9N6-kdwLK2yLx4QQhhQoOgdn2ctVzkMwoJ3Bk-7OI6_tvOm0p79NIVXntFZcJn/s4032/IMG_8734.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0a_8ANWb-9H-Q3fOZcprPDu5zgiEMRM5eGPB5UfWQhzxT49ZteGx4DEamaoXbQ6k_izhoSYjmNWgVpTamj6AS6cbJmMye1UQIw4X2JHyBeQ7d5WH42UJYJChilbnND9N6-kdwLK2yLx4QQhhQoOgdn2ctVzkMwoJ3Bk-7OI6_tvOm0p79NIVXntFZcJn/w480-h640/IMG_8734.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A lovely bridge leads across a creek.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP4BxBVDlmYZ6CsETwYPuq57cTxEt5Tm5wSXTeYxCwQo-yus9Ye32iWF6XT3uOVDIdwUcIOrE_-cHd_RcR7Wq39MtW4_Bg4kWBiWf4UBsfqA9vrd-MY6gEiDHPBojmEys2kcTM0OvYpO9Zczb61qiOEL_cUcYN3Z0U0_LxXcYMfK11jLLaHxvZEH2lYQw/s4032/IMG_8735.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP4BxBVDlmYZ6CsETwYPuq57cTxEt5Tm5wSXTeYxCwQo-yus9Ye32iWF6XT3uOVDIdwUcIOrE_-cHd_RcR7Wq39MtW4_Bg4kWBiWf4UBsfqA9vrd-MY6gEiDHPBojmEys2kcTM0OvYpO9Zczb61qiOEL_cUcYN3Z0U0_LxXcYMfK11jLLaHxvZEH2lYQw/w480-h640/IMG_8735.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The trail is only 1/4 mile and is fully accessible to the central falls viewing platform. From there, there are two sets of stairs that lead to elevated platforms enabling views of the 50 foot waterfall which drops over a sandstone cliff.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5PHDoEu4syG_zdMyj8rWBIYzjMWGS9tJH06ODxMi54TH8tAhnCWxJOzcOzI8NN7r7ZQyFxoJoXMydCxCDwfxNiy3WduO7sVLJy0xIPKHh-pLFRO86JSiJDT85UvTfOLjiWnV_8M7Q4e5EYTdkDtyipl90H9dGjTrV5X5R1WezwAr_UerB2davw7-GYQt/s4032/IMG_8742.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5PHDoEu4syG_zdMyj8rWBIYzjMWGS9tJH06ODxMi54TH8tAhnCWxJOzcOzI8NN7r7ZQyFxoJoXMydCxCDwfxNiy3WduO7sVLJy0xIPKHh-pLFRO86JSiJDT85UvTfOLjiWnV_8M7Q4e5EYTdkDtyipl90H9dGjTrV5X5R1WezwAr_UerB2davw7-GYQt/w480-h640/IMG_8742.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These falls aren't as dramatic as Miner's Falls, but they are located in such a peaceful, lovely glen. I kept expecting a fairy to pop out at any moment.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRELuG7M_BoCoq7n95cc-VCC_SnRgAQT8rDM-85w08DU6nTgDH8IPFeYcIxwfWWJ0YZqP2JFCAQtGQlcW1llrw3oG3xDef9zHICxJyssD9xfGb6tofQeYQ7hkovYNszzZ4IS67BkZdntGR18j7L7iQbmyBLTaftZ_pSHEpxpHBl4TqUaT945HwPeoN7Q_/s4032/IMG_8755.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRELuG7M_BoCoq7n95cc-VCC_SnRgAQT8rDM-85w08DU6nTgDH8IPFeYcIxwfWWJ0YZqP2JFCAQtGQlcW1llrw3oG3xDef9zHICxJyssD9xfGb6tofQeYQ7hkovYNszzZ4IS67BkZdntGR18j7L7iQbmyBLTaftZ_pSHEpxpHBl4TqUaT945HwPeoN7Q_/w480-h640/IMG_8755.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uuY9KjerQewplHo8vQPYqSFTbXwZ7MSowOQB5BXD4IP-mMpUlBiGdG_yPNhRFFYr3qeqnYPbliEkQuz68a4czZuYHHLDey_Uu64hxtoHMWtMMmSrh62N4aYyhIErNnAHX2Jyo6BcPH0g1WwbLjmEbc9TqGC6pMTKomf1dmxOwmgYeC-xwjAybR06dspW/s4032/IMG_8756.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uuY9KjerQewplHo8vQPYqSFTbXwZ7MSowOQB5BXD4IP-mMpUlBiGdG_yPNhRFFYr3qeqnYPbliEkQuz68a4czZuYHHLDey_Uu64hxtoHMWtMMmSrh62N4aYyhIErNnAHX2Jyo6BcPH0g1WwbLjmEbc9TqGC6pMTKomf1dmxOwmgYeC-xwjAybR06dspW/w480-h640/IMG_8756.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35vQZWl_Ssx0l6I_k7lPBQ9Vh-YR5pdDHqlN7P8Eu1z66v3feFZVPU8N-1y8eVBv_HeZIC_dxJ_cuH0tSWLWEBVoWm4UfUGB1sfyJZVmIU12GWSMuoREpE-ErbYByfhAqe3Btuj2PeADHo6VyPcKVQSoMxVr_1QTKzlfu0QF0PXAsPieu8yNeBbwJzcE9/s4032/IMG_8760.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35vQZWl_Ssx0l6I_k7lPBQ9Vh-YR5pdDHqlN7P8Eu1z66v3feFZVPU8N-1y8eVBv_HeZIC_dxJ_cuH0tSWLWEBVoWm4UfUGB1sfyJZVmIU12GWSMuoREpE-ErbYByfhAqe3Btuj2PeADHo6VyPcKVQSoMxVr_1QTKzlfu0QF0PXAsPieu8yNeBbwJzcE9/w480-h640/IMG_8760.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThcQ8aPRnjcwKSh-X1DJxPCjantAaMj4P6e8FPnIrJTUP7IreVgxCe1KlZZs-XsMLAvOqGlfywqyAMopBpBIjW_g2goxDKuWYnAt1U2EEC8tNn44aiA42quDKHIkjhqFXg33rhAjTamBiv_iTOdsavJnjUwp6G24ys3G5HBk8WSY5DHYvWMaVlhxyt120/s4032/IMG_8762.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThcQ8aPRnjcwKSh-X1DJxPCjantAaMj4P6e8FPnIrJTUP7IreVgxCe1KlZZs-XsMLAvOqGlfywqyAMopBpBIjW_g2goxDKuWYnAt1U2EEC8tNn44aiA42quDKHIkjhqFXg33rhAjTamBiv_iTOdsavJnjUwp6G24ys3G5HBk8WSY5DHYvWMaVlhxyt120/w480-h640/IMG_8762.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-YaMxSek6m9kRF8_ry9eLE7DXSQ1ORDrHtvVVqLs1CDuFHxZKdnDqisLr-KUx9Xx0KUaJHgUc8vJbuRmvpazKcZNMVFWmr21QxkpWlPjE-b8ZRhtL65_qIZoOAKFIidbDBSRpy4R3S38NET6pEiQ_nY2NK2_CUxGDGvmMgEHF4WIEOdja0YsWT4DNuop/s4032/IMG_8763.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-YaMxSek6m9kRF8_ry9eLE7DXSQ1ORDrHtvVVqLs1CDuFHxZKdnDqisLr-KUx9Xx0KUaJHgUc8vJbuRmvpazKcZNMVFWmr21QxkpWlPjE-b8ZRhtL65_qIZoOAKFIidbDBSRpy4R3S38NET6pEiQ_nY2NK2_CUxGDGvmMgEHF4WIEOdja0YsWT4DNuop/w480-h640/IMG_8763.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmPK18pyJ6qV-OX66lO4AxA2QHpMGNlDu2h8GN5JK50gD54jdlKSSApy85WDzA8T3XAFYeh83KNk_wDKAzfmw3n6tGesaKXsqfsp9PBg_yUVF72ZikzwxVDB_F8ToyVXVJ04marzImlWsfKn3zD_x4Iqe3KEPpWBAzVLI0dBmyXvissau2M-6aVeDlm_M/s4032/IMG_8765.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmPK18pyJ6qV-OX66lO4AxA2QHpMGNlDu2h8GN5JK50gD54jdlKSSApy85WDzA8T3XAFYeh83KNk_wDKAzfmw3n6tGesaKXsqfsp9PBg_yUVF72ZikzwxVDB_F8ToyVXVJ04marzImlWsfKn3zD_x4Iqe3KEPpWBAzVLI0dBmyXvissau2M-6aVeDlm_M/w480-h640/IMG_8765.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfD9p7FJBuRmj5pvcxVAoZxBsdH3KvmE93HArzsoxFGZMjSM0owXNU2Rlp8eaTwRe4pvXwxFa52K732cc9xcNgUf_tqPVDU6JUMBnWOs-KvVPvgEXCl8saPv5Z7_vt8Bic1sFqEuCW-ek9z8dKs0NjFGGijQkXpffbufp_VWrbffD4iYaNHixfq15yLMF/s4032/IMG_8767.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfD9p7FJBuRmj5pvcxVAoZxBsdH3KvmE93HArzsoxFGZMjSM0owXNU2Rlp8eaTwRe4pvXwxFa52K732cc9xcNgUf_tqPVDU6JUMBnWOs-KvVPvgEXCl8saPv5Z7_vt8Bic1sFqEuCW-ek9z8dKs0NjFGGijQkXpffbufp_VWrbffD4iYaNHixfq15yLMF/w480-h640/IMG_8767.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j5Lfo4xsoaNdGQYbvu_1OUPg0Qd1I4wY_SwxuLfEW9hyxWgIMc_GYHDucaO1L9ET0TjH_eVppJQgCytuvIfxcOeu-LjvEJlcZRoeFcFiJhCpp8JFtO4H13yJbM9iZjUomhZOdcyRGo1I64j6u71ZSTzuAg6DNc9tOUhgaeFE0acle_mBz-vDTjUVa71Q/s4032/IMG_8769.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j5Lfo4xsoaNdGQYbvu_1OUPg0Qd1I4wY_SwxuLfEW9hyxWgIMc_GYHDucaO1L9ET0TjH_eVppJQgCytuvIfxcOeu-LjvEJlcZRoeFcFiJhCpp8JFtO4H13yJbM9iZjUomhZOdcyRGo1I64j6u71ZSTzuAg6DNc9tOUhgaeFE0acle_mBz-vDTjUVa71Q/w480-h640/IMG_8769.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtm5fbIcKuqBqMwYefNZM7VqRGbDMTMVmViGtEgMhr_kCmtPmKo-5nw3LuRIm8qU0ifhhKE_oqI6QL5WH8aarXW7VGH_0fzjrnqDpsJytBj_eiE6RbfPZ2hTYnijmI2-WZLgiWIaarF4Msz2eEyeq-eWIgk9dDoL110jWcRxL9k7fa9Y1fcnDcYYrEz7h/s4032/IMG_8773.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtm5fbIcKuqBqMwYefNZM7VqRGbDMTMVmViGtEgMhr_kCmtPmKo-5nw3LuRIm8qU0ifhhKE_oqI6QL5WH8aarXW7VGH_0fzjrnqDpsJytBj_eiE6RbfPZ2hTYnijmI2-WZLgiWIaarF4Msz2eEyeq-eWIgk9dDoL110jWcRxL9k7fa9Y1fcnDcYYrEz7h/w480-h640/IMG_8773.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the advantages of traveling in the spring is seeing all the spring flowers; like these Marsh Marigolds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ38BO-osdsvjcv6RO1AsEQvxuzINkjdrobHTUWZv-63n5QqQ5tLCe7Uyqgg5VIWwgowY9UTSldihoMk9SIqD4veU65mWruy26KtQKzjunJ4Va7JinqqWtMyIBhp53X6Oy5RovFoIl0Om3qE-jIid_aXD4JP22xP5ya6_WnuF4mF_lIFInpZQujwK0pxUt/s4032/IMG_8774.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ38BO-osdsvjcv6RO1AsEQvxuzINkjdrobHTUWZv-63n5QqQ5tLCe7Uyqgg5VIWwgowY9UTSldihoMk9SIqD4veU65mWruy26KtQKzjunJ4Va7JinqqWtMyIBhp53X6Oy5RovFoIl0Om3qE-jIid_aXD4JP22xP5ya6_WnuF4mF_lIFInpZQujwK0pxUt/w480-h640/IMG_8774.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wagner Falls</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We next went to see Alger Falls, which is a roadside waterfall. Sorry, no photos of that one as it was hard to get while driving on a busy road.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wagner Falls is nearby Alger Falls and that one we were able to park and hike into.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ogoteKJdyxfL70U2_53UqYxVrozNIzXP2PSxH0dUIzTdzb_Ap872kOhAwUAEnkR0xCm3yDsRp8RZGtUmrphyphenhyphenoEF_2vFcrVwPTlSB1dmbQwaGqQapsUxozJ0c9fdiZZ2w-JfBuFZDEdSCSQG6_sa2CS_YPuMTdVv76okC4tuZ2ZnwfzG6MSFlicoWeyWk/s4032/IMG_8780.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ogoteKJdyxfL70U2_53UqYxVrozNIzXP2PSxH0dUIzTdzb_Ap872kOhAwUAEnkR0xCm3yDsRp8RZGtUmrphyphenhyphenoEF_2vFcrVwPTlSB1dmbQwaGqQapsUxozJ0c9fdiZZ2w-JfBuFZDEdSCSQG6_sa2CS_YPuMTdVv76okC4tuZ2ZnwfzG6MSFlicoWeyWk/w480-h640/IMG_8780.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is another short 0.2 mile trail that leads to a boardwalk and eventually a viewing platform of the falls.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yRI3N-WN5GCrRlYwPsvIuvv-toASnbnqFthIDPQmkxOxkxAW5Bd2DlJ-la3E18zYQyQyPKvHz1MFKvqUvWwZjkAm3zw8nIModVHyo5LYHyauqP_H4yfeEhA3zLZTSswkE6Q3-87dHlg33q-ZnjoXdG0qN8UmjDpzM-vxrZrZluNVj_pSR04wEqXrpann/s4032/IMG_8781.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yRI3N-WN5GCrRlYwPsvIuvv-toASnbnqFthIDPQmkxOxkxAW5Bd2DlJ-la3E18zYQyQyPKvHz1MFKvqUvWwZjkAm3zw8nIModVHyo5LYHyauqP_H4yfeEhA3zLZTSswkE6Q3-87dHlg33q-ZnjoXdG0qN8UmjDpzM-vxrZrZluNVj_pSR04wEqXrpann/w480-h640/IMG_8781.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wagner Falls is 20 feet tall. When we were there, fallen trees ruined the view of the falls. The falls looks much prettier on the U.S. National Park Service website without the trees.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImTGKMi81z2KbayTtl8oMcpeMyT33jLolqdYTbnZmlix450UFIGJbgHWbWHAMrfEbG6dqkBuhnGJXbcdfrmjZdCDO8tejEalllB63mQ4s7tkECkCMKWFMkHPLLnzS0mczfO4A-H9GuMXuqOSR2D3Gahpn2_B-xFEmLcurjZiGEkStAl5JK6mYdK9_jHsD/s4032/IMG_8783.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImTGKMi81z2KbayTtl8oMcpeMyT33jLolqdYTbnZmlix450UFIGJbgHWbWHAMrfEbG6dqkBuhnGJXbcdfrmjZdCDO8tejEalllB63mQ4s7tkECkCMKWFMkHPLLnzS0mczfO4A-H9GuMXuqOSR2D3Gahpn2_B-xFEmLcurjZiGEkStAl5JK6mYdK9_jHsD/w480-h640/IMG_8783.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's another short video showing you the falls in action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QNhPQdsA6Io" width="320" youtube-src-id="QNhPQdsA6Io"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After viewing Wagner Falls it was about time for lunch. The area is known for its "pastys", you will see signs advertising pastys everywhere. We decided to try the local cuisine at this local establishment, which is a grab-and-go.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyreGbXhTZYqE-aVGAB0LvUFEi2XZ3scLn7XCoZTWci12gV9P_wBBCY6hAk8pKb4GjYozaw_RzwzLp-tzGMy_H7oUy-HC2xa0zLRq1bQ0E4EediL1wKvyGux49RtxCsSVBQC3apbSgyy8jV_Er6m9twLxZmyptiGD79T58m75cBVf4fY0sgTSgYwreWko/s4032/IMG_8786.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyreGbXhTZYqE-aVGAB0LvUFEi2XZ3scLn7XCoZTWci12gV9P_wBBCY6hAk8pKb4GjYozaw_RzwzLp-tzGMy_H7oUy-HC2xa0zLRq1bQ0E4EediL1wKvyGux49RtxCsSVBQC3apbSgyy8jV_Er6m9twLxZmyptiGD79T58m75cBVf4fY0sgTSgYwreWko/w640-h480/IMG_8786.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A pasty is sturdy crust folded over meat and veggies. It is said that miner's took one to lunch everyday. The pasty was wrapped in a napkin and fit nicely inside the miner's pocket.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJJXJXyA-sF-gzt0D7m-0ST7mfkX3mLgy40I4igzr6hOYmf461ouH46DylWiZDIpRtFMkqpPBmeKiHUYshl9bRqS2YGAq79iHPs2G5g4NezN9uS5WRQK5sqsXbRUS7bmCVRSfzjw3pbnHD6a7YaNywwgbO1X3nTIIM_s3cE26QtFirVe-6tjIUvKeI-Z2/s4032/IMG_8787.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJJXJXyA-sF-gzt0D7m-0ST7mfkX3mLgy40I4igzr6hOYmf461ouH46DylWiZDIpRtFMkqpPBmeKiHUYshl9bRqS2YGAq79iHPs2G5g4NezN9uS5WRQK5sqsXbRUS7bmCVRSfzjw3pbnHD6a7YaNywwgbO1X3nTIIM_s3cE26QtFirVe-6tjIUvKeI-Z2/w480-h640/IMG_8787.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll be honest, we didn't particularly care for them. My husband felt it needed gravy, and the locals must hear that a lot because you also saw a lot of signs that said "Pastys don't need gravy". 😀. Apparently, they refuse to even sell them with gravy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkgTBDj_md4rRjVkBGXIklk7uIjk2AUMLkAYWJMSlH0OT4P0E23aQQCJRkFctK9F4nZhdWZrX9ipJ0aW_6MJsJuw7d9I2_uIYCie9FmN0MUNGGvfe35WhDlbxFze3RXhQlAj0o8rHPJPlr_EiYXfTR_n_PI4RdKFHpUib2NE5ogC5LbTMvNpFwzNoDn6L/s4032/IMG_8788.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkgTBDj_md4rRjVkBGXIklk7uIjk2AUMLkAYWJMSlH0OT4P0E23aQQCJRkFctK9F4nZhdWZrX9ipJ0aW_6MJsJuw7d9I2_uIYCie9FmN0MUNGGvfe35WhDlbxFze3RXhQlAj0o8rHPJPlr_EiYXfTR_n_PI4RdKFHpUib2NE5ogC5LbTMvNpFwzNoDn6L/w480-h640/IMG_8788.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grand Island Harbor Scenic Overlook</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqSjWAkUadYxR4zTh-7LusaXFf3qv1Kero16IVOw_gjooMfWjyax8KPyRGlyGAcndmw4GMQ8kJreIOKIF3_KtxZ5LNBj3Ssm1Seps5Gv9IMTzbBWPHOP7zy3nz9g-MUrDTLs5DdRx-mH9NF9S0M9VBpEoZPzROVBbs3eak3dd1UemWZds0FWvaz_Za5nf/s4032/IMG_8793.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqSjWAkUadYxR4zTh-7LusaXFf3qv1Kero16IVOw_gjooMfWjyax8KPyRGlyGAcndmw4GMQ8kJreIOKIF3_KtxZ5LNBj3Ssm1Seps5Gv9IMTzbBWPHOP7zy3nz9g-MUrDTLs5DdRx-mH9NF9S0M9VBpEoZPzROVBbs3eak3dd1UemWZds0FWvaz_Za5nf/w640-h480/IMG_8793.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not far from our hotel were signs for a scenic overlook so we decided to check it out. The road takes you to the top of a hill and a small parking lot. From there it's a short 0.1 mile hike to this view.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutfwDU2Ovm9062ARF6oQ_GICh2viQmdpvIf53rjkCw-VhfLoZGlTgasKh2-PNBSJfKwA9phuLfejLakH9xiEiGQMdHPK6M8MwbzPqa7f6_ki3KIg9KRC_kBl4XNE4uBrpeHm7z95JEzDUyAdQyTN7718Og9VTmZmmOur4yaMskWAmYLAbfNLStJGguLE7/s4032/IMG_8794.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutfwDU2Ovm9062ARF6oQ_GICh2viQmdpvIf53rjkCw-VhfLoZGlTgasKh2-PNBSJfKwA9phuLfejLakH9xiEiGQMdHPK6M8MwbzPqa7f6_ki3KIg9KRC_kBl4XNE4uBrpeHm7z95JEzDUyAdQyTN7718Og9VTmZmmOur4yaMskWAmYLAbfNLStJGguLE7/w640-h480/IMG_8794.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The map below shows where I was standing when I took the photo and all the sights to see.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVDI8xPlHcBPJ3qgV0PBtMORAbRhJjr3w12sHgic5btp4JRZ9j7J3Cl9j98Zyo2fC0J0zuf3smk5P_YbN2qgsV-J3r4aTY3KmabQiXXJdE2WAdtbUgAOyy3O2m3Pxe8TXshOWYmRnrj21avOumZV9tsLfRhae19XCQdu7EoQZmuz3xM7eNS5jm7b0DZVk/s4032/IMG_8795.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVDI8xPlHcBPJ3qgV0PBtMORAbRhJjr3w12sHgic5btp4JRZ9j7J3Cl9j98Zyo2fC0J0zuf3smk5P_YbN2qgsV-J3r4aTY3KmabQiXXJdE2WAdtbUgAOyy3O2m3Pxe8TXshOWYmRnrj21avOumZV9tsLfRhae19XCQdu7EoQZmuz3xM7eNS5jm7b0DZVk/w480-h640/IMG_8795.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By now, it was time for our Pictured Rocks Boat Tour! We were so excited! But I will share that part of our day next week. See you then!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><br /> <p></p></div>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-82341525364818849302023-12-20T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-20T00:00:00.133-06:00Hand Painted Ornaments and Taking a Holiday Break<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A year ago in this <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/01/what-ive-been-up-to-lately-kitchen.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">POST</a>, I shared that my son had gifted me a box of wooden ornaments. I painted some of them last year, and finally got around to painting the stars and snowflakes this year. It was harder to paint the stars and snowflakes because I didn't know what to do with them because of the shape. I didn't want to just paint them one solid color and throw glitter on them, so this is what I came up with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcp2kmnm7TAC_VbvWbyohFN5M12oNaxkfiiY_RL8zxdo6V3InzqYg39Qd2dsCEmhJ7GjlZLHKQYPdPTdDo1EcH8NBkayglCBt1NynxLh_bWjuld6EHJrchZyIOxLLSodYCyAEn5EGFw02xyDZLz752yjb1nT3Xd8vYEf8j99ncxjW_Is39uhTmtAvxJP__/s4032/IMG_1933.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcp2kmnm7TAC_VbvWbyohFN5M12oNaxkfiiY_RL8zxdo6V3InzqYg39Qd2dsCEmhJ7GjlZLHKQYPdPTdDo1EcH8NBkayglCBt1NynxLh_bWjuld6EHJrchZyIOxLLSodYCyAEn5EGFw02xyDZLz752yjb1nT3Xd8vYEf8j99ncxjW_Is39uhTmtAvxJP__/w480-h640/IMG_1933.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the stars, I painted them white then I stamped Christmas messages on all but three. Then I stamped a starry background using silver metallic ink. The snowman star I painted a very light grey so that the snowman would stand out. All the stamps are retired Stampin' Up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what the ornaments looked like before they were painted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD4nC-J9G0LO6oqAcE6t2MK65pOaVCsxIXMdcU9qJMZu4MhKQxIrMZcUKBQRfJJPW5iv8zlvF5cJKf88qKaqSnpZGRJejVRhGh3asQpkMOA5vtFNRVwIgpsaLAzwqMPdcy5KvWK69F4mQGYcjozVbmQ7jrupTTGNKH5a-uUGD-4VBvYKfEw6gdNG-uA/w480-h640/IMG_7228.jpeg" style="text-align: start;" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The snowflakes were the hardest to try and figure out what to do with. I already have a lot of white, glitter snowflake ornaments so I wanted to do something different. I ended up using a pearlized drop paint called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ranger-Liquid-Pearls-Bronze-Marigold/dp/B079KV648M/ref=asc_df_B079KV648M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242118228879&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4052955502571746376&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019334&hvtargid=pla-416282845379&psc=1&mcid=02861b73919a3eef8410f15e9f7d5ff3&gclid=Cj0KCQiAm4WsBhCiARIsAEJIEzV-19bjOKoGYrb_DTN1NMthzu66sQcdj9WHIWvyYf-xckr2OLJexu4aAl_kEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Liquid Pearls" </a>to create a 3D design on the ornaments. You simply squeeze the tube to create dots and lines. I used three different colors: gold, iridescent white, and a petal pink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1WCSE6hZHdDMqLcSK4qRAWg2SEVU-re6n1cmrTBAs7N1NFfQCfgTDsIJ-5DHVDYQZ_0jSh4Xw9wDH-41nDzz9dGOecFOvsC09S9Hg7ncWkvpVm5wd71zW7HYfD-766Zxsh0nkrOgZ-Uv_nkfu1I6uiwuX1J9oeJUDa5faOD1NmCQ6tIgd_3Pc2rBCUjz/s4032/IMG_1938.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1WCSE6hZHdDMqLcSK4qRAWg2SEVU-re6n1cmrTBAs7N1NFfQCfgTDsIJ-5DHVDYQZ_0jSh4Xw9wDH-41nDzz9dGOecFOvsC09S9Hg7ncWkvpVm5wd71zW7HYfD-766Zxsh0nkrOgZ-Uv_nkfu1I6uiwuX1J9oeJUDa5faOD1NmCQ6tIgd_3Pc2rBCUjz/w480-h640/IMG_1938.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here are the rest of the ornaments from the very same kit that I painted last year. You can get all the details in<a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/01/what-ive-been-up-to-lately-kitchen.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> THIS POST.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci8kzw2dmV2m1vGf4Z_uCh7s7Hr3DomiytxVnfEXev3-LLz4ZskbvYYvvRnxgcpMvU5Xp21rtALh4rGtcP-Iv51_lqi0GT-HaPVFXrOVb8DZk1bR3n3B3oqEGLn4bNxKhi-VO22QsexsshpRsVGyubD_jQKBISCHEh2Ym11RWKa0roUvl64vu8VZdlg/w480-h640/IMG_7226.jpeg" style="text-align: start;" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowdba2zFMhh2GEuXzxdVC3xRStTAf75BjOT1DX8wq3BgmubYgRtQsg9JJFcORF_HIdFGjtsT-LNCCdWEs5naVWoMxNCGQAAsV5YkB60NKxv06Mv6I1dGV2UHaUazYS8r7WnsGLgp3CTsd4c_en6ZKP0HDRfOYykwAyUaYWzWayBFNFnQBU1Kakd85HA/w480-h640/IMG_7229.jpeg" style="text-align: left;" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsl65CSV1Ys_BJ76skujkJzBkl5J-m6gXnxSFJXyTUYWwFL-p4z5XR8p86kNW7hHBCBz2Hj0ABzjAUrqVcbHKxP1oCtdKOrk3EtixwD06zGTCIHgwohWKcSO4Phce0TTbiQ0xycLzawvSKQy1TgKLd891cDHE2o_3jn2kHiNY6LK3ZQNDl7iR-BDl6wg/w480-h640/IMG_7230.jpeg" style="text-align: start;" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fdAD_1i47XqVNnfh7d7OVJTFDs3UvhBOwNfHh0HKs7tMRGYZ-PuN3Ln9y7XicHhRzE-_ETmhEV2NBbclx3T2vq0tXGZoDW9HhSf9LYiVd55BbfW_Z0m_cx88kUY_-c6pAgWtZcsvW3HO2ZVz9UZ_7S4siOXd4p5rzmoB7t64n_ElmNIrfqgOMKp3Nw/w480-h640/IMG_7232.jpeg" style="text-align: start;" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I will be taking a blogging break to spend time with family and I will see again the week of January 8th!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="http://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><p></p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-73702439596728527112023-12-13T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-13T00:00:00.134-06:00Tahquamenon Falls State Park<p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">This post is part four of a travel series to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. To start at the beginning go </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/st-ignace-and-mackinaw-city-michigan.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">. The remaining posts in consecutive order are </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-amazing-historic-homes-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> , <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-grand-hotel-on-mackinac-island.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>, and <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/12/exploring-natural-attractions-and.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">On day three of our trip to Michigan's UP, after spending the morning at Oswald Bear Ranch, we then headed to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The park was on the way to Munsing where we planned to spend the night and the duration of our trip to the Upper Peninsula.</span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrgsLjQJa64w1OIZY0MtdHEgR_EnVNnS7Sl0aTzvfRcguWbKId4qG4NXy8DNjylMHj6_jBj9HUp5IFBi1hX1GfCjDbJcb1U6uRhj5kc0d1T7hHeV7G_1R-h-Cu9It7Gst01QmKPffOPsFXO99ubkc__Pc1yG0Phsren_vWWDpogmwxSo7TfpAYIGKLGL9/s4032/IMG_8613.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrgsLjQJa64w1OIZY0MtdHEgR_EnVNnS7Sl0aTzvfRcguWbKId4qG4NXy8DNjylMHj6_jBj9HUp5IFBi1hX1GfCjDbJcb1U6uRhj5kc0d1T7hHeV7G_1R-h-Cu9It7Gst01QmKPffOPsFXO99ubkc__Pc1yG0Phsren_vWWDpogmwxSo7TfpAYIGKLGL9/w480-h640/IMG_8613.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tahquamenon Falls State Park has close to 50,000 acres, but most of it is undeveloped woodland. The centerpiece of the park is the Tahquamenon River and its waterfalls. The trails to see the falls are very developed and well taken care of. There are lots of cool staircases and boardwalks as you will see in many photos of this post.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M3ehKflGUkzxkZBmJnE6VHHYZ805WwbLuL1q3oth0dlnGYLWwS8d_5BPwCe_-0yH3dNyMF435XCLWRN2GUGr7N2H9VapKQj35dbG-HeXJCTCsB5Wu70xf6wWwR11ztjCkA6uKwVPfxNhAIwPs2A_whg2_lDc5fSYkb2ZIyTs050a8Pbz_hnGKKB2QIDE/s4032/IMG_8614.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M3ehKflGUkzxkZBmJnE6VHHYZ805WwbLuL1q3oth0dlnGYLWwS8d_5BPwCe_-0yH3dNyMF435XCLWRN2GUGr7N2H9VapKQj35dbG-HeXJCTCsB5Wu70xf6wWwR11ztjCkA6uKwVPfxNhAIwPs2A_whg2_lDc5fSYkb2ZIyTs050a8Pbz_hnGKKB2QIDE/w480-h640/IMG_8614.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Upper Falls is the highlight of the park and one can certainly see why when visiting. It is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi with a drop of nearly 50 feet and a spread of 200 feet across.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2LBEM7ADP8CH6Hpi4J3YjYukOWuoB-5Gs1ee2qq5_hti7tqO1sqYgdpm60s797zBjdy5JMTKaM5z_l51BJ1r9G2OOLnVYhnne-3osfcmUQlOud3fmvl60sidIKO9B324MlDuh40JhiVBYmgA_yF00P4ed7XJxjTOxCzeOaHIWAStEFzcddFtLK0F7P3d/s4032/IMG_8619.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2LBEM7ADP8CH6Hpi4J3YjYukOWuoB-5Gs1ee2qq5_hti7tqO1sqYgdpm60s797zBjdy5JMTKaM5z_l51BJ1r9G2OOLnVYhnne-3osfcmUQlOud3fmvl60sidIKO9B324MlDuh40JhiVBYmgA_yF00P4ed7XJxjTOxCzeOaHIWAStEFzcddFtLK0F7P3d/w480-h640/IMG_8619.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When my son saw the photos of the Upper Falls he thought it looked like a dam, and he is sort of correct because although the falls were always here, man made a few changes to make the river suitable for log drives.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z6qG5X3wYuK-y-q6sE7WjEqz8FUhcH5ctfiBXDuOlgCO9XhyphenhyphenrpCWHNxeZ9oEJp_HYNeDlU_FqA6HUjx_lnzbPVJNmat-n_n-bYWANu9gD8B4_NOEaLkyIU96r945f4pVbzNwHCTMzkce3q1IIHLtIF12VrzKS-12S6f6kdL7954AbTiMYBdRL2AeOgbR/s4032/IMG_8623.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z6qG5X3wYuK-y-q6sE7WjEqz8FUhcH5ctfiBXDuOlgCO9XhyphenhyphenrpCWHNxeZ9oEJp_HYNeDlU_FqA6HUjx_lnzbPVJNmat-n_n-bYWANu9gD8B4_NOEaLkyIU96r945f4pVbzNwHCTMzkce3q1IIHLtIF12VrzKS-12S6f6kdL7954AbTiMYBdRL2AeOgbR/w640-h480/IMG_8623.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdIves6CZM3HQrsHqd2PHuzZkTjg0oKHcOk96jiramIdhMfwzTvkOcu01uHNAOOirM_0-bCzLMsQ5NEOdZ7TJNeblGZBCR0Lv9d0LSwRnMPz8vk_ZxZtTbGTuJw-FSS24klLZapbkVXn6Id01Xu79PwNDMFDJMzPWwFX6gQ5a1ciEUO-otqNZeqmgp_8T/s4032/IMG_8625.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdIves6CZM3HQrsHqd2PHuzZkTjg0oKHcOk96jiramIdhMfwzTvkOcu01uHNAOOirM_0-bCzLMsQ5NEOdZ7TJNeblGZBCR0Lv9d0LSwRnMPz8vk_ZxZtTbGTuJw-FSS24klLZapbkVXn6Id01Xu79PwNDMFDJMzPWwFX6gQ5a1ciEUO-otqNZeqmgp_8T/w640-h480/IMG_8625.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxzqo5qyDwcu3oLV17IK-hEmrZGFjSLQ0fgj_-gdipVxS7eNuIsEoer3gAgV5J7wgP25886sPH-BvarfMJ5yKvs1CrqGLLjgtMVgEXIMpsM6faiyBsG7OSUSFCGhlRXM88icmd7xbw_QOfMn7lbN0fOjcwed3ps1JURu1T6rMyNq8ZU1ZVwi_j2STibMC/s4032/IMG_8626.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxzqo5qyDwcu3oLV17IK-hEmrZGFjSLQ0fgj_-gdipVxS7eNuIsEoer3gAgV5J7wgP25886sPH-BvarfMJ5yKvs1CrqGLLjgtMVgEXIMpsM6faiyBsG7OSUSFCGhlRXM88icmd7xbw_QOfMn7lbN0fOjcwed3ps1JURu1T6rMyNq8ZU1ZVwi_j2STibMC/w480-h640/IMG_8626.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItE1kwO3zx3xrIZOFoN62zXn7OmvtK5hD5rFmwjkEDc06tRwmU6uznd0l6j6SkE2LIqirpYnqtM7qatZQi6OWunLuvS2t_4k7Hkd5be-XSxrax3qSB4_vTAVylw_uNwybACH4yqKYkf9upjyuW21s25jJDCeqStnPz_CJlu2N6I9ho5rE3dGM-s-g9i-G/s4032/IMG_8630.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItE1kwO3zx3xrIZOFoN62zXn7OmvtK5hD5rFmwjkEDc06tRwmU6uznd0l6j6SkE2LIqirpYnqtM7qatZQi6OWunLuvS2t_4k7Hkd5be-XSxrax3qSB4_vTAVylw_uNwybACH4yqKYkf9upjyuW21s25jJDCeqStnPz_CJlu2N6I9ho5rE3dGM-s-g9i-G/w480-h640/IMG_8630.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUx-CwG_StSPcjLDpkNFn4I9thOe9iumHXfWHJ5G8Sn_YhOxvRk0euw2L_u0vxgcHES20a0N_kmT7PRP5UrjVe_ZsF7609SgFtu5TvUgp0bFkOay5Ruf9XFGTOXczyrqxHHdud0uM7vimiG0iG9MD9k-lKW8OjZ7HBwT8DN72ARLvqPeHS_2SCBoqvD_K/s4032/IMG_8632.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUx-CwG_StSPcjLDpkNFn4I9thOe9iumHXfWHJ5G8Sn_YhOxvRk0euw2L_u0vxgcHES20a0N_kmT7PRP5UrjVe_ZsF7609SgFtu5TvUgp0bFkOay5Ruf9XFGTOXczyrqxHHdud0uM7vimiG0iG9MD9k-lKW8OjZ7HBwT8DN72ARLvqPeHS_2SCBoqvD_K/w480-h640/IMG_8632.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took two trails while in the park. The Tahquamenon Falls Upper Falls Loop is 1.5 miles and allows you many different viewpoints of the Upper Falls.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnL3HqAvMcBd7tVwkSz-jdu-BdB0KOk-SRiDoS5FryCz3I4FyfJBZIf2-so-KwfyyPuyBvKnxNlKqKnGYIDfxFsrxnM3Oocv6Ba09baVRrpshGQHhS_Zy7DW5m2PIIDhcKiPlbQum7xEFLoxvQFujB4axWNLujx439XMYmFw103SONH3zFSz04Eq_-YCL/s4032/IMG_8640.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnL3HqAvMcBd7tVwkSz-jdu-BdB0KOk-SRiDoS5FryCz3I4FyfJBZIf2-so-KwfyyPuyBvKnxNlKqKnGYIDfxFsrxnM3Oocv6Ba09baVRrpshGQHhS_Zy7DW5m2PIIDhcKiPlbQum7xEFLoxvQFujB4axWNLujx439XMYmFw103SONH3zFSz04Eq_-YCL/w640-h480/IMG_8640.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb2hCPgDoptfBP3RHPVz-uXb8kyhXye4QbGwir-9imPareJdw2SEjdqIu1i0yNSVcwzK8kU5Mx1CYZzHToFhUoWaixtN5xnvOJso1qA4oB6xxF_MGnR0p4iPQ46QFhM3ToqyyRwKhQCJIDHQa5AeCs0Ny8-0eJBgF_boN5btkyVH90npx_5ceVV_7GrcP/s4032/IMG_8641.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb2hCPgDoptfBP3RHPVz-uXb8kyhXye4QbGwir-9imPareJdw2SEjdqIu1i0yNSVcwzK8kU5Mx1CYZzHToFhUoWaixtN5xnvOJso1qA4oB6xxF_MGnR0p4iPQ46QFhM3ToqyyRwKhQCJIDHQa5AeCs0Ny8-0eJBgF_boN5btkyVH90npx_5ceVV_7GrcP/w640-h480/IMG_8641.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The second trail we took was the Lower Tahquamenon Falls which is 3.2 miles and takes you on a nice hike across a bridge to an island. The Lower Falls is actually a series of five falls that divide around an island in the river.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqTJgf1swQ-Z4f09yHNq9RKBGLhko5JnW58CKeSqeMvAFMC9ReKcTrFubO7czPTpbk-4MEnBu5gZE9qg0R7AdDS1hj5Ok6q_Am_iHa6lUHP35luewUXCq2lg8QPRFYqKvc1q8fdDZEuzPB9N4Qqha85SA5zpWU0Moz8qagfFGSiSitHywB3QGKBaDDOr9/s4032/IMG_8651.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqTJgf1swQ-Z4f09yHNq9RKBGLhko5JnW58CKeSqeMvAFMC9ReKcTrFubO7czPTpbk-4MEnBu5gZE9qg0R7AdDS1hj5Ok6q_Am_iHa6lUHP35luewUXCq2lg8QPRFYqKvc1q8fdDZEuzPB9N4Qqha85SA5zpWU0Moz8qagfFGSiSitHywB3QGKBaDDOr9/w480-h640/IMG_8651.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvolhYlxKsKCE6dpOPvliER_V4fDnEwjvM5b17-eQFliU43LmaYGT0NMkzKhmPJm4SiguoMrWJAHSAKtHxAOoyVZP0Z4M8aFH9IQO31mocQFINMPjW7GvMrtbrde46gEkCJsiglD3L7tnD4A2wk7uyr1xPejnpCWl9sV-qt2pfcbHy7sNP5eLWSRxgrfVD/s4032/IMG_8653.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvolhYlxKsKCE6dpOPvliER_V4fDnEwjvM5b17-eQFliU43LmaYGT0NMkzKhmPJm4SiguoMrWJAHSAKtHxAOoyVZP0Z4M8aFH9IQO31mocQFINMPjW7GvMrtbrde46gEkCJsiglD3L7tnD4A2wk7uyr1xPejnpCWl9sV-qt2pfcbHy7sNP5eLWSRxgrfVD/w640-h480/IMG_8653.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWfaCQTuNMv0iF5sqT53pIpTbIqniKXsRi3lJYfqraywRooKJRjdA8wwN6WElU8N4986F80aNWPMJ-k7zwM_9jXXQxV8oQik0U4kOxztI1HXkJ0s19D3kSkL4GXhuCF2qe443I6HNGDafJPktOKT8-G-w2tE3WfH0Q3lKlVXNVq3N4JUcNYySVHKGjPLp/s4032/IMG_8656.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWfaCQTuNMv0iF5sqT53pIpTbIqniKXsRi3lJYfqraywRooKJRjdA8wwN6WElU8N4986F80aNWPMJ-k7zwM_9jXXQxV8oQik0U4kOxztI1HXkJ0s19D3kSkL4GXhuCF2qe443I6HNGDafJPktOKT8-G-w2tE3WfH0Q3lKlVXNVq3N4JUcNYySVHKGjPLp/w640-h480/IMG_8656.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course I couldn't help but stop to admire the Marsh Marigolds!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOavnnThyMXWt2Q2d1rUZ9SQEm1va9PbaE8wbxV3SzaONSN_IZD7tlvPTrGR6cEUk9IFhCnixKpZQO19mvhyphenhyphenVOJceJI7xuLy-m-mcmzZJJEUYolsT0TNSYXOhc_tUpN86uOsdeDkRNw2d2g_1CyHEGcTK3awlLQg07WGJ2R_Oaa4qWdVH-Di8nCvB0e5rF/s4032/IMG_8658.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOavnnThyMXWt2Q2d1rUZ9SQEm1va9PbaE8wbxV3SzaONSN_IZD7tlvPTrGR6cEUk9IFhCnixKpZQO19mvhyphenhyphenVOJceJI7xuLy-m-mcmzZJJEUYolsT0TNSYXOhc_tUpN86uOsdeDkRNw2d2g_1CyHEGcTK3awlLQg07WGJ2R_Oaa4qWdVH-Di8nCvB0e5rF/w480-h640/IMG_8658.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bt_uB6vCBzq_OcLFYScT2QLZUJrbBCAt4SRuOz38oYlln8uGqGBndZ0XcxBqYa0ttJaCMBiWEsApXR4jniuJbUYDQW53-u3E6DdoGH0-2rvLnp2bhod2-5-XmdO2oYRmHcSgnq891pXQbGoRpcs3ZrwDGxzQGCUp0Hgb2LiVQTu7wMWghp1TbSH848B1/s4032/IMG_8660.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bt_uB6vCBzq_OcLFYScT2QLZUJrbBCAt4SRuOz38oYlln8uGqGBndZ0XcxBqYa0ttJaCMBiWEsApXR4jniuJbUYDQW53-u3E6DdoGH0-2rvLnp2bhod2-5-XmdO2oYRmHcSgnq891pXQbGoRpcs3ZrwDGxzQGCUp0Hgb2LiVQTu7wMWghp1TbSH848B1/w640-h480/IMG_8660.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa0TTNt_I6J9BE2gcWg7j1oOg1OLYA6fmKXFYexfuiBOzo-MRh86pU6ke3J5My8kYS1Grik2ixazkt_hSSAHQjAoXs90Tck_6DwTNaGR2NauinsJaZiVU7XLQ-O5TlN90yXqG4QN9dhvEpEOJKWkP9Z2SEeae9UGeyMIdxslIWO8cBg10GZs3heF4JbSM/s4032/IMG_8666.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLa0TTNt_I6J9BE2gcWg7j1oOg1OLYA6fmKXFYexfuiBOzo-MRh86pU6ke3J5My8kYS1Grik2ixazkt_hSSAHQjAoXs90Tck_6DwTNaGR2NauinsJaZiVU7XLQ-O5TlN90yXqG4QN9dhvEpEOJKWkP9Z2SEeae9UGeyMIdxslIWO8cBg10GZs3heF4JbSM/w640-h480/IMG_8666.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircVRbyg8rI-HnKNVK4DBLVUoz9BfoJRSKJ3PepFAxp6Z1nGlISe4z8pRtydzasd08-XYNVGKAyf8eYqQxOPLM9hpkHtlI31wymxUP6_-CeggQCugDjtILcwpSHcOvMDfvYWXFFQpGFWVcmONuQEFH45YOT7-7JJ5wx4NyP7_72zYLSzRueTKzufmdQbVB/s4032/IMG_8668.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircVRbyg8rI-HnKNVK4DBLVUoz9BfoJRSKJ3PepFAxp6Z1nGlISe4z8pRtydzasd08-XYNVGKAyf8eYqQxOPLM9hpkHtlI31wymxUP6_-CeggQCugDjtILcwpSHcOvMDfvYWXFFQpGFWVcmONuQEFH45YOT7-7JJ5wx4NyP7_72zYLSzRueTKzufmdQbVB/w640-h480/IMG_8668.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBORhyphenhyphenbh_-noPPr9qev1Ws5gUssmrwY3uvhPW7aVHNFijmw0vZ-ZyKatvjMSlqwg-wpOKzZG6he8_ysBnM_0Yf5VpYibiqPeNIu1zJ0xxjV9mIEFWKo2sxo7i9WjZn82DlrqCg2HMXkVBri0pCNqwucQ4lKXkkqwIxpOfClz_34u8IMWCDg3HQJrNW6gH/s4032/IMG_8672.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBORhyphenhyphenbh_-noPPr9qev1Ws5gUssmrwY3uvhPW7aVHNFijmw0vZ-ZyKatvjMSlqwg-wpOKzZG6he8_ysBnM_0Yf5VpYibiqPeNIu1zJ0xxjV9mIEFWKo2sxo7i9WjZn82DlrqCg2HMXkVBri0pCNqwucQ4lKXkkqwIxpOfClz_34u8IMWCDg3HQJrNW6gH/w640-h480/IMG_8672.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bridge pictured below was new in 2021 to make it possible for anyone, no matter their abilities, to reach the island.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdJWuX_JAJs8DpYN0MbiR9s18UrY_Ms3BLyeg9KIMNTgwAD6O00wnvTLx7F3mZsFP5esavb4dCMOWQnuQFqjF5LVeTJVjmKyfJ9Y69-8DQPhdJ1At8mtbVT2c_MwmwRDa_xgdcL9no7ApFITqi_ZTEgQKs6hGxV76n_kqODCH9RiwvDSf9p94fRQeredB/s4032/IMG_8674.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdJWuX_JAJs8DpYN0MbiR9s18UrY_Ms3BLyeg9KIMNTgwAD6O00wnvTLx7F3mZsFP5esavb4dCMOWQnuQFqjF5LVeTJVjmKyfJ9Y69-8DQPhdJ1At8mtbVT2c_MwmwRDa_xgdcL9no7ApFITqi_ZTEgQKs6hGxV76n_kqODCH9RiwvDSf9p94fRQeredB/w640-h480/IMG_8674.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysc-fGF3E9dn8ynVEa86TtDFiBU4zxe6gfWOLPan6esgTxAl4owAszbH8EPhRI9R88m96DWVQNzo4bCo9bzqEEi__EUOTAZstIpk8tMJJdBwJoinxHfk5j0sL17mUt5GynhYujAVgHAkxVN5BpM25yBC75wyS8qb8iAdKHfn2KA7X_QDrcxXC-Qa7ql_v/s4032/IMG_8676.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysc-fGF3E9dn8ynVEa86TtDFiBU4zxe6gfWOLPan6esgTxAl4owAszbH8EPhRI9R88m96DWVQNzo4bCo9bzqEEi__EUOTAZstIpk8tMJJdBwJoinxHfk5j0sL17mUt5GynhYujAVgHAkxVN5BpM25yBC75wyS8qb8iAdKHfn2KA7X_QDrcxXC-Qa7ql_v/w480-h640/IMG_8676.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are multiple viewing platforms to see the lower falls:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. The first viewpoint is from a paved path near the parking lot...so if you want to see the lower falls without hiking, you will want this one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Two more viewing decks, like this one, provide close up views of the falls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. And the last viewing deck is from the island once you cross the large metal bridge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C5lBY7nrC7F3C_z_7ZCX5PPgVcJzfblX_-wSYDfRhFmWvFmxWPQayyt8nnwSq_RulQhN4Yrnkn2GY9yWA4EqQ_4lhw0JgER52HVNND406vuRAWKrEZ0n-_0haBpl4Adfvz2WZxTaaeoqleRPDzlk0LGMdGF0h_5HQ_WDVSigdFMTk7mw6UeDeXIw0SfS/s4032/IMG_8678.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C5lBY7nrC7F3C_z_7ZCX5PPgVcJzfblX_-wSYDfRhFmWvFmxWPQayyt8nnwSq_RulQhN4Yrnkn2GY9yWA4EqQ_4lhw0JgER52HVNND406vuRAWKrEZ0n-_0haBpl4Adfvz2WZxTaaeoqleRPDzlk0LGMdGF0h_5HQ_WDVSigdFMTk7mw6UeDeXIw0SfS/w640-h480/IMG_8678.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7OO0s30VdiJJFSi3ZcS9xch2-bnYTxPZbINUsidAuuHQKxmuSfKRv6iUy7t_Eo9ZpSeYVwwSmkD5gUbGMaWSW0sTM7wP2RObbTNnbQxc3HsChNW7BrAVKlMfnHznQu3i-M7wBo9QLFCpDlRR0nhEAxLhQeH9D_kF6INhwAKEn1MGawH-JhCbm6GJ6TB8/s4032/IMG_8679.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7OO0s30VdiJJFSi3ZcS9xch2-bnYTxPZbINUsidAuuHQKxmuSfKRv6iUy7t_Eo9ZpSeYVwwSmkD5gUbGMaWSW0sTM7wP2RObbTNnbQxc3HsChNW7BrAVKlMfnHznQu3i-M7wBo9QLFCpDlRR0nhEAxLhQeH9D_kF6INhwAKEn1MGawH-JhCbm6GJ6TB8/w480-h640/IMG_8679.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmWWDCRFoA5IpCDxnVvehTjGMtqLvIj-msT7iEEtu7eAtducpkudZW05VHO0WPJaRj7CdJrYFodY1EYvQLiUAa2msmKWiF0Kva9UUclvNeoGztA-wvdqqU_aoLBueZCTMRjdcXPW1XEW7wU3NMmf59l4qxRcR3-6Nit2T1V02xAN-geOMKNqoxVkqsi6G/s4032/IMG_8688.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmWWDCRFoA5IpCDxnVvehTjGMtqLvIj-msT7iEEtu7eAtducpkudZW05VHO0WPJaRj7CdJrYFodY1EYvQLiUAa2msmKWiF0Kva9UUclvNeoGztA-wvdqqU_aoLBueZCTMRjdcXPW1XEW7wU3NMmf59l4qxRcR3-6Nit2T1V02xAN-geOMKNqoxVkqsi6G/w480-h640/IMG_8688.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcI7lWfbdYTbjwNoRXRq-Fph-yEXR9CUzcf9VbpyOlKhxDE9We-r0TmPjPXm0FR-ndWaF7vUi7uJ_lh9S1z350R_4B7Dg6gIH3Dm0aVsLkiuJQtdrD4KYHC_ycP-UQsgz5siQI0ibQRwn_UgxXEJYwSSXpeRdXrBYe_ViYihDEjM71Q2xEi2-7yBGFV-Nu/s4032/IMG_8690.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcI7lWfbdYTbjwNoRXRq-Fph-yEXR9CUzcf9VbpyOlKhxDE9We-r0TmPjPXm0FR-ndWaF7vUi7uJ_lh9S1z350R_4B7Dg6gIH3Dm0aVsLkiuJQtdrD4KYHC_ycP-UQsgz5siQI0ibQRwn_UgxXEJYwSSXpeRdXrBYe_ViYihDEjM71Q2xEi2-7yBGFV-Nu/w640-h480/IMG_8690.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This old boardwalk/bridge was on the island. It was so cool! It reminded me of Florida!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCZgKmmNHkjjcYLCyQsoTOlAoYj8vyOVhMWRUAK5vcpxS45t1B6iT6fpxqTNUiyulb6TLhxHTMkqwVXNIdFGz-xduzHstQmf0CshGQFMu4P_4O0Brbhr51ktNx32p8cPxhtR59c99RzRxYZxD6-BeZBSWvLdVMAcGEyHEy3-zvpGAG6l7tupRKbhwHZ9T/s4032/IMG_8691.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCZgKmmNHkjjcYLCyQsoTOlAoYj8vyOVhMWRUAK5vcpxS45t1B6iT6fpxqTNUiyulb6TLhxHTMkqwVXNIdFGz-xduzHstQmf0CshGQFMu4P_4O0Brbhr51ktNx32p8cPxhtR59c99RzRxYZxD6-BeZBSWvLdVMAcGEyHEy3-zvpGAG6l7tupRKbhwHZ9T/w480-h640/IMG_8691.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWXvtV1jemsZw4PuRzcOKOJJohhXGnB5jzR_IKat2BBsy2vVQlAww1S6jmfC8cdV2d-i-Kvwjdknp0_foiaPfF0GMJVkQvYBFwdgzL3XDjRx9Va1dNZnxcoCsgQxr_o3YfOtm330Aql49fzSomvGcTPxvH0KdnH7blGTJ-RBK4KD4To5T_lUic1wTZYKL/s4032/IMG_8694.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWXvtV1jemsZw4PuRzcOKOJJohhXGnB5jzR_IKat2BBsy2vVQlAww1S6jmfC8cdV2d-i-Kvwjdknp0_foiaPfF0GMJVkQvYBFwdgzL3XDjRx9Va1dNZnxcoCsgQxr_o3YfOtm330Aql49fzSomvGcTPxvH0KdnH7blGTJ-RBK4KD4To5T_lUic1wTZYKL/w640-h480/IMG_8694.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mJpyOIpo1dEHMjGqN9vwmuPcdqlOi9qElAQ1WbJNQvq_Inh2mYqLiKtdXVILQwbMr2VjJgjnYP4bQePsgkLkpQxNnrAK9xzUZ93Vh3gPan13tnaZNd5oq8rwHqCg9CkgAdYXtwhPPqWIJnsPvgQi6Vh3r5NznnXnZAU_d5acaVVDF2j8KJLj4-NTp3Fn/s4032/IMG_8695.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mJpyOIpo1dEHMjGqN9vwmuPcdqlOi9qElAQ1WbJNQvq_Inh2mYqLiKtdXVILQwbMr2VjJgjnYP4bQePsgkLkpQxNnrAK9xzUZ93Vh3gPan13tnaZNd5oq8rwHqCg9CkgAdYXtwhPPqWIJnsPvgQi6Vh3r5NznnXnZAU_d5acaVVDF2j8KJLj4-NTp3Fn/w480-h640/IMG_8695.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally, here are a couple of videos of both the Upper and Lower Falls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rob4HCSjr9M" width="320" youtube-src-id="Rob4HCSjr9M"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kem-8uJLIyU" width="320" youtube-src-id="kem-8uJLIyU"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;">We really enjoyed this sweet little park. It was a nice stop on the way from St. Ignace to Munsing. I highly recommend adding it to your travel itinerary if you're in the area too!</span><p></p></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-71390265719948117862023-12-10T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-10T00:00:00.350-06:00Enjoying Some Old-World Holiday Fun at "Kriskindlmarkt" in Sparta Wisconsin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been envious for years of Europe's Christmas Markets. I've longed to go to overseas for the holidays just to go shopping at the markets and see all the Christmas lights and displays. So just imagine my surprise when I discovered I didn't need to travel thousands of miles away from home to have this old world experience, and I could get a taste of it in the small town of Sparta, only one and half hours away from my house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHce68Kg0IorB7PPq2-nGktzoI6PUjnx5Rep8bV6F4E8pubS0PfzXEztbKXeWeGRe53FimfV7y25ejQbAYRxB-rkwlj1DwnhmkeMzBkLS0ucTQnG3fFid8uQst-Htt6PO08ErF-0_GD0HkV9OclOZU9xG92UzXPou1sOWmPth96g4DwJmP-KtBvhEgcoTh/s3247/IMG_1903.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2325" data-original-width="3247" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHce68Kg0IorB7PPq2-nGktzoI6PUjnx5Rep8bV6F4E8pubS0PfzXEztbKXeWeGRe53FimfV7y25ejQbAYRxB-rkwlj1DwnhmkeMzBkLS0ucTQnG3fFid8uQst-Htt6PO08ErF-0_GD0HkV9OclOZU9xG92UzXPou1sOWmPth96g4DwJmP-KtBvhEgcoTh/w640-h458/IMG_1903.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sparta Wisconsin is located in west-central Wisconsin and has a population of 10,025 residents. But during Christmas, that population increases with visitors from all over the state to see how this tiny little town is transformed into a European Christmas Market.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTP7BMJIVgSQLuf-Zwmf_Z8IhA-3TFhHpzVOt2UYE0x4P8QHY-J291SeOBi-2sW6P8HBLcjQQ4Trdu1RTwICJ45KtzNSY7bom2FbqaRWPHMQnyD9rCKsjcd-Q7KVzoyQEkxoIkiTIvJz6hmdh8dVmEJ02kGXCCRbRWqEbTRdfL52Uv6NpmtNNv4rn-MSU/s4032/IMG_1858.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTP7BMJIVgSQLuf-Zwmf_Z8IhA-3TFhHpzVOt2UYE0x4P8QHY-J291SeOBi-2sW6P8HBLcjQQ4Trdu1RTwICJ45KtzNSY7bom2FbqaRWPHMQnyD9rCKsjcd-Q7KVzoyQEkxoIkiTIvJz6hmdh8dVmEJ02kGXCCRbRWqEbTRdfL52Uv6NpmtNNv4rn-MSU/w480-h640/IMG_1858.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bavarian-style huts line the streets and town square. These huts are filled with goods from both local and non-local Artisans and lots, and lots of great food! The market is open starting the final weekend of November and three weekends in December. The Artisans change daily so if you live nearby, you may want to come more than once! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbelKrfb2BuBPqn4cRBZoCtMVV1ukes7mpkW0xpd6howqAjq84Rcr0qNqB2yHIePTHXRvWAg7n1eUlkFBi19jsdnT5MfTq7l_l0eyysVnO52dsXRD9Tq_BEf8IutSCppN69eDCgvRY0HAXqsLWgV5VGBbKhdoPQ7hZWcDnGTu8jMgbxmQKNaAXRTP3mPv/s4032/IMG_1862.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbelKrfb2BuBPqn4cRBZoCtMVV1ukes7mpkW0xpd6howqAjq84Rcr0qNqB2yHIePTHXRvWAg7n1eUlkFBi19jsdnT5MfTq7l_l0eyysVnO52dsXRD9Tq_BEf8IutSCppN69eDCgvRY0HAXqsLWgV5VGBbKhdoPQ7hZWcDnGTu8jMgbxmQKNaAXRTP3mPv/w480-h640/IMG_1862.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because this is Wisconsin it does get cold, so they have plenty of fire pits to warm up! We enjoyed all our food while standing near a toasty fire. Pictured below are roasted pralines!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GD66WtWw1gbtlDRShPZCiP_pWKQ_A-nmwx04JzlLCnPtruJWt8pg6xDeC2Ul3poHUqizakx2HginGdBH98nkudnYmvEZ7_H8DnDjK3sO0kwdQpZe1G6-UJEC58XvBuxWYLIWoAPHMErrnmsm03Roh0s-bcqqXO6zyCUawWGfjGEiuoDpehpfl-SEoBmB/s4032/IMG_1865.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GD66WtWw1gbtlDRShPZCiP_pWKQ_A-nmwx04JzlLCnPtruJWt8pg6xDeC2Ul3poHUqizakx2HginGdBH98nkudnYmvEZ7_H8DnDjK3sO0kwdQpZe1G6-UJEC58XvBuxWYLIWoAPHMErrnmsm03Roh0s-bcqqXO6zyCUawWGfjGEiuoDpehpfl-SEoBmB/w480-h640/IMG_1865.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish we could have been there at night to see the place all lit up. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be with all the stringed lights I saw.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbTyJjl7mCXHOoXQZJ_EuUqlCsf7Hx-lDhW2LlmBiCncD3l8ZjfylcO_yIAV2bkLZOqb0WzpTPExHgQxnA_mSzFjdZVkjiM1i5zEhrHmXBEW9rvfNAtRpTmy8ZRg_Fei_8QglFDXZxCIqz97LrXmbJ2rybU9Vqecf6GKYGgOshdwyY83jS7cqPzf2baBU/s4032/IMG_1868.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbTyJjl7mCXHOoXQZJ_EuUqlCsf7Hx-lDhW2LlmBiCncD3l8ZjfylcO_yIAV2bkLZOqb0WzpTPExHgQxnA_mSzFjdZVkjiM1i5zEhrHmXBEW9rvfNAtRpTmy8ZRg_Fei_8QglFDXZxCIqz97LrXmbJ2rybU9Vqecf6GKYGgOshdwyY83jS7cqPzf2baBU/w480-h640/IMG_1868.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTvg2ULYc47MGS7JozeaZJoyNFrlMdmklSzcLU2TMhQBAXV45sfADcbYHJDFQFaZyXFRylsbZASkhf6MVXkFXGrdABZUgUZiN4vyCjn8KkokKbr4-M6QKcl5q7QgQA-zGpryhgPb6I6XdXwtDbIExjfTQCPj0UIECOexwXaPaTHy2ztuCejdtmGFVvmsU/s4032/IMG_1869.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTvg2ULYc47MGS7JozeaZJoyNFrlMdmklSzcLU2TMhQBAXV45sfADcbYHJDFQFaZyXFRylsbZASkhf6MVXkFXGrdABZUgUZiN4vyCjn8KkokKbr4-M6QKcl5q7QgQA-zGpryhgPb6I6XdXwtDbIExjfTQCPj0UIECOexwXaPaTHy2ztuCejdtmGFVvmsU/w480-h640/IMG_1869.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are 27 vendor huts in all, located in three clusters in the downtown area: Meuller Square (pictured above), Creekside Village (pictured below), and Love Lock Village (named after it's Love Lock Bridge ).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yWp3iopTxC__aWhref_7OI01k1qNY_G9iygO30WqImg7Ak4eiK-KMOhzTN1L12vsIT2JiBomKpakUBOWXiahyphenhyphenXebzcSYglKcDxx2rvVHYnoiZYvhgDI8HadZDflM3p495ytkPB7DnWmW7S7Z7klKIgKQaajUoiJ4-yWwhx-Wlq03GWQQQ9zBa76fNhXV/s4032/IMG_1870.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yWp3iopTxC__aWhref_7OI01k1qNY_G9iygO30WqImg7Ak4eiK-KMOhzTN1L12vsIT2JiBomKpakUBOWXiahyphenhyphenXebzcSYglKcDxx2rvVHYnoiZYvhgDI8HadZDflM3p495ytkPB7DnWmW7S7Z7klKIgKQaajUoiJ4-yWwhx-Wlq03GWQQQ9zBa76fNhXV/w640-h480/IMG_1870.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sparta's Kristkindlmarkt is inspired by Germany's Christkindlmarkt. I would have preferred they would have kept the "Christ" in their celebration and not changed the name. Christkindlmarkt is literally translated to "Christ-Child Market". It is a German tradition dating back to medieval times where an outdoor street market is held during the four weeks of Advent. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAxZXDm1pMDIIZeJXaKq4wZYVIaMtSaE9KxgKo_bXp-SyWss8H1J7eht9nbiCVsJxk9NVtbeeFTgG-YoLQo4jsIv88MmC3f_30Dcxu_YVt5_8m5Hnzy72qvuJ5j8UFGXkwJHSXLjRrSMkZkdkOET00oTDeSBXeqz3v-xSEhbbXstvLWE4ag4Q9ISJeCdr/s4032/IMG_1874.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAxZXDm1pMDIIZeJXaKq4wZYVIaMtSaE9KxgKo_bXp-SyWss8H1J7eht9nbiCVsJxk9NVtbeeFTgG-YoLQo4jsIv88MmC3f_30Dcxu_YVt5_8m5Hnzy72qvuJ5j8UFGXkwJHSXLjRrSMkZkdkOET00oTDeSBXeqz3v-xSEhbbXstvLWE4ag4Q9ISJeCdr/w480-h640/IMG_1874.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a full schedule of holiday entertainment at Kriskindlmarkt too. Some events are a holiday evening parade, musical performances, chainsaw-carving, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLFAE17BPd72T0OlNxtBrXE08rpGGDslvqMeg-1liYjyz7Ee9z7z20Y-93LUM6O7UDv45j4J7WdSFX-GvK7_WyP12_99xwr00BIlOZzuAlihGbPSc1IYGmG_E5lUPqrBHkTNnnDAMAdlBh6fDRDRAwhBy_Ev7QNk-BP3tJCEJHVeaIU7Gots1wHOGRwBz/s4032/IMG_1875.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLFAE17BPd72T0OlNxtBrXE08rpGGDslvqMeg-1liYjyz7Ee9z7z20Y-93LUM6O7UDv45j4J7WdSFX-GvK7_WyP12_99xwr00BIlOZzuAlihGbPSc1IYGmG_E5lUPqrBHkTNnnDAMAdlBh6fDRDRAwhBy_Ev7QNk-BP3tJCEJHVeaIU7Gots1wHOGRwBz/w480-h640/IMG_1875.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We arrived right at lunch time and spent most of our time eating. In addition to the roasted nuts, we had a Bavarian pretzel (best pretzel I ever had!), German sausage, and a blueberry crepe. I was stuffed by the time we left!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUgClpFbF_t0P0-OuDsFyB2jyf8F2LOJ9tWhOIS2n6IMQ8U1WFdBbtcQz0tWN6pxn88YTiiJptb44vHCCNEwjQFJKqqmNX83IUbQYFKVj_M5yQCKJ0Bkcr7J2zZ8rsYpjFBH5_3jsw39dtHH37rbJewtiLMBrfkowpOo943Yn7hAHAAYdypBp6DzRsQF7/s4032/IMG_1877.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUgClpFbF_t0P0-OuDsFyB2jyf8F2LOJ9tWhOIS2n6IMQ8U1WFdBbtcQz0tWN6pxn88YTiiJptb44vHCCNEwjQFJKqqmNX83IUbQYFKVj_M5yQCKJ0Bkcr7J2zZ8rsYpjFBH5_3jsw39dtHH37rbJewtiLMBrfkowpOo943Yn7hAHAAYdypBp6DzRsQF7/w480-h640/IMG_1877.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Of course we had to get our photo taken on "Love Lock Bridge". Yes, the bridge had plenty of locks on it from romantic couples dedicating their undying love.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCvOM3QbutZ7FraqzmTB1EuaTtKOOYGF3fo950WwTfPJpJ7vwIaSo1y9iRTCfH3-3XFlaTj8Ij3Rg36mrO8Hnl-ngNe9i3htl5LVJZoqJuSBiJOvwGq_24scgmh50x7FqQIvbhhzQuQ3Gb-mz5Y9QHuGCo3XpA53O3GtdRrvv4HJafTFzFnhxquHcfFjc/s4032/IMG_1883.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCvOM3QbutZ7FraqzmTB1EuaTtKOOYGF3fo950WwTfPJpJ7vwIaSo1y9iRTCfH3-3XFlaTj8Ij3Rg36mrO8Hnl-ngNe9i3htl5LVJZoqJuSBiJOvwGq_24scgmh50x7FqQIvbhhzQuQ3Gb-mz5Y9QHuGCo3XpA53O3GtdRrvv4HJafTFzFnhxquHcfFjc/w480-h640/IMG_1883.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had never been to Sparta before and I was pleasantly surprised at what a pretty downtown park and Main Street they had.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsNFHhgawYzW3LJgFcXtjPGbPlSgDfrVzF5xoBybnawocmdVVFEi_feTt4xaGOg8ZCwQLgJ6NN-mHEvtqPIMG9L3mqD4thgYnOL_TZkLb4OmhP72c1UzSAvFYGtyBxSjqjXg-JnTFkg8MzMqAFSynMBHT9_L6zSysV4v1jFjSAftO0DwmPXsbIgjfDmj0/s4032/IMG_1890.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsNFHhgawYzW3LJgFcXtjPGbPlSgDfrVzF5xoBybnawocmdVVFEi_feTt4xaGOg8ZCwQLgJ6NN-mHEvtqPIMG9L3mqD4thgYnOL_TZkLb4OmhP72c1UzSAvFYGtyBxSjqjXg-JnTFkg8MzMqAFSynMBHT9_L6zSysV4v1jFjSAftO0DwmPXsbIgjfDmj0/w640-h480/IMG_1890.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsz-talYKUPhDifw-aSlcu66IepzaP7PWcE0ASKZGgXeihlRDQtpNId-bfquz3Boiu7NUwEgdIx3467ISXvTBCvk51KA3Olwg74IH4sMPN3bM3h1gs_eSJZP8H30M7QrgwoYABeTlUr6AtAA4hJxOl53CA9R2KsHLo0nkJUPwSMdO0Kx3k0FY453wcAHCi/s4032/IMG_1892.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsz-talYKUPhDifw-aSlcu66IepzaP7PWcE0ASKZGgXeihlRDQtpNId-bfquz3Boiu7NUwEgdIx3467ISXvTBCvk51KA3Olwg74IH4sMPN3bM3h1gs_eSJZP8H30M7QrgwoYABeTlUr6AtAA4hJxOl53CA9R2KsHLo0nkJUPwSMdO0Kx3k0FY453wcAHCi/w480-h640/IMG_1892.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-Xx4KlfthDdBpIcH5bSmbJ1IU9mcvocflOxvtJN5AYApbhNFH6EBGEq2Prv6l2vmJbDUEn3FcpoeJ2UZOyBc62BIljx93F3giLbdS6P1Lz51mfLxiuFVEAiiYANsIEUmnklXUXvtJmotuMJqRleLQ8VmEFLOhsbsTrY4aiLGUaLQZXFJ_OtIRodf5RYE/s4032/IMG_1895.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-Xx4KlfthDdBpIcH5bSmbJ1IU9mcvocflOxvtJN5AYApbhNFH6EBGEq2Prv6l2vmJbDUEn3FcpoeJ2UZOyBc62BIljx93F3giLbdS6P1Lz51mfLxiuFVEAiiYANsIEUmnklXUXvtJmotuMJqRleLQ8VmEFLOhsbsTrY4aiLGUaLQZXFJ_OtIRodf5RYE/w640-h480/IMG_1895.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>This lady worked tirelessly making crepes! She was so busy!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdcZxkuJJrgBv7LQxGx2fDDgMhPmiZKtjDpgRWhn2XHWjVHIPymVZDpVIYR9FU4Y94_BQgdd185wigzKyE4i6Pye3bich2BGZ7BKVrGAYxXP2e34WpApjUPJ5p3bphjkyYDqYT5ma-A5CgPAchhso9TsGUZ6-b5xCSt-URWvo5pZfEIHeSz0Pfq9dT8ij/s4032/IMG_1899.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdcZxkuJJrgBv7LQxGx2fDDgMhPmiZKtjDpgRWhn2XHWjVHIPymVZDpVIYR9FU4Y94_BQgdd185wigzKyE4i6Pye3bich2BGZ7BKVrGAYxXP2e34WpApjUPJ5p3bphjkyYDqYT5ma-A5CgPAchhso9TsGUZ6-b5xCSt-URWvo5pZfEIHeSz0Pfq9dT8ij/w480-h640/IMG_1899.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSByExq-awlJAnGDZovRDPZYZ13DC7Vhchz_S5Km0n6KheP-5r8IpgkU1X9CKrSwNrwEoC-QdHZeXdF8xXifIOmgRFI0hnb0gEvWzFJbRrIeviOrC6EnvD3yfI6twKkPsmmRgjUzvK8aaJudMKqsZTS7MJK9JCoRKQ3X0qyq2rO3plLZRDJR8ZwwLCdN_/s4032/IMG_1901.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSByExq-awlJAnGDZovRDPZYZ13DC7Vhchz_S5Km0n6KheP-5r8IpgkU1X9CKrSwNrwEoC-QdHZeXdF8xXifIOmgRFI0hnb0gEvWzFJbRrIeviOrC6EnvD3yfI6twKkPsmmRgjUzvK8aaJudMKqsZTS7MJK9JCoRKQ3X0qyq2rO3plLZRDJR8ZwwLCdN_/w480-h640/IMG_1901.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p>We sat down at a table on Main Street to eat our crepe, and I enjoyed people watching and looking at all the pretty historic downtown buildings.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL161dt1aDdFq_HntXCI81Qh_soqvQi-bz0dUgLtPDBgxiP6M_lKiiuKUXOw75_eRI8AdVxTRnQy46JHMnQKxWrFJDlxzZ7jZK0FEkRRLLKWPK2HUo6pUuSJoesQxxvs6crN86IhN_eBR0uO7ipd4pPsVtVGMko3843T5z4LgsyskSBqgMsupArJJ7jVyt/s4032/IMG_1902.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL161dt1aDdFq_HntXCI81Qh_soqvQi-bz0dUgLtPDBgxiP6M_lKiiuKUXOw75_eRI8AdVxTRnQy46JHMnQKxWrFJDlxzZ7jZK0FEkRRLLKWPK2HUo6pUuSJoesQxxvs6crN86IhN_eBR0uO7ipd4pPsVtVGMko3843T5z4LgsyskSBqgMsupArJJ7jVyt/w640-h480/IMG_1902.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The local stores were all open for business, and they were enjoying the traffic. I couldn't help to think how much this event helps the small businesses!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We visited all the stores, but we were especially impressed with "Ginny's Cupboard". We went inside to look around and we just loved the old fashioned decor. The food looked great too, but we were so full from the market food we didn't order anything here. I would love to come back sometime just to eat here. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDa6ywZ3y2ahtt3KO_9gDELXyNi6BBoVeim0J2phuTJhr1l_h5PW9QsqfXwr8lcnbJ4DOl03DkD9VOzpY0VdcSw4Ow0cWCfdfHuHSc9TFlIX_4cgKDwjwOxvzUtvtaPza9VLeRLq1J4LsrLow2WiPIm653zH7n6OgykUjLDjV_MbMw6FZML7_s9BDcNXy/s4032/IMG_1904.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDa6ywZ3y2ahtt3KO_9gDELXyNi6BBoVeim0J2phuTJhr1l_h5PW9QsqfXwr8lcnbJ4DOl03DkD9VOzpY0VdcSw4Ow0cWCfdfHuHSc9TFlIX_4cgKDwjwOxvzUtvtaPza9VLeRLq1J4LsrLow2WiPIm653zH7n6OgykUjLDjV_MbMw6FZML7_s9BDcNXy/w480-h640/IMG_1904.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQ8L1mGu4HaKoadM1FEyUJmhQ2Og8ky_9_bqAp5Qfbzt4TGbdWjo_OEpPuKZJCIPIbkpt8UeLXMA-5WSjvfdoILmK_dKpgpI8dbYjEJmQoC6dvlzL_ie3bW3LOqZWvpi3iQ_WjyW7-GM-alqSB9BbCXOR7uKucQpLOUGvjNmtDqB1WQmp46iPfKLO3lJF/s4032/IMG_1905.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQ8L1mGu4HaKoadM1FEyUJmhQ2Og8ky_9_bqAp5Qfbzt4TGbdWjo_OEpPuKZJCIPIbkpt8UeLXMA-5WSjvfdoILmK_dKpgpI8dbYjEJmQoC6dvlzL_ie3bW3LOqZWvpi3iQ_WjyW7-GM-alqSB9BbCXOR7uKucQpLOUGvjNmtDqB1WQmp46iPfKLO3lJF/w480-h640/IMG_1905.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwgQUMZcEUSSXeAJgik6-gVZe5U6WDPn3mAqOxoCIU7FQVsHMMzFVBHWUmrxJlQPxEUBStU7KperXT-oldqhbYY8ieyk01RtQ_V0bHwL6bpAzvdbRbYaLt7nQzVUznhvf23t4Kmb-ndc9MBfKEBBfkOfQAXC8O2fU6mIOZ3KsXwSVkRtzgJLbPpJJvk23/s4032/IMG_1906.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwgQUMZcEUSSXeAJgik6-gVZe5U6WDPn3mAqOxoCIU7FQVsHMMzFVBHWUmrxJlQPxEUBStU7KperXT-oldqhbYY8ieyk01RtQ_V0bHwL6bpAzvdbRbYaLt7nQzVUznhvf23t4Kmb-ndc9MBfKEBBfkOfQAXC8O2fU6mIOZ3KsXwSVkRtzgJLbPpJJvk23/w480-h640/IMG_1906.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmNJv30K3MXUQy6k35_BKRF1ZIONlMxklaMdg_roIqXci7ayNIuZjhAvORMosd_Wt3Y-P9dBORvlxZ_LdOKK6fAzsYRD0-WcwcvhDXC91tXhq1YoqqvEg3ZaBi7njazVbrySQMkusAAd8FvyvsV7fYXNTd6PDVnH8PrQMb_SNwPnREi3D7iCir9rXF7yH/s4032/IMG_1907.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmNJv30K3MXUQy6k35_BKRF1ZIONlMxklaMdg_roIqXci7ayNIuZjhAvORMosd_Wt3Y-P9dBORvlxZ_LdOKK6fAzsYRD0-WcwcvhDXC91tXhq1YoqqvEg3ZaBi7njazVbrySQMkusAAd8FvyvsV7fYXNTd6PDVnH8PrQMb_SNwPnREi3D7iCir9rXF7yH/w480-h640/IMG_1907.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMAB6HfdOPhyD5DaLfo7ld-gWCaKAhSvvRGY9K819GsUOIw95lW_VHrr9UgRT2Jtnj2QQI9aKKtQelGXYOVxnj55P7Fcgb0YErx709F_Ndw4qAKQKRN5qWzGkF1xj11cM3LxlODG9graykO0g4b5uvvwlrXjEO9SwbNpq5CBx1J3gzELxqlLHc-AVhhzr/s4032/IMG_1908.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMAB6HfdOPhyD5DaLfo7ld-gWCaKAhSvvRGY9K819GsUOIw95lW_VHrr9UgRT2Jtnj2QQI9aKKtQelGXYOVxnj55P7Fcgb0YErx709F_Ndw4qAKQKRN5qWzGkF1xj11cM3LxlODG9graykO0g4b5uvvwlrXjEO9SwbNpq5CBx1J3gzELxqlLHc-AVhhzr/w640-h480/IMG_1908.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Sparta's Kriskindlmarkt received the State of Wisconsin tourism Award for Innovation. It has also been named the best Kridkindlmarkt in Wisconsin by travel bloggers. <p></p><p>We had a blast at the market, and plan to go back next year. I'd love to rent a hotel room so I could enjoy seeing the market at night. It was my very first experience at a Christmas market, so it was exciting and new for me...as I'm sure you could tell by the joy on my face!</p><p>Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></p><p>Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-57885490258769530972023-12-06T00:00:00.002-06:002023-12-06T07:01:00.950-06:00Exploring the Natural Attractions and Flower Gardens of Mackinac Island and A Quick Stop at Oswald Bear Ranch<p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">This post is part four of a travel series to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. To start at the beginning go </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/st-ignace-and-mackinaw-city-michigan.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">. The remaining posts in consecutive order are </span><a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-amazing-historic-homes-and.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);"> and <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-grand-hotel-on-mackinac-island.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); font-family: inherit;">For my third and final post of Mackinac Island, I wanted to share some little tidbits of other points of interests on the island, like its natural attractions such as Arch Rock pictured below. Then I'm going to pivot to a brief stop we made at a bear ranch enroute to our next destination in the Upper Peninsula.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzffyiPyJ86cZLfh5tl8P_Z6u68UuCDbps4GRq88xzqnpWvowYMIWdxRfYAUk61ey8H47QWd7zKSKWGXkgpwVFn4jYFMe2dqI-vDyD3EADzaaZ0fEISVbbXAMi6LTlsCc6zZ7W81taN6Tok7vJfXLy0HaitBL8ZPUKtQxnC3U_lRjNFuIQQ9uSNodKiv-/s4032/IMG_8574.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzffyiPyJ86cZLfh5tl8P_Z6u68UuCDbps4GRq88xzqnpWvowYMIWdxRfYAUk61ey8H47QWd7zKSKWGXkgpwVFn4jYFMe2dqI-vDyD3EADzaaZ0fEISVbbXAMi6LTlsCc6zZ7W81taN6Tok7vJfXLy0HaitBL8ZPUKtQxnC3U_lRjNFuIQQ9uSNodKiv-/w480-h640/IMG_8574.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arch Rock</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>After spending some time on the porch of The Grand Hotel, we headed up the West Bluff to see the grand mansions and take a walk along the lakeshore. These are some of the views you see from the top of the bluff.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite_AkorEsEWIV7KyZReTKKy3T9YaoBv8S4t5pDZycHY7S_ti0mFHIqlBtojLEk5uxtA9DgL1_zb_OOrgIUroO7oxnkNGhi3pUhyKuERv0OAw4enRoBJCTTCuxot6e1YCNUFXk3IfrhXaZ2P6GB-n-UH4qzqtGosl81hdVg_hXjbmLX6OgwcZrKanwELrM/s4032/IMG_8583.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite_AkorEsEWIV7KyZReTKKy3T9YaoBv8S4t5pDZycHY7S_ti0mFHIqlBtojLEk5uxtA9DgL1_zb_OOrgIUroO7oxnkNGhi3pUhyKuERv0OAw4enRoBJCTTCuxot6e1YCNUFXk3IfrhXaZ2P6GB-n-UH4qzqtGosl81hdVg_hXjbmLX6OgwcZrKanwELrM/w640-h480/IMG_8583.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwsTWdJ5XaDEbe-qFevqkKTBN87smJozJd55J-_VF6DFhK7eoiMaD6sXiIZYB9xyWfESmi9yXrr1OmNts4L51JFiEfPiSgGINas2XHu5nk7uhKV85wmUcO56mWdj8wgkta7CK5nPxQwCW_lp87Es0tH2pErNgsh4QAGeaBxpJxJWdUuzM8W8EEXGw0OrU/s4032/IMG_8452.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwsTWdJ5XaDEbe-qFevqkKTBN87smJozJd55J-_VF6DFhK7eoiMaD6sXiIZYB9xyWfESmi9yXrr1OmNts4L51JFiEfPiSgGINas2XHu5nk7uhKV85wmUcO56mWdj8wgkta7CK5nPxQwCW_lp87Es0tH2pErNgsh4QAGeaBxpJxJWdUuzM8W8EEXGw0OrU/w640-h480/IMG_8452.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mackinac Island is much more than fine restaurants, beautiful homes, and shopping. The island is actually 80% park and has 70+ miles of trails! I wish we had the time to have hiked these trails, but we were only there for one day so we were only able to hike along the lakeshore if we wanted time for other activities on the island. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Map of four trail routes on Mackinac Island" class="alignnone wp-image-67616 size-large" decoding="async" height="640" sizes="(max-width: 803px) 100vw, 803px" src="https://www.mackinacisland.org/wp-content/uploads/MICVB_TrailMap_1-803x1024.jpg" srcset="https://www.mackinacisland.org/wp-content/uploads//MICVB_TrailMap_1-803x1024.jpg 803w, https://www.mackinacisland.org/wp-content/uploads//MICVB_TrailMap_1-235x300.jpg 235w, https://www.mackinacisland.org/wp-content/uploads//MICVB_TrailMap_1-118x150.jpg 118w, https://www.mackinacisland.org/wp-content/uploads//MICVB_TrailMap_1-768x979.jpg 768w, https://www.mackinacisland.org/wp-content/uploads//MICVB_TrailMap_1-1204x1536.jpg 1204w, https://www.mackinacisland.org/wp-content/uploads//MICVB_TrailMap_1-600x765.jpg 600w, https://www.mackinacisland.org/wp-content/uploads//MICVB_TrailMap_1.jpg 1500w" style="text-align: start;" width="502" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We decided "Devil's Kitchen" and "Chimney Rock" sounded interesting so we took the "Pontiac Trail" from West Bluff Road to the Lakeshore. It says on the sign that there are not any stairs, but I assure you, there are stairs down to the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCtfRpKyndR4O5khhWffb6ags8usxoE7N1GtPOfl-hd0qAF_g04fjrPINJYiJcIQaGNFUKRhbb02Yzoy5IevjxBx0Yl0t2qkTYHax9zCpwBLhl5Bx2OmQkvE78uF-_U-t0Dgj8Vi3qwInCbOBn8bRiRhQv3ZZLNWJyN_OGG5n6wFxMRitr4mP5lCZGIXc/s4032/IMG_8457.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCtfRpKyndR4O5khhWffb6ags8usxoE7N1GtPOfl-hd0qAF_g04fjrPINJYiJcIQaGNFUKRhbb02Yzoy5IevjxBx0Yl0t2qkTYHax9zCpwBLhl5Bx2OmQkvE78uF-_U-t0Dgj8Vi3qwInCbOBn8bRiRhQv3ZZLNWJyN_OGG5n6wFxMRitr4mP5lCZGIXc/w640-h480/IMG_8457.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See! Here are the stairs! They look new, which makes me wonder if the sign is just old and needs to be updated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekpsR70b2O115jbHRA9qgPC2CgexqiZUi3Ha6btirxS5KOYiDWVOiRbIvQjDcFJvIk9fDZs3o7_UFN2B-kVu02YotepRnEkf4zayZD_HpgXx7cG3o6-nBkpM1wRxTy7o0Ar7iPdoeopQyYMUjKBX_vLOhs6ySd-bv1yR5tgFF1QgTJCe5sTMSxKrE_TFP/s4032/IMG_8572.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekpsR70b2O115jbHRA9qgPC2CgexqiZUi3Ha6btirxS5KOYiDWVOiRbIvQjDcFJvIk9fDZs3o7_UFN2B-kVu02YotepRnEkf4zayZD_HpgXx7cG3o6-nBkpM1wRxTy7o0Ar7iPdoeopQyYMUjKBX_vLOhs6ySd-bv1yR5tgFF1QgTJCe5sTMSxKrE_TFP/w480-h640/IMG_8572.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Walking along the lakeshore on Mackinac Island is a beautiful, serene experience. However, if I had to do it all over again I would have rented or brought a bike because it's a long hike and we quickly tired. We saw a lovely lighthouse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsMY4teZkgmjkEyg64_fYASiOjE-iU0aZQlpksXDzD8jgQ5n-rW2KnEWn4_TuffQ5r07xORWgeG5133ZnGTb3IPhUOhUhwGrPJeZbygROXzG9phoF8AYNlcyGl0EPLqyHIPYYYmHICpHm17dbfMKWlp4evt_i5brUW6WtMNXVNDikO9L7OLwteu653Unl/s4032/IMG_8425.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsMY4teZkgmjkEyg64_fYASiOjE-iU0aZQlpksXDzD8jgQ5n-rW2KnEWn4_TuffQ5r07xORWgeG5133ZnGTb3IPhUOhUhwGrPJeZbygROXzG9phoF8AYNlcyGl0EPLqyHIPYYYmHICpHm17dbfMKWlp4evt_i5brUW6WtMNXVNDikO9L7OLwteu653Unl/w640-h480/IMG_8425.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And more great views of the famous Mackinaw Bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kYGl60le3p8JFiH2OmNmWrZV3bK7MXhyphenhyphenePrCSPLHCdOsYxGEe5fuHMyXp2zp1pQLyv1Fs0fiGZdY1wpMpkotjHXBHoc7zWXKkzR0rkrS-gjIHgLKQmASD-IycLO-YriFshvp4DfySmARDz5EGCTBuoV7f6QgcIhgybdycDmzcQIUOP4pGCxi2UDMWAm_/s4032/IMG_8426.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kYGl60le3p8JFiH2OmNmWrZV3bK7MXhyphenhyphenePrCSPLHCdOsYxGEe5fuHMyXp2zp1pQLyv1Fs0fiGZdY1wpMpkotjHXBHoc7zWXKkzR0rkrS-gjIHgLKQmASD-IycLO-YriFshvp4DfySmARDz5EGCTBuoV7f6QgcIhgybdycDmzcQIUOP4pGCxi2UDMWAm_/w640-h480/IMG_8426.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXG76wXh0rGVaiUS3HyvwvdZpWeLR4rxI6dO4JDdPdvWuqv59YO_haxLQc7cLEj-m76PY5FSUKLKJGncR42vNaS_8RKs5fncZ9k5h37Zk1IyQ9MjBnTsRtP6GOJ9dOgFL2HhSBuUExOzIt0X2UjNtZmCIQXayGeQ6rfrx2I2gKtK5W-ARYjIYu0MnHYOr/s4032/IMG_8427.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXG76wXh0rGVaiUS3HyvwvdZpWeLR4rxI6dO4JDdPdvWuqv59YO_haxLQc7cLEj-m76PY5FSUKLKJGncR42vNaS_8RKs5fncZ9k5h37Zk1IyQ9MjBnTsRtP6GOJ9dOgFL2HhSBuUExOzIt0X2UjNtZmCIQXayGeQ6rfrx2I2gKtK5W-ARYjIYu0MnHYOr/w640-h480/IMG_8427.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">People often ask when is the best time to visit Mackinac Island and that is hard to answer. Some people love to go in the fall to see the beauty of the fall foliage. Other's prefer summer because some days Mackinac Island can be quite chilly and a summer visit might assure one of warmer temperatures. We chose spring because many, many years ago I read an article about how the island is home to hundreds of different lilac bushes. These bushes aren't native to the island, but were brought over by Dutch and French immigrants. Today, Mackinac Island has more than 250 varieties of lilacs and is home to some of the oldest and largest lilacs in the world. The island even has a special "Lilac Festival" in June to celebrate the lilac blooms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were on the island after Memorial Day so we were there before the lilacs were in peak bloom. However, we did see lots of lilacs in bloom, like the one below!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6te-I-V7-Ojwn1qPfeLY_-TJcNu_T3IBprWBWIm0a2R1qDkyV3dp-qfJPSppIfcW1T_KX5MkQTWza93ExzHPwWAA9kaVGMT6vMCLYY1CafYb6phM2Qe9RW-vjVuxWdjkPFP8VJ39jtINoWHk7UkEaDOasTg283RGrSV9hOibup1W3AxMa74d-s1gahHuA/s4032/IMG_8458.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6te-I-V7-Ojwn1qPfeLY_-TJcNu_T3IBprWBWIm0a2R1qDkyV3dp-qfJPSppIfcW1T_KX5MkQTWza93ExzHPwWAA9kaVGMT6vMCLYY1CafYb6phM2Qe9RW-vjVuxWdjkPFP8VJ39jtINoWHk7UkEaDOasTg283RGrSV9hOibup1W3AxMa74d-s1gahHuA/w480-h640/IMG_8458.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While walking along the lakeshore below the west bluff, you will walk right past "Devil's Kitchen", so it's hard to miss!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg1hbGR_7UlO9mU56rdPO-yczFbimkXyVfOqsHVBHC6vObP18_CIgbQYksQHeYMHxk_0J5VkqFS3WAzHbZ5UPkKlHgW00rNpLIWfOO84qKrBf0_75jEEtr0209aJhCriwUoh6cmsiq4Z0wN9VN3TG9y53Qum3XWq-431YzS8_GZUq1tZTJa-DNtmGsdqd/s4032/IMG_8460.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg1hbGR_7UlO9mU56rdPO-yczFbimkXyVfOqsHVBHC6vObP18_CIgbQYksQHeYMHxk_0J5VkqFS3WAzHbZ5UPkKlHgW00rNpLIWfOO84qKrBf0_75jEEtr0209aJhCriwUoh6cmsiq4Z0wN9VN3TG9y53Qum3XWq-431YzS8_GZUq1tZTJa-DNtmGsdqd/w640-h480/IMG_8460.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFYdOt8IN8QxHFjOjQGVmQNPcIwI83WL1il1Iahnl0fzVzY1gWYYUNiYOerI0Iw8WZOLyzMt5mLpniZ-ZgdxUjCztmESRz6HQo4eguX12_7Q1wbZc8lZfQlnosscjCuN9yJC6la5P1OlK53c29tln7IKI5vGdeEbFfq-PL2kbkPakF9AHCfSPxQWgdAXo/s4032/IMG_8459.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFYdOt8IN8QxHFjOjQGVmQNPcIwI83WL1il1Iahnl0fzVzY1gWYYUNiYOerI0Iw8WZOLyzMt5mLpniZ-ZgdxUjCztmESRz6HQo4eguX12_7Q1wbZc8lZfQlnosscjCuN9yJC6la5P1OlK53c29tln7IKI5vGdeEbFfq-PL2kbkPakF9AHCfSPxQWgdAXo/w480-h640/IMG_8459.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We continued to walk for quite a bit more hoping to see Chimney Rock but started to grow tired (keep in mind, we have been walking ever since we departed the ferry) and decided to turn around. We made a good choice as I don't think one can even see Chimney Rock from the bottom of the lakeshore as it is high above the bluff. We do think we saw it on our ferry ride back to the mainland. We found out later that Chimney Rock is a inland hike one takes on top of the bluff to watch the sunset, so it's a good thing we turned around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cKK9wkmJqYq7JPPrabYw2qFmkAR8YakoZNxSeJ_2Izce0D2Vu3szEwIOpyrjoZjGHC22ciWzl_AW36Eum_uWxdp3iN3eDO-yeTl0g-Mq5qWVbCzQNrJyyjjnzvTsWn7GKCQZqeZbrJ0JKxjzpveAV2g23NAzBqETcT5fLtHDgyBZvl2h3MCAV0KXknOT/s4032/IMG_8461.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cKK9wkmJqYq7JPPrabYw2qFmkAR8YakoZNxSeJ_2Izce0D2Vu3szEwIOpyrjoZjGHC22ciWzl_AW36Eum_uWxdp3iN3eDO-yeTl0g-Mq5qWVbCzQNrJyyjjnzvTsWn7GKCQZqeZbrJ0JKxjzpveAV2g23NAzBqETcT5fLtHDgyBZvl2h3MCAV0KXknOT/w480-h640/IMG_8461.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After we turned back from our lakeshore hike, we had to walk through town again to get to the East Bluff area to see the Arch Rock. I was determined not to leave the island until I got to see this natural wonder! I enjoyed walking through the town once more so I could pay more attention to the beautiful flower gardens. On my first walk through, I was too enamored with all the historic buildings to notice the flowers much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGdcONB5KKfkFJ0gUFkxUKNbG8rEiL6i2_d8sZX_-uYlMGkJTu3WIhaPpCM-yYUsI3l5rfL9WCEAl3XUOPTc5MJPNX3j-S43UCe0-s0mhMdWQ0fPY6l7dOmiZCQMPG7-SlO_0s1xIQjXbYZmR1bjg7MrYrxThTtcb3ku9tttodAkADVSKbQ9qgonELrnq/s4032/IMG_8525.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGdcONB5KKfkFJ0gUFkxUKNbG8rEiL6i2_d8sZX_-uYlMGkJTu3WIhaPpCM-yYUsI3l5rfL9WCEAl3XUOPTc5MJPNX3j-S43UCe0-s0mhMdWQ0fPY6l7dOmiZCQMPG7-SlO_0s1xIQjXbYZmR1bjg7MrYrxThTtcb3ku9tttodAkADVSKbQ9qgonELrnq/w480-h640/IMG_8525.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDL5Vjzff41D9J6s5jONSsX6AEXBOaQR1GtrVIxReBrEgE0CAUkY03uIXIV2bxvTfKtjiJl3lpdliOXZ-i4XuE9_EFfwPS9eACLESgHY-BZvnMfZDbQKl9MVI-mb9QbogouLCTWsIXEQG05ZV1YQBy6XPhJzjrQMuNxahVPdQG2s6kdJkbhIwz5rBwvES/s4032/IMG_8527.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDL5Vjzff41D9J6s5jONSsX6AEXBOaQR1GtrVIxReBrEgE0CAUkY03uIXIV2bxvTfKtjiJl3lpdliOXZ-i4XuE9_EFfwPS9eACLESgHY-BZvnMfZDbQKl9MVI-mb9QbogouLCTWsIXEQG05ZV1YQBy6XPhJzjrQMuNxahVPdQG2s6kdJkbhIwz5rBwvES/w480-h640/IMG_8527.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl33CCpz_lzYhXHLGyW2uX8Ig5NLL1lPEMHsKUHOMakvitXiCvAqY-NQqR0tXTpCSXX-28uRxlfQbZhOYwUZtQSDOfKPpC7Jl7fi3pG6B3jlvICpWLVp12e8JzmIrozhSocUw7AUPgEdtkcU-he3ZQ_uLxxfFU3hjVTFUh1qcpINbZnD66NmWUxuLsN9PV/s4032/IMG_8526.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl33CCpz_lzYhXHLGyW2uX8Ig5NLL1lPEMHsKUHOMakvitXiCvAqY-NQqR0tXTpCSXX-28uRxlfQbZhOYwUZtQSDOfKPpC7Jl7fi3pG6B3jlvICpWLVp12e8JzmIrozhSocUw7AUPgEdtkcU-he3ZQ_uLxxfFU3hjVTFUh1qcpINbZnD66NmWUxuLsN9PV/w480-h640/IMG_8526.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we first got off the ferry we headed straight west to The Grand Hotel, now we were walking east to see Arch Rock and we got to see some new sights like Fort Mackinac!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJrLYv0QgRT6_ix5xTSmFo41Xma2TBaWbfLZnkx1Yo6VBxNEVKVfjNKkJR8M46fSXimuDCsP8-MD3W6Jlvc5nucJ0bRL7UUCs8XvFj3yJFjL2piDNWP9Ldf4Ab_8kbiVWttI4C8kWWBKdKlIYfVDUeb3JhpOBSwJfJRwWKn4gg0vxYFJrfQb1mi1soy7V/s4032/IMG_8401.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJrLYv0QgRT6_ix5xTSmFo41Xma2TBaWbfLZnkx1Yo6VBxNEVKVfjNKkJR8M46fSXimuDCsP8-MD3W6Jlvc5nucJ0bRL7UUCs8XvFj3yJFjL2piDNWP9Ldf4Ab_8kbiVWttI4C8kWWBKdKlIYfVDUeb3JhpOBSwJfJRwWKn4gg0vxYFJrfQb1mi1soy7V/w480-h640/IMG_8401.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fort Mackinac is a restored fort that has demonstrations and tours by costume interpreters throughout the day. We didn't buy tickets to see the fort because we were only on Mackinac Island for one day and didn't have the time. If I ever go back though, I would love to see it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8z5rexxM8gM-68_OiasYNWzkq5kzxOK84ihnAY7lTY1_fDRsXQktMNZoYii9RxkZuDdjIPeMgBCdX2PsHbSOFUe-GFHy_M8IPLR2gqm1UwHDbmjmItGvjWC6XhMRTTi0po637AV9lisWZm8_H5368sH4PFYVJoCaF3d94DWSg8_RFYRzycg3UEDXEFQAY/s4032/IMG_8404.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8z5rexxM8gM-68_OiasYNWzkq5kzxOK84ihnAY7lTY1_fDRsXQktMNZoYii9RxkZuDdjIPeMgBCdX2PsHbSOFUe-GFHy_M8IPLR2gqm1UwHDbmjmItGvjWC6XhMRTTi0po637AV9lisWZm8_H5368sH4PFYVJoCaF3d94DWSg8_RFYRzycg3UEDXEFQAY/w640-h480/IMG_8404.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We walked past a lovely marina on our way to Arch Rock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0vTSP_1VINg6JhyphenhyphenXkIigG3Wtb6MuJMPwVqGa3DTPbttjD1eJYE7FXrWhpdeyiunRhzCYVzq7Ex6PZMbeaMqmbpwhY1-kRvaPrlJZrMLHUQL2mOTabxu5Z1ArqqE6Vk5UgTT7dc0oILuTRICc_re4cFw5NAUqx-XyoxU04rUpVYnYKhE3iAFXZoU4liWR/s4032/IMG_8538.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0vTSP_1VINg6JhyphenhyphenXkIigG3Wtb6MuJMPwVqGa3DTPbttjD1eJYE7FXrWhpdeyiunRhzCYVzq7Ex6PZMbeaMqmbpwhY1-kRvaPrlJZrMLHUQL2mOTabxu5Z1ArqqE6Vk5UgTT7dc0oILuTRICc_re4cFw5NAUqx-XyoxU04rUpVYnYKhE3iAFXZoU4liWR/w640-h480/IMG_8538.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The farther along the east shoreline we walked, it seemed to get less busy, and more serene and lovely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBkMdC9r3t4mPaCdhw6I0dtLE57QxuDdTUmGfTcL2nKQgCORR4ZXjb1QQSgF3wYwmSGt180TcdbpcaXj7Ff1W151aX8iSLVKH7p39Kpj-nSUP69OyzE7-dqaXupfD5CcC5qACaAa2OMHwY67RIw8HcAz-khh7NaFtr-lyB2bQ7aEqO62lyfbtHJm2VYel/s4032/IMG_8556.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBkMdC9r3t4mPaCdhw6I0dtLE57QxuDdTUmGfTcL2nKQgCORR4ZXjb1QQSgF3wYwmSGt180TcdbpcaXj7Ff1W151aX8iSLVKH7p39Kpj-nSUP69OyzE7-dqaXupfD5CcC5qACaAa2OMHwY67RIw8HcAz-khh7NaFtr-lyB2bQ7aEqO62lyfbtHJm2VYel/w480-h640/IMG_8556.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I fell in love with this grassy area surrounded by a bed of tulips with the lake in the horizon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mJYhqi-ATAWu37ksP8G-qXOKIiWK3hwQDSy6C1XPzyHIN0vbVUy3RRPPEihMbVBoeknDrEvAzDxcnHtWc5-fojlpfS8RhKY3qpxxxiuO_NTJ7L-it1-LxNGlSjuWdcYUnxTVJzYyRBToHPSj9Jv5utqcmlZAufSgFvzDtDSEd-Oha62dyvQJnIIyV3H6/s4032/IMG_8562.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mJYhqi-ATAWu37ksP8G-qXOKIiWK3hwQDSy6C1XPzyHIN0vbVUy3RRPPEihMbVBoeknDrEvAzDxcnHtWc5-fojlpfS8RhKY3qpxxxiuO_NTJ7L-it1-LxNGlSjuWdcYUnxTVJzYyRBToHPSj9Jv5utqcmlZAufSgFvzDtDSEd-Oha62dyvQJnIIyV3H6/w480-h640/IMG_8562.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This area even had a lovely gazebo. I wonder if anyone ever got married here? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbA3hyxkhYHcUr6jHbTXYUKQlEPwY33cnlFaqBhVxZba5ZZCtDvWT_94It_iKgp5JqOH4nd3HOI3Kg0Ve1IJIIzVTz0Sq3iCacZEHjfTUGrQLcc9M5ZmxIhBkp_YudxY-hrapXcqQ4TZEH8_xUD9zF86bwlyzvvwUd5QZsB7I3gyeNaC4nrifRHFjMzkB/s4032/IMG_8567.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbA3hyxkhYHcUr6jHbTXYUKQlEPwY33cnlFaqBhVxZba5ZZCtDvWT_94It_iKgp5JqOH4nd3HOI3Kg0Ve1IJIIzVTz0Sq3iCacZEHjfTUGrQLcc9M5ZmxIhBkp_YudxY-hrapXcqQ4TZEH8_xUD9zF86bwlyzvvwUd5QZsB7I3gyeNaC4nrifRHFjMzkB/w640-h480/IMG_8567.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually as you keep walking east along the lakeshore you run out of civilization and right into Mackinac Island State Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbUlUDoHRoOd0uYwEPAaCy25jfj9soJs13806D1KJEl_ecNGFSj_AJCUa8JWsw6meyTBrOVSE2WjyVkYcy786XyCtZCJRdeb9AQ8sSKkMzxD606dAwjK9mTekf1tFO3AP3vI9jbgnHiQJk_Fdk3ZVby0-MhjTCF2DHkZY_tM8xC6Pgxz2He_D1gO8SP9_/s4032/IMG_8568.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbUlUDoHRoOd0uYwEPAaCy25jfj9soJs13806D1KJEl_ecNGFSj_AJCUa8JWsw6meyTBrOVSE2WjyVkYcy786XyCtZCJRdeb9AQ8sSKkMzxD606dAwjK9mTekf1tFO3AP3vI9jbgnHiQJk_Fdk3ZVby0-MhjTCF2DHkZY_tM8xC6Pgxz2He_D1gO8SP9_/w640-h480/IMG_8568.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKheD0vP6eKNiZ9QlV4iHCwh-SDyCalTSVIJMJHRJgY1lwBDItA0HGHO6EtQJXeJWXrzHE-grZiCN5lP6uy3NB9DLgGoVMcxjDgCaA0OGjNkvvc8ixtejRZ-QmjJG2cZ0zjMSW7jLjIMHmqncSxMuECJQNVvpD_ScfiPCaSpKu6jClKRM70LD4UQy_AYeJ/s4032/IMG_8569.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKheD0vP6eKNiZ9QlV4iHCwh-SDyCalTSVIJMJHRJgY1lwBDItA0HGHO6EtQJXeJWXrzHE-grZiCN5lP6uy3NB9DLgGoVMcxjDgCaA0OGjNkvvc8ixtejRZ-QmjJG2cZ0zjMSW7jLjIMHmqncSxMuECJQNVvpD_ScfiPCaSpKu6jClKRM70LD4UQy_AYeJ/w480-h640/IMG_8569.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We finally made it to Arch Rock and it was as beautiful as I had seen in photos! It was worth every step!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ojp5YL13sF8flpe9y0ZX_394EnnKdtmuZW7BEWhGZ1wcTCijrNc5jwTjAJhWCBc82MgJJtyjFuDW-Z1rUzfvXBmrmlCt6JZ7nd3qUR-vlY9VukPx_-q4qcRoIAH3B1Xp-AmivBypaIDb0HXtDCJoLpCXek-OH-6XkvwdyGfEAF4AjcrnIjdQHgINL_s0/s4032/IMG_8573.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ojp5YL13sF8flpe9y0ZX_394EnnKdtmuZW7BEWhGZ1wcTCijrNc5jwTjAJhWCBc82MgJJtyjFuDW-Z1rUzfvXBmrmlCt6JZ7nd3qUR-vlY9VukPx_-q4qcRoIAH3B1Xp-AmivBypaIDb0HXtDCJoLpCXek-OH-6XkvwdyGfEAF4AjcrnIjdQHgINL_s0/w640-h480/IMG_8573.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvTDo3VxFm5bnhDbmccqeUIEgSnP-9rzV4ayEDTO444YB8io65ypFoyZzVP1hJ9fuOFAdfo2LD8e6yguPKpVhQgpPTyHyzW2VrUQ6IWdzudNwJw6MtAf8ShULA5ewS089ittrShp0vLcvJHx0TZR_m08IueAL43iDOk7QEiTuotolmkrp1gwCoBh9eUwr/s4032/IMG_8575.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvTDo3VxFm5bnhDbmccqeUIEgSnP-9rzV4ayEDTO444YB8io65ypFoyZzVP1hJ9fuOFAdfo2LD8e6yguPKpVhQgpPTyHyzW2VrUQ6IWdzudNwJw6MtAf8ShULA5ewS089ittrShp0vLcvJHx0TZR_m08IueAL43iDOk7QEiTuotolmkrp1gwCoBh9eUwr/w480-h640/IMG_8575.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By now we were pretty tired from all the walking (can I say one more time I wish we had rented or brought our bikes) and after looking at a map we took a shortcut back to the ferry via Arch Rock Road. It was such a lovely jaunt through the woods and we saw some cute B&B's that were nestled on wooded lots plus we got the backside view of Fort Mackinac and we saw the Governor's Residence. We came across this sign below and it made me wish we had more time and energy to see more, but it also gave me incentive to come back another day. If you ever plan to visit Mackinac Island I would recommend at least two or three days to visit if you want to do more than just walk the Main Street and see The Grand Hotel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAQ5BFpYC9g9J8k7oYrHgun0QG3Yngsiwlt83GDn9_Y1nxZ1-6lboZ0rg3y-2ROLuv1vVrJyVEwzqy80dXpWhGyHwMR8zN1HL3fTLUQmEtUksWa8l7RhDM1SHoVrRhl_07yAgf65L60CqxcNdLFWYh5jhLgkxwoXEvJkAewbXvIjCIOJgtofw90RTkBJo/s4032/IMG_8587.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAQ5BFpYC9g9J8k7oYrHgun0QG3Yngsiwlt83GDn9_Y1nxZ1-6lboZ0rg3y-2ROLuv1vVrJyVEwzqy80dXpWhGyHwMR8zN1HL3fTLUQmEtUksWa8l7RhDM1SHoVrRhl_07yAgf65L60CqxcNdLFWYh5jhLgkxwoXEvJkAewbXvIjCIOJgtofw90RTkBJo/w480-h640/IMG_8587.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once we were back in St. Ignace we popped over to this little stand that was right across the street from our hotel. We were amused that there was such a huge Packer fan in Michigan, but I think you can find Packer Fans just about anywhere. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvULncjEu7mFP0kMPXkvhtKPuQw60XZMMBaGBGwTe21oPG7HGbxeUq6dWrLB48kekGOoGWUZrd2bnQKxTve972NKnwUaEpK8sT4XGWEP4OfdJDty6sUPBVjplW29WbeGO-sPiQqmPyTLgHA2cKW95I8Yzy3qpAkZ61hgbm64soLzaW_coQcu90O_5wNRG/s4032/IMG_8593.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvULncjEu7mFP0kMPXkvhtKPuQw60XZMMBaGBGwTe21oPG7HGbxeUq6dWrLB48kekGOoGWUZrd2bnQKxTve972NKnwUaEpK8sT4XGWEP4OfdJDty6sUPBVjplW29WbeGO-sPiQqmPyTLgHA2cKW95I8Yzy3qpAkZ61hgbm64soLzaW_coQcu90O_5wNRG/w640-h480/IMG_8593.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We picked up some smoked fish to eat on the trails we intended to hike in the next few days. One fish lasted quite a long time, and it was quite tasty too!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkzTjtRCMZJN1uf1NAaPNnTsxypGZ1bl6kOtUNS2EnaUbM007pdB-_Gsr7p0ZpAsIGqmIGj2OvcadJ5Bs2_xaXCKM5Bw8NJIeGNJHZNQp_bJGaRmyZig45KxE87MDS6dcc4Ck80fGU5XJ9O6Q66J4DOQW5gUVq23CHgB93STC3v1lZEUi_Yun2l9bI70K/s4032/IMG_8595.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkzTjtRCMZJN1uf1NAaPNnTsxypGZ1bl6kOtUNS2EnaUbM007pdB-_Gsr7p0ZpAsIGqmIGj2OvcadJ5Bs2_xaXCKM5Bw8NJIeGNJHZNQp_bJGaRmyZig45KxE87MDS6dcc4Ck80fGU5XJ9O6Q66J4DOQW5gUVq23CHgB93STC3v1lZEUi_Yun2l9bI70K/w480-h640/IMG_8595.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For dinner that night, we headed to the famous "Clydes Drive In": A vintage burger joint known for their 3/4 lb burgers. They were delicious!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31o8CpF8fYKyzAsi4ze4dGddc0aSzRWdEtuaCPS5EBD2lns7uAk5uxN6brfcj_HBnmvrL8YGlKF7WDBtScjC6iz_zn9smW6lphjKVZLIC8fFl5wwy_t23uHWUvlaO5ixeVSeaoLNjW8bDNmXKRh3ZAVpyo7fmV5Ha_fLaJuaV_ZmdlXHZUVTvvlCtsNtk/s4032/IMG_8597.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31o8CpF8fYKyzAsi4ze4dGddc0aSzRWdEtuaCPS5EBD2lns7uAk5uxN6brfcj_HBnmvrL8YGlKF7WDBtScjC6iz_zn9smW6lphjKVZLIC8fFl5wwy_t23uHWUvlaO5ixeVSeaoLNjW8bDNmXKRh3ZAVpyo7fmV5Ha_fLaJuaV_ZmdlXHZUVTvvlCtsNtk/w480-h640/IMG_8597.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a Clyde's Drive-In Burger!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);">The next morning we packed up our bags and said our goodbye's to St. Ignace and started the trek to Tahqueamnon Falls State Park, which I will cover next week. On our way there we made a quick pit stop to Oswald's Bear Ranch.</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrAPta5kIBEeUkwRTABlvNzle4hLtzXTwaiP8VCgN1QDQcrlmch45EAwDSVF5e_-lvTYqm823zw_2qKt-qTYdJlmLnOVAQn8t1lBlUEj5iJJ-n6SrJuI5VGVpW1WSG6ndfgq7C-pHtGSDCRu_0u7cEUUPbo2YKOTrn5p8jnj8PW0cyUM9Z8BPyRb5cpZy/s4032/IMG_8611.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrAPta5kIBEeUkwRTABlvNzle4hLtzXTwaiP8VCgN1QDQcrlmch45EAwDSVF5e_-lvTYqm823zw_2qKt-qTYdJlmLnOVAQn8t1lBlUEj5iJJ-n6SrJuI5VGVpW1WSG6ndfgq7C-pHtGSDCRu_0u7cEUUPbo2YKOTrn5p8jnj8PW0cyUM9Z8BPyRb5cpZy/w640-h480/IMG_8611.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My husband loves bears, so this was a thrill for him. Oswald's is the largest bear ranch in the United States. The bears are rescued bears brought here to continue their lives in natural habitats and comfort. The bears are separated by sex in huge habitats of 1/4-1/3 mile perimeters and one habitat even includes a waterfall!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdUFWFqiG6EWXhF5S1ShSoPZGZr8CzwJDfno9lQ8fof5tdGk8FGgdRjvAgw6-DDac60n2gGjy-Vskcvb1Sbupc8DAqeLNVmKXCz7Mfjxpsv5DKAWNG1p-iG9ejHY2sD4hsI2vu256BLp5eiV0TpHf1O_Hbpq0rK2da6MNK-atzjM1PLjgKrwGXvolktET/s4032/IMG_8609.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdUFWFqiG6EWXhF5S1ShSoPZGZr8CzwJDfno9lQ8fof5tdGk8FGgdRjvAgw6-DDac60n2gGjy-Vskcvb1Sbupc8DAqeLNVmKXCz7Mfjxpsv5DKAWNG1p-iG9ejHY2sD4hsI2vu256BLp5eiV0TpHf1O_Hbpq0rK2da6MNK-atzjM1PLjgKrwGXvolktET/w480-h640/IMG_8609.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It costs $25 per car load to enter the ranch, or $15 a lone visitor. You can also pay extra to feed the bears apples or have your photo taken with the baby bear cubs.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3MaLfiKYimgKDX82_cKusWkG2A5uRHrkVPyoU0vzT80rjphWl5lD0Tbp1nUrJAHhEJjPRui-IonCHvWrN1GSqiPOzD-KuU26BdIVh9I_vWMjzs5vqVANcrDqn6pGKipM_TY9vBpg1wquOcOcP5r8dg1y-Om1Y_NwIN5LVL4ZhkfXnk_pEEdpa_7Wb7WU/s4032/IMG_8606.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3MaLfiKYimgKDX82_cKusWkG2A5uRHrkVPyoU0vzT80rjphWl5lD0Tbp1nUrJAHhEJjPRui-IonCHvWrN1GSqiPOzD-KuU26BdIVh9I_vWMjzs5vqVANcrDqn6pGKipM_TY9vBpg1wquOcOcP5r8dg1y-Om1Y_NwIN5LVL4ZhkfXnk_pEEdpa_7Wb7WU/w640-h480/IMG_8606.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0HplvRvYEhbixH7853KlSfOWx8LBF_jVq9QCeDj6AVg3uJcGSeM_163Wa3yD4zCPQwKWNvUjSBNATVk-AMPj1yZLqfhgxYzmKLh3ZPhemnuWu9ZpSfeFuxGR8c9cPZKSIpQ7af8BUgaee6hfbnOHLTs1X7dhVWf4CiY-UH0-yH15CmZJwXFc4Giuk3nR/s4032/IMG_8605.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0HplvRvYEhbixH7853KlSfOWx8LBF_jVq9QCeDj6AVg3uJcGSeM_163Wa3yD4zCPQwKWNvUjSBNATVk-AMPj1yZLqfhgxYzmKLh3ZPhemnuWu9ZpSfeFuxGR8c9cPZKSIpQ7af8BUgaee6hfbnOHLTs1X7dhVWf4CiY-UH0-yH15CmZJwXFc4Giuk3nR/w640-h480/IMG_8605.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our favorite part of our visit, was watching the baby cubs play! Be sure to watch the video to see them in action. They sure seemed happy!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBHk8uxXB-exdriSL8dXyEWBDNvQD7kpv4i8yQVvFHqvBcUnB9G05H70WkK5PCrMnOUpMybEVRNdg-Cm5DJd6SQaUpelPj1ScFFTo8N3TKffbvpuxMdugiQj10c7neIT0pPoYirqJkBNsS81HkSVKpqiNolzYtH4XU-jWISeHo5AQyzgDOUyInpi5FIkH/s4032/IMG_8599.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBHk8uxXB-exdriSL8dXyEWBDNvQD7kpv4i8yQVvFHqvBcUnB9G05H70WkK5PCrMnOUpMybEVRNdg-Cm5DJd6SQaUpelPj1ScFFTo8N3TKffbvpuxMdugiQj10c7neIT0pPoYirqJkBNsS81HkSVKpqiNolzYtH4XU-jWISeHo5AQyzgDOUyInpi5FIkH/w640-h480/IMG_8599.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LGxGKFXhBXU" width="320" youtube-src-id="LGxGKFXhBXU"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Next week I will continue this travel series with a visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have A Great Day! </span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><p></p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-13076139069849382162023-11-29T00:00:00.001-06:002023-11-29T00:00:00.135-06:00The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">T</span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">his post is part three of a travel series to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. To start at the beginning go <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/st-ignace-and-mackinaw-city-michigan.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The next posts in consecutive order are <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/the-amazing-historic-homes-and.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The biggest highlight of Mackinac Island is The Grand Hotel. Mention to anyone that you visited or plan to visit Mackinac Island and someone will inevitably bring up The Grand <span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);">Hotel. So that being said, even if you're not spending the night in the hotel, be sure at least to visit! It costs $10.00 to view the lobby for non-guests, but it is free to walk on </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);">its</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);"> porch...the longest in the world...and sit in one of their many rocking chairs.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Lv6mXmT9eI4m_84ORxnZVbYlvtFi-wq8vQcilzNDmzKGejiOz9bWk8ESetqHeBy0Y2QKsZ7CGLF63LJqbrkwHTyrqmVyprpgvWtXWa5i6ywlFVquakIHO3BOYtdXmVreQL-Hn5LPdLUJKBxq5maHQZNpf-s9_Dwm3ZJ5MeRBN1rUXePA551Dtm529gsX/s4032/IMG_8503.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Lv6mXmT9eI4m_84ORxnZVbYlvtFi-wq8vQcilzNDmzKGejiOz9bWk8ESetqHeBy0Y2QKsZ7CGLF63LJqbrkwHTyrqmVyprpgvWtXWa5i6ywlFVquakIHO3BOYtdXmVreQL-Hn5LPdLUJKBxq5maHQZNpf-s9_Dwm3ZJ5MeRBN1rUXePA551Dtm529gsX/w640-h480/IMG_8503.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But let's back up a bit before we cover The Grand Hotel shall we? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We started our day by grabbing the first ferry out to the island. Mackinac Island is only available by ferry. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island. It costs around $30 per person to take the ferry. We were the first ones on board but it quickly filled up with employees of the island.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uY9RUMFVGQiQuyH65DPCundcERwwzSkvs7tdfctYoqdMTWtTlC0TCpqNansBAlhNdjar54Ng7ATdfhtJbnPWsCG2ExRkjgSGO438zNzQS6nwZAAgiBMXO2VGUbXFzl-leeLM0xH0cJ47HwVx1SZDsjQc-2rOyvbRVGAhwXplIJwek6JsTSIHVbQf_EGt/s4032/IMG_8380.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uY9RUMFVGQiQuyH65DPCundcERwwzSkvs7tdfctYoqdMTWtTlC0TCpqNansBAlhNdjar54Ng7ATdfhtJbnPWsCG2ExRkjgSGO438zNzQS6nwZAAgiBMXO2VGUbXFzl-leeLM0xH0cJ47HwVx1SZDsjQc-2rOyvbRVGAhwXplIJwek6JsTSIHVbQf_EGt/w640-h480/IMG_8380.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Here is the view of The Grand Hotel as seen from the ferry. You really get an idea of the size of this hotel when you see it from Lake Huron.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI341Z7Un3kpVeKqd7c5z7Tqn7C9BJHSVugqeL4NF9ZhOoFMtsAUNEfztcZtFjwIp4gXAP0nkfckmgXC1p2UDjhB0pwqftJ9geUSWDyh11ERPfdw29_St23Q6cygUzceKR4IVqxjrsEwXJEOQYdHwuhD1hyOQ-oqt2pi45QrT9ca7r42JwhrIox7PKzXCv/s4032/IMG_8385.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI341Z7Un3kpVeKqd7c5z7Tqn7C9BJHSVugqeL4NF9ZhOoFMtsAUNEfztcZtFjwIp4gXAP0nkfckmgXC1p2UDjhB0pwqftJ9geUSWDyh11ERPfdw29_St23Q6cygUzceKR4IVqxjrsEwXJEOQYdHwuhD1hyOQ-oqt2pi45QrT9ca7r42JwhrIox7PKzXCv/w640-h480/IMG_8385.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hotel is a historic site, and this sign giving information about the hotel is located right outside.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKQz31A9IluKOEz0q55Kg8NWGz8XIKGLT8OTw0Snc13V4Bjo69Y33c3LpLBw534SN4Xlkcn8tb2psnjv-7wIOgwhsE7L8jsIz4m6S8uCAaHAYUfNBgbVHqfQTRAz-HMaWuYlS4eY9kgUOUZ7KfkbGIYTByY4mquM4cuY3PL1UTQQRT8d6WSUJ5jL3Awj8/s4032/IMG_8523.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKQz31A9IluKOEz0q55Kg8NWGz8XIKGLT8OTw0Snc13V4Bjo69Y33c3LpLBw534SN4Xlkcn8tb2psnjv-7wIOgwhsE7L8jsIz4m6S8uCAaHAYUfNBgbVHqfQTRAz-HMaWuYlS4eY9kgUOUZ7KfkbGIYTByY4mquM4cuY3PL1UTQQRT8d6WSUJ5jL3Awj8/w480-h640/IMG_8523.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The road leading to the front steps of the hotel is lined with American flags and beautiful flowers. These flower beds change with the seasons. We were there in spring, so all the tulips and other spring bulbs were blooming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQOR59TubyYL2dvpPj7g_NLhb6oiTN12cVnl7uWj5KI7CYY-VOQ0f9RvjG58yUoViToGO4ovzTcP-ml71lEZpBSnnn0cAZ2rhpwZug5fcsi8L5aNHB1wsEseOgZQkqoktoEqT3VdS2xA_JLKeB1zCQNjkkWZberS5StSSXUxmZYlzm7IXCXIPunf30XAh/s4032/IMG_8438.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQOR59TubyYL2dvpPj7g_NLhb6oiTN12cVnl7uWj5KI7CYY-VOQ0f9RvjG58yUoViToGO4ovzTcP-ml71lEZpBSnnn0cAZ2rhpwZug5fcsi8L5aNHB1wsEseOgZQkqoktoEqT3VdS2xA_JLKeB1zCQNjkkWZberS5StSSXUxmZYlzm7IXCXIPunf30XAh/w480-h640/IMG_8438.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's pretty intimidating walking up these red carpet steps. I kept wondering if one of the valets was going to stop me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmjM3vqO9NRbwDdk0gv7IkcdWvvCi4v69fHkjg5ZeWIsbC0dEcqC2GvwNiicBlywRbocjiPLaWXFEB7DDPp73W_MIv7RZb4ohMFOduTV0J2TB-RcudJkttWBAzFPJwEJ2MShsfvs_Z-nfeGZ6HU8Phf-C2qfDLqz8hYIz1Qd6XRjXfBwn_NXSRISXFi4b/s4032/IMG_8437.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmjM3vqO9NRbwDdk0gv7IkcdWvvCi4v69fHkjg5ZeWIsbC0dEcqC2GvwNiicBlywRbocjiPLaWXFEB7DDPp73W_MIv7RZb4ohMFOduTV0J2TB-RcudJkttWBAzFPJwEJ2MShsfvs_Z-nfeGZ6HU8Phf-C2qfDLqz8hYIz1Qd6XRjXfBwn_NXSRISXFi4b/w640-h480/IMG_8437.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0UT_pLXBsvSKqtitARBhCXgQEYDmm7ofCkXjKTizec6-Yz0xx7YVgEh8aS_EWIwS3fSUzA-1kbGeIVeHuXuf4PJ3lw9mGG5fGzJxTnUqwfWOWumzC26l-OQVrMSlornTfx4s1by-lLW9PYC5sM6iThY49vxokniJeuiqH759nVr7gwMbN0UdfoOZcKXc/s4032/IMG_8515.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0UT_pLXBsvSKqtitARBhCXgQEYDmm7ofCkXjKTizec6-Yz0xx7YVgEh8aS_EWIwS3fSUzA-1kbGeIVeHuXuf4PJ3lw9mGG5fGzJxTnUqwfWOWumzC26l-OQVrMSlornTfx4s1by-lLW9PYC5sM6iThY49vxokniJeuiqH759nVr7gwMbN0UdfoOZcKXc/w480-h640/IMG_8515.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once we reached the top of the steps we just walked down this very long porch enjoying the views, and of course we had to spend some time sitting in their famous rocking chairs. We did not pay the $10 per person to view the lobby, but I did peek through the windows! I must admit, as much as I love the exterior of this hotel, I detest the interior, which is one of the reasons we didn't stay here. The decor is just hideous and out-dated to me. I know some people love it, but just as many people like me hate it. I feel they really need to update the decor, and that is coming from someone who lives in a house built in the late 1800's. The rooms look like one just stepped into an elderly person's house in the eighties. They all have loud, obnoxious floral wallpaper, bright, neon colors, floral patterned couches that look like they need to be donated to a thrift store...and you get all this for a mere $500.00 a night. Blah! Not for me. Sleeping here would give me nightmares. And if you don't believe me, see for yourself <a href="https://www.grandhotel.com/our-story/galleries/#" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, once again, I'd like to repeat that I love historic homes...I live in one myself! But I think you can keep the architecture of a historic home and decorate with more updated furniture, colors, and patterns and mix a little historic flair with an antique here and there. At least, that is what I try to do in my own home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_FNmSJIGWu_CT87uNVFUIqXQrPWDhZ47y8hyI8g6iCLZs6RPZOuU6Wx1po5Sb1heStcwHBJDpEChMvNrRaT-c2y0lmfcYZH9bVFF0a-pCW-o0wK2E7xduZAABmLuSldWuEZ2SRLxErZoR34615_rCFeDZfk0zSbYI_Mb1lZZ_TNEpmwMfWMhkuKrMiUz/s4032/IMG_8446.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_FNmSJIGWu_CT87uNVFUIqXQrPWDhZ47y8hyI8g6iCLZs6RPZOuU6Wx1po5Sb1heStcwHBJDpEChMvNrRaT-c2y0lmfcYZH9bVFF0a-pCW-o0wK2E7xduZAABmLuSldWuEZ2SRLxErZoR34615_rCFeDZfk0zSbYI_Mb1lZZ_TNEpmwMfWMhkuKrMiUz/w480-h640/IMG_8446.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Grand Hotel sits high on a hill (it's quite the steep walk to get here) so you get great views of Lake Huron.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_an5EuyZM1GjuST7OxwzYEs_qXMG249oJZiXbn8R_-BCde_gCPpmQU4qCAicqEcaJE8oDKQKwHLyWhQlsTviuWhx1zPK7njzT7Ow_pBAh1Flc0SWkeZQuQIMDgViJG_AP7XLl02pLzUiG2CKT5C5iMuY0GOLt_yi0vkcgi4iN9ugIukV4yhk-Nn35aXt/s4032/IMG_8439.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_an5EuyZM1GjuST7OxwzYEs_qXMG249oJZiXbn8R_-BCde_gCPpmQU4qCAicqEcaJE8oDKQKwHLyWhQlsTviuWhx1zPK7njzT7Ow_pBAh1Flc0SWkeZQuQIMDgViJG_AP7XLl02pLzUiG2CKT5C5iMuY0GOLt_yi0vkcgi4iN9ugIukV4yhk-Nn35aXt/w640-h480/IMG_8439.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHY4_vhITlawdE4iZ0itbrlqO_8p4YmvmZVfd1QVh2iAG9ILMNiW9ePHabaB3w04cOU4Q5q1vq0oY92Dlupx8aObwvgOhCwS75WoDcZ858LTchfBY36dM8ZsP3fLoGWKSN9XLHEKClQCDBOYF4snNzR3mjz7-yxmnAy8iBei9k3yJSA5IR2F8zY88UIzD/s4032/IMG_8436.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHY4_vhITlawdE4iZ0itbrlqO_8p4YmvmZVfd1QVh2iAG9ILMNiW9ePHabaB3w04cOU4Q5q1vq0oY92Dlupx8aObwvgOhCwS75WoDcZ858LTchfBY36dM8ZsP3fLoGWKSN9XLHEKClQCDBOYF4snNzR3mjz7-yxmnAy8iBei9k3yJSA5IR2F8zY88UIzD/w640-h480/IMG_8436.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All along the edge of the porch are planters of red geraniums. They inspired me to plant more geraniums in my garden this year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Behind me you also get a great view of the famous Mackinaw Bridge that I wrote about in post one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeMZ4nl286D1LhV7WnCm94jyA9xZbrvUNbaNggsyELeRJJpAMAAyehR-tWDU1NqOf9e0PJx9sEMkLIWaFZ9Wkf7A5isfRWkhK1Yr2d0mMqW92iDw3WZeo6s9Vycvia7Q-n0-eytuoYCRkFiwELDhWwm_EjJ1ypLmbsyL5jFptFrxeA9JPb-OZZpDqDuDd/s4032/IMG_8450.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeMZ4nl286D1LhV7WnCm94jyA9xZbrvUNbaNggsyELeRJJpAMAAyehR-tWDU1NqOf9e0PJx9sEMkLIWaFZ9Wkf7A5isfRWkhK1Yr2d0mMqW92iDw3WZeo6s9Vycvia7Q-n0-eytuoYCRkFiwELDhWwm_EjJ1ypLmbsyL5jFptFrxeA9JPb-OZZpDqDuDd/w640-h480/IMG_8450.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC5FKCd_VeW9cUd0_NZ_NG1bmgiwSFS0c4KC4eOKPpfLDBxHyckz_6qLexJitf2UhomSxPxnwqpuuQvkMAyiOEuSalQ638aAwl0l0wrxCJuC8hq9xV4bRRaguqp9f-oX9s2OsHGpUjx3ZQ1Ol6JNyObCKDlhAKJQV6d_sj1BoVhwI6wQcSAYUx7myeS8w/s4032/IMG_8445.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC5FKCd_VeW9cUd0_NZ_NG1bmgiwSFS0c4KC4eOKPpfLDBxHyckz_6qLexJitf2UhomSxPxnwqpuuQvkMAyiOEuSalQ638aAwl0l0wrxCJuC8hq9xV4bRRaguqp9f-oX9s2OsHGpUjx3ZQ1Ol6JNyObCKDlhAKJQV6d_sj1BoVhwI6wQcSAYUx7myeS8w/w480-h640/IMG_8445.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After spending quite a bit of time on the porch, we decided it was time to explore the rest of the grounds and the famous "Secret Garden". Before I do that I should note that the porch is not open to the public all the time. They will close it for special events. In fact, on the day we were there they had a convention in the evening at the hotel and they were only allowing hotel guests on the grounds after 5:00 pm. So before you make any plans for your day on the island, make sure the hotel grounds are open to the public.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz1smmiK92MQie_Ygf_2peKnvMNvUEN2KyaPhGtAAjC5c502IowrijBC7zKDzxSxiMzFz5eAqcIuXVi2MisqEI7bsDjsgY0-KBnkBq6XyTPR-EzzZA1F-kLrUouOyZJsq-AYzgHs-cAXi9RKI12hRK2gFZOqe1ynisuL58zoOEebkH1Ov2zIBy02MSnGA/s4032/IMG_8428.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz1smmiK92MQie_Ygf_2peKnvMNvUEN2KyaPhGtAAjC5c502IowrijBC7zKDzxSxiMzFz5eAqcIuXVi2MisqEI7bsDjsgY0-KBnkBq6XyTPR-EzzZA1F-kLrUouOyZJsq-AYzgHs-cAXi9RKI12hRK2gFZOqe1ynisuL58zoOEebkH1Ov2zIBy02MSnGA/w640-h480/IMG_8428.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The hotel has an amazing outdoor pool with incredible views of both the hotel and Lake Huron.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkqKrDRtjeaxKzojuXNBJrxXDFKoai70-5hVL1L-kfDBULyTrUAkz-uwIZtDe4_QOo3O7PsIUC7_Wif-EooTeHLDeNjWke91axh-Dm9EmGvtksMmETlQjF6scBwb7YmN_4NkSBbhIZFmITQGQ7gNcUVypf43tgDjYDrp0VyK8XD8EP2jw4XGnpnlVWeqU/s4032/IMG_8429.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkqKrDRtjeaxKzojuXNBJrxXDFKoai70-5hVL1L-kfDBULyTrUAkz-uwIZtDe4_QOo3O7PsIUC7_Wif-EooTeHLDeNjWke91axh-Dm9EmGvtksMmETlQjF6scBwb7YmN_4NkSBbhIZFmITQGQ7gNcUVypf43tgDjYDrp0VyK8XD8EP2jw4XGnpnlVWeqU/w640-h480/IMG_8429.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There is a massive lawn right in front of the hotel where outdoor events are held. The paths are lined with white benches and flower borders.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvVJoqlgNhiQVdepqcr_7CWsyRSm-7JheGhrEVDg3SR95Q18A50BORhr6-8XvgNIr14q6JnMu0JmMrKZ-fa9ryIYZhyphenhyphenctvp9f4kWdmxSac2V6zXtrRW2Itcp9g0qF8XjXasMKf3U1Bvq3bEMcdVlA90J9r2eiupsy9lcIMLBu_ZdGdU-BTiVc9zNTc757/s4032/IMG_8430.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvVJoqlgNhiQVdepqcr_7CWsyRSm-7JheGhrEVDg3SR95Q18A50BORhr6-8XvgNIr14q6JnMu0JmMrKZ-fa9ryIYZhyphenhyphenctvp9f4kWdmxSac2V6zXtrRW2Itcp9g0qF8XjXasMKf3U1Bvq3bEMcdVlA90J9r2eiupsy9lcIMLBu_ZdGdU-BTiVc9zNTc757/w480-h640/IMG_8430.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I had first heard of The Grand Hotel "The Secret Gardens" when watching the YouTube show <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh6wO9Ik3e4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Garden Answer"</a> where she gave a tour of the gardens. Now, let me tell you, these gardens are definitely "secret" and very hard to find. They do not advertise them for some reason. There are no signs anywhere. I had a pretty good idea where they were because I watched the show and I still couldn't find them! I finally stopped and asked a worker and he gave us more clues and eventually we found them. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But first, let me show you this amazing horse and carriage topiary on the front lawn of The Grand Hotel.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lA-5srH5F3hcOrUI_D9Nc3mTlU5gP27x8dfC_ZpnqWHXRV5C7g-IFnc5Sx4oSHty8ixM1x2RmU4yEHm7phy6nL8IKO8S93GMCkWDeNRHi6xSBE1HA8Hk-GnFrzb0FK77_yY9-3Tus4IUM964PLKcSpngCefaVOdKR-KtNhBHoBljR8wyYKp3hvgDAEr6/s4032/IMG_8463.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lA-5srH5F3hcOrUI_D9Nc3mTlU5gP27x8dfC_ZpnqWHXRV5C7g-IFnc5Sx4oSHty8ixM1x2RmU4yEHm7phy6nL8IKO8S93GMCkWDeNRHi6xSBE1HA8Hk-GnFrzb0FK77_yY9-3Tus4IUM964PLKcSpngCefaVOdKR-KtNhBHoBljR8wyYKp3hvgDAEr6/w640-h480/IMG_8463.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The trick to finding the garden is to get off the main path that leads to the greenhouse, and go onto these little narrow gravel paths. I was so excited to see all these dainty Forget-Me-Nots.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGTf92ArtIY4bE9rKQleZE_AkuMda_u-YJzRfWIlXMShjhjTdmn0PGzVk9E8RSX-vk-_Bg8nl6NaCjZjwPkHmM8REVSCBZVbyK32P-2NfIWwWMeJp5izAtm819RbMhwJPAJcRBWVU7H9s-otU4t5HIdH23WeDuPsGkm2v0iFb6rUOYcOYrYfj8ZkdingT/s4032/IMG_8467.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGTf92ArtIY4bE9rKQleZE_AkuMda_u-YJzRfWIlXMShjhjTdmn0PGzVk9E8RSX-vk-_Bg8nl6NaCjZjwPkHmM8REVSCBZVbyK32P-2NfIWwWMeJp5izAtm819RbMhwJPAJcRBWVU7H9s-otU4t5HIdH23WeDuPsGkm2v0iFb6rUOYcOYrYfj8ZkdingT/w480-h640/IMG_8467.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLgSfS_Pm3xBbZXsJVxHLXFQtkE9ya8tuiHfpz2DHaKi_8de-okHCg7Q_hu5mTyrABT2-UBZ4EpYlcmYB5gRhMBbiwe_9fJm5iCe31iEHQgNnoQ5SdJMbXQWdLgr6x44KETGJz6qeERnpe6eG1ONXlRFH1mujmkzVidRDRGHrolDXpO62abRO_wJEFJEO/s4032/IMG_8469.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLgSfS_Pm3xBbZXsJVxHLXFQtkE9ya8tuiHfpz2DHaKi_8de-okHCg7Q_hu5mTyrABT2-UBZ4EpYlcmYB5gRhMBbiwe_9fJm5iCe31iEHQgNnoQ5SdJMbXQWdLgr6x44KETGJz6qeERnpe6eG1ONXlRFH1mujmkzVidRDRGHrolDXpO62abRO_wJEFJEO/w640-h480/IMG_8469.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here was our mistake the first time we looked for this garden. We saw this beautiful Magnolia tree and stopped to admire it before continuing straight. Wrong! When you see the Magnolia tree hang a right and start walking down a very narrow path that looks like you shouldn't be there.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2serMuWyJhGCkkY1InksQ4fns3t6PwEVGXBNHEOZAyDwHj54RUSI2YgrOfYjREOQNLzPqjkS9nkKmoKxVaNs2CR-6-UBsSAZI1LpOQxEhUG-cPDYYPdnDnOFBG_b3EBf1t_eMyDp2EhXDLLYrJ2ArJoaDpZzgJBv_-bJBSQAJoeTMs4TXp_bj-RCcgUYl/s4032/IMG_8470.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2serMuWyJhGCkkY1InksQ4fns3t6PwEVGXBNHEOZAyDwHj54RUSI2YgrOfYjREOQNLzPqjkS9nkKmoKxVaNs2CR-6-UBsSAZI1LpOQxEhUG-cPDYYPdnDnOFBG_b3EBf1t_eMyDp2EhXDLLYrJ2ArJoaDpZzgJBv_-bJBSQAJoeTMs4TXp_bj-RCcgUYl/w480-h640/IMG_8470.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As soon as you round the bend of the Magnolia tree it will open up to "The Secret Garden" and your jaw will drop because you will see this stunning floral display with a backdrop of The Grand Hotel.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3STJiv5EUWkKOHrAI-qRTCXYSQJAg27SrC3Qc6aDkP8iMO7Ka9IWKCzbKFByoy1BScYyhU8Ldl68KsvRH9k7IcfMjrZKXLPL__a_kHmxm_pVfSEVa0QvzAt-4olGkYJ40dSvwnz_dgiYtyvPOaAPVesu7tECXGzhKnPfMjnHBBDtsVRvdKR-7IRtRyf_/s4032/IMG_8475.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3STJiv5EUWkKOHrAI-qRTCXYSQJAg27SrC3Qc6aDkP8iMO7Ka9IWKCzbKFByoy1BScYyhU8Ldl68KsvRH9k7IcfMjrZKXLPL__a_kHmxm_pVfSEVa0QvzAt-4olGkYJ40dSvwnz_dgiYtyvPOaAPVesu7tECXGzhKnPfMjnHBBDtsVRvdKR-7IRtRyf_/w480-h640/IMG_8475.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The flowers change with the seasons. Once again, we were there in May so we saw all the spring bulb blooms. A 'river' with a bridge in the center was created using blue hyacinth bulbs. On either side of the 'river' are tulip beds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBaE-XavXSTJ5czlNp8f_mVFyikqmqMjsv2isapKA8RQwkBZbkn2ywlc3ViwIRlAAT0B70yjzKMe-tEg50a8f-eFwlfyBIGd0UfCJ11SOxmYbAwA9uecF6B2Ag1sEJjep7EPBsVYq8VKgO6ZLr5LPJoMquIcX4SK-gi7KksSTr4NhUkLRUBNDQtzqOyxR/s4032/IMG_8482.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBaE-XavXSTJ5czlNp8f_mVFyikqmqMjsv2isapKA8RQwkBZbkn2ywlc3ViwIRlAAT0B70yjzKMe-tEg50a8f-eFwlfyBIGd0UfCJ11SOxmYbAwA9uecF6B2Ag1sEJjep7EPBsVYq8VKgO6ZLr5LPJoMquIcX4SK-gi7KksSTr4NhUkLRUBNDQtzqOyxR/w640-h480/IMG_8482.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL01n1RHfRo93rfiT_dFP1-0iAKsu1yvP6tPzPk1blN1r4fKgbxfXTiZheQQ7ORZCC1SYTPkHT2t9bD681fWI4cjN62xnhbwyrSFdjRV-t6Re8q3SxKdaPfL3PtYenvlC_Xipv-HEF-kwQgL4LRMru3zbUa44dD_gPa9PdXYUUCZ0SypF_HQqLRmqhAa3l/s4032/IMG_8485.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL01n1RHfRo93rfiT_dFP1-0iAKsu1yvP6tPzPk1blN1r4fKgbxfXTiZheQQ7ORZCC1SYTPkHT2t9bD681fWI4cjN62xnhbwyrSFdjRV-t6Re8q3SxKdaPfL3PtYenvlC_Xipv-HEF-kwQgL4LRMru3zbUa44dD_gPa9PdXYUUCZ0SypF_HQqLRmqhAa3l/w480-h640/IMG_8485.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpV_X-tAZWKIgFYTK2f1TGjoaq50Mhg7QywOBvRir3gMWee0qEAQcPb4XLRcloETZhjM7xyEtK5u37vd5cQSAH2XYSOutcrr1jhKBLA-xTwz-ZUJfEwl92xHL1ID6TkJc26sqKqTrU9ekbcqitDKqhSA3VydD1QcaAHFCJWmTFBiIjMxTfmefh3xm2WpQ3/s4032/IMG_8489.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpV_X-tAZWKIgFYTK2f1TGjoaq50Mhg7QywOBvRir3gMWee0qEAQcPb4XLRcloETZhjM7xyEtK5u37vd5cQSAH2XYSOutcrr1jhKBLA-xTwz-ZUJfEwl92xHL1ID6TkJc26sqKqTrU9ekbcqitDKqhSA3VydD1QcaAHFCJWmTFBiIjMxTfmefh3xm2WpQ3/w480-h640/IMG_8489.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I felt I was in heaven surrounded by all these flowers. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-b2m9YuhqKX2sRwENi3xiUlD0wnOGOozLyr75UtEWoaJ5DJwEFYRmwGNnVniV-tvrVmqwlpUuAc7KilMdVA_4mO8o7alWHzE7ZJNBP3MPkV5NMK6omO1gDVOE6bMGP4WuR3Q1azknRJgu7MynsgMU7PnFeDHwJou8XTgC-AgMMQjH0vIGqdZX0K44qM6r/s4032/IMG_8495.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-b2m9YuhqKX2sRwENi3xiUlD0wnOGOozLyr75UtEWoaJ5DJwEFYRmwGNnVniV-tvrVmqwlpUuAc7KilMdVA_4mO8o7alWHzE7ZJNBP3MPkV5NMK6omO1gDVOE6bMGP4WuR3Q1azknRJgu7MynsgMU7PnFeDHwJou8XTgC-AgMMQjH0vIGqdZX0K44qM6r/w640-h480/IMG_8495.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the "Secret Garden" aren't the only flowers of The Grand Hotel. Surrounding their building are gorgeous flower beds!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoSS0f8JUkA0xKuRrYvGGXdVWZcviJPRZh9nHxGRu5eLyHv6ubdtN8SRMEdvAYnJ12-36OkHhmYj4dWdxn6ets8cNgB_GbMZnUV7ENjAaYj_2sM3gaUhHT8qN4NzvzbSXoX7Brx1BTdRUUGm8IxB37EEOy8TiOdc6S69kYsSjHq17y08IhC8MUGpr1rig/s4032/IMG_8504.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoSS0f8JUkA0xKuRrYvGGXdVWZcviJPRZh9nHxGRu5eLyHv6ubdtN8SRMEdvAYnJ12-36OkHhmYj4dWdxn6ets8cNgB_GbMZnUV7ENjAaYj_2sM3gaUhHT8qN4NzvzbSXoX7Brx1BTdRUUGm8IxB37EEOy8TiOdc6S69kYsSjHq17y08IhC8MUGpr1rig/w480-h640/IMG_8504.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought daffodils were the perfect choice for the Ice Cream Parlor flower bed because the yellow of the flowers matched the awnings.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfK-VuB3t-DPCRawE1QFT-mOusoaW098bE_MbEqQwbq4wpvWICmHNbNmjKQUUOLfLAPrzmW5Ej7oCMRj3FfWQPCOGreIVI83cV3wOpE1JzbGaz25If0ATUIS6k3NvlXm1xw6YiebIV6jbCT3z2PJYhPrUmMzkMPFu5vI1j9ThwL0LDb2B-XsgUgDU7vTK/s4032/IMG_8507.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfK-VuB3t-DPCRawE1QFT-mOusoaW098bE_MbEqQwbq4wpvWICmHNbNmjKQUUOLfLAPrzmW5Ej7oCMRj3FfWQPCOGreIVI83cV3wOpE1JzbGaz25If0ATUIS6k3NvlXm1xw6YiebIV6jbCT3z2PJYhPrUmMzkMPFu5vI1j9ThwL0LDb2B-XsgUgDU7vTK/w480-h640/IMG_8507.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this bed is loaded with geraniums!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFBYijNNNbw9bbbwZ31tzeSUhno8pld2UDVJvASPeA3MblCHcq1D0XhcmAZSHT4HFnhd_wYhxiJhJH0YpIBL8Hpc2fwR7wBrSVkbxJq35PCDFkKtmagBvTk3Ay5yeTMl3mSVYsKjbW0dYeiEP9e8P0eAU4Hoe0aVRZIUp2gTj_SLuy46oMcyiQ2a252-m/s4032/IMG_8509.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFBYijNNNbw9bbbwZ31tzeSUhno8pld2UDVJvASPeA3MblCHcq1D0XhcmAZSHT4HFnhd_wYhxiJhJH0YpIBL8Hpc2fwR7wBrSVkbxJq35PCDFkKtmagBvTk3Ay5yeTMl3mSVYsKjbW0dYeiEP9e8P0eAU4Hoe0aVRZIUp2gTj_SLuy46oMcyiQ2a252-m/w480-h640/IMG_8509.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here's an aerial shot of two of the hotel beds. I love the pattern the tulips create. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWPy_g9FleyKiNx06JkqBit7-Y9_QgS7tvD2MKEONax39IsgtW6N45vqXSLNtVo3m5csXWl_NzCTXW4kDiDL8Mqe-VpIkdZAARB2BCrce03rfISqsqy1jzuKuCxuCvJHYnjVcmTo7vqxk8tYWuk385aMIzAdaUvGzzV1MUdjdXdp_py7vYTogXJC7DvG5/s4032/IMG_8517.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWPy_g9FleyKiNx06JkqBit7-Y9_QgS7tvD2MKEONax39IsgtW6N45vqXSLNtVo3m5csXWl_NzCTXW4kDiDL8Mqe-VpIkdZAARB2BCrce03rfISqsqy1jzuKuCxuCvJHYnjVcmTo7vqxk8tYWuk385aMIzAdaUvGzzV1MUdjdXdp_py7vYTogXJC7DvG5/w640-h480/IMG_8517.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are a flower lover like me, you love visiting The Grand Hotel even though you never step inside!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next week, I will conclude our day of our visit to Mackinac Island by sharing our walk along the lakeshore seeing more natural sights of the islands and some miscellaneous stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><br /> <p></p></div>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-58179054416586666222023-11-22T00:00:00.001-06:002023-11-22T00:00:00.148-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4OcDEBKmzZ86RWWWGeBhtx20uTCe4PagAz1DRBgaR08EyNp2y8qVs7s7fMD5ps_N1XoH4_CC2HNcCuQ-XYY4AvytL1skLRh9m6JOWam_A9ygcmms6tBntBhIzL6DqhLj5gVyRnpXn2tCOmLfK9aY5Q8tFkwSt5TecwbN7p3Uf7UDecIgI8DMnTatEAza/s600/Image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4OcDEBKmzZ86RWWWGeBhtx20uTCe4PagAz1DRBgaR08EyNp2y8qVs7s7fMD5ps_N1XoH4_CC2HNcCuQ-XYY4AvytL1skLRh9m6JOWam_A9ygcmms6tBntBhIzL6DqhLj5gVyRnpXn2tCOmLfK9aY5Q8tFkwSt5TecwbN7p3Uf7UDecIgI8DMnTatEAza/w640-h440/Image.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm on Fall Break to enjoy time with my family. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(48, 50, 52); color: #303234; font-family: open-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.7px; text-align: start;">"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! "</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(48, 50, 52); color: #303234; font-family: open-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.7px; text-align: start;">Psalm 107:1</span></div> <p></p><p>Have a Happy Thanksgiving! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-9737750759125453822023-11-16T00:00:00.001-06:002023-11-16T00:00:00.177-06:00"Layer it Up!" with Ageless Style<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: 13.2px;">Ageless Style is a monthly style challenge and link up for women of all ages. Each month we pick a different theme and style an outfit based on that theme. This month's theme is "Layer it Up! " and was picked by<a href="https://chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Mirelle</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666;">This month's Ageless Theme is "Layer it Up!" and it couldn't be more </span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">appropriate for November because this is the time of year for wearing layers as the temperatures fluctuate so much. I know in our neck of the woods we have gone from snow to sixty degrees then back in the forties again. The daily temperatures also fluctuate from being freezing cold in the morning to downright balmy mid-day; so dressing in layers is a must this time of year.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnK1aIyUl39kpkZOMFMCvhLvjvUVbXYg9gjdRgzZLZ5R4QRrXfQ__5N4w188aiIJcmliQoGFx1JxW0NS5VpYwVDtmdMXWf8M5rOdsVTD3fVPa-npQSzChC-mcV_JdNRXc_Qi2QDtdm9uxt4eOfAq8CwG0TsYEGHhaWLcL5foquZhcEfTzOdlirofbg61g/s4032/IMG_1640.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnK1aIyUl39kpkZOMFMCvhLvjvUVbXYg9gjdRgzZLZ5R4QRrXfQ__5N4w188aiIJcmliQoGFx1JxW0NS5VpYwVDtmdMXWf8M5rOdsVTD3fVPa-npQSzChC-mcV_JdNRXc_Qi2QDtdm9uxt4eOfAq8CwG0TsYEGHhaWLcL5foquZhcEfTzOdlirofbg61g/w480-h640/IMG_1640.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In last month's <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/10/happy-birthday-marsha-with-ageless-style.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Ageless Style" post</a> I showed you my new cropped cardigan, which are all the rage right now. I love this new trend so much, I decided to buy another one! This cropped cardigan I picked up at <a href="https://shopdailythread.com/collections/cardigans/products/frye-ombre-cardigan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daily Thread</a>. This store is new to my town and I have really enjoyed shopping there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyULtrE2EHnc5Ay5ce5LYEN-xL28oeMjT4xM8P9mfb0lMRlP-j-BQZWmbfVVRg9QkKPs73nB8HN5zl1ZYoQzb9X6xP9AXC3OD3_eo9pmj8EIaQV4x3QAx_z5sPPULdry93XAhSXQ5M9qZ0nIxdXhQ8gAHvYzyQHsWPXVAmKKtwLeFjbOoF0xqgAoI72I30/s4032/IMG_1595.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyULtrE2EHnc5Ay5ce5LYEN-xL28oeMjT4xM8P9mfb0lMRlP-j-BQZWmbfVVRg9QkKPs73nB8HN5zl1ZYoQzb9X6xP9AXC3OD3_eo9pmj8EIaQV4x3QAx_z5sPPULdry93XAhSXQ5M9qZ0nIxdXhQ8gAHvYzyQHsWPXVAmKKtwLeFjbOoF0xqgAoI72I30/w480-h640/IMG_1595.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I paired my cardigan with cropped khaki pants from TJMaxx, a burgundy tank top, and loafers. Loafers are also really trending this year. I'm all for a comfy shoe trend!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFy5LVPKr8LyecWFIul6_g41LS62cvzR1ddIlsRJ9O05G7r70XuW9zB4OT6slKFGumFZp54Yf1DNOwLNiqeLO39LtQm4vso6BSwhWqtuSdvZLDd339YDFVDd-Qj1Lszgw95DXHoA4mX4lESjw491FM04sHogpFgsz7qz_S-xV-Bh90IPB12tplpmoXb7F/s4032/IMG_1643.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFy5LVPKr8LyecWFIul6_g41LS62cvzR1ddIlsRJ9O05G7r70XuW9zB4OT6slKFGumFZp54Yf1DNOwLNiqeLO39LtQm4vso6BSwhWqtuSdvZLDd339YDFVDd-Qj1Lszgw95DXHoA4mX4lESjw491FM04sHogpFgsz7qz_S-xV-Bh90IPB12tplpmoXb7F/w480-h640/IMG_1643.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAOYKn969wYO3xNHjZUFiqWUWK1a4w8-i43_jHGM5ux5MKKPJNYxa4nM1O4f5YK30a1K_0i1Aav2F2GXX73m-LRBHVZgz_OINcKYvRguX9JHWh86B65GeQLAMz4itDannLhMZJ7f9Vr8cHE5qSFNrUSc0iOJcHxAptm9HslD8vZbhoMeZ0me_h-Tv2kuL/s4032/IMG_1604.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAOYKn969wYO3xNHjZUFiqWUWK1a4w8-i43_jHGM5ux5MKKPJNYxa4nM1O4f5YK30a1K_0i1Aav2F2GXX73m-LRBHVZgz_OINcKYvRguX9JHWh86B65GeQLAMz4itDannLhMZJ7f9Vr8cHE5qSFNrUSc0iOJcHxAptm9HslD8vZbhoMeZ0me_h-Tv2kuL/w480-h640/IMG_1604.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For accessories I chose a brown pendant necklace and a large brown bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRXe0WIKiBfWugEhxfJEj0JHKljHpSiqAx4WejKWEUkPUBAWVAAd5b3NZ-rl3fxraT_sznyENUDWNS_TyG2JDNMf-Qxb4hwdUFYt2-XmzktLJOrCF8OcQxuidfRuIcrSYVGiPojBf7itTqNM8QNwkgtUlzORe0catFU4EV79nCyeA5nKgTYlIiLUhYZN4/s4032/IMG_1662.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRXe0WIKiBfWugEhxfJEj0JHKljHpSiqAx4WejKWEUkPUBAWVAAd5b3NZ-rl3fxraT_sznyENUDWNS_TyG2JDNMf-Qxb4hwdUFYt2-XmzktLJOrCF8OcQxuidfRuIcrSYVGiPojBf7itTqNM8QNwkgtUlzORe0catFU4EV79nCyeA5nKgTYlIiLUhYZN4/w480-h640/IMG_1662.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My loafers have a fun gold accent and I purchased them from TJMaxx.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4tA_d8hs_EyIBn-vEwo-GCAUg2eUbSzXpfPN7zysGPbunCXGh9aHCBkA6tfpvAN5s0ugmumkP19TQQewwii6jGYaaICW9urkJeptxUTH_xzM6r5jM8hxloUdaa0F7_Oxd0wNO7O7s2Q-eHkfSIYlMDZ-sdjkrtglxzpA-gN3BUA-j90QE_Lk1uTn1l1s/s4032/IMG_1620.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4tA_d8hs_EyIBn-vEwo-GCAUg2eUbSzXpfPN7zysGPbunCXGh9aHCBkA6tfpvAN5s0ugmumkP19TQQewwii6jGYaaICW9urkJeptxUTH_xzM6r5jM8hxloUdaa0F7_Oxd0wNO7O7s2Q-eHkfSIYlMDZ-sdjkrtglxzpA-gN3BUA-j90QE_Lk1uTn1l1s/w480-h640/IMG_1620.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cardigans are the perfect layered item to wear in transitional seasons because they can be removed so easily when one gets too warm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lOIuLeveVyUE3j9SC_LL6Sk7BuinQQ0leYOMAYZh5NzPldOWLq5ILsStKvALPXXyGcKCh1WQCJ1cngJoFTlqFq8Sac2V0s4OKKTtALN5VknIm2zJWUtJszh3jz3BUgNd5cZtBpS08Csg3Hr3wieBTBJVN9mFN_DTkVn2dMN0n_FzROxfOmDXl6uB9RqS/s4032/IMG_1651.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lOIuLeveVyUE3j9SC_LL6Sk7BuinQQ0leYOMAYZh5NzPldOWLq5ILsStKvALPXXyGcKCh1WQCJ1cngJoFTlqFq8Sac2V0s4OKKTtALN5VknIm2zJWUtJszh3jz3BUgNd5cZtBpS08Csg3Hr3wieBTBJVN9mFN_DTkVn2dMN0n_FzROxfOmDXl6uB9RqS/w480-h640/IMG_1651.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So what about you? Have you purchased a new cropped cardigan yet? I'd love to hear from you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now be sure to see what the other ladies in our group are wearing and link up with us too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="http://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW3md2HwQdVrE1kc0yhij_8BTLr7U8aoFCQedtjKGuBgXwYikwPG0veLGyVNw2zJK84nmSOAE5mp340W6LMFBkj2X07qfR5QaXVklYxdp0YuyULA_J-3c491jQOs85ODH0PU9kJKqD6qMTWW4GWLMNkKasgxLg5OweZiqjTSaPV7OYNI5T8m-UIsdqyII/s2160/1000013857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW3md2HwQdVrE1kc0yhij_8BTLr7U8aoFCQedtjKGuBgXwYikwPG0veLGyVNw2zJK84nmSOAE5mp340W6LMFBkj2X07qfR5QaXVklYxdp0YuyULA_J-3c491jQOs85ODH0PU9kJKqD6qMTWW4GWLMNkKasgxLg5OweZiqjTSaPV7OYNI5T8m-UIsdqyII/w400-h400/1000013857.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: start;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.amyscreativepursuits.com%252F%26data%3D04%257C01%257C%257C93e5c58f7ca44697e7e808d92eab5eb2%257C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%257C1%257C0%257C637592135832994996%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C1000%26sdata%3DuqNlkT2goZAHxVZWJJNAddueKGMVb1QcJBB3BWWa8To%253D%26reserved%3D0&source=gmail&ust=1652969416147000&usg=AOvVaw0FLGTXc_9TIUvXZuIBGg_o" href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amyscreativepursuits.com%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C93e5c58f7ca44697e7e808d92eab5eb2%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637592135832994996%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=uqNlkT2goZAHxVZWJJNAddueKGMVb1QcJBB3BWWa8To%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Protected by Outlook: https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/. 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<!--end InLinkz code-->Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-56431031258769610792023-11-15T00:00:00.003-06:002023-11-27T12:16:29.168-06:00The Amazing Historic Homes and Buildings on Mackinac Island<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">T</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">his post is part two of a travel series to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. If you missed the first one, start <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/2023/11/st-ignace-and-mackinaw-city-michigan.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);">One of the biggest highlights of our trip to the UP was going to Mackinac Island. Visiting this island has been a dream of mine for years and I have no idea why it took me a lifetime to get here, especially since it is so close to my home. That being said, even though I did my research, we made a lot of mistakes when visiting the island that made the visit a not-so-pleasant experience at times, and I want to spare you those same mistakes, so I will share all the secrets of how to have a great time on the Island.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_vgoFn55d_4p7sIKsmOH3vMp9rulXMMtJ-tXCdVp44X3pgOUDfGeCNC0WnMh9TUX7X4T85-aEz1ZE4MgcpvjrNQg6RN-LRAt-v0tqQeFvbTagUWPxgiI6pbFTQ6sRRdUKb9R-gDMkIRpI2chYrmXjkZ5ViTpaQtjXEGp-YENp3MbgfCW1lbSDUC0dqvN/s4032/IMG_8387.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_vgoFn55d_4p7sIKsmOH3vMp9rulXMMtJ-tXCdVp44X3pgOUDfGeCNC0WnMh9TUX7X4T85-aEz1ZE4MgcpvjrNQg6RN-LRAt-v0tqQeFvbTagUWPxgiI6pbFTQ6sRRdUKb9R-gDMkIRpI2chYrmXjkZ5ViTpaQtjXEGp-YENp3MbgfCW1lbSDUC0dqvN/w640-h480/IMG_8387.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have so many photos and experiences of the island, I decided to do three separate posts of our one day on Mackinac. This week's post will cover just all the historic buildings and historic homes on Mackinac Island and the next two weeks I will cover The Grand Hotel, flower gardens, and natural beauty of the island.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpAAJOWpIdmjZfThCNYdTSwjIlOloiWciTK1O3f4MHWtYyMRxjTwZ7WqoAtdxqoM35Ed6npjbzFFfse8O-5n8VYIClKjiddih-N3IU7e2PW2sY3NzmkkAVWwY9ZmdgNX4jN4S5CGTDQiyo82TMmUMaTEy4W5XXuu1ZoMAp-IxWJziQQ1zJcmmx6hqq8NP/s4032/IMG_8389.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpAAJOWpIdmjZfThCNYdTSwjIlOloiWciTK1O3f4MHWtYyMRxjTwZ7WqoAtdxqoM35Ed6npjbzFFfse8O-5n8VYIClKjiddih-N3IU7e2PW2sY3NzmkkAVWwY9ZmdgNX4jN4S5CGTDQiyo82TMmUMaTEy4W5XXuu1ZoMAp-IxWJziQQ1zJcmmx6hqq8NP/w640-h480/IMG_8389.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are no cars or electric vehicles allowed on Mackinac Island, not even E-Bikes are allowed. You have to take a ferry that costs around $30 per person to get there. Once on the island you can rent a bike (or bring your own for an additional ferry fee), a horse and carriage, or just walk like we did.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHajbzxpjmnO3GxirWHJ4_sBfGB9MWrxL_JVSLv9SOlTrRUO8CHczN1DAsrVKW-htlJmOfh_UeMTsLIjrOTuAh0wy1N2nqVlIytlVnpULPDRQ5njvcQSuow-KRn2nTznMgOkLHBdtr9Ld7lYTAJSLPPagTmIVSzY0HqaXydKB2ughaKjT36YgOFxAyMt02/s4032/IMG_8390.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHajbzxpjmnO3GxirWHJ4_sBfGB9MWrxL_JVSLv9SOlTrRUO8CHczN1DAsrVKW-htlJmOfh_UeMTsLIjrOTuAh0wy1N2nqVlIytlVnpULPDRQ5njvcQSuow-KRn2nTznMgOkLHBdtr9Ld7lYTAJSLPPagTmIVSzY0HqaXydKB2ughaKjT36YgOFxAyMt02/w640-h480/IMG_8390.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took the very first ferry out to the island because we wanted to be sure we had plenty of time to see everything we wanted to see. This was the one great idea we had because the streets were fairly empty as the tourists hadn't yet arrived so we got some great unobstructed pictures. We also got to see how the town woke up every morning, as all the carriages were just starting to gather and employees were biking to work or sweeping the sidewalks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhFg_z1sCiO0lE_ZXUZzW5cB5B5Xco-aWgxNPCGv97_2ZDY55rVdgGJdq-m_7RkSt1yn6m5nH-R8Jzh18N3V1-cY6T48nRKL98pEtSQowKfR60cRyp9fenNYDI5KHcNDbzmcQtY6qWbRVbQG4brzvm-Mzy2W1a5hez3pmdJQBu_1nxdKWLubOrZnVTNrR/s4032/IMG_8392.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhFg_z1sCiO0lE_ZXUZzW5cB5B5Xco-aWgxNPCGv97_2ZDY55rVdgGJdq-m_7RkSt1yn6m5nH-R8Jzh18N3V1-cY6T48nRKL98pEtSQowKfR60cRyp9fenNYDI5KHcNDbzmcQtY6qWbRVbQG4brzvm-Mzy2W1a5hez3pmdJQBu_1nxdKWLubOrZnVTNrR/w480-h640/IMG_8392.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The second we stepped off the ferry, our jaws just dropped to the floor. Although I saw plenty of pictures in advance, they just didn't do justice to actually being there. It felt like we were in another time period or on a movie set. The historic buildings were so awesome and beautiful, I couldn't stop gawking!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchb3P3vHNm1FOwJoJQosF_lJmVehUehwpBZRcMM5kMbJt5W-3WLJ36XnaYiBeE0mnzfORzdYwaoFRkTcRxlkS5zwJ95aMXXrt9xDV7z0lAiX2ym5QR-340bZqZCvA4LVVpSm0meEbFrkNWw7Gs05pfUepg5op1gKZJf9bt9NKiTR6mnsk8t1MSAkM6z0I/s4032/IMG_8393.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchb3P3vHNm1FOwJoJQosF_lJmVehUehwpBZRcMM5kMbJt5W-3WLJ36XnaYiBeE0mnzfORzdYwaoFRkTcRxlkS5zwJ95aMXXrt9xDV7z0lAiX2ym5QR-340bZqZCvA4LVVpSm0meEbFrkNWw7Gs05pfUepg5op1gKZJf9bt9NKiTR6mnsk8t1MSAkM6z0I/w480-h640/IMG_8393.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Horse driven carriages arrive at the pier entrance to pick up guests who are staying at one of the many hotels and bed and breakfasts on the island. That was the first thing we learned: that there were lots of places to spend the night on the island. I don't know why, but we though the only hotel on the island was The Grand Hotel and we didn't want to stay there because it was too expensive and posh for our taste (there is a formal dress code after 6:00 pm) plus we didn't like the style of the rooms. Had we known there were other places to stay on the island, we could have chosen a hotel more to our liking.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRv9FZJHWKPo5ahCjKN7lsI8gmAuELP5NZUXaq0WVGMNPHo_j2uq9RbFMk5TPmFH-7XaIok8wBqiLmEyB1956rIFMrDREtCzjvtruXkiqoCjyi3OC0K4hojkBpphufZKmISXtxmoxvsZaw286xz_u7_tGpArQ3h3AiiUvRuxvzgJLmzt1X9eF4sr99oJF/s4032/IMG_8394.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRv9FZJHWKPo5ahCjKN7lsI8gmAuELP5NZUXaq0WVGMNPHo_j2uq9RbFMk5TPmFH-7XaIok8wBqiLmEyB1956rIFMrDREtCzjvtruXkiqoCjyi3OC0K4hojkBpphufZKmISXtxmoxvsZaw286xz_u7_tGpArQ3h3AiiUvRuxvzgJLmzt1X9eF4sr99oJF/w480-h640/IMG_8394.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the contrast of the modern/old in the photo above. I mean, how often do you see a Starbucks with a horse and carriage in front?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVZQrrqGLmzRipj_hRbv2A5ds-07DuUimGFF3swg6ajP7WJkZpkA08ajRo8yiD9-5pTkhGX6vKE61jUHk3QYFUhIK0NxepCaatx8rdLvi6jbXywbwpcmpgiAVbEzj8QroHDAGsEBNBrpcHq20nFktWZ3WkEzP5W3T-fVhTMCbg7lnAcD9cUPjnsk-Z5KX/s4032/IMG_8396.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVZQrrqGLmzRipj_hRbv2A5ds-07DuUimGFF3swg6ajP7WJkZpkA08ajRo8yiD9-5pTkhGX6vKE61jUHk3QYFUhIK0NxepCaatx8rdLvi6jbXywbwpcmpgiAVbEzj8QroHDAGsEBNBrpcHq20nFktWZ3WkEzP5W3T-fVhTMCbg7lnAcD9cUPjnsk-Z5KX/w640-h480/IMG_8396.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most people who visit Mackinac Island just walk the main street (Market Street) to shop and eat and then leave. Would you believe we did neither? I know, you probably think I'm crazy but I just don't like gift shops or spending a lot of money for food. So if you're looking for store/restaurant recommendations you won't find it here. We did walk Market Street but just to gawk at the amazing historic buildings. For lunch, we did a picnic lunch (we brought a back pack with us) at the lake shore and it couldn't have been more perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjK_X-VJxvNkDwsKBD-DafGwzmW9rvIZ9kppM10LNr0jPerGbf5DdKdzYAUi2mJPghIztZfvW5dxm7PWq6LV4qe9te6mf5nYHbr83uQ0xnrk2QqwRxyOHPVpEu9v8nujEL7bS8ibUgYEQuh7Tw0hmG9lWe4rmEaNPhOPeJ_bpBdhO5Dlt9IMIoj9kZeeJ/s4032/IMG_8410.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjK_X-VJxvNkDwsKBD-DafGwzmW9rvIZ9kppM10LNr0jPerGbf5DdKdzYAUi2mJPghIztZfvW5dxm7PWq6LV4qe9te6mf5nYHbr83uQ0xnrk2QqwRxyOHPVpEu9v8nujEL7bS8ibUgYEQuh7Tw0hmG9lWe4rmEaNPhOPeJ_bpBdhO5Dlt9IMIoj9kZeeJ/w480-h640/IMG_8410.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVHVat2l-yGrTPqPH2cxfHTVCMYTKu3QISsZzFB7pt0iX3M4eBzr7yf6R7OIMPPjNl0L03ptZ9UstFpgpLvq2Zq9D8bMofUTJcZaaFx4TB7lP56vtG6CvdA8xB29eArFkaHMICL_yroaBRytCBSotxDOdh4zGxKmSU7p2gIwwYDl4PmrnX4bQJX7_jQ3I/s4032/IMG_8398.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVHVat2l-yGrTPqPH2cxfHTVCMYTKu3QISsZzFB7pt0iX3M4eBzr7yf6R7OIMPPjNl0L03ptZ9UstFpgpLvq2Zq9D8bMofUTJcZaaFx4TB7lP56vtG6CvdA8xB29eArFkaHMICL_yroaBRytCBSotxDOdh4zGxKmSU7p2gIwwYDl4PmrnX4bQJX7_jQ3I/w480-h640/IMG_8398.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you like my outfit? I tried to dress nautical and in layers as it was very cool in the morning but it warmed up nicely in the afternoon. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8gx-HBZ-GxLoLRcp6KCOyNlKsgb6p30trjQufKQIr8pdbdtoNQvucXpnQe7Rl861YT2VIJS9GzjE-UtmDJhlTCz1nLUgu5FM178mWGLVbENrKTbLj5zg91NmQBuy8BLCX-Bu2Ok-95YVKubY7om7UXC_Vo_ZQHYzfSGXa6JmwwE-ogWTN4ZSDQSCTiUV/s4032/IMG_8405.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8gx-HBZ-GxLoLRcp6KCOyNlKsgb6p30trjQufKQIr8pdbdtoNQvucXpnQe7Rl861YT2VIJS9GzjE-UtmDJhlTCz1nLUgu5FM178mWGLVbENrKTbLj5zg91NmQBuy8BLCX-Bu2Ok-95YVKubY7om7UXC_Vo_ZQHYzfSGXa6JmwwE-ogWTN4ZSDQSCTiUV/w480-h640/IMG_8405.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After viewing Market Street we decided to walk around the island taking in all the beautiful homes. This was our biggest mistake. The island is just a lot bigger than we thought it was. Hubby didn't want to rent bikes because he thought they were too expensive. In hind sight, I would have brought our own. So we walked everywhere and we were really hurting by the end of the day. The worst part is we find out after we had walked everywhere that we could have paid for a horse and carriage ride that would have taken us to everything we wanted to see plus it actually STOPPED and let you get out to see the most famous sites on the island. I can't remember the exact prices but I believe the bike rental start at $15.00 an hour up to $80 for a full day and the carriage rides range from $39.00 to $49.50. If you decide to visit Mackinac Island, take the more expensive carriage ride as that is the one that goes to more locations and lets you get out to see things lie the Surrey Hills Museum, Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags, and The Grand Hotel.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillqmu4dv_jQ7H5xJN2YTKDz5RwTLlWMTEsbKxzr5Boljh5TWVrlLkUMHCuYRcoz-IgSxUgggeIfl9j5-iSDyblppDPHG_9uFjLkOwkDV2rTNxCDOu2yo_9PFcUJXHLXmjqFoDVZUUaK7rM77oFrG65TSIqL3F81xWE0O894kbWinOyGff7OfiPQVGuFee/s4032/IMG_8406.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillqmu4dv_jQ7H5xJN2YTKDz5RwTLlWMTEsbKxzr5Boljh5TWVrlLkUMHCuYRcoz-IgSxUgggeIfl9j5-iSDyblppDPHG_9uFjLkOwkDV2rTNxCDOu2yo_9PFcUJXHLXmjqFoDVZUUaK7rM77oFrG65TSIqL3F81xWE0O894kbWinOyGff7OfiPQVGuFee/w480-h640/IMG_8406.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although there are a lot of private residences on Mackinac Island, many of them are used as inns or bed and breakfasts. How fun would it be to stay in the inn above?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZjQnXEYpcgdkvf76oC2LBfNgn5SGdfTVXTJQONF6tl8hkN-iNwZ9Q7Xa2fZrtbWQHb0Tk0mpZE5WQvEttcn8JHrPCu0YkZ1dAi30DMeUL5DVsPlTCfsYMOL-wf-fqGLsTYfeRtXWbGJexHnmn52nKcPqfbn7NDDHXvG_fPIx8wRaUKTY0NdDA5n1VJPb/s4032/IMG_8407.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZjQnXEYpcgdkvf76oC2LBfNgn5SGdfTVXTJQONF6tl8hkN-iNwZ9Q7Xa2fZrtbWQHb0Tk0mpZE5WQvEttcn8JHrPCu0YkZ1dAi30DMeUL5DVsPlTCfsYMOL-wf-fqGLsTYfeRtXWbGJexHnmn52nKcPqfbn7NDDHXvG_fPIx8wRaUKTY0NdDA5n1VJPb/w640-h480/IMG_8407.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even their Post Office is adorable!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe0CvpBNaGoJjRgi-LKNb_PtTF6APQ18270rxC_QY100gDPPeTG5WKP-KdFyUYXGFZljw3-d6BeW3uo5lbf1DBLX7qkpwwAIBRNcoS8JVfZmEL2lvJE-a9_BJv9dMr9xmMQLzu7KANZZaVBV_S2YoEg0XroOndRo4XRbS9L7SIm6EPG712qGkxK5LYZSp/s4032/IMG_8413.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe0CvpBNaGoJjRgi-LKNb_PtTF6APQ18270rxC_QY100gDPPeTG5WKP-KdFyUYXGFZljw3-d6BeW3uo5lbf1DBLX7qkpwwAIBRNcoS8JVfZmEL2lvJE-a9_BJv9dMr9xmMQLzu7KANZZaVBV_S2YoEg0XroOndRo4XRbS9L7SIm6EPG712qGkxK5LYZSp/w480-h640/IMG_8413.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is their courthouse and police station. How fun is the cupola on top of the building? I can just imagine the view from there. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_fU2BxZSrFGr_xbWQBp3qyPpGkJmTZh1KImusQs3a6sb4JRXzN36rerT4xfV0crUqskG1ZaxG_d-vpT1ZixeiL4SUli2PUHw_I01wzkcu0CRsHoC6lGRJbGJ2mw6XRAXOHQ_xzqBVYVgJOE3VEOxghMOKT50cTI8hZghmUtKFET2rTdD8wO9OBzt0bco/s4032/IMG_8416.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_fU2BxZSrFGr_xbWQBp3qyPpGkJmTZh1KImusQs3a6sb4JRXzN36rerT4xfV0crUqskG1ZaxG_d-vpT1ZixeiL4SUli2PUHw_I01wzkcu0CRsHoC6lGRJbGJ2mw6XRAXOHQ_xzqBVYVgJOE3VEOxghMOKT50cTI8hZghmUtKFET2rTdD8wO9OBzt0bco/w640-h480/IMG_8416.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another amazing inn with lake views: Metivier Inn.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwV65-t7NcpGyBqiMArsMqDpkDANr0fQFlXmtGxo7hMdI9QnS3tWBxkr9WAGwGww0v2pcRqw0QRA9-VwK73ZTe3eFrVIbNjdJtrl2fY9K8mW8vWLex6oTYaRjljn_0MrhcL0yZqQzaFuh0pbSaDfdaR1ccwCewOfErYzR7m-XdH8Cwd8LVi_PbA6WVGrMR/s4032/IMG_8417.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwV65-t7NcpGyBqiMArsMqDpkDANr0fQFlXmtGxo7hMdI9QnS3tWBxkr9WAGwGww0v2pcRqw0QRA9-VwK73ZTe3eFrVIbNjdJtrl2fY9K8mW8vWLex6oTYaRjljn_0MrhcL0yZqQzaFuh0pbSaDfdaR1ccwCewOfErYzR7m-XdH8Cwd8LVi_PbA6WVGrMR/w480-h640/IMG_8417.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMv9863uCnlHBTTflm7pKKTsyOcZJk77MB4LoqCVXPt9PtWR66UCXGfgeGhT2ccoTy9dCDfrF2Dz3AzIsAmOOYODsD5jn9pljJhfxtO8kapvsocd_hUlKUihZkShJerAVNE0_FRtx84S12xh2gWbIXKgY2P1vHcmtWB4Um5WqUlfElKfWbcl8sTsrDmZ-/s4032/IMG_8421.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMv9863uCnlHBTTflm7pKKTsyOcZJk77MB4LoqCVXPt9PtWR66UCXGfgeGhT2ccoTy9dCDfrF2Dz3AzIsAmOOYODsD5jn9pljJhfxtO8kapvsocd_hUlKUihZkShJerAVNE0_FRtx84S12xh2gWbIXKgY2P1vHcmtWB4Um5WqUlfElKfWbcl8sTsrDmZ-/w640-h480/IMG_8421.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Cloghorn is a Bed and Breakfast</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaOPmoEHA13nulACEjEJ62XAniUBfBT5SBuDi0WkoXsQjhxkUXr6BpYFRo7qWg5qVjBoh2gWzWbIAph6k89f5V_Ax2_x-cnGBV9yTVEDUmqom2hp9R6RkE0jkXzt-qCnq-UZfTU8qf611Di3dK2mKCuav7whUaDgOmUuhYzgVIrmkNB6TpePfgHM_ccst/s4032/IMG_8422.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaOPmoEHA13nulACEjEJ62XAniUBfBT5SBuDi0WkoXsQjhxkUXr6BpYFRo7qWg5qVjBoh2gWzWbIAph6k89f5V_Ax2_x-cnGBV9yTVEDUmqom2hp9R6RkE0jkXzt-qCnq-UZfTU8qf611Di3dK2mKCuav7whUaDgOmUuhYzgVIrmkNB6TpePfgHM_ccst/w480-h640/IMG_8422.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I could easily live in this cute home!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVHrUMDiRYNi_4YRSUREgIxax_eY2j3z1JbPxkhwtb6hjXfnKQtGUalJQlzEmrIyKbtLLe3570bR3N6aGsn8yGsLasmiRO3hhgLj6nvTVtHYzp08_OUjBSGF3gGpokm3g0HPJzhAsmKqUiRSc0b3JyC0EmfkxcQx6MG6DpXuIok4PMq3icqQcGOWt3VaS/s4032/IMG_8424.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVHrUMDiRYNi_4YRSUREgIxax_eY2j3z1JbPxkhwtb6hjXfnKQtGUalJQlzEmrIyKbtLLe3570bR3N6aGsn8yGsLasmiRO3hhgLj6nvTVtHYzp08_OUjBSGF3gGpokm3g0HPJzhAsmKqUiRSc0b3JyC0EmfkxcQx6MG6DpXuIok4PMq3icqQcGOWt3VaS/w640-h480/IMG_8424.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This private residence is named "Geranium Cottage".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl5YRWFfHTrCqqZtLQaH8ngpqR3f0DNZCnmuLR9Y5xjT9EYb3RPJ9vh67ZUJwdflGkqlIawZaUZKDJZkkP_ypOtX7KnTvFs94_EULk2SWPAGDIKmv_mQ6t33k_raqbP-u9QxcRAY2IfJjpK8XrLgBkHWg7IhDyQ8eB9oUokkUNtSFgSy_hth0VCRkpUoF/s4032/IMG_8453.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl5YRWFfHTrCqqZtLQaH8ngpqR3f0DNZCnmuLR9Y5xjT9EYb3RPJ9vh67ZUJwdflGkqlIawZaUZKDJZkkP_ypOtX7KnTvFs94_EULk2SWPAGDIKmv_mQ6t33k_raqbP-u9QxcRAY2IfJjpK8XrLgBkHWg7IhDyQ8eB9oUokkUNtSFgSy_hth0VCRkpUoF/w640-h480/IMG_8453.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perhaps the grandest homes of all are located on the west bluff. These homes are located past The Grand Hotel at the top of a steep road with amazing unobstructed views of Lake Huron. We walked all the way from the pier to the top of the bluff, down to the lake shore to see Devil's Kitchen, back to The Grand Hotel and Market Street, over to Fort Mackinac, the East Bluff, Arch Rock and back to the pier again. I can't even imagine how many miles we walked. See why you need to rent bikes or take a carriage ride?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTge85hw5pVFd_3DpP8Mt8i4JVkDQ-Vc5DPIKP4EGkqz0qATCiWthILkTSOpOIEfhz0-YiiW3QVHGlEpxH5MTJC5JmozpLEBByl_WAZ_XaKFyXp1qs0QZcXINY5lRNZmIcDFOubi-Pldc3K1fk7ooQ1qX6-gu7cw1yZWevKxzOI_suPIXsBAIWrDCNfiiP/s4032/IMG_8403.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTge85hw5pVFd_3DpP8Mt8i4JVkDQ-Vc5DPIKP4EGkqz0qATCiWthILkTSOpOIEfhz0-YiiW3QVHGlEpxH5MTJC5JmozpLEBByl_WAZ_XaKFyXp1qs0QZcXINY5lRNZmIcDFOubi-Pldc3K1fk7ooQ1qX6-gu7cw1yZWevKxzOI_suPIXsBAIWrDCNfiiP/w480-h640/IMG_8403.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLHseLxUkqUoR22UTyDkQPgryqxaT2-uyRR_i1F_teV1nGJ7ccWd8ua2a28iaQAzepp6rTGtm0hT2nID8igZAibEYPZy0vmg60YI1Lu5wFc6vgc0mWHrnB9FhEpBkKt9Rq2_k6Ki3b-hdTa2UANG-uFAY99DPxmzfWcntb1q0i0WIbhXDa24avOIyjhRu/s4032/IMG_8454.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLHseLxUkqUoR22UTyDkQPgryqxaT2-uyRR_i1F_teV1nGJ7ccWd8ua2a28iaQAzepp6rTGtm0hT2nID8igZAibEYPZy0vmg60YI1Lu5wFc6vgc0mWHrnB9FhEpBkKt9Rq2_k6Ki3b-hdTa2UANG-uFAY99DPxmzfWcntb1q0i0WIbhXDa24avOIyjhRu/w480-h640/IMG_8454.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVY1oE4NHHxFqtyRWSWdgkc9ndyZe9XX9oyZ7mE-GDh0Vll7xPNi3h534S6aIAvfKsxOj3FdG8686MR4Z-3Plm4mar4eCPfOrMeKTcI5H7MwTDJw8k1kYy3fHk3LE6t55YsCO7cHZFQ5UieG-mlCO9Nwdxby-zIj6B5GyRWEyyYscSaedzb0Qn0DPoPK2/s4032/IMG_8455.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVY1oE4NHHxFqtyRWSWdgkc9ndyZe9XX9oyZ7mE-GDh0Vll7xPNi3h534S6aIAvfKsxOj3FdG8686MR4Z-3Plm4mar4eCPfOrMeKTcI5H7MwTDJw8k1kYy3fHk3LE6t55YsCO7cHZFQ5UieG-mlCO9Nwdxby-zIj6B5GyRWEyyYscSaedzb0Qn0DPoPK2/w640-h480/IMG_8455.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Almost every home and business on Mackinac Island has beautiful flower gardens. I will share a lot more about these gardens next week!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qaRHPFMY0nz-vZSpeY66XsuvqZw7vXECtkm52dyZ7IANYc7GWRBmhfWQJhmzJqCyhAddpAPcwAdigmrQ4mQF7SA3y3bezuII0KLAYpgtp5HUHM3eCsODaYoVG9HjId56ENd37kneg70bD9kvb5z7j7uBvsGGH2AHl44dXGGp41UjwNenMWNvZKo3spk4/s4032/IMG_8456.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qaRHPFMY0nz-vZSpeY66XsuvqZw7vXECtkm52dyZ7IANYc7GWRBmhfWQJhmzJqCyhAddpAPcwAdigmrQ4mQF7SA3y3bezuII0KLAYpgtp5HUHM3eCsODaYoVG9HjId56ENd37kneg70bD9kvb5z7j7uBvsGGH2AHl44dXGGp41UjwNenMWNvZKo3spk4/w640-h480/IMG_8456.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBid85g0pdnf_7VQcX8iWx8VxMEiaStCLO4_rw8G5VADiYaECXskLgfh9Gm0eybD_5cY3P03OHm1knZNje-fYHDFJSilcSWybUPKGnIREq0GU63cNhwomd4WMxJNp-umEcJR5Da2V_2p4z9H9AdlBA111LCTeSkzqdGMXtEbhikZgwFFGSPNH44pjR7fg/s4032/IMG_8524.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBid85g0pdnf_7VQcX8iWx8VxMEiaStCLO4_rw8G5VADiYaECXskLgfh9Gm0eybD_5cY3P03OHm1knZNje-fYHDFJSilcSWybUPKGnIREq0GU63cNhwomd4WMxJNp-umEcJR5Da2V_2p4z9H9AdlBA111LCTeSkzqdGMXtEbhikZgwFFGSPNH44pjR7fg/w480-h640/IMG_8524.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These cute cottages are just calling my name!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cop801aK0dq83XYBHgmY9xm4_L7sXH-dxjUosOi7eHDNPDqu4L0ettSfxdXpERCrWhAnZjMFai6a6IUwhFdiZkfLVDTDX1pnxgiQg0Kc9h8eID1EA2f93qVKqCA48fF-xTDBwElvDdRt1QM9jQIAlZogx9seBQT-xpBU-sZsO1_zOCwdU40uvPRGXbLV/s4032/IMG_8528.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cop801aK0dq83XYBHgmY9xm4_L7sXH-dxjUosOi7eHDNPDqu4L0ettSfxdXpERCrWhAnZjMFai6a6IUwhFdiZkfLVDTDX1pnxgiQg0Kc9h8eID1EA2f93qVKqCA48fF-xTDBwElvDdRt1QM9jQIAlZogx9seBQT-xpBU-sZsO1_zOCwdU40uvPRGXbLV/w640-h480/IMG_8528.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Windermere Hotel</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eebFvFvdR0VRXBirWOLMy7bpnowCL1cnb-Av7ZWQ37NHETbKqpQgrnrN5eXItZsMgLqA1Joo-wai7jeVtxVdkWQo_CRroDT9kiAynLlUrm1Bo3MrxblPVVizS8THEI9TnH6b6nyvYq9QUGlm_lgrl50Zdt3-eLovN1BEAIIU-IEaQHhfzaGvQVHvAx9t/s4032/IMG_8532.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eebFvFvdR0VRXBirWOLMy7bpnowCL1cnb-Av7ZWQ37NHETbKqpQgrnrN5eXItZsMgLqA1Joo-wai7jeVtxVdkWQo_CRroDT9kiAynLlUrm1Bo3MrxblPVVizS8THEI9TnH6b6nyvYq9QUGlm_lgrl50Zdt3-eLovN1BEAIIU-IEaQHhfzaGvQVHvAx9t/w640-h480/IMG_8532.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cutest public library ever!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWJ-2eo36nzpE6MXhG22WhvDsVnj2jt6Qs0TpTKn2ttXE1aAa3MqcffmZnDxxalPR5cNwbp_GnReADnjayJxwjLCaG4TNZjCUwxZDBewg3mTgPJd2y9R3b-ktuOblzzl3ICsah1L4BzcpXbPcXkDxmvUskkQ0yrlMUx0ImERtlDqf742Wb9SQzUlzlBow/s4032/IMG_8533.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWJ-2eo36nzpE6MXhG22WhvDsVnj2jt6Qs0TpTKn2ttXE1aAa3MqcffmZnDxxalPR5cNwbp_GnReADnjayJxwjLCaG4TNZjCUwxZDBewg3mTgPJd2y9R3b-ktuOblzzl3ICsah1L4BzcpXbPcXkDxmvUskkQ0yrlMUx0ImERtlDqf742Wb9SQzUlzlBow/w640-h480/IMG_8533.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XB1fbH1n_hl9m0Ors8PXTb_rx-NfQxuFVebA_v14uXFrdusjg3JgoYdGwR18tN8oKFA85_KTjWzzNP8neCUfbf_n_PKJq-U6HCAqbx8lVticleSh09OPIxTwtzgoKwf_aFewk8Dynsj78lggXq-Rj6OOS90TTNfttZY2VY_13QmQAmmzD_6E0kc99OzF/s4032/IMG_8535.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XB1fbH1n_hl9m0Ors8PXTb_rx-NfQxuFVebA_v14uXFrdusjg3JgoYdGwR18tN8oKFA85_KTjWzzNP8neCUfbf_n_PKJq-U6HCAqbx8lVticleSh09OPIxTwtzgoKwf_aFewk8Dynsj78lggXq-Rj6OOS90TTNfttZY2VY_13QmQAmmzD_6E0kc99OzF/w640-h480/IMG_8535.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Great Turtle Hotel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20q9Fz8aclRL-OKHEHGGAiTl7xQI5oXw6X8JeRO7LMIPaYXcsb9dXHx097zXWGTahgaJtNPYTEzhWy_7gBKhn8zQbRhQPIFJk4rNiA1ATi4zNwAxWvOUrMdNUKkysZlbaYJO6weIHlPXjNtIGnHL_sIIw6Ip4tv8b5CVcoKrd47-AR_Rxb5JrFjTwrieu/s4032/IMG_8540.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20q9Fz8aclRL-OKHEHGGAiTl7xQI5oXw6X8JeRO7LMIPaYXcsb9dXHx097zXWGTahgaJtNPYTEzhWy_7gBKhn8zQbRhQPIFJk4rNiA1ATi4zNwAxWvOUrMdNUKkysZlbaYJO6weIHlPXjNtIGnHL_sIIw6Ip4tv8b5CVcoKrd47-AR_Rxb5JrFjTwrieu/w640-h480/IMG_8540.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the day progressed the streets got busier and busier. The bikes share the road with the carriages, and so many cyclists flew by so fast we wondered if there were many accidents.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0-UlZ5CV1CdTVCUP7fLXIB7E4TudLbISIsJryc1LRm5mPQFIlnA66PJQHIz5OQp5RoCNU1yuv85ZYYR9Yt8Uy7Vvd8jsSTdqoLmQ0_uKZJZndEwC_OGnVYTqI24XNF03brD6_OJGAYKpcY8Y6LvgLskDvCowAZMIWT0LDNfYpq6DUdBGnsQ4pETYKITh/s4032/IMG_8544.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0-UlZ5CV1CdTVCUP7fLXIB7E4TudLbISIsJryc1LRm5mPQFIlnA66PJQHIz5OQp5RoCNU1yuv85ZYYR9Yt8Uy7Vvd8jsSTdqoLmQ0_uKZJZndEwC_OGnVYTqI24XNF03brD6_OJGAYKpcY8Y6LvgLskDvCowAZMIWT0LDNfYpq6DUdBGnsQ4pETYKITh/w640-h480/IMG_8544.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mackinac Island Yacht Club</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTkmmmFXrCw6_tO1uxN2XKW8cALGWRtG3iFZVUGvkHdHWY6GH8WgRrbxwnmtoFZt7AimxVpR-nKHdvJoUMPNg_l2DMP6iLSPKg0rxk6wDX40Tgj9YMT9ACEXyWD6fCb3w58hhOPwLXADZ8ZYvAYanpUBX5Kk3-B9y8nB8WhyphenhyphenA7kDRLTlGroPkQTeoBSMt/s4032/IMG_8545.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTkmmmFXrCw6_tO1uxN2XKW8cALGWRtG3iFZVUGvkHdHWY6GH8WgRrbxwnmtoFZt7AimxVpR-nKHdvJoUMPNg_l2DMP6iLSPKg0rxk6wDX40Tgj9YMT9ACEXyWD6fCb3w58hhOPwLXADZ8ZYvAYanpUBX5Kk3-B9y8nB8WhyphenhyphenA7kDRLTlGroPkQTeoBSMt/w640-h480/IMG_8545.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What an elaborate deck system on this place! There is no shortage of great views here. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyWzSGtFMT1nB3LuDrjKyW-DUc0IVa4CS8D4Nr7a1kjM8QWKc1bE8LJHdAx21HyCV92Kig0rNWzkxM9i3yBytT2mf4gATNyXCOXhhRoUjL-3zb6CPAaZkPMd1W1CbgJFu-iE8OvFrzlGdDi1gNCV69IJgOnMzxIhk4tgf2CfdPr1oI-YIKks37ZdgFKQ8/s4032/IMG_8546.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyWzSGtFMT1nB3LuDrjKyW-DUc0IVa4CS8D4Nr7a1kjM8QWKc1bE8LJHdAx21HyCV92Kig0rNWzkxM9i3yBytT2mf4gATNyXCOXhhRoUjL-3zb6CPAaZkPMd1W1CbgJFu-iE8OvFrzlGdDi1gNCV69IJgOnMzxIhk4tgf2CfdPr1oI-YIKks37ZdgFKQ8/w480-h640/IMG_8546.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love historic old churches, and Mackinac Island has no shortage of them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYLcpiMtQwOb7hw4sNAW647Y209UYVWg0soWU9eF7yvrkM-HOXEe8hFbw-QbWsw8V8Q_ElA4vej0Cw3RcgFMU_DsfBmYKnLFPOw9hKrfAH5JvqV3pP0NL9I92joPKdseimK5pwiFV1_m89gHhyphenhyphenmEZcOg1R8W3fH9lA9iEH1Hh-jWq-UQoFRy1G7y0sbYh/s4032/IMG_8547.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYLcpiMtQwOb7hw4sNAW647Y209UYVWg0soWU9eF7yvrkM-HOXEe8hFbw-QbWsw8V8Q_ElA4vej0Cw3RcgFMU_DsfBmYKnLFPOw9hKrfAH5JvqV3pP0NL9I92joPKdseimK5pwiFV1_m89gHhyphenhyphenmEZcOg1R8W3fH9lA9iEH1Hh-jWq-UQoFRy1G7y0sbYh/w480-h640/IMG_8547.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGQw6LmzTMqmzEGblP70sJ3L86MjufLstxz6pj6LwQdjamKeoJG8p9rMbXi-LlvrR_UhLLFumOd0Ldv6N2YlCx8DNsufOmE7jrQYAKPXnmVkZJj-JNL_ImnCFonvl_axPWokRUVdzYqLYmfvEfzmySm4-g7cfWTR8rWkChunaOej8RakcnP3Z6KakrNdB/s4032/IMG_8548.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGQw6LmzTMqmzEGblP70sJ3L86MjufLstxz6pj6LwQdjamKeoJG8p9rMbXi-LlvrR_UhLLFumOd0Ldv6N2YlCx8DNsufOmE7jrQYAKPXnmVkZJj-JNL_ImnCFonvl_axPWokRUVdzYqLYmfvEfzmySm4-g7cfWTR8rWkChunaOej8RakcnP3Z6KakrNdB/w480-h640/IMG_8548.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mission Church is one of Michigan's oldest Protestant churches. It was built in 1829. This church was open to the public. It is very plain and simple inside, like most Protestant churches who rejected the ornate decor of the Catholic Churches because they believed they were a distraction from proper worship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlYpMqyb7gRFqYd9PF64iWVrilZPaRunq5BZK7B_250ggp3T_HAgUbB2e3nk5Kw2lgYFA0x78gL_kpA8FNFdEE-BUBdzjv5-N34AEs84eeQ1tV83Y_3ab1EVM_2ziao3R5agammEeHm3ukiT1d6p5rWqTVKDlYoq2rqABTzJScHCRaaV-1ELN4K6znCgU/s4032/IMG_8550.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlYpMqyb7gRFqYd9PF64iWVrilZPaRunq5BZK7B_250ggp3T_HAgUbB2e3nk5Kw2lgYFA0x78gL_kpA8FNFdEE-BUBdzjv5-N34AEs84eeQ1tV83Y_3ab1EVM_2ziao3R5agammEeHm3ukiT1d6p5rWqTVKDlYoq2rqABTzJScHCRaaV-1ELN4K6znCgU/w480-h640/IMG_8550.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHN6Ye_y-uQuSedjU_FSk9kUoPUiD6ZKX-tEFtmFvaklgTmT5clEQ4h3uOYtc5GGObpEB8QXi1zCQB9vgVKvnQhdwFhZ_CsCmK6uY4Q4dfnC4w0vC1ewkXL04c8CugZFgiwSCIBw5b0lwNYsoQWqeKmF-sVu28IRwm5BSuhQw43bbxC83J5MglLe6YurZE/s4032/IMG_8551.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHN6Ye_y-uQuSedjU_FSk9kUoPUiD6ZKX-tEFtmFvaklgTmT5clEQ4h3uOYtc5GGObpEB8QXi1zCQB9vgVKvnQhdwFhZ_CsCmK6uY4Q4dfnC4w0vC1ewkXL04c8CugZFgiwSCIBw5b0lwNYsoQWqeKmF-sVu28IRwm5BSuhQw43bbxC83J5MglLe6YurZE/w480-h640/IMG_8551.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_6FfOsh4qOy5sTJUD6HXIV3Vx1nBkezrm7DXP50bCzK3k-GlSqrg5avawXjyBVcNdWJ3SFnZlAUPOENn6cg13ANDaAApEy38hw527l2dgc-hKhyphenhyphenm0wycIvIbczv0PXCfq2PZFTK2Kuqkmi8Pg7xKAvuzw3___2n6-4rhZj6L99gMzmgJv4JwKWZ2hgw2/s4032/IMG_8578.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_6FfOsh4qOy5sTJUD6HXIV3Vx1nBkezrm7DXP50bCzK3k-GlSqrg5avawXjyBVcNdWJ3SFnZlAUPOENn6cg13ANDaAApEy38hw527l2dgc-hKhyphenhyphenm0wycIvIbczv0PXCfq2PZFTK2Kuqkmi8Pg7xKAvuzw3___2n6-4rhZj6L99gMzmgJv4JwKWZ2hgw2/w640-h480/IMG_8578.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cedar Hill</div><div><br /></div>These next few homes were located on the east bluff (Huron Road), another road with great views of Lake Huron.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXIYHU37exI5PDDPoADaXn-pOQc6YuF5toT7CQ2vkzoWysD19MOwTSoTnUumHX0lWdpSgkTMZpJQ2ESzIApn2FJY-W4luUMU5PODGcJTvH4grdQvI2NOyS0sATdMCBvmNNSspFVJCp3sJB2E4jqN3klmsCOLgB_qpEK8UTtlDRPScDCPbk5x7NgnHvmqv/s4032/IMG_8580.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXIYHU37exI5PDDPoADaXn-pOQc6YuF5toT7CQ2vkzoWysD19MOwTSoTnUumHX0lWdpSgkTMZpJQ2ESzIApn2FJY-W4luUMU5PODGcJTvH4grdQvI2NOyS0sATdMCBvmNNSspFVJCp3sJB2E4jqN3klmsCOLgB_qpEK8UTtlDRPScDCPbk5x7NgnHvmqv/w640-h480/IMG_8580.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVInhUcwc0J-hfFPIwk3VMiOMZaIpwHozBTeh3b2hyGzDEmcQyN0zJG9CDelT52RvQ85dvwfyRgHNmDO84IbJHrTMUL5tkF7fF2PtMCSFR_YiICrUQYG6tyQzycAU4A3bpKRJqksdVaJY5gsUws6xaHcDrrlSM0i7dVe7db5rpdwwNYFvgnQfKTtWrDnCu/s4032/IMG_8581.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVInhUcwc0J-hfFPIwk3VMiOMZaIpwHozBTeh3b2hyGzDEmcQyN0zJG9CDelT52RvQ85dvwfyRgHNmDO84IbJHrTMUL5tkF7fF2PtMCSFR_YiICrUQYG6tyQzycAU4A3bpKRJqksdVaJY5gsUws6xaHcDrrlSM0i7dVe7db5rpdwwNYFvgnQfKTtWrDnCu/w640-h480/IMG_8581.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Craig Mawr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1p_dUKBWU2Pgd2Vx1zebZ2QfllUyA5gyzrEjI74wqpjoWmUH7uEKaXWqHEvT3OLDb0eMq1og10l-9uTihrQtM2YKLZdbWNWZka9oursYABejKRbjwsaPWU5CghPR7Yz52DFutizEBKlplCGtxL21dQyHn0TakydeqwIbaXe7yoYAYZBLqD9uewvJQvpt/s4032/IMG_8586.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1p_dUKBWU2Pgd2Vx1zebZ2QfllUyA5gyzrEjI74wqpjoWmUH7uEKaXWqHEvT3OLDb0eMq1og10l-9uTihrQtM2YKLZdbWNWZka9oursYABejKRbjwsaPWU5CghPR7Yz52DFutizEBKlplCGtxL21dQyHn0TakydeqwIbaXe7yoYAYZBLqD9uewvJQvpt/w640-h480/IMG_8586.jpeg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBCZumZ7pxBGjGA0gcZfQ6UGmjrJV9JWIhTOc9pZ74WFWeyaHkzeiiec55E9cx9VU7RGEVxkIONL3_0bt_2NE0FzJpo8OtUAd9pak_l-B0ZvHRtnAetisCP7gmmhn7j8Yc0FU1KPgfboyjvVStnSsVhA7oS9C95N3b3qEuN4qvB9AKvNELxjPuRdfCuHC/s4032/IMG_8582.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBCZumZ7pxBGjGA0gcZfQ6UGmjrJV9JWIhTOc9pZ74WFWeyaHkzeiiec55E9cx9VU7RGEVxkIONL3_0bt_2NE0FzJpo8OtUAd9pak_l-B0ZvHRtnAetisCP7gmmhn7j8Yc0FU1KPgfboyjvVStnSsVhA7oS9C95N3b3qEuN4qvB9AKvNELxjPuRdfCuHC/w640-h480/IMG_8582.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The size and magnitude of this house blew me away, who is wealthy enough to even live here? Wow! It reminded me of the White House.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscglx8yo2luXpg0lL1u0ZdBAKFRGNIwJJ5thkdCPdC9bLg573yatm8objTo3EbLoTvlZFGKQdcHq_KqPMaXb5iwMsgXTL-_Wr95PH7Bn2ig-APb7kzLc_Bj_FhM1paEBd016h7x8cyu04Swf8OOjc7sE4vr1tsUwe0ASJjT1M4YfiR7dkvskOmOna16Ze/s4032/IMG_8585.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscglx8yo2luXpg0lL1u0ZdBAKFRGNIwJJ5thkdCPdC9bLg573yatm8objTo3EbLoTvlZFGKQdcHq_KqPMaXb5iwMsgXTL-_Wr95PH7Bn2ig-APb7kzLc_Bj_FhM1paEBd016h7x8cyu04Swf8OOjc7sE4vr1tsUwe0ASJjT1M4YfiR7dkvskOmOna16Ze/w640-h480/IMG_8585.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Huron Road</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> And that concludes Part One of Mackinac Island. I hope I gave you some great tips so you don't make the same mistakes I made on my first visit. If I go back someday, I would look into staying at one of the other many hotels/bed and breakfasts on the island, and I would definitely take the carriage ride and bring my own bike!<p></p></div><div>Have a Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-62962333464910189802023-11-12T00:00:00.001-06:002023-11-12T00:00:00.141-06:00My Fall Perennial Garden and Final Fall Vegetable Harvest<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know this post is a little late as we have had our first killing frost a few weeks ago and my garden no longer looks like this, but I thought you'd rather see it late than not at all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's begin the fall garden tour shall we?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFs2OZo6bat5pjns704bozn0kiT7YaU6qW2nxoYfWbrEqKYe07TXfa2hG-ZiGT6Z-fWh79kbybwnAOoWXrrTLMmQD_iUGxg5gISuWDhVKFrJJPXsqrdBzp0z8l08hWwVFTtaFLzHje_Bh3iLuVRfQaF-HLdEnQey__-45TIZcHxdpbhzx2Bjo_X_BzpV0/s4032/IMG_0560.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFs2OZo6bat5pjns704bozn0kiT7YaU6qW2nxoYfWbrEqKYe07TXfa2hG-ZiGT6Z-fWh79kbybwnAOoWXrrTLMmQD_iUGxg5gISuWDhVKFrJJPXsqrdBzp0z8l08hWwVFTtaFLzHje_Bh3iLuVRfQaF-HLdEnQey__-45TIZcHxdpbhzx2Bjo_X_BzpV0/w480-h640/IMG_0560.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Black-Eyed Susans and Hydrangeas are the stars of the fall perennial garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcj0sdtZmcN6Hb-fcsvN6OKKg-NDYVq9KNVFZJvcoWYO9Clz0r4-RHeahqZmyx8RlQzO4M7kLWB3zQ_HIPeRf0JQCrZZaPHJT0_X-UekFzwa0rPkB8i4yOEIerko43TtwE7S7pbXxTi22zH-oaJZ4s8J99cCqeJTOF3C_TpXLUgk2KeI_79n7OFwjk2we/s4032/IMG_0550.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcj0sdtZmcN6Hb-fcsvN6OKKg-NDYVq9KNVFZJvcoWYO9Clz0r4-RHeahqZmyx8RlQzO4M7kLWB3zQ_HIPeRf0JQCrZZaPHJT0_X-UekFzwa0rPkB8i4yOEIerko43TtwE7S7pbXxTi22zH-oaJZ4s8J99cCqeJTOF3C_TpXLUgk2KeI_79n7OFwjk2we/w480-h640/IMG_0550.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFttBlGJB9Fl9RdQIgflIR973JAoY97pIeIZenaU_e_hoVdAQLTXB667LDi6WePwhw0aGy2D6UYzW4FbFJVNeFVI7Yoeej19baGIM3Qx55we1kcy8pqJ06RUS5bOA8r6oykC4V43iHX6jjr659eMrcbTKBIbI_oUz3wsOTv8WfQsJ_GQndcoBAsLmysdW/s4032/IMG_0558.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFttBlGJB9Fl9RdQIgflIR973JAoY97pIeIZenaU_e_hoVdAQLTXB667LDi6WePwhw0aGy2D6UYzW4FbFJVNeFVI7Yoeej19baGIM3Qx55we1kcy8pqJ06RUS5bOA8r6oykC4V43iHX6jjr659eMrcbTKBIbI_oUz3wsOTv8WfQsJ_GQndcoBAsLmysdW/w480-h640/IMG_0558.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Polka Dotted plant did so well this year! I always save a bit of this plant and bring it indoors for the winter, and in the spring I set it inside a planter. It always performs so much better outdoors than indoors. I also tried Strawflower for the first time this year (that's the yellow plant in the photo below). Wow! What an amazing plant that turned out to be. The leaves are like paper, so the deer leave it alone. It grew so huge and beautiful for me too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iiCUasl9CIKEeNeGu2XRo-6KV484XoZTp8rSVCPodijRowj5S-1Wg5fTAUT7OLrmBAc56ePNZQqx4MdKtbbCXxZWsANlLP6XkeyqVydx-NJPfiSDDLc8YD-fQ_8qgI-jxbTsT_nkg0zVilfr76ZvY4dbtOHNjyHdiUYLMptDMfzkB_2sO0bP1kCLyXCI/s4032/IMG_0554.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iiCUasl9CIKEeNeGu2XRo-6KV484XoZTp8rSVCPodijRowj5S-1Wg5fTAUT7OLrmBAc56ePNZQqx4MdKtbbCXxZWsANlLP6XkeyqVydx-NJPfiSDDLc8YD-fQ_8qgI-jxbTsT_nkg0zVilfr76ZvY4dbtOHNjyHdiUYLMptDMfzkB_2sO0bP1kCLyXCI/w480-h640/IMG_0554.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I always plant a Black-Eyed Susan vine by my front porch as it does really well there. This one is a purple/pink variety. I love the way it naturally wraps itself around the post.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoViBLEkTUk7mSNRRZIHvaT-SVYlpIug0Q1JI7dehiHcu0kX-ecf5Q3LSJq1tx53V8-9zi6pxgCau4ao02UHld5m9PcHBtIg1md6rA4fRkhtws7zr5ICfahW9qDObEWjhQ7U8K2qsYOF-ROjfYMGq37xoz55EWMA_k8ceDYNCDOiE6_Y9Je4yIBwemV760/s4032/IMG_0562.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoViBLEkTUk7mSNRRZIHvaT-SVYlpIug0Q1JI7dehiHcu0kX-ecf5Q3LSJq1tx53V8-9zi6pxgCau4ao02UHld5m9PcHBtIg1md6rA4fRkhtws7zr5ICfahW9qDObEWjhQ7U8K2qsYOF-ROjfYMGq37xoz55EWMA_k8ceDYNCDOiE6_Y9Je4yIBwemV760/w480-h640/IMG_0562.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This coleus amazed me this year. I took cuttings of it before the frost so I could grow it again next year. Taking cuttings save me big $$$ in the spring because I don't have to buy new plants. If you've never done cuttings before it's super easy! Just cut a stem below a leaf node and put it in a glass of water in a sunny windowsill. In a few weeks, it will develop roots and you can plant the cutting in a pot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also really love the silver foliage plant and took cuttings of that one as well. I never tried the silver plant before. I loved how it performed!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvRBFIo7p-x1F0Ruj13exP6l69-CmMrCzzcbtdfThS5rw28lOEsVKebrY5v0UlZtDhwcjRMnKWQ9QmV0ssG_4ySERKEON28jY3GeDoxfMpzPWcTgiiyRuFIYA_BotTVpDABuLoNzwCr0rZAbKDbM-aBzRf3RoB-ZMpI1RkmWx-TaQg2qaUKcl9cYAQKTu/s4032/IMG_0564.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvRBFIo7p-x1F0Ruj13exP6l69-CmMrCzzcbtdfThS5rw28lOEsVKebrY5v0UlZtDhwcjRMnKWQ9QmV0ssG_4ySERKEON28jY3GeDoxfMpzPWcTgiiyRuFIYA_BotTVpDABuLoNzwCr0rZAbKDbM-aBzRf3RoB-ZMpI1RkmWx-TaQg2qaUKcl9cYAQKTu/w480-h640/IMG_0564.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was blown away by the vibrancy of this single Purple Coneflower.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtehxiYq8DkEPYQFPMNbUXrYEA7KMGGcLjFU551LLbPrDWbWT27irDb1gwlSargoONGjtRnWohU1p7Swjn3xwW80OlvTGYL5yytxD9l6cLzPcrhxg1DIvSmIKJBivSmx3t5_nhYipmfifjK_QKnGx9yBh8WSPwKLdLactRVhIolthbH4cSnMEPRLhQ0RGM/s4032/IMG_0585.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtehxiYq8DkEPYQFPMNbUXrYEA7KMGGcLjFU551LLbPrDWbWT27irDb1gwlSargoONGjtRnWohU1p7Swjn3xwW80OlvTGYL5yytxD9l6cLzPcrhxg1DIvSmIKJBivSmx3t5_nhYipmfifjK_QKnGx9yBh8WSPwKLdLactRVhIolthbH4cSnMEPRLhQ0RGM/w480-h640/IMG_0585.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFa5R0tWQbVnqyy9W2D05b3MJaGuMviOcCM6t9gWb7Q-dHS3vFOU9iIykRgGyAhmbzi9un-zJ9pAboVEn2kAh8p5PP4LT6w8W-mJtoDyYCdxN3nVYrtDZ8IqiEXBn84tHXSyvUh3REck155VetHQDY15JpqnjgYNaJeTnDKaTOxKetvOcJzX6qafPSNlh/s4032/IMG_0587.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFa5R0tWQbVnqyy9W2D05b3MJaGuMviOcCM6t9gWb7Q-dHS3vFOU9iIykRgGyAhmbzi9un-zJ9pAboVEn2kAh8p5PP4LT6w8W-mJtoDyYCdxN3nVYrtDZ8IqiEXBn84tHXSyvUh3REck155VetHQDY15JpqnjgYNaJeTnDKaTOxKetvOcJzX6qafPSNlh/w480-h640/IMG_0587.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sedum Autumn Joy, a must have in any fall perennial garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpoIi7CyBKMtjMj9GpDtobCAQ5cYUFHJpzbml0pCg0ytMaV_m1LOtL4-O4FbCdymw4iXEAHEcu2JEgGwlcvuFmmfM9RoFcBhXvtrqyYU_0JzVI9VofezZGo_jqmRgQ7H5EBVaDhhfjLpt-Gxll8nGYaiL5WEI72mFVbjcwREThYt-SVMyPzlU4oO8wTSF/s4032/IMG_0881.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpoIi7CyBKMtjMj9GpDtobCAQ5cYUFHJpzbml0pCg0ytMaV_m1LOtL4-O4FbCdymw4iXEAHEcu2JEgGwlcvuFmmfM9RoFcBhXvtrqyYU_0JzVI9VofezZGo_jqmRgQ7H5EBVaDhhfjLpt-Gxll8nGYaiL5WEI72mFVbjcwREThYt-SVMyPzlU4oO8wTSF/w480-h640/IMG_0881.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another variety of sedum. This one has a purplish leaf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRUisXB_YV2Dipt0XUV6jvevQiEc_K7mKTLtCQaZg7MEKK4AAX3gNHGt2ondmSfvPckms8I49Obxn7OyS_kbjaJfNkNDCE6xSTtJ80oGNlYVBxijPangBBolrxMthacTSgrccDKEd0EqNQIbY4FCGusUFdNE24XOnFA-QCJU5Y7c4PGnrRm2W8L31iGaO/s4032/IMG_0772.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRUisXB_YV2Dipt0XUV6jvevQiEc_K7mKTLtCQaZg7MEKK4AAX3gNHGt2ondmSfvPckms8I49Obxn7OyS_kbjaJfNkNDCE6xSTtJ80oGNlYVBxijPangBBolrxMthacTSgrccDKEd0EqNQIbY4FCGusUFdNE24XOnFA-QCJU5Y7c4PGnrRm2W8L31iGaO/w480-h640/IMG_0772.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year I grew sunflowers in my vegetable garden to feed the birds. The fence kept the animals out so the squirrels and deer wouldn't eat them before they went to seed; although I did catch one sneaky squirrel inside my garden a few times!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At my feet is a a planter of the new Tri-Colored Mum. You will have to watch the short video below to hear and see more about this mum. On the other side of my feet is a new Rudebekia I tried this year. The nursery said it's a perennial, but I'll believe it when I see it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38uzad36nbYGXA4nWuZOoW2e5DjSclfZ73qV_NDWeFY6uxobFTeilons6fhoYFKMlKivL_NCK3rSfsn_N87dWzcVB2tCuorSzd3YnMYK7NpbJIlxIXijM6w90Uy9y5UAQYmd2C7J_p6-pn8gWlKNvyQQ78Nw8sUo4N8YzG25KyLtiX88FJAYFoGaWfmj3/s2896/IMG_0781.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2896" data-original-width="2446" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38uzad36nbYGXA4nWuZOoW2e5DjSclfZ73qV_NDWeFY6uxobFTeilons6fhoYFKMlKivL_NCK3rSfsn_N87dWzcVB2tCuorSzd3YnMYK7NpbJIlxIXijM6w90Uy9y5UAQYmd2C7J_p6-pn8gWlKNvyQQ78Nw8sUo4N8YzG25KyLtiX88FJAYFoGaWfmj3/w540-h640/IMG_0781.jpeg" width="540" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just look at all the sunflower seeds inside one sunflower head! Amazing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC90sMXVdIRZugS0pUeivI1W_A0RcG-KZNcvvNq8tRM4s8Z7ucKAqSDI30XO46xqKGj5aNMCKkTiIQ0C0eN45hxAQBGB49svMyMZ1aekKnjnpsSnE7X3CvEnw4L7uAZIxP10K7dBp5qkSGJ1UN2AZZJ81s3sZKK4-R2qE8WsJMt41zIa-3-eD63s0_NkSp/s4032/IMG_1121.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC90sMXVdIRZugS0pUeivI1W_A0RcG-KZNcvvNq8tRM4s8Z7ucKAqSDI30XO46xqKGj5aNMCKkTiIQ0C0eN45hxAQBGB49svMyMZ1aekKnjnpsSnE7X3CvEnw4L7uAZIxP10K7dBp5qkSGJ1UN2AZZJ81s3sZKK4-R2qE8WsJMt41zIa-3-eD63s0_NkSp/w480-h640/IMG_1121.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the sunflower heads were ready, I chopped them off leaving enough stem so I could tie it to the bird feeder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpqBxPETCY-e_hkm-w2jkvJ5JiI7hU1JLv6TWkxSjNXniauLVqMfzgvufPiqk1eGGllkS3880KCR1c5u1AH7tfQuEW4aYDWPnJoDguVXZNQRkshJx5hs0nBYhmF35TDlWYisyZ7YEVLxD4gl47VR-qksJPcvYSWyPdSAGYSqX6RhQM5odyCBK3qGqZO85/s4032/IMG_1120.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpqBxPETCY-e_hkm-w2jkvJ5JiI7hU1JLv6TWkxSjNXniauLVqMfzgvufPiqk1eGGllkS3880KCR1c5u1AH7tfQuEW4aYDWPnJoDguVXZNQRkshJx5hs0nBYhmF35TDlWYisyZ7YEVLxD4gl47VR-qksJPcvYSWyPdSAGYSqX6RhQM5odyCBK3qGqZO85/w480-h640/IMG_1120.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last year I had a huge problem with Japanese Beetles coming into my vegetable garden because they were attracted by the Marigolds and Petunias. So I googled what annuals Japanese Beetles don't eat, and lantana was one of them. I tried it, and they were right! The beetles were not interested in this flower at all. And the added benefit to me was that these turned out to be great plants! They're drought tolerant, maintenance free, and absolutely GORGEOUS!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySRnqLIDmdzmhNUG7-IELcIdiuHtYs_C4Up2HmLK7EzVSKUdlMvWI2Ol1-FHYLSvWlkrYVYKoqhBTY_trJcizZNcckPtTwhhmIz_LNCoz4MmmQhdA8EJaxePSjiq3xwX9CrVYWaTS1tnyJ_B5b2wsJHO_dUwyp83oEzu-6UvsEqQmmDbz_AnNeFWQrmP8/s4032/IMG_0882.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySRnqLIDmdzmhNUG7-IELcIdiuHtYs_C4Up2HmLK7EzVSKUdlMvWI2Ol1-FHYLSvWlkrYVYKoqhBTY_trJcizZNcckPtTwhhmIz_LNCoz4MmmQhdA8EJaxePSjiq3xwX9CrVYWaTS1tnyJ_B5b2wsJHO_dUwyp83oEzu-6UvsEqQmmDbz_AnNeFWQrmP8/w480-h640/IMG_0882.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a bumper crop of potatoes this year. This one large table doesn't even show all the potatoes we harvested, I filled up two more tables with potatoes. Of course, when I laid the paper down over the potatoes to cure, Jackson had to sit right on top of them. 😂</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cAFAj5lY3-4Mfnpd8ERs4qojDBWE5JjY5fw3cdeeJQ0o12N8XAybBVEKKYyhaA7bPQo9kf4-96kBgBxbhgVOYi-pXCcF19kifUpNyB2KWL7O7Rzp62v088rd8t9iqsgitXPQc3_8Nw7A0qAmGhywFdzSzBmEyHcr5qJZUcTUk0ZS4STPePwnw3fBa292/s4032/IMG_0796.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cAFAj5lY3-4Mfnpd8ERs4qojDBWE5JjY5fw3cdeeJQ0o12N8XAybBVEKKYyhaA7bPQo9kf4-96kBgBxbhgVOYi-pXCcF19kifUpNyB2KWL7O7Rzp62v088rd8t9iqsgitXPQc3_8Nw7A0qAmGhywFdzSzBmEyHcr5qJZUcTUk0ZS4STPePwnw3fBa292/w480-h640/IMG_0796.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also had a bumper crop of squash. This is what the vines looked like when the squash is ready to harvest. Be sure to watch the short video below to see more squash!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCmZxo21HsIhK9esl2tqI_cJQEICfiT5rTUvNltRGfkg7Ze5HHHvXfDYbp7astLUPJnbRke3IKYX0qK59PMESA_QNcpSwYYeZhSXHAnibrQ1EmuE-G8HGEiR4skSUro25DyhhUvPJTtN2ujIEfwyEGIzBl9qx5pP4DtGkQejzXiqKHEejqWsu47wHvu1L/s4032/IMG_0887.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCmZxo21HsIhK9esl2tqI_cJQEICfiT5rTUvNltRGfkg7Ze5HHHvXfDYbp7astLUPJnbRke3IKYX0qK59PMESA_QNcpSwYYeZhSXHAnibrQ1EmuE-G8HGEiR4skSUro25DyhhUvPJTtN2ujIEfwyEGIzBl9qx5pP4DtGkQejzXiqKHEejqWsu47wHvu1L/w640-h480/IMG_0887.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Growing tomatoes in a short growing season like Wisconsin is always tough because most of them don't have the time to ripen before frost. But this year, nothing went to waste, for I even picked my green tomatoes! I made Fried Green Tomatoes for the first time and I couldn't believe how delicious they were. I followed this recipe <a href="https://www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com/fried-green-tomatoes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNwvIGZLLZosdAdf8zegIk1O38hd8PKibz0UOIn0zmrTjVjM1uz_cLpk7Na3TFOiM7bzql3fJj-CiZjlLyaKpEngFdUvAbLdFFKCWvoCQx5i_lNLDmZvVJMs3VPqWs0I-ZPkIx-wyFpRHJn-fqhfxGImOmTJEb20yMdK6lVBlulvEl7FrKnCIKG1wpTPj/s4032/IMG_1126.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNwvIGZLLZosdAdf8zegIk1O38hd8PKibz0UOIn0zmrTjVjM1uz_cLpk7Na3TFOiM7bzql3fJj-CiZjlLyaKpEngFdUvAbLdFFKCWvoCQx5i_lNLDmZvVJMs3VPqWs0I-ZPkIx-wyFpRHJn-fqhfxGImOmTJEb20yMdK6lVBlulvEl7FrKnCIKG1wpTPj/w480-h640/IMG_1126.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-H6cbHUZLEmnrACa8v8KRyDvE4Ra6TS5gy0TqtA19qrW351pEOT1RqC8lW32zUrWfVB8DWcrvkua6_f4o8F1Fid001noWVGWjKTacBPteB29Z-5lViDtMFkCkMIZMgE9Y-zadx_2B96pW6bKda-jY_yXzmq1iyucbcwiyi22SEJN1LoADJdV1R4ulQSuO/s4032/IMG_1127.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-H6cbHUZLEmnrACa8v8KRyDvE4Ra6TS5gy0TqtA19qrW351pEOT1RqC8lW32zUrWfVB8DWcrvkua6_f4o8F1Fid001noWVGWjKTacBPteB29Z-5lViDtMFkCkMIZMgE9Y-zadx_2B96pW6bKda-jY_yXzmq1iyucbcwiyi22SEJN1LoADJdV1R4ulQSuO/w480-h640/IMG_1127.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatWuObGQ5eMUDwpWcNZUMC4AVi5dC4PJriPzZVmp0tpmx-RjlMLGdDnK4P058GT2w82zIheOW5eS2zSCsSkfLm-g8EPRp7YOvmynEwJdKBPQH76MhpQK-ifszVZq5b-6dyEZXjnFh1e71okJeYy6vd62ELvjG-68z3VT3K4uezhH-b54ixF89ZMwrkDvc/s4032/IMG_1128.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatWuObGQ5eMUDwpWcNZUMC4AVi5dC4PJriPzZVmp0tpmx-RjlMLGdDnK4P058GT2w82zIheOW5eS2zSCsSkfLm-g8EPRp7YOvmynEwJdKBPQH76MhpQK-ifszVZq5b-6dyEZXjnFh1e71okJeYy6vd62ELvjG-68z3VT3K4uezhH-b54ixF89ZMwrkDvc/w480-h640/IMG_1128.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also canned them to use in recipes which use Salsa Verde. This was a lot more work than canning regular tomatoes for the skins of green tomatoes don't come off easily, but I'm glad I did it because it felt to know that nothing went to waste in my garden. I followed this recipe <a href="https://www.growforagecookferment.com/green-tomato-salsa-verde/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgz-XE7hyoIGCF6vTuBO9w6In08Btqu8oG0XbpB4H_7jhrOdiSOS_ahMH9tLvK_fO1P_wFE33jJsaH4eajt_Jp8mn6eq-B30i9DgQ5h42zlW1FPbC3V4ZFUhGeFLpmG_BSyVpCGoJALevnuQSRTGnrDMnIeKMOrkGaZ2yAB3IiZGdt31Qecyt9xzZyNNw/s4032/IMG_1494.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgz-XE7hyoIGCF6vTuBO9w6In08Btqu8oG0XbpB4H_7jhrOdiSOS_ahMH9tLvK_fO1P_wFE33jJsaH4eajt_Jp8mn6eq-B30i9DgQ5h42zlW1FPbC3V4ZFUhGeFLpmG_BSyVpCGoJALevnuQSRTGnrDMnIeKMOrkGaZ2yAB3IiZGdt31Qecyt9xzZyNNw/w480-h640/IMG_1494.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, I have to share my new Amazon purchase that I just love: a decorative, yet practical kitchen compost bin! I can't tell you how much I love this! Prior to owning this, I kept my compost inside a coffee tin in the refrigerator. It was such a pain to pull it out every time I had to dump food scrapes in it. This Amazon compost bin sits attractively in my kitchen and it includes a charcoal filter so it never smells. It's pretty, easy to use, and so much more practical than a coffee tin. You can find it <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WR2YQSK?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_title&th=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl0FmXDMp6hfzHrOXUGcB7w-bSq2uaE-E7K5SJ4uSqawI-J5WQF-ODSsvMg9kW9tzqPyUzN8iE287T35GQV_NZwet77V_lY-qHSQQjWxdtyyTU0n32c_NfqqWKy0FasYoGPC8wp4E6_PMxBica1psM_q3d8aqy4bZt5iYdz7eTNi3_FYqCinr8JSfMj76/s4032/IMG_0864.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl0FmXDMp6hfzHrOXUGcB7w-bSq2uaE-E7K5SJ4uSqawI-J5WQF-ODSsvMg9kW9tzqPyUzN8iE287T35GQV_NZwet77V_lY-qHSQQjWxdtyyTU0n32c_NfqqWKy0FasYoGPC8wp4E6_PMxBica1psM_q3d8aqy4bZt5iYdz7eTNi3_FYqCinr8JSfMj76/w480-h640/IMG_0864.jpeg" width="480" /></a><p></p><p><br /></p><p>And now, be sure to watch these short videos of the Tri-Colored Mum, how I dry my oregano, and see all the squash I had growing on my fence!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PMvpQb_Xa7Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="PMvpQb_Xa7Q"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3EwUK8LPB2w" width="320" youtube-src-id="3EwUK8LPB2w"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U7Vb3j-fmvc" width="320" youtube-src-id="U7Vb3j-fmvc"></iframe></div><br /> Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span><p></p><p>Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-86222232806003270202023-11-08T00:00:00.002-06:002023-11-12T06:25:52.169-06:00Things to Do in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, Michigan <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">This is the first post of a new travel series to Michigan's Upper Peninsula!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am so happy to finally be able to share our spring vacation! We took a trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula last May but because of summer gardening chores, I never had the time to write about it till now. I guess it really doesn't matter if I'm late in sharing it, because if you were planning a trip there next summer, you now have all winter to plan it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michigan's Upper Peninsula is only about eight hours from my house, but we've never been to this part of the UP before. You know how when you plan a vacation it doesn't seem like a REAL vacation unless it's far away? That's me! I always felt we had to get in our car and drive for days to see something really beautiful and exciting. But I'm discovering more and more there are a lot of gems much closer to home, and Michigan's UP is one of them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo698w0PdgHyCaIX_5lOzxKMmiTS7BkhM-3LvNULRpt9FH59ILGZ8-1PKw4rEjZD_xFID0wkqEQVuTuGpZGh5r56JzFEVc1oJbkCvOXxGQWToU2vKyS1X16XD8Iw6tJIUBCYMRXpnPbFZoZtRH2uGJmbXYehdUljPUWw-CuFLU2gkHQMnHJPp_94GugzJ/s4032/IMG_8361.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo698w0PdgHyCaIX_5lOzxKMmiTS7BkhM-3LvNULRpt9FH59ILGZ8-1PKw4rEjZD_xFID0wkqEQVuTuGpZGh5r56JzFEVc1oJbkCvOXxGQWToU2vKyS1X16XD8Iw6tJIUBCYMRXpnPbFZoZtRH2uGJmbXYehdUljPUWw-CuFLU2gkHQMnHJPp_94GugzJ/w640-h480/IMG_8361.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Ignace Marina<br /><br />For the first few days of our trip, we stayed in St. Ignace. We got a great hotel right on Lake Huron. The name of the hotel is "Best Western Harbor Pointe Lakefront". I highly recommend it. The rooms are so spacious and the service was excellent.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInj5fmNscg9xqKjSXuVEkG3uuW1TBr29WR6gJs6PHLTNdHVqYVyq4qizr_BhTlUF7xxa9vNo60ko1FZKXTUt9fYww4XRHItdrlyf3jVlGAh9y7wadulGan371_23bn9udm7Wed_FIFtV_M-6gVouzXDlwzDYluc2aYLEiPFD5QBAEp9_7iPh9IliDmnCP/s4032/IMG_8116.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInj5fmNscg9xqKjSXuVEkG3uuW1TBr29WR6gJs6PHLTNdHVqYVyq4qizr_BhTlUF7xxa9vNo60ko1FZKXTUt9fYww4XRHItdrlyf3jVlGAh9y7wadulGan371_23bn9udm7Wed_FIFtV_M-6gVouzXDlwzDYluc2aYLEiPFD5QBAEp9_7iPh9IliDmnCP/w640-h480/IMG_8116.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We loved being able to walk right off our patio and have the lake only a few feet away. At night, the hotel has a huge bonfire with s'mores.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT655SckN-xvpsZUE4PmgwlHN4jVFDn86puRVREEjMiXPJfMmeAEnKn6O83xG6pu-zJ3hlQUoqiyA-65rVgluJx4AawtHnCh52NQ_prG-zx63UuqCs0ShdnjLSoLxqSX2R_owq4PaGXDMtCNkJvuTyBQihiJmX7gJ0Gc3AlqSXJPCBVVTV-UHiSAkFwmrk/s4032/IMG_8118.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT655SckN-xvpsZUE4PmgwlHN4jVFDn86puRVREEjMiXPJfMmeAEnKn6O83xG6pu-zJ3hlQUoqiyA-65rVgluJx4AawtHnCh52NQ_prG-zx63UuqCs0ShdnjLSoLxqSX2R_owq4PaGXDMtCNkJvuTyBQihiJmX7gJ0Gc3AlqSXJPCBVVTV-UHiSAkFwmrk/w480-h640/IMG_8118.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course we had to walk right down to the beach as soon as we dropped our luggage off. We were amazed we could see Mackinaw Island in the distance.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSVYMYLqQ_GmFJmc_DXKIdWZSrxUwXVYBO30jOXfgXeH0F8iRQHSUOzeprCi1IG7OIe8Hep_nkFsWz1NudbEfhNO916E6Ot1MKeAnsE6z6n3xx9HxktgTTr7iNOL3L3b0Qqpvu1wL_HCaPk0YGft9yfq46CSlOn47zIWSS-U6K3FJB0cjZO4Cf6Ra3IE2/s4032/IMG_8131.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSVYMYLqQ_GmFJmc_DXKIdWZSrxUwXVYBO30jOXfgXeH0F8iRQHSUOzeprCi1IG7OIe8Hep_nkFsWz1NudbEfhNO916E6Ot1MKeAnsE6z6n3xx9HxktgTTr7iNOL3L3b0Qqpvu1wL_HCaPk0YGft9yfq46CSlOn47zIWSS-U6K3FJB0cjZO4Cf6Ra3IE2/w640-h480/IMG_8131.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmVysnemq0ILrGr-6rVp2ZhGyymG5bv3YY3S3s293GJF33h2J8mZred-5G-Em4_oXJoDj4fKN-G_Z2y4x-6DUvex3ocmTR7xx8hJLwLWkF4doCrdqVq0nCmRvSQIdZmCOpMLTaK1_3ykSGFy9m9dBGWotiEF2tjiAmfOW8C-mSSYBVZ8iEsu0EYzXg_EB/s4032/IMG_8142.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmVysnemq0ILrGr-6rVp2ZhGyymG5bv3YY3S3s293GJF33h2J8mZred-5G-Em4_oXJoDj4fKN-G_Z2y4x-6DUvex3ocmTR7xx8hJLwLWkF4doCrdqVq0nCmRvSQIdZmCOpMLTaK1_3ykSGFy9m9dBGWotiEF2tjiAmfOW8C-mSSYBVZ8iEsu0EYzXg_EB/w480-h640/IMG_8142.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next morning we woke up super early so we could watch the sunrise. It was so beautiful! I loved watching the seagulls fly in the sky!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVzDKpcy8JOTdc8mzflwtbv5mhu_l03Gg3O3P8ssttvfEMMm4w0SrgzDx82vYbQ9syBzYzKtAIl9VNvtMutFPEZsPsAw6m0ihlRSH8xTvkyE-JuZc7IxwOMP8U2p34TL9nJsPJSaFoyVK6z8DT6PXUscHWipvp0qlbs-yFGy_7qiX4flpCmaEt1nNZcNJ/s4032/IMG_8151.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVzDKpcy8JOTdc8mzflwtbv5mhu_l03Gg3O3P8ssttvfEMMm4w0SrgzDx82vYbQ9syBzYzKtAIl9VNvtMutFPEZsPsAw6m0ihlRSH8xTvkyE-JuZc7IxwOMP8U2p34TL9nJsPJSaFoyVK6z8DT6PXUscHWipvp0qlbs-yFGy_7qiX4flpCmaEt1nNZcNJ/w640-h480/IMG_8151.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuGvpSXY9RuvBtFM1esUbTpb6X1YQPQKI3e-BCKrBobtpdT2vgs1nMgBom5KfwOk_3cYNQHNgiQRuc5ETm8QlpeJZZG9-OWqP_diFeg5QZ5wqoViRZskDhv5Uh7_eUekPq5mbi2OKjwrDsbppLZ71WuUdOMUP9ZTPMSPWofboQ9lGvQuGL7fjOwO84T8V/s4032/IMG_8155.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuGvpSXY9RuvBtFM1esUbTpb6X1YQPQKI3e-BCKrBobtpdT2vgs1nMgBom5KfwOk_3cYNQHNgiQRuc5ETm8QlpeJZZG9-OWqP_diFeg5QZ5wqoViRZskDhv5Uh7_eUekPq5mbi2OKjwrDsbppLZ71WuUdOMUP9ZTPMSPWofboQ9lGvQuGL7fjOwO84T8V/w640-h480/IMG_8155.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS54qA5QHLdz_qnZXqZrbcUtRSmgGZd9Bx5ee61EjQzEvx7l6j5mlbZh3G8u-WrIlgUiUG7nIkMFxzIHwg9B7EVH9NoM-rpQIO5w2zzbWkOEYNHSt10eHNnfLCDwtcpbTc5lCOGUbOXFsQ_MrjPf8qdR6djPQzGlBZl9mhyphenhyphenDrXqQeujtRyk9vsQekj4Tk0/s4032/IMG_8212.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS54qA5QHLdz_qnZXqZrbcUtRSmgGZd9Bx5ee61EjQzEvx7l6j5mlbZh3G8u-WrIlgUiUG7nIkMFxzIHwg9B7EVH9NoM-rpQIO5w2zzbWkOEYNHSt10eHNnfLCDwtcpbTc5lCOGUbOXFsQ_MrjPf8qdR6djPQzGlBZl9mhyphenhyphenDrXqQeujtRyk9vsQekj4Tk0/w480-h640/IMG_8212.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After catching the sunrise, we changed clothes and went out for breakfast. The hotel offers a really good free breakfast, which we enjoyed the next day, but hubby wanted to check out "The Wild Blueberry Breakfast and Bakery". It's a small, cute little breakfast nook with food that is out-of-this-world!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahDNvQvvbouOSO-Uak2r63QhMLUmHYyib1XB7e7a0BIL8yK9ssreL4iSHsonhJBF2pvjkoRQutY1YGh_6465FrUCtxdh5BgJzMWItZTwqjcDRQwu140OfxX2hN6U6b7O1vujJ10e9v7wQBSrU_WtlNavFRPFmkS4asr72zUoa7Iw2g-eLCeI76Ns_pgZG/s4032/IMG_8219.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahDNvQvvbouOSO-Uak2r63QhMLUmHYyib1XB7e7a0BIL8yK9ssreL4iSHsonhJBF2pvjkoRQutY1YGh_6465FrUCtxdh5BgJzMWItZTwqjcDRQwu140OfxX2hN6U6b7O1vujJ10e9v7wQBSrU_WtlNavFRPFmkS4asr72zUoa7Iw2g-eLCeI76Ns_pgZG/w480-h640/IMG_8219.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We planned to spend the first day exploring Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. We decided since we were staying in St. Ignace to check out Mackinaw City first. To get there, we had to cross a very long bridge. Mackinaw City bridge is a suspension bridge that connects the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula. It spans the Straits of Mackinac, a body of water connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. It is the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world. It is five miles long, and takes about six minutes to cross it. I thought I would be terrified crossing this bridge, but it is such a gentle slope upward it wasn't scary at all...even though the towers stand 554 feet above the water!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvKh7tlbOA2in5cndVYARe6fOhwdjus-MkonLak_4-wHJl0mcgWWGVsRUBFyBC9uooIhb01yGpH5xK7DM7JUTD7UBWCeFjUgQJ6FdSEId_mbeo3nQyZOYhtyQEnJHRdSVydiOpdhJLImOFv74p0IAXqinKqCcc9h6BMM4agWzgWn6BrnnweobbkU7C_eo/s4032/IMG_8224.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvKh7tlbOA2in5cndVYARe6fOhwdjus-MkonLak_4-wHJl0mcgWWGVsRUBFyBC9uooIhb01yGpH5xK7DM7JUTD7UBWCeFjUgQJ6FdSEId_mbeo3nQyZOYhtyQEnJHRdSVydiOpdhJLImOFv74p0IAXqinKqCcc9h6BMM4agWzgWn6BrnnweobbkU7C_eo/w480-h640/IMG_8224.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once we crossed the bridge, our first stop was right at the foot of the bridge: "Michilimakinac State Park"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zZ11wWD77IBku2gSDf29Odge1QkgM0luBleojuzQJWkvVFMKA_NydyFneO_KdqY2G34pquf0vT8sm_3jhg0JT3Eo2q9JNjlH4oAL_Na1hyphenhyphenLHkRX0GM2WHroSqND_h_s_nErBkzh5dRZzdnXy4HP5HyzOG0KBnWyIP-gQYq5eDbWPlpGGpW1_MnB97RA1/s4032/IMG_8227.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zZ11wWD77IBku2gSDf29Odge1QkgM0luBleojuzQJWkvVFMKA_NydyFneO_KdqY2G34pquf0vT8sm_3jhg0JT3Eo2q9JNjlH4oAL_Na1hyphenhyphenLHkRX0GM2WHroSqND_h_s_nErBkzh5dRZzdnXy4HP5HyzOG0KBnWyIP-gQYq5eDbWPlpGGpW1_MnB97RA1/w480-h640/IMG_8227.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this park there is a reconstructed fort, a lighthouse, and a lovely trail with views of the Mackinac Bridge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QocS3hWpOVoKzIlw9x3bYPHiWGmjPULOB1CjE_uq7tZK_j-r8vtHcCunfBfN2WSmqs02U6T1HY8MCT7IWjJLzQ1OIaQrU9nno1kpeiEI1ZpUbWj_KItj9U5ExjMwUyHIP3_TToqrhgQHfaYA1fF3QIWatxxrhyDQ6FUOgOs-lAyREVZsRzCP1CkLto68/s4032/IMG_8228.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QocS3hWpOVoKzIlw9x3bYPHiWGmjPULOB1CjE_uq7tZK_j-r8vtHcCunfBfN2WSmqs02U6T1HY8MCT7IWjJLzQ1OIaQrU9nno1kpeiEI1ZpUbWj_KItj9U5ExjMwUyHIP3_TToqrhgQHfaYA1fF3QIWatxxrhyDQ6FUOgOs-lAyREVZsRzCP1CkLto68/w480-h640/IMG_8228.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both the lighthouse and fort require separate admission tickets. We didn't go in either and just enjoyed walking around the grounds. I wasn't that interested in seeing a reconstructed fort, I've seen so many ruins of real forts in my lifetime I enjoyed so much more, and we just went inside Split Rock Lighthouse on Minnesota's North Shore last fall.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVefIpXjeaHZV4mV2711DzKf7UJVXWchHTnLy59i9T3To3HdEMr25w0Z19yoNUV75vG9U4In98WMP8RR4X5nWYtyZVWhJfuAuVKcKtauPLPJVD0UWykcoLqxql42bEFDeIxcre1qB1pjZTejEqMs0dhCfgqNRXb1ufFUYHRCQF3rykEnDUDOopSqp7ME5/s4032/IMG_8239.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVefIpXjeaHZV4mV2711DzKf7UJVXWchHTnLy59i9T3To3HdEMr25w0Z19yoNUV75vG9U4In98WMP8RR4X5nWYtyZVWhJfuAuVKcKtauPLPJVD0UWykcoLqxql42bEFDeIxcre1qB1pjZTejEqMs0dhCfgqNRXb1ufFUYHRCQF3rykEnDUDOopSqp7ME5/w480-h640/IMG_8239.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjarexEm3KDFWn6smJWQIzAQOrFSsRuUXUd8fFiF73jENnPaSQHKZGUMHW4OmsXVI3fWgBBsnJLATL5XdegDJ-byZL_6UgUT9sPZB5UsiqT_iVyIwklMHcbHyHAyaFiRMj4PQNb37CE55l7ryy0oghp0fqXbx3upVxqdCUFPFFVpLT3ewSTXZLNfI0YWnU/s4032/IMG_8240.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjarexEm3KDFWn6smJWQIzAQOrFSsRuUXUd8fFiF73jENnPaSQHKZGUMHW4OmsXVI3fWgBBsnJLATL5XdegDJ-byZL_6UgUT9sPZB5UsiqT_iVyIwklMHcbHyHAyaFiRMj4PQNb37CE55l7ryy0oghp0fqXbx3upVxqdCUFPFFVpLT3ewSTXZLNfI0YWnU/w640-h480/IMG_8240.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc5M79Dq4FRgYWBok6aTVs6VDeE58TUaocPY07cwDu3QYzdIxlXs_vR1SVHXEUYLDrPnOCGmrXT68tjOrcGSJWzPgwQHdyi-72KqTVsNYNUcleAHQ62sPCteeN9SaUPpfkQVia13aaV6ICUwWH8YmfaKjQ0svz5XX8uBLNDbcbZF3Icv3E9_EcalsA7WZ/s4032/IMG_8241.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc5M79Dq4FRgYWBok6aTVs6VDeE58TUaocPY07cwDu3QYzdIxlXs_vR1SVHXEUYLDrPnOCGmrXT68tjOrcGSJWzPgwQHdyi-72KqTVsNYNUcleAHQ62sPCteeN9SaUPpfkQVia13aaV6ICUwWH8YmfaKjQ0svz5XX8uBLNDbcbZF3Icv3E9_EcalsA7WZ/w480-h640/IMG_8241.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVL0EZQHQAbdhBjLY0xY7Ax6UlexLow4OyroEqhalGgpo9eEkbeZQ-VpDfxxWYCsRtH7L4m4rWVnkuMJn7yo8O6WuBXfoI9EC8d5L9FYBIQQpzwXWKn4OvePDozxuxid-uwgOLFkH8kszsRpwfOROz4hCtW3L59SPoIMZU2XQ1fUZT6TzR42GYux04JL_L/s4032/IMG_8243.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVL0EZQHQAbdhBjLY0xY7Ax6UlexLow4OyroEqhalGgpo9eEkbeZQ-VpDfxxWYCsRtH7L4m4rWVnkuMJn7yo8O6WuBXfoI9EC8d5L9FYBIQQpzwXWKn4OvePDozxuxid-uwgOLFkH8kszsRpwfOROz4hCtW3L59SPoIMZU2XQ1fUZT6TzR42GYux04JL_L/w640-h480/IMG_8243.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the most photographed spot in Mackinaw City. Everyone comes here to have their photo taken with the famous Mackinac Bridge behind them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Tbah31J9QW8kX4U7Jc9FSsOef9iSoH3JRiqI-SVxLAEcHky45dMeEhY9cbbHPZFNRd3MX_8GIspklh8CQJ96q93My8DyPKeoLdQWH6hnliVrTmh2YseMADybEiepdn0JkS0-HcPzclRwBmVaU5A82x_IyMCgvkXKfBe7LQ-RsAM4AzQbOPJn2pdCrXVI/s4032/IMG_8247.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Tbah31J9QW8kX4U7Jc9FSsOef9iSoH3JRiqI-SVxLAEcHky45dMeEhY9cbbHPZFNRd3MX_8GIspklh8CQJ96q93My8DyPKeoLdQWH6hnliVrTmh2YseMADybEiepdn0JkS0-HcPzclRwBmVaU5A82x_IyMCgvkXKfBe7LQ-RsAM4AzQbOPJn2pdCrXVI/w480-h640/IMG_8247.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPihCNfdIUZiqN6M8AkKZo1h8LodalrgMuninGYhPKgssoQsgG1826HPc-L4IxwpV7vM_G2iZDlUXaBqqDR7RJlqHiEop4Dt9XTUTuBmHB1zp4qD5ej34_-FJ19EAtBST2_JslvBRdZfqQO9faa39CqBbni1AniCQDEkw7ej8F_TH7eELfSMHvEMv9dak8/s4032/IMG_8250.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPihCNfdIUZiqN6M8AkKZo1h8LodalrgMuninGYhPKgssoQsgG1826HPc-L4IxwpV7vM_G2iZDlUXaBqqDR7RJlqHiEop4Dt9XTUTuBmHB1zp4qD5ej34_-FJ19EAtBST2_JslvBRdZfqQO9faa39CqBbni1AniCQDEkw7ej8F_TH7eELfSMHvEMv9dak8/w640-h480/IMG_8250.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Traveling in spring is always nice because you get to see so many baby animals...like these baby geese! I couldn't believe how many there were!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmx85rhrISEnBDbcrh5KUF4-ZGOXQ_tZ3gOsL5SLNrqwYabcqPqHTVlmtTPOO7KmGBHo48OgCHtX75YspCDFytpb83vvfX5dhpu4W6aIhc5PkuJjTG11ONDWCWmAMYC_yWtvh9shw4SMtZjqsbn0LQKbAqu4OuhCbYUG4IwGaGkhIiwOxIt2_0_IWNkju/s4032/IMG_8255.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmx85rhrISEnBDbcrh5KUF4-ZGOXQ_tZ3gOsL5SLNrqwYabcqPqHTVlmtTPOO7KmGBHo48OgCHtX75YspCDFytpb83vvfX5dhpu4W6aIhc5PkuJjTG11ONDWCWmAMYC_yWtvh9shw4SMtZjqsbn0LQKbAqu4OuhCbYUG4IwGaGkhIiwOxIt2_0_IWNkju/w640-h480/IMG_8255.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next we jumped back in our car and drove six minutes to see "Mill Creek Discovery Park". This is a great educational park to take kids. The employees dress in period costume and give demonstrations of how the early settlers lived.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-dB61CxUItfWFj1RtGq3duGFZL19CJazALrA2-bJYaxqj1Tp38KLjkEyyG4NhM5GgTgUhTEjsh6qfl9ZfnZtasXT4x8J5Cyn68fdK0hF3_rZe3uxAXMCdL7-uLhuv85fow5j8sl2eXUIfGGhv7oRsygTOLl89a7B9fFNNyRpZr6GzhXWMqKv-MIZ7Bu2/s4032/IMG_8264.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-dB61CxUItfWFj1RtGq3duGFZL19CJazALrA2-bJYaxqj1Tp38KLjkEyyG4NhM5GgTgUhTEjsh6qfl9ZfnZtasXT4x8J5Cyn68fdK0hF3_rZe3uxAXMCdL7-uLhuv85fow5j8sl2eXUIfGGhv7oRsygTOLl89a7B9fFNNyRpZr6GzhXWMqKv-MIZ7Bu2/w480-h640/IMG_8264.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are a few short trails in the park, but we only took one hike because the mosquitoes were unbearable! We weren't expecting mosquitoes in May, and all the locals said it was highly unusual. Thank goodness there was a Dollar General in town where we could stop and pick up some bug spray.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EOeqE_CJZf-FaFiz3DXHJ54VBrRgamDV63e1fzpdSI2E2JS80QdcZQ_7I_cCt2YZmejcpol2qKW8d58t6KlRVVMIaC94Sg2oSAnKJhAEgSNvXlCzNpq9FGaITTGqKt071MPEz8XlDgSt9LgPFWdKzqXLMfWrvCft42HSsgjOb13zpXytCWRlm0MAZqK7/s4032/IMG_8265.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EOeqE_CJZf-FaFiz3DXHJ54VBrRgamDV63e1fzpdSI2E2JS80QdcZQ_7I_cCt2YZmejcpol2qKW8d58t6KlRVVMIaC94Sg2oSAnKJhAEgSNvXlCzNpq9FGaITTGqKt071MPEz8XlDgSt9LgPFWdKzqXLMfWrvCft42HSsgjOb13zpXytCWRlm0MAZqK7/w480-h640/IMG_8265.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The reconstructed town is situated on a quaint pond called "Mill Pond".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaB7oqiehgNl1PXMUVdlufSUCR4XDtKqx7DHKEF2Qlj8hyphenhyphenMhFcSRFT1GHs_JZ50awGp_V0m-d3T229Dt7iFtAc1GV0NjTwdkj4asSDjoCTYizr97B622I3sM6PBFbTlcUrENe7z3TNz4kEs0OrO5j7fGstBFvIhmMnSZKy7g5lSXKphdlB2L1qmG1q2Ui/s4032/IMG_8269.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaB7oqiehgNl1PXMUVdlufSUCR4XDtKqx7DHKEF2Qlj8hyphenhyphenMhFcSRFT1GHs_JZ50awGp_V0m-d3T229Dt7iFtAc1GV0NjTwdkj4asSDjoCTYizr97B622I3sM6PBFbTlcUrENe7z3TNz4kEs0OrO5j7fGstBFvIhmMnSZKy7g5lSXKphdlB2L1qmG1q2Ui/w480-h640/IMG_8269.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An early settler's home...the millwright's house.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIy5XgBMrQ8kLfOWfIatzVG3HTujaiRl_hx5DBv7XIEZExGu0HCX_hxYa1-XsNBYMgtsUhfAU1xmIuCVpcfASsPeY7har5IGhLey4vWjTDaJg6RrlD3PZXVdxSQtW3-L2nbXKikfvIX5-_Qy0ZhbB82nBEi8a-msgXHrbtEHrrK5yL5ATFA5Yb3-LoSUk/s4032/IMG_8272.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIy5XgBMrQ8kLfOWfIatzVG3HTujaiRl_hx5DBv7XIEZExGu0HCX_hxYa1-XsNBYMgtsUhfAU1xmIuCVpcfASsPeY7har5IGhLey4vWjTDaJg6RrlD3PZXVdxSQtW3-L2nbXKikfvIX5-_Qy0ZhbB82nBEi8a-msgXHrbtEHrrK5yL5ATFA5Yb3-LoSUk/w640-h480/IMG_8272.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS_9Y-0L4dTCV152ipeyHmT16CdNWd2x6NEFM2KkoNRAatyCE4o0CpMOfs6DBRFmrsdKpub79qv3eyXjYNRMIheISK973wXq7mvmqRfqB52HzaLy0Mx-p2wHNRvb0DCKHaL8pT9IWsUHB4W5lBogco_C-19QPCO-QBMZtQE-Fs5P8FzVYBpSaU-cKlEdL/s4032/IMG_8273.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS_9Y-0L4dTCV152ipeyHmT16CdNWd2x6NEFM2KkoNRAatyCE4o0CpMOfs6DBRFmrsdKpub79qv3eyXjYNRMIheISK973wXq7mvmqRfqB52HzaLy0Mx-p2wHNRvb0DCKHaL8pT9IWsUHB4W5lBogco_C-19QPCO-QBMZtQE-Fs5P8FzVYBpSaU-cKlEdL/w640-h480/IMG_8273.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>We watched several different demonstrations given by this man...he sure earns his salary! He demonstrates how they shaved bark off logs and cuts it into boards. Be sure to watch some of the videos I included at the end of the post.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRFchn4hBrFE-7kMf6Ro7y3EqitJwkW_YehNbI0R-BBo8XOR-KDJ-DZoT7DJe7oc3ooL5WYBqKpgqTO2icrMRitLRkpTDJXDaiDhdoTdB1nF6Oxcaf9QYWJVqnGOI6RhQW-Qf2-y1vnfiK3DHy13zOORnj2D_b24ptWmjiopJSsSXUczr4zJBimTDqB64/s4032/IMG_8274.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRFchn4hBrFE-7kMf6Ro7y3EqitJwkW_YehNbI0R-BBo8XOR-KDJ-DZoT7DJe7oc3ooL5WYBqKpgqTO2icrMRitLRkpTDJXDaiDhdoTdB1nF6Oxcaf9QYWJVqnGOI6RhQW-Qf2-y1vnfiK3DHy13zOORnj2D_b24ptWmjiopJSsSXUczr4zJBimTDqB64/w480-h640/IMG_8274.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3H9m-lL9-utfa9Tc_nWwe-vsH77m9alFRqUcxjbjdsP8M7CDR-hYaDdKubbDlyCyp8mtiDlXjWg-WELv4wgSfR6k2n6Egid8AyooLhZTDWsbRPoxd37gD3Rb2qO4aCVC6ktciqbA3iOzSC8JdvKz_TfvAVrCKrso_PS5De4jbDvYR4J0c6zbLUI48505/s4032/IMG_8279.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3H9m-lL9-utfa9Tc_nWwe-vsH77m9alFRqUcxjbjdsP8M7CDR-hYaDdKubbDlyCyp8mtiDlXjWg-WELv4wgSfR6k2n6Egid8AyooLhZTDWsbRPoxd37gD3Rb2qO4aCVC6ktciqbA3iOzSC8JdvKz_TfvAVrCKrso_PS5De4jbDvYR4J0c6zbLUI48505/w640-h480/IMG_8279.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A water powered sawmill. You watch the demonstration both from the inside and outside. You go inside the sawmill first to see the log being cut into a board, then you walk outside across the bridge to view how water is used to fuel the mill.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtThAjeoYIbnY0uBhDRawH7kxfi9vZ8BL__bnreWUAU2DzBxX7fEMwWNNxXm3xe_sbnsY6ZFnBI7hkuUaFa3uTxCm7ep2gW9fQismtQ7bhv8dw4w5hgBVobGdlU5Nrq15hg5A-p184Xs3fNSpsKuIMHkPMv1gKzNtmEJHPehOkg48x_49tRoG3mdSs1QlX/s4032/IMG_8281.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtThAjeoYIbnY0uBhDRawH7kxfi9vZ8BL__bnreWUAU2DzBxX7fEMwWNNxXm3xe_sbnsY6ZFnBI7hkuUaFa3uTxCm7ep2gW9fQismtQ7bhv8dw4w5hgBVobGdlU5Nrq15hg5A-p184Xs3fNSpsKuIMHkPMv1gKzNtmEJHPehOkg48x_49tRoG3mdSs1QlX/w480-h640/IMG_8281.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLBSnJ0mWLRu9WXfchSc9upamG1L9cTOLOFAzUoiTiHrM4vCit9Hw5b6-7kebubPT1GehyVJ41dmrYZjm7R6dAYDp6z8IHiI53kn9hdrYqSIXMQd-xX7idscDJm0qFhYwvy3wYBldOueDkGa1U2QU4Nd6MV-_7rrDcRF4-0p3EQCfR0zOmEzVCnPa0shs/s4032/IMG_8282.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLBSnJ0mWLRu9WXfchSc9upamG1L9cTOLOFAzUoiTiHrM4vCit9Hw5b6-7kebubPT1GehyVJ41dmrYZjm7R6dAYDp6z8IHiI53kn9hdrYqSIXMQd-xX7idscDJm0qFhYwvy3wYBldOueDkGa1U2QU4Nd6MV-_7rrDcRF4-0p3EQCfR0zOmEzVCnPa0shs/w640-h480/IMG_8282.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHc3g6hh2SdBK2iiASQXX-g95gVidoD-1yWupVPOxkxeTwiGaRNnZ9tT3YTR8w0Z2dpegDrRN0gPRdfwSWHCJtHEJJi0wD3qhyueF48zW7oi2p9DLoonbGxQxhWYZ8XaIhTjDA4nRfgJKBlw5cqGz57iy8xPBu0JzxP2hlmQYOQKihHXet6VHdtJDSPJH/s4032/IMG_8286.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHc3g6hh2SdBK2iiASQXX-g95gVidoD-1yWupVPOxkxeTwiGaRNnZ9tT3YTR8w0Z2dpegDrRN0gPRdfwSWHCJtHEJJi0wD3qhyueF48zW7oi2p9DLoonbGxQxhWYZ8XaIhTjDA4nRfgJKBlw5cqGz57iy8xPBu0JzxP2hlmQYOQKihHXet6VHdtJDSPJH/w480-h640/IMG_8286.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After watching all the demonstrations, we headed out towards the Mill Pond Trail Loop. I was ecstatic to see Trilliums in bloom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcGn3aKiUvJDy2KgFJuDLwGzP3A7uznk_SaZtNgkJze8kJilKwTY48DcX6uA3SsCXqUMPbXFuj0DSu6_lqdDlGmbucqQY2EN0GQBAOtxnVTjLg0vp_jGEAbrOVyx5r2T7qHAnEWPE3Ubc9khSkHKlm3NbRBN7jnz1gGqQvIaazeEAX80Ok9PVQAox7nrY/s4032/IMG_8289.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcGn3aKiUvJDy2KgFJuDLwGzP3A7uznk_SaZtNgkJze8kJilKwTY48DcX6uA3SsCXqUMPbXFuj0DSu6_lqdDlGmbucqQY2EN0GQBAOtxnVTjLg0vp_jGEAbrOVyx5r2T7qHAnEWPE3Ubc9khSkHKlm3NbRBN7jnz1gGqQvIaazeEAX80Ok9PVQAox7nrY/w480-h640/IMG_8289.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We climbed the "Treetop Discovery Tower" to get these views!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GigzpmaZ9gy2GPb95h6j48P0G-T6EUzMLCAhjWPKGD1MmvCaqN1DOyitq18jG1InsDpAIMUO3Uw9ZGanL5WDEyPH159Fnn6em9ogmRvI08D7g3J7QwTgrAwrk9IJCCi2yet7NsZScM9JvenRDU74_hkeMWyl36TYotnWHzE9O9SujhiNMpS7RlFmuF3w/s4032/IMG_8293.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GigzpmaZ9gy2GPb95h6j48P0G-T6EUzMLCAhjWPKGD1MmvCaqN1DOyitq18jG1InsDpAIMUO3Uw9ZGanL5WDEyPH159Fnn6em9ogmRvI08D7g3J7QwTgrAwrk9IJCCi2yet7NsZScM9JvenRDU74_hkeMWyl36TYotnWHzE9O9SujhiNMpS7RlFmuF3w/w640-h480/IMG_8293.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNz4XrVwHozCxPJNkbRysfJX3XRGeJeeNzqABCN_vARYiYx-NyfB0-_SCEzB8wOFFXWXLCn_z_CJpfR9bl40gmPZitVrRTBnxbJCGYDFaFBEgYIgJp-_602u7YZLwQDyH3xcEIYJxEzrbBxwlnPIR8RFaQOGZo7feC3n0B-lPsNiuDXMS7Q72rX8gAElW/s4032/IMG_8296.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNz4XrVwHozCxPJNkbRysfJX3XRGeJeeNzqABCN_vARYiYx-NyfB0-_SCEzB8wOFFXWXLCn_z_CJpfR9bl40gmPZitVrRTBnxbJCGYDFaFBEgYIgJp-_602u7YZLwQDyH3xcEIYJxEzrbBxwlnPIR8RFaQOGZo7feC3n0B-lPsNiuDXMS7Q72rX8gAElW/w640-h480/IMG_8296.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Except for the mosquitoes, the trail was very lovely, well maintained, and perfect for families.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrycF0KXIc3txqkPSbeTY7ApFeOA42xCX0Rv0OTuqeD19YhW6XhQ9r_C06rPKRMwi6rgdRlGZNJQF9yzwURBwxiYUF4Ejft5bzzBmmHBeExOPtCnlTLlsFlTIi53RXUDd0N0gBx8Xv37uWVIYLg0pkdiqnoESbLbiv2fPlWTyPeiQ6q8o-iE7dMZb7eUF/s4032/IMG_8298.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrycF0KXIc3txqkPSbeTY7ApFeOA42xCX0Rv0OTuqeD19YhW6XhQ9r_C06rPKRMwi6rgdRlGZNJQF9yzwURBwxiYUF4Ejft5bzzBmmHBeExOPtCnlTLlsFlTIi53RXUDd0N0gBx8Xv37uWVIYLg0pkdiqnoESbLbiv2fPlWTyPeiQ6q8o-iE7dMZb7eUF/w480-h640/IMG_8298.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm always a sucker for a pretty bridge!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRhNrv5TskRMBPdP9G8BAO4QMiRF4yl-2Pxf2tA1uW42hLU86EfuOCwgd0zjr-Zb69UpapVV0ibKi6F9VO52HpBe5FBNlQu70G4DyVP1gz3ifwbe_Wnxss3Lw7yW865Ve5TKMBJBlQhrjs82KU6t_j4SEoSlQwtfdFWB5rKM3S7lAZ6KKjRsaQJnuuVVw/s4032/IMG_8308.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRhNrv5TskRMBPdP9G8BAO4QMiRF4yl-2Pxf2tA1uW42hLU86EfuOCwgd0zjr-Zb69UpapVV0ibKi6F9VO52HpBe5FBNlQu70G4DyVP1gz3ifwbe_Wnxss3Lw7yW865Ve5TKMBJBlQhrjs82KU6t_j4SEoSlQwtfdFWB5rKM3S7lAZ6KKjRsaQJnuuVVw/w480-h640/IMG_8308.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0Z7grpqq9iKvc8oenwc7nKvsYm6YC8uzqAavNjeUc8Sqmvver-W_l5Li2V38e_LqcN5Xsic96gzrcZaxqfek_e6EVs9lTrniDpLxKWQyiTWLZHhBCi9J2gy5Yq07Vb-JZn2B9fENY7Sw-REuVXeAR6jgGBwILNCen3u8rdjg5NrCeU7GNAqHQnjgBt_i/s4032/IMG_8311.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0Z7grpqq9iKvc8oenwc7nKvsYm6YC8uzqAavNjeUc8Sqmvver-W_l5Li2V38e_LqcN5Xsic96gzrcZaxqfek_e6EVs9lTrniDpLxKWQyiTWLZHhBCi9J2gy5Yq07Vb-JZn2B9fENY7Sw-REuVXeAR6jgGBwILNCen3u8rdjg5NrCeU7GNAqHQnjgBt_i/w480-h640/IMG_8311.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we finished our hike we headed back to Mackinaw City to have lunch and do some shopping!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I9YkxoecD82_htSyhSmWq1ojcClj1SrnLBxSQ3LSkx5nc5fMsZADyQtC9Igg4TgRpKG9GLy3VdSa-BB4rzbOn9Xj6bgC2vGstK-E7fwgmXhK2tBDUY3CWjFbmWu-W6DDQmB8ZeYQuxOhU9Z5AtHyr7rrDt4UbcEwZz6fIun2N1JMiTkNkCx1S-kgm6Rz/s4032/IMG_8312.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I9YkxoecD82_htSyhSmWq1ojcClj1SrnLBxSQ3LSkx5nc5fMsZADyQtC9Igg4TgRpKG9GLy3VdSa-BB4rzbOn9Xj6bgC2vGstK-E7fwgmXhK2tBDUY3CWjFbmWu-W6DDQmB8ZeYQuxOhU9Z5AtHyr7rrDt4UbcEwZz6fIun2N1JMiTkNkCx1S-kgm6Rz/w640-h480/IMG_8312.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mackinaw City Marina</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp1LhsQ0xisV4cb1BXxgIPbL1dvnyg6G2b_RPv88220fkOGa-r_osm45LJXidHqTL9jg41fvfn3Cj8cwPpHIxwQZ8-d02Kzdtcv0A5s1VYM53V0BQLKYMmSnOfP0Q_khe5tEwL-U-YrditTMXfFlLQw6O_jlysplD0w_4EFOuQrXL7O_1q45bjPw_7GS9/s4032/IMG_8320.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp1LhsQ0xisV4cb1BXxgIPbL1dvnyg6G2b_RPv88220fkOGa-r_osm45LJXidHqTL9jg41fvfn3Cj8cwPpHIxwQZ8-d02Kzdtcv0A5s1VYM53V0BQLKYMmSnOfP0Q_khe5tEwL-U-YrditTMXfFlLQw6O_jlysplD0w_4EFOuQrXL7O_1q45bjPw_7GS9/w480-h640/IMG_8320.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This entire area is known for their fudge! You will see fudge shops everywhere! We ended up buying so much, we had to freeze it because we couldn't eat it all! I think we finally finished it by the end of the summer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_xzlybN5_JyL6ApfJXh_sPs8EZ0ebE5Cn3cOgZLNgGnC3Lhna6jK9SUd9DUQHt0wbO7NFncN7nK_U90P2qDl9yi-Isv5BlHkmxE9KGG8bCo-OhjNK4ZaSJOBGcKbbbblhNjLGWQYgwkGtrBmzzYVyRvPTPkbJm3dpYVgZ3ssi3cxl4m3b6sxflGLdsXg/s4032/IMG_8321.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_xzlybN5_JyL6ApfJXh_sPs8EZ0ebE5Cn3cOgZLNgGnC3Lhna6jK9SUd9DUQHt0wbO7NFncN7nK_U90P2qDl9yi-Isv5BlHkmxE9KGG8bCo-OhjNK4ZaSJOBGcKbbbblhNjLGWQYgwkGtrBmzzYVyRvPTPkbJm3dpYVgZ3ssi3cxl4m3b6sxflGLdsXg/w640-h480/IMG_8321.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Mackinaw Crossing is the cutest reconstructed old village filled with great shopping and lots of good eats!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj688QK3MPR8DC1GQW5Sxxp0Y-dgcHn8V-UlwGwdGKj9-bTRT7ifXJFFLAo8UUn4m0e-Bx9ZGE9QgSQyYmbzTHnexAE1CjIWpsiap_h68mg6Unzhgr9IzbSv6ReplJAZwFYHEaAYK3c3WDmDvdRZDuCFSINxz88K0DeEiZg7edhm21Mi6V6MTGAdB5bFQBJ/s4032/IMG_8334.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj688QK3MPR8DC1GQW5Sxxp0Y-dgcHn8V-UlwGwdGKj9-bTRT7ifXJFFLAo8UUn4m0e-Bx9ZGE9QgSQyYmbzTHnexAE1CjIWpsiap_h68mg6Unzhgr9IzbSv6ReplJAZwFYHEaAYK3c3WDmDvdRZDuCFSINxz88K0DeEiZg7edhm21Mi6V6MTGAdB5bFQBJ/w480-h640/IMG_8334.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a few hours of shopping, we saw there was another lighthouse nearby so we went to check it out.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAdXpYFCyfUeJgbL-9M2IUHeou5lC1m1MVvAo7jX6L4Dz2c_22dnrcgVSqCoDp9wArPwc4HpzfA1EyhTi6iaAhIiaS8u7xjdo9f55zBc6SQYz4CDLPh29mHelhu9SvL0wE1eARW4UAgLWlsqaXjd-OruN3JWzM-nYllbi2MER4ejdBVQcozi-VCwqLcwy/s4032/IMG_8335.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAdXpYFCyfUeJgbL-9M2IUHeou5lC1m1MVvAo7jX6L4Dz2c_22dnrcgVSqCoDp9wArPwc4HpzfA1EyhTi6iaAhIiaS8u7xjdo9f55zBc6SQYz4CDLPh29mHelhu9SvL0wE1eARW4UAgLWlsqaXjd-OruN3JWzM-nYllbi2MER4ejdBVQcozi-VCwqLcwy/w640-h480/IMG_8335.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McGulphin Point Lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We didn't go inside this lighthouse either, just walked around the grounds. Then we took the "Chi-Sin Trail" to see the famous rock!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNO8a5nKj6eCCVmG5x49Nr5syaYDHFs_t4WOs3jbVghKFlFflHYwocJWYV0T3aEH5QO4f5DZgDvCxo-J9yX0NouqCwScjdodipBL5DJ0Lu4nLWIlzWuFz73DMZUixSp31uLJRIUVvmoCbxHy8_DVGV4JIGk5djchZo7vU-pmtr3ti9jh5Rj5VcqIMQqER-/s4032/IMG_8346.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNO8a5nKj6eCCVmG5x49Nr5syaYDHFs_t4WOs3jbVghKFlFflHYwocJWYV0T3aEH5QO4f5DZgDvCxo-J9yX0NouqCwScjdodipBL5DJ0Lu4nLWIlzWuFz73DMZUixSp31uLJRIUVvmoCbxHy8_DVGV4JIGk5djchZo7vU-pmtr3ti9jh5Rj5VcqIMQqER-/w640-h480/IMG_8346.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The trail went through a scary forest behind the lighthouse and led right to the shoreline of the Great Lake.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXijrF4S0voujbtNMJIQHRokmM_wQ2AKtSh5_PabEqItq3yfN7zT8ZH6jFhfE1HLJ1M7PjzySloF32l93x_Tp7SUkSPrJqp8D6NY18SpzK7K3xDFjNqN2P8tIDPGAINx4QOiZEJwz8NJPzp8FLdljfnux02pvWYF66m5KcTS1bkaS7Jp-NT5HLelcGdTA/s4032/IMG_8347.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXijrF4S0voujbtNMJIQHRokmM_wQ2AKtSh5_PabEqItq3yfN7zT8ZH6jFhfE1HLJ1M7PjzySloF32l93x_Tp7SUkSPrJqp8D6NY18SpzK7K3xDFjNqN2P8tIDPGAINx4QOiZEJwz8NJPzp8FLdljfnux02pvWYF66m5KcTS1bkaS7Jp-NT5HLelcGdTA/w480-h640/IMG_8347.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once there, we couldn't figure out if the rock on the left was "The Big Rock", but there weren't any other rocks around, so we think this was the famous rock. 😂</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l5j3YYzCTKlFEtDSyhna9jj3aH4L3BLbRnvPr4GYzkhX_SSkUqR__jY_CoVTBdcyu1lAN2dLfvoPtg3F80kJ5f9AKSmbePeti2suZQQkVOLh5fw9SW3Z1N_jET3C9dBm5aoDC0q4KZ3jG0DEpkY5Bh8TFvANxve2ryuy3fP3QQt4N6NJeEAAZ9RV4m9U/s4032/IMG_8350.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l5j3YYzCTKlFEtDSyhna9jj3aH4L3BLbRnvPr4GYzkhX_SSkUqR__jY_CoVTBdcyu1lAN2dLfvoPtg3F80kJ5f9AKSmbePeti2suZQQkVOLh5fw9SW3Z1N_jET3C9dBm5aoDC0q4KZ3jG0DEpkY5Bh8TFvANxve2ryuy3fP3QQt4N6NJeEAAZ9RV4m9U/w640-h480/IMG_8350.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By now, it was almost dinner time so we decided to try some of the areas famous whitefish at "Scalawags".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpOgpqtbOpwBSRoAiq8hLeJHSDuTEBqnMeybXsJxSw6i5Blf0bGGQ9Sn8VX_KAEN5U9naUDBM_Gbp-OWL0q1UQsGFGzR4fM2VaUFm9Zs6GYOhZJ-v3EFP8nTUQMzICxQbN1WdFgOuX-3AhcBlG53Fs8TAQULlRZh_Gv-dytQoCYQU9ZtmOXbDLnBPGaIu/s4032/IMG_8357.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpOgpqtbOpwBSRoAiq8hLeJHSDuTEBqnMeybXsJxSw6i5Blf0bGGQ9Sn8VX_KAEN5U9naUDBM_Gbp-OWL0q1UQsGFGzR4fM2VaUFm9Zs6GYOhZJ-v3EFP8nTUQMzICxQbN1WdFgOuX-3AhcBlG53Fs8TAQULlRZh_Gv-dytQoCYQU9ZtmOXbDLnBPGaIu/w480-h640/IMG_8357.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p>I ordered a fish sandwich and LOVED it. It was the best fish sandwich I had in my life. Hubby had the fish dinner and we shared a bowl of Clam Chowder.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlNJU_3ANXs0fnpOVLAOKl8x9xxqJD6Os2MTKza2euSxWImJO4A2hzbU3m7QbkhP-Cfe4cU_U_e5R5-Aw0I5V9WzuwFn8_93RQ0iU_otSeEaVODRfnzBKxz1X1RkD7-u3u7VWhpq_xhv_QYzEUMmhASos91vl3ilZasAqr4v77tGPBS6FqWjvLrYzj0Ey/s4032/IMG_8359.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlNJU_3ANXs0fnpOVLAOKl8x9xxqJD6Os2MTKza2euSxWImJO4A2hzbU3m7QbkhP-Cfe4cU_U_e5R5-Aw0I5V9WzuwFn8_93RQ0iU_otSeEaVODRfnzBKxz1X1RkD7-u3u7VWhpq_xhv_QYzEUMmhASos91vl3ilZasAqr4v77tGPBS6FqWjvLrYzj0Ey/w480-h640/IMG_8359.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By now, we were exhausted. It was a long day and we knew we had a really big day tomorrow for we were headed to the famous Mackinac Island! But before we turned in for the night, we walked a small portion of the St. Ignace "Huron Boardwalk" and checked out their lighthouse. There are lighthouses everywhere in the UP! Do you understand now why we don't go in every single one of them?😄</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUcixaI8Pd0uNA4jiyzArg7Z2WQw2xrBMIeo7BT8-mItM3q40fcbRLu4mZ9PD1DxVO6a8AK7HY7bfaxhGkOQQNTn56RdIa6OHbOzAwo8AAnNjyAi1mHnzM6TbR7bcDNqFH18mPs9_9eX0Xezw1wDOm5Degq5cK0P_gi0Z38rCsp3sqMv3o0qG-dkdE9Fr/s4032/IMG_8360.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUcixaI8Pd0uNA4jiyzArg7Z2WQw2xrBMIeo7BT8-mItM3q40fcbRLu4mZ9PD1DxVO6a8AK7HY7bfaxhGkOQQNTn56RdIa6OHbOzAwo8AAnNjyAi1mHnzM6TbR7bcDNqFH18mPs9_9eX0Xezw1wDOm5Degq5cK0P_gi0Z38rCsp3sqMv3o0qG-dkdE9Fr/w640-h480/IMG_8360.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCISLi2YJX0DvjHaXjUEWv2lBL43TIm2J5C6nVg5pEbAsa0F3fTKt4OXag0L3pn23m2wzvjo2yOjgtM0d4X_j5NLpFP2zsOT-KijzTSrOsfu1VYBA9U7p1yOLyy-B-J77sZ5UcRM3IGt4sxlThheWpR0vdjprNHyq0e8dL1vO2jyZ2Jjf0C8nHXjRKXpmj/s4032/IMG_8362.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCISLi2YJX0DvjHaXjUEWv2lBL43TIm2J5C6nVg5pEbAsa0F3fTKt4OXag0L3pn23m2wzvjo2yOjgtM0d4X_j5NLpFP2zsOT-KijzTSrOsfu1VYBA9U7p1yOLyy-B-J77sZ5UcRM3IGt4sxlThheWpR0vdjprNHyq0e8dL1vO2jyZ2Jjf0C8nHXjRKXpmj/w480-h640/IMG_8362.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHq297p_qn5BJZapLjnZ4zOdeoLz1gZv6c0RtdyPXABtXVCoyDJwYb07lrSHnNe8SvCZFMxKMONVvTS9sPxY_L-122cuieNvTwkr1tOyEhlyUZI7lDwZD_5quebI7UPejVezZRwZKacwftSit3w2IzsykLYSEbSt_t5r_7s9JS-h0_U51o2BhSAqAay53n/s4032/IMG_8376.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHq297p_qn5BJZapLjnZ4zOdeoLz1gZv6c0RtdyPXABtXVCoyDJwYb07lrSHnNe8SvCZFMxKMONVvTS9sPxY_L-122cuieNvTwkr1tOyEhlyUZI7lDwZD_5quebI7UPejVezZRwZKacwftSit3w2IzsykLYSEbSt_t5r_7s9JS-h0_U51o2BhSAqAay53n/w480-h640/IMG_8376.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div> <div>Be sure to watch these very short videos of the Mill Creek Discovery Park logging demonstrations!<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h51LRKwpWCE" width="320" youtube-src-id="h51LRKwpWCE"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lvZ6mzWdfsA" width="320" youtube-src-id="lvZ6mzWdfsA"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2UuIQCqXP7k" width="320" youtube-src-id="2UuIQCqXP7k"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><br /><p></p></div>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1365694657538005233.post-54990084096988831022023-11-01T00:00:00.005-05:002023-11-01T00:00:00.138-05:00Exploring Sauk County Wisconsin in the Fall<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For our last fall weekend getaway of the year, we explored the southwestern part of our state, Sauk County. Other than visiting Spring Green when I was in college, my husband and I have never really ventured that much into this part of the state. There were several state parks we always wanted to see, so it was nice to finally be able to scratch them off our bucket list.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Natural Bridge State Park</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZewjKu5pufDk4Ru3sDvnUJUznyTyjg1EsxYswOrlgmKbJNf7eBPHl2Aoizhgvij_i_AUCj0iLiwd8kGFOmNS5gv0O9bFGiC8kL9PRGFyPnvm2Zq-RJxaUQg6jHieBC4gSSWBh4Ssf1b1UkXjkk1h2FSbINb5pWjxfs0sHFFqlQ-T3b4GLd_8quBYHEGMY/s4032/IMG_1509.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZewjKu5pufDk4Ru3sDvnUJUznyTyjg1EsxYswOrlgmKbJNf7eBPHl2Aoizhgvij_i_AUCj0iLiwd8kGFOmNS5gv0O9bFGiC8kL9PRGFyPnvm2Zq-RJxaUQg6jHieBC4gSSWBh4Ssf1b1UkXjkk1h2FSbINb5pWjxfs0sHFFqlQ-T3b4GLd_8quBYHEGMY/w640-h480/IMG_1509.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our first stop was Natural Bridge State Park. This is a itty, bitty little park with one attraction, the natural rock bridge pictured above. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje37kvilzQiPtiLU0mim0KuZ65p-aSm2WE6RUBDWRjbDkVTOPeEwNgqsidTZCHwDGuXkwMRFz-cTwNHP4_C8YM4BLF3cc854YLnmCSTjV5XtynT6CKxM1Yd1g7RNAvkSftrZY6VNT5wHKgpqNBtSyoyqGRgDwhZEpr8lZk-06gk-6cYUkuK_bYYPYUgl4J/s4032/IMG_1501.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje37kvilzQiPtiLU0mim0KuZ65p-aSm2WE6RUBDWRjbDkVTOPeEwNgqsidTZCHwDGuXkwMRFz-cTwNHP4_C8YM4BLF3cc854YLnmCSTjV5XtynT6CKxM1Yd1g7RNAvkSftrZY6VNT5wHKgpqNBtSyoyqGRgDwhZEpr8lZk-06gk-6cYUkuK_bYYPYUgl4J/w640-h480/IMG_1501.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is one very short trail you can take in and out just to see the bridge, or you can hike the one mile loop. We chose the loop, it was a nice little walk through the woods and we saw several interesting rock formations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDQylGZyQNZcbewCC4_9dFzC3SlVvbJ6SVFxfPzayNK4W8BBu6FJFfVyJs84nXda07GVHEJcaHqr_wMZOOBtFGwcNHyfoTUDB4xdB3o9YAhHmb5_SPxYdXNAtAkHCE0mKu4kaIay9DnDrvs2bcGicQunFV2fDma2i4Ads0X4JJ45JiX7yuH77aQtMetJH/s4032/IMG_1502.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDQylGZyQNZcbewCC4_9dFzC3SlVvbJ6SVFxfPzayNK4W8BBu6FJFfVyJs84nXda07GVHEJcaHqr_wMZOOBtFGwcNHyfoTUDB4xdB3o9YAhHmb5_SPxYdXNAtAkHCE0mKu4kaIay9DnDrvs2bcGicQunFV2fDma2i4Ads0X4JJ45JiX7yuH77aQtMetJH/w480-h640/IMG_1502.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Natural Bridge is actually very impressive, but because I have been spoiled by Arches National Park, I wasn't awestruck. I did include myself in the photo below so you could get an idea of its size. I always find the trees growing out of the rock so interesting. The bridge is 25 feet high and 35 feet wide.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_W3Ve5EXw_YFIrwtWk5FIe9QKlP4x9Q3z9WlJI3LHGKm37dRhGMU6ZBbzkIA8P39H1PtZDFLRwmxrayvMl9nJQuUupLL5QbXHWpxPTBSfc4MuprQUaPY_WQN4pGqi-laMhm_G_klRoSm1EBqhg0DjtvPCF4_EbjjX-2u5I0wKo8Gozg0MnmAiIZhRasu/s4032/IMG_1507.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_W3Ve5EXw_YFIrwtWk5FIe9QKlP4x9Q3z9WlJI3LHGKm37dRhGMU6ZBbzkIA8P39H1PtZDFLRwmxrayvMl9nJQuUupLL5QbXHWpxPTBSfc4MuprQUaPY_WQN4pGqi-laMhm_G_klRoSm1EBqhg0DjtvPCF4_EbjjX-2u5I0wKo8Gozg0MnmAiIZhRasu/w480-h640/IMG_1507.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The one mile loop was easy to follow and well maintained for a park that doesn't get a lot of visitors. We were the only ones there until we were getting ready to leave, and then another car showed up.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9y39ZrYF2_ZwjJddZ90Gct8gOtL50xnE7DxF_y1tMhsuFtbhyphenhyphenK31a7KPKNCIi22pAUou11fUkXEu9c2x6VwWMRejLT_FI5avSwuNHK6ABP47Uh1fCbTqUfYYmIN3La_Hk9xFyRmZz_GobADQIwo1SnxfOwgdABGOOzN0GPI9zJ5zBaco39Wz49QVyJZ2/s4032/IMG_1510.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9y39ZrYF2_ZwjJddZ90Gct8gOtL50xnE7DxF_y1tMhsuFtbhyphenhyphenK31a7KPKNCIi22pAUou11fUkXEu9c2x6VwWMRejLT_FI5avSwuNHK6ABP47Uh1fCbTqUfYYmIN3La_Hk9xFyRmZz_GobADQIwo1SnxfOwgdABGOOzN0GPI9zJ5zBaco39Wz49QVyJZ2/w480-h640/IMG_1510.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p>There was one nice spot to get a view.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7v_PBmV4rJlAOwywVtgR6IHhNxFfTG5rx3ph6465rkcZG59-0j1IHos8xxzFOjvHy5j0Y3tFBirde8YDTxIKzpu2RXmni6I4g5BZkJKXDdQR0fkwSzrVP65OFBaV6-mXlj81_uN4UY-RwkjJFEXlmiXagc7zX_6qkrKz08T1cDLByjRJk4eAPW2ba4oUL/s4032/IMG_1511.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7v_PBmV4rJlAOwywVtgR6IHhNxFfTG5rx3ph6465rkcZG59-0j1IHos8xxzFOjvHy5j0Y3tFBirde8YDTxIKzpu2RXmni6I4g5BZkJKXDdQR0fkwSzrVP65OFBaV6-mXlj81_uN4UY-RwkjJFEXlmiXagc7zX_6qkrKz08T1cDLByjRJk4eAPW2ba4oUL/w480-h640/IMG_1511.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tower Hill State Park</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLZtzTUil4-y90k0uhtI3QJaUYOauSoAEFI8FKYnq3lm49XvXCRuOEtF18IJ-o3WFj2AWZANITIar1jDR_OsoOlDVpb9KKl40JQ5TOK3_DPhURzTN2_vEEfIs5OyTKxansc2Q4MPXFehw3T8xVfLZL5vmeTaDQNKUxnlXXgzMuSH7Q2fzS1xdzPzfk3kG/s4032/IMG_1513.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLZtzTUil4-y90k0uhtI3QJaUYOauSoAEFI8FKYnq3lm49XvXCRuOEtF18IJ-o3WFj2AWZANITIar1jDR_OsoOlDVpb9KKl40JQ5TOK3_DPhURzTN2_vEEfIs5OyTKxansc2Q4MPXFehw3T8xVfLZL5vmeTaDQNKUxnlXXgzMuSH7Q2fzS1xdzPzfk3kG/w480-h640/IMG_1513.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you like history, Tower Hill State Park is the place for you. The highlight of this park is its shot tower where they made lead shot in the late 1800s.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64xahzFdUYjx1Yld7XCpDM-_arIUzKDESOlOgO98-BlHN1u7GZl4_gx1bxrL4Otod_CBuvadS5Uw1KNfc7vPCKly7YCVTWZ7YitVdWIjJGfu3omDIvlpuOktOl_nxV_e_FDVaXhndFRpTObEBZlbOQEGOQKisjIAHnAzm9IQUMVmDG2Q0nZa-oci3-2Sf/s4032/IMG_1516.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64xahzFdUYjx1Yld7XCpDM-_arIUzKDESOlOgO98-BlHN1u7GZl4_gx1bxrL4Otod_CBuvadS5Uw1KNfc7vPCKly7YCVTWZ7YitVdWIjJGfu3omDIvlpuOktOl_nxV_e_FDVaXhndFRpTObEBZlbOQEGOQKisjIAHnAzm9IQUMVmDG2Q0nZa-oci3-2Sf/w640-h480/IMG_1516.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are several old historic buildings and landmarks in this park.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW03-9bzZjgSOrc52yW-Hkqe3DxE24tWPa60hO51Iwl6Hb7C2lje6ovtklFzmUqc7pbKaRg049FLZm2hyNsvnkf_ZSWS3Xy8byPj-tsvLfg1mtooJLZXC7aX_n4pNspyfOjB_2CDoTwUS_F-SjF-ktlKmMoDaCpnykCpDcNvCCuukjDheG2vswJI0DwViz/s4032/IMG_1518.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW03-9bzZjgSOrc52yW-Hkqe3DxE24tWPa60hO51Iwl6Hb7C2lje6ovtklFzmUqc7pbKaRg049FLZm2hyNsvnkf_ZSWS3Xy8byPj-tsvLfg1mtooJLZXC7aX_n4pNspyfOjB_2CDoTwUS_F-SjF-ktlKmMoDaCpnykCpDcNvCCuukjDheG2vswJI0DwViz/w480-h640/IMG_1518.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are two miles of trails in this park, where you can hike the bluffs and see river views, but we really just had time to see the tower, so we took the tower trail through the woods.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoOLnnoQzbQwJ1Ps_pevJ_LZZQaCz9KkftHnB3X8VJI6kMeBdanQjHfUFb1qSpiKHXcSCVbW-RJb7UfLuNsQV5ajGoLwsVb7sxd0LKp5QIoatstO-5wvCaRWt4A1nIa1AyKg7N0doyebw6qLTrKQLGsNOEidjRfBha2gm4SRj7vKJQFX1ir4cenxvQYDB/s4032/IMG_1520.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoOLnnoQzbQwJ1Ps_pevJ_LZZQaCz9KkftHnB3X8VJI6kMeBdanQjHfUFb1qSpiKHXcSCVbW-RJb7UfLuNsQV5ajGoLwsVb7sxd0LKp5QIoatstO-5wvCaRWt4A1nIa1AyKg7N0doyebw6qLTrKQLGsNOEidjRfBha2gm4SRj7vKJQFX1ir4cenxvQYDB/w480-h640/IMG_1520.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Shot Tower is a short, steep climb up some stone steps.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQA0jYBUtf_xTyRsHUsb8XJQw5wg8XE68nm_r3fXVth1-LgwlXmQGroXpsKCqNJVRZdiSTE8tS2S1PKYgREPoc-RO0RlpdGOMZ8kSGAlGrh99BxT0Hl40C_R2U71J3vXWBdj3cqIeXXYfKxofeJA33f1O8_chLAxgvdBRtAdkurJL3umPsx3tEvrlTkYtD/s4032/IMG_1521.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQA0jYBUtf_xTyRsHUsb8XJQw5wg8XE68nm_r3fXVth1-LgwlXmQGroXpsKCqNJVRZdiSTE8tS2S1PKYgREPoc-RO0RlpdGOMZ8kSGAlGrh99BxT0Hl40C_R2U71J3vXWBdj3cqIeXXYfKxofeJA33f1O8_chLAxgvdBRtAdkurJL3umPsx3tEvrlTkYtD/w480-h640/IMG_1521.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Inside the tower you can read all about the history of the tower and see you the lead shots were made, plus you can look straight down into the tower!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwFyBOzm9lE6rWva3GD2Ox5jHHtTQD0UK4Oydlf5-5mQ7WiIks3Ai4Pzno7_v0oDrquSuQPnedGZrNcSKPtsTgtnowqvOHoqbN6zua4SvS5-MnqBMBg8Mtk3Q9tuxW_57hafwQ8E3g6O9ouqigWhfpsI1cfQslr6RlOVc7SG_v649kBb6SbX_03syTPIh/s4032/IMG_1525.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwFyBOzm9lE6rWva3GD2Ox5jHHtTQD0UK4Oydlf5-5mQ7WiIks3Ai4Pzno7_v0oDrquSuQPnedGZrNcSKPtsTgtnowqvOHoqbN6zua4SvS5-MnqBMBg8Mtk3Q9tuxW_57hafwQ8E3g6O9ouqigWhfpsI1cfQslr6RlOVc7SG_v649kBb6SbX_03syTPIh/w480-h640/IMG_1525.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After spending some time inside the tower, we walked around to the lower part. We wanted to see the tunnel under the tower, but the trail to the tunnel was closed. 😢</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooRzwt67wQpv24TGcKWUnxgIDCYvunJRB1FNtPPb3P-wOVUJMMionmfLZNxJmLNp5jgx7u7MOZ8leMfcPYrZDazM9taqbkjRRJhI2OBNpqLm6OACfEfc_HJy0zKV1uTqPrjxIPwzflRAQeBwCy6Z1w0WTT-o84gZ1sqny1w6XEWiIce8gJvmTYR35zk_h/s4032/IMG_1526.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooRzwt67wQpv24TGcKWUnxgIDCYvunJRB1FNtPPb3P-wOVUJMMionmfLZNxJmLNp5jgx7u7MOZ8leMfcPYrZDazM9taqbkjRRJhI2OBNpqLm6OACfEfc_HJy0zKV1uTqPrjxIPwzflRAQeBwCy6Z1w0WTT-o84gZ1sqny1w6XEWiIce8gJvmTYR35zk_h/w480-h640/IMG_1526.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6f5gHApeX9EOYv-Tox7KQUF2qvrvClgjztzsBkTmeU02s423Ljh0asc_ztHoeh4qF1y54XLQ7Vog2AoX1S0wZwdMO4GyE-kaFjhwbDr4FzlCLWSEUNSbwy5UqF5iIbeB3velek15rDLnh0al676CqqgMAr2zPIa-kfKyXX1GWoEEsYiXPQWttphEoC6A/s4032/IMG_1527.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6f5gHApeX9EOYv-Tox7KQUF2qvrvClgjztzsBkTmeU02s423Ljh0asc_ztHoeh4qF1y54XLQ7Vog2AoX1S0wZwdMO4GyE-kaFjhwbDr4FzlCLWSEUNSbwy5UqF5iIbeB3velek15rDLnh0al676CqqgMAr2zPIa-kfKyXX1GWoEEsYiXPQWttphEoC6A/w480-h640/IMG_1527.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The top and lower photos were taken below the tower looking up.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1ncjZ8TgZjtSaDcYaSmMTuFiDfmo6XRlYx2q2Kqs_E0p2LqS-tpTZtFJCDtzXFBaxhPRbOqn5UqKarULAEVc7IZA96Xpg15MdncBXqBTKAQwhCicaXTS-aI4bCT74AXV7ClHZvQ_CHyME9l1cVbVD8-75fcDksnqNRwhDgl2AyVJcPXb6jRbk4WMop8t/s4032/IMG_1532.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1ncjZ8TgZjtSaDcYaSmMTuFiDfmo6XRlYx2q2Kqs_E0p2LqS-tpTZtFJCDtzXFBaxhPRbOqn5UqKarULAEVc7IZA96Xpg15MdncBXqBTKAQwhCicaXTS-aI4bCT74AXV7ClHZvQ_CHyME9l1cVbVD8-75fcDksnqNRwhDgl2AyVJcPXb6jRbk4WMop8t/w480-h640/IMG_1532.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Governor Dodge State Park</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our next park, Governor Dodge State Park we heard so many good things about. It's one of Wisconsin's<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>largest state parks at 5,000 acres and considered a "family favorite". We had high hopes about this park but honestly, we didn't like it. The waterfall and trails were just "meh". We really didn't like how all the trails were intertwined. They seemed very hard to follow and not well marked. And frankly, there just wasn't a whole lot of jaw dropping beauty in this park. I think it's just located in a more populous part of the state full of city folk who don't get outdoors too often and don't have a clue about some of the beautiful parks in the rest of the state.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkltMHatK3FkJjLy8Lvv-fM_Iz0pJ6SPhrlaXkIOryloWDsvjwX9AKrQHB1c2sRZRF4BqfdTVPez29JgfZHABocyo8QKEftaQC83BP9PenniK_kl1dDSdqhG3cRyTx1uIu8nO0bBXpGK_mxDMmwAH5JiTRUV92zcrEmYMaKYGRwvzgUqgGFVu8hyzlmfD/s4032/IMG_1541.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkltMHatK3FkJjLy8Lvv-fM_Iz0pJ6SPhrlaXkIOryloWDsvjwX9AKrQHB1c2sRZRF4BqfdTVPez29JgfZHABocyo8QKEftaQC83BP9PenniK_kl1dDSdqhG3cRyTx1uIu8nO0bBXpGK_mxDMmwAH5JiTRUV92zcrEmYMaKYGRwvzgUqgGFVu8hyzlmfD/w480-h640/IMG_1541.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like Tower Hill State Park, there is a lot of history in Governor Dodge State Park. In 1948 Iowa County presented one of the farmsteads to the state of Wisconsin, and some buildings of this farm are still there, like this old spring house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The easy, short, paved trail down to Stephens Falls, the parks biggest highlight, is very beautiful, especially in the fall. Be sure to watch the last video at the end of the post showing me walking this lovely 0.5 mile trail.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0kUsNJRVAX9g_55G5fnzR7dt76X_0P0JRq0iHJE6jGrqQhp5ItfKSZsI-9eCHY3_IEF5LPjnwJqEQWWXHE0k1Yxpll7rlSs7QJDFU-ZeDbMT6MsF457IQ1YkW_Q4P9TSFgMyx0CGgOg1iNSxsqVGUIa7CX0jlALHixFA7OzW-Ivx07D24sihlaFEf74e/s4032/IMG_1548.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0kUsNJRVAX9g_55G5fnzR7dt76X_0P0JRq0iHJE6jGrqQhp5ItfKSZsI-9eCHY3_IEF5LPjnwJqEQWWXHE0k1Yxpll7rlSs7QJDFU-ZeDbMT6MsF457IQ1YkW_Q4P9TSFgMyx0CGgOg1iNSxsqVGUIa7CX0jlALHixFA7OzW-Ivx07D24sihlaFEf74e/w480-h640/IMG_1548.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJxmJW3lKmSYU6sinmbkT9H-LzgV0EA8_bJtj3CW97BD8JLNc7EHRs0gnzJx3rjw2ySKA-63ySrx5wVFZ4ciPDY-vwwdaUSwuNi0Deb-u4aGK4UA9sg462bE4YClyrCsuS8kM7J4w6BFMGRzBk-nOmChcQCbvAViSX9U8WdUGDw4zmOSCXitSltOWKpNB/s4032/IMG_1552.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJxmJW3lKmSYU6sinmbkT9H-LzgV0EA8_bJtj3CW97BD8JLNc7EHRs0gnzJx3rjw2ySKA-63ySrx5wVFZ4ciPDY-vwwdaUSwuNi0Deb-u4aGK4UA9sg462bE4YClyrCsuS8kM7J4w6BFMGRzBk-nOmChcQCbvAViSX9U8WdUGDw4zmOSCXitSltOWKpNB/w480-h640/IMG_1552.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You will have to watch the videos if you want to see the waterfall. I did two videos: one up close to the falls and then a full 360 view. It was just trickling when we were there, but I guess in the spring there is a lot more water gushing over the edge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next trail we went on was to lead us to the next big highlight of the park: Cave Trail. I really didn't like the hike at all. It was so hard to follow, and we had to hike two different trails, just to get to the Cave Trail Loop to see the Cave. What could have just been a 1.2 mile loop ended up being a 4.3 mile out and back trail because we had to walk so far just to get to the loop. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMuXsoWA0WS_hytGm7A-Sumzl8W5e8O1NGLLei2sqXZvQq5zl9AOjJedF0q2HvYcFFTAomGYWRnAZXu3uF5wYmI2cCDlWuZ4UWFZ3-H9ASKtndfMXZ1QY7Sz_E-o_OJfVF8jk_H8AqrWHCCHFgFdQeBYjCyZpw_exP0LmiLIlc-LLzosfJvc79Bntsguz/s4032/IMG_1560.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMuXsoWA0WS_hytGm7A-Sumzl8W5e8O1NGLLei2sqXZvQq5zl9AOjJedF0q2HvYcFFTAomGYWRnAZXu3uF5wYmI2cCDlWuZ4UWFZ3-H9ASKtndfMXZ1QY7Sz_E-o_OJfVF8jk_H8AqrWHCCHFgFdQeBYjCyZpw_exP0LmiLIlc-LLzosfJvc79Bntsguz/w640-h480/IMG_1560.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are multiple lake views with the surrounding hillside on the Woodland Trail leading to the Cave Trail.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNhdRa_Jjv3jbqlmiBaYmm-nsvq4-YrPetZGppbCUV_ZxjpZfROpcrOVEjQK56YCnZJOquE4JvDClADx3wu3LVFqV2ST_67o_R27Fs8cUvOYTiv4Ur3z5nWvg3Fy7CZ_DowSE0dgoMySdnXAs4m8El-mQcloeldwhRhBK0zHZAhojqhNoUcth_5WhcVjk/s4032/IMG_1561.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNhdRa_Jjv3jbqlmiBaYmm-nsvq4-YrPetZGppbCUV_ZxjpZfROpcrOVEjQK56YCnZJOquE4JvDClADx3wu3LVFqV2ST_67o_R27Fs8cUvOYTiv4Ur3z5nWvg3Fy7CZ_DowSE0dgoMySdnXAs4m8El-mQcloeldwhRhBK0zHZAhojqhNoUcth_5WhcVjk/w480-h640/IMG_1561.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKlRCDg8MBDPOBfoikBNA9-flY0gb3ShNAcjv6AGS5tqpKseaG77seOlLKUZuTdwmiUjAcvODHg2gxFQfX0hOJSKyLR26Vx4Ry_oNe5OFs_WHtF7GkDF20YASbJHcUdnJ014h8tzZcUoP9Sk_zIuznDZ-BweIPZRbPElvDPL5E1rbHo3TK-9hGlAmvaF2/s4032/IMG_1563.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKlRCDg8MBDPOBfoikBNA9-flY0gb3ShNAcjv6AGS5tqpKseaG77seOlLKUZuTdwmiUjAcvODHg2gxFQfX0hOJSKyLR26Vx4Ry_oNe5OFs_WHtF7GkDF20YASbJHcUdnJ014h8tzZcUoP9Sk_zIuznDZ-BweIPZRbPElvDPL5E1rbHo3TK-9hGlAmvaF2/w480-h640/IMG_1563.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBtU9TLr0c7yEJ1SaHgzvrZ4BEKAZbWWFpm5an1vB7zZMKDzpwQx25Udh6oc_hhYgI6x41dH0TGzq0UV8O9DrH8P-snmDCURCoalpgeIQz10-OEp7jKGBu347JChY8DOngIAYE4T5EPH1NEVXRfETD_GtUi-UuRq4Cn9EYwWFjhk5Zc_idnDK-tSE_r1J/s4032/IMG_1571.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBtU9TLr0c7yEJ1SaHgzvrZ4BEKAZbWWFpm5an1vB7zZMKDzpwQx25Udh6oc_hhYgI6x41dH0TGzq0UV8O9DrH8P-snmDCURCoalpgeIQz10-OEp7jKGBu347JChY8DOngIAYE4T5EPH1NEVXRfETD_GtUi-UuRq4Cn9EYwWFjhk5Zc_idnDK-tSE_r1J/w480-h640/IMG_1571.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually we made it to the Cave Trail Loop (I was beginning to wonder) and started seeing some interesting rock formations.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBwA3JiaPH9kgZTzdo_anutyPWoHc_OUVcV5Aao98_mrYVOdrn5TRATAVH5s6EGqDUCGKvmGi0tyCzeRpr5hVMGAoRl_5Vt00UsaFobRlV1kNk7sJUNiRJyyT-j1TtSw1FND30SpZsZ9UUAQIAzWrUHWRK4-ey5gjVjyNB1IMbsnSkAClGHeuMEafbLbZ/s4032/IMG_1577.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBwA3JiaPH9kgZTzdo_anutyPWoHc_OUVcV5Aao98_mrYVOdrn5TRATAVH5s6EGqDUCGKvmGi0tyCzeRpr5hVMGAoRl_5Vt00UsaFobRlV1kNk7sJUNiRJyyT-j1TtSw1FND30SpZsZ9UUAQIAzWrUHWRK4-ey5gjVjyNB1IMbsnSkAClGHeuMEafbLbZ/w640-h480/IMG_1577.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJuX649PPMOsid3YPD0HQxaBqbGz6_bISB0_fRkv7-3cwFSXvTVi6SKOFHoJcAdhi5avMeTXIsch-CV6oVTfWOSrbWP17CQ7nNOXGBvQhbVV7SQcZtmkSS5PlltMZLEy0kxMDCwxS_nfMrkuu2ZxwTSCHmSD2HferzplLPTaKp1FoaJU9KXm6lL9r6YRR/s4032/IMG_1579.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJuX649PPMOsid3YPD0HQxaBqbGz6_bISB0_fRkv7-3cwFSXvTVi6SKOFHoJcAdhi5avMeTXIsch-CV6oVTfWOSrbWP17CQ7nNOXGBvQhbVV7SQcZtmkSS5PlltMZLEy0kxMDCwxS_nfMrkuu2ZxwTSCHmSD2HferzplLPTaKp1FoaJU9KXm6lL9r6YRR/w480-h640/IMG_1579.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The cave is pictured below. You can see my hubby peering inside. You can go inside the cave a little bit, but neither one of us dared. 😱<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaUwBiFL769WImjO1KhBM2fQsPxoW4XRjrq1YS-hVmKKHc0A9L0CIKHa2ripKgWSbrBmZ075VLPFHCvUu7GGh8_yIZkxdRQ072gu04k6qtZvSmsdf_d0o2PbBbjpSQru_HJOBfR3eL6uGY6ZHD5cg-L637xru5Ot6rWKj-vHqmDSBP0ALitTBRZHyNZsN/s4032/IMG_1582.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaUwBiFL769WImjO1KhBM2fQsPxoW4XRjrq1YS-hVmKKHc0A9L0CIKHa2ripKgWSbrBmZ075VLPFHCvUu7GGh8_yIZkxdRQ072gu04k6qtZvSmsdf_d0o2PbBbjpSQru_HJOBfR3eL6uGY6ZHD5cg-L637xru5Ot6rWKj-vHqmDSBP0ALitTBRZHyNZsN/w480-h640/IMG_1582.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GN76a6xVoypF-jDjOaHQZH16OWy-bxWBPO322iWDYLVKF0zIqHFis7_aaFhOmCiyM3y_-KAvbNQVeowWPXJ71Tnkvk8MEUccce3JwcQ285JKnUtuwA-UkqTO4bmoBTtkwURmh0c8WrNiqWka_Sp4pfO9D7XlQWDFw6a5AIy8lMmGkatuSP11XkAexGG1/s4032/IMG_1587.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GN76a6xVoypF-jDjOaHQZH16OWy-bxWBPO322iWDYLVKF0zIqHFis7_aaFhOmCiyM3y_-KAvbNQVeowWPXJ71Tnkvk8MEUccce3JwcQ285JKnUtuwA-UkqTO4bmoBTtkwURmh0c8WrNiqWka_Sp4pfO9D7XlQWDFw6a5AIy8lMmGkatuSP11XkAexGG1/w480-h640/IMG_1587.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blue Mound State Park</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeis38vvHLNj0YLyMOVhqrHYjEHK97kjgkPuQbCXZ35LJtmJmqvBqJioyJsZvQe5uiL279SAP42_EsVKI6e4Gce8-SogRV2hH9gOObqDozF2e9k88pm4iwlfIGRNI-1QTBQuKoJKYpvqs0WPiNKaAPfmtHd4K4DtSib1bDuwMUoz6pJUyBcpr_g7ZLssa8/s4032/IMG_1593.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeis38vvHLNj0YLyMOVhqrHYjEHK97kjgkPuQbCXZ35LJtmJmqvBqJioyJsZvQe5uiL279SAP42_EsVKI6e4Gce8-SogRV2hH9gOObqDozF2e9k88pm4iwlfIGRNI-1QTBQuKoJKYpvqs0WPiNKaAPfmtHd4K4DtSib1bDuwMUoz6pJUyBcpr_g7ZLssa8/w640-h480/IMG_1593.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were disappointed we never got to see any great high views in Governor Dodge State Park. We read reviews of other trails in the park that might have offered views but everyone said they were overgrown, weedy, tick-infested, and hard to follow so that discouraged us not to try them. However, we did discover that there was another park nearby that had not one, but TWO towers you could climb to see great views, so we decided to check it out.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_oMHBc0T-ZjFAHYjWEPUHIh7_llu1Sz1jX7sq7ys3Q8OrAwWdXRZZ1j-xP8-9A1a1NbBCzhcW4heJkGUCxjrtrR07FFAQbgAyHLAMMdqjIIipxbDXRr0NBHYvaxjxfZxoQ9CYffnfCAj349o7w7atcLtPFhyphenhyphenyIGTyFK45tjsNY70PHZh9tX6KK_FGqe3/s4032/IMG_1684.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_oMHBc0T-ZjFAHYjWEPUHIh7_llu1Sz1jX7sq7ys3Q8OrAwWdXRZZ1j-xP8-9A1a1NbBCzhcW4heJkGUCxjrtrR07FFAQbgAyHLAMMdqjIIipxbDXRr0NBHYvaxjxfZxoQ9CYffnfCAj349o7w7atcLtPFhyphenhyphenyIGTyFK45tjsNY70PHZh9tX6KK_FGqe3/w480-h640/IMG_1684.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was just a short hike from the parking lot to the tower and we finally got the fabulous fall views we were looking for!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenQMV8_NcgMKEgJQ9OcxnHJO449gsKVKyTu2BRT-lk_xtf1gvLR8kUPqGv7RePKK9WCf1ArHhINs4VMQaf0DG06Wg5VcGzE9yZJyLxzLlw7xpoNM93l0TrivOM7lOHQhainUWASFCVxvE2z0ElEX-5S9KJb08jumYP2E5rQIW5bxu7GTwOTEe5RPnhN-h/s4032/IMG_1685.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenQMV8_NcgMKEgJQ9OcxnHJO449gsKVKyTu2BRT-lk_xtf1gvLR8kUPqGv7RePKK9WCf1ArHhINs4VMQaf0DG06Wg5VcGzE9yZJyLxzLlw7xpoNM93l0TrivOM7lOHQhainUWASFCVxvE2z0ElEX-5S9KJb08jumYP2E5rQIW5bxu7GTwOTEe5RPnhN-h/w640-h480/IMG_1685.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> We drove around this little park before leaving and decided we liked it more than Governor Dodge State Park and wanted to come back another time to explore it more. We learned it's the only state park in Wisconsin with a swimming pool and splash pad, so we thought it would be a great place to take the grandkids!<p></p><p>And before you go, be sure to watch these short videos of Governor Dodge State Park.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kZCGRpaVGSo" width="320" youtube-src-id="kZCGRpaVGSo"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2DbFtZ-zOu4" width="320" youtube-src-id="2DbFtZ-zOu4"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GWbweRUxIvw" width="320" youtube-src-id="GWbweRUxIvw"></iframe></div><br /><p>Have A Great Day! <span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Amy</span></p><p>Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs <a href="https://www.amyscreativepursuits.com/p/weekly-link-ups.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</p>Amy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11878073765579182362noreply@blogger.com33