We were very fortunate with our weather on Mackinac Island for the rain began to move in just as we left and seemed to stay for a while, even creating some major flooding in southern Michigan. After leaving Mackinac, we had about 30 hours before we would picking up one of our friends in Chicago, so, we headed south down "the mitten" with plans of seeing some special spots along the way.
Several people along our journey had told us about how much they loved Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. As it was sort of on our route, we decided to stop and see whatever we could see during some breaks in the clouds. It was easy to see why people from the area loved this unique landscape. There were great campgrounds that would provide easy access to beaches, bicycle paths, hikes through woods or over sand dunes, and dramatic scenery to take in.
As this was only a quick stop for us, we didn't take in any of the trails, but we were able to drive the scenic road and stop at multiple pull-offs. The first couple were high up and provided views of lakes, harbors and densely-green hills. One stop showed the sand dunes, that, I must admit were a bit underwhelming. They appeared much like the edge of a desert area might with small hills of sand covered in scattered grasses and sparse trees.
But then, our next pull-off was a weak-in-the-knees sort of overwhelming spot. I do not have a fear of heights, but what I've noticed is that I seem to have a fear of steepness. Odd, I realize, but we don't choose our fears, do we? The sand dunes at this spot plunged over four hundred feet at a near ninety-degree angle down to Lake Michigan. A sign at the entrance stated that a rescue from the bottom cost $3,000. Not that I needed a deterrent to keep me at the top, but that helped. Some people took it as a challenge though, and we saw them as mere dots down in the water or struggling slowly to climb back up the ladder of sand.
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| Those "dots" near the bottom of the dune are people! |
We drove south along the coast of Lake Michigan, only sometimes spotting the shore, but frequently spotting towns that took advantage of having a beach.
Spending the night in Northern Indiana ensured a true stop in the state as did a visit to the Indiana Dunes National Park the next morning. Rain continued to dampen our time in the area, but thankfully, it stopped just long enough for us to enjoy a short walk along the beach. We did not see the tall sand dunes in the park, nor did we get to enjoy the interesting marsh walk possibilities, but we did truly enjoy a stroll along the sandy beach. While much of the beach was sandy, the water line was covered in rocks of every color made smooth by their time in the water. One could spend hours searching through the rocks and noting their unique differences.
Before heading on to Chicago, we made one quick stop in Gary, Indiana where we saw the childhood home of the Jackson 5. You cannot go inside it, but the tiny house is well-maintained and cared for. In the middle of the street in front of the home, a performer, with multiple outfit changes enjoyed showing off some of his own Michael Jackson moves. Based on what a neighbor said, no matter what time of day you stop by, you'll always be treated to someone putting on a show!
