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✝ See Faith Posts for my new content in the absence of Monroe News Faith Columns.
✝ See Published Articles for my old Faith Columns and other content.
⛰ My blog also contains numerous Trip Reports from adventures I've had.

Friday, October 18, 2024

Sleeping Bear Point and Lake Michigan Overlook Climb (Sleeping Bear Dunes)

Jump to Lake Michigan Overlook Climb

Sleeping Bear Point Trail
Sleeping Bear Point is at the northern end of the National Lakeshore. It is just west of Glen Arbor. There is a nice parking lot trailhead at the end of a dirt road. I did this loop trail counterclockwise. In this direction it begins on pure sand and very quickly comes to a junction where you can turn right and go about 2/10 of a mile down to the Lake Michigan beach. Definitely worth it especially if you have kids to go and explore and enjoy the sand and the beach. Once back to the loop it's meanders on the dunes and you follow blue posts to stay on route. For the most part it's fairly easy to keep on the route. You spend a lot of time on the sand with plenty of up hills and subsequent downs. The last 0.75 takes you into the woods on a beautiful single track with plenty of fall colors. I was engaged the whole loop hiking on my own and didn't for a second think of putting in my earbuds to pass the time. Definitely a winner of a trail and hike while visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Vasa Pathway - 10K Loop

The Vasa Pathway is the crown jewel trail system of the Traverse City area. It is clearly well funded and well taken care of. It provides trail opportunity for people through all 4 seasons whether you're looking for biking, hiking, or winter sports. Though I don't live near Traverse City it is still a trail system I've heard of from other parts of Michigan.

While in the area for a conference I made it a point to have an adventure out here during some afternoon free time. Given the time I had available I targeted the 10K loop. It was all clearly marked. The whole of the 10K loop was a double-track forest road. I believe in the winter this would be groomed for XC which is a treat.

Monday, October 14, 2024

Deepwater Point Natural Area

Deepwater Point Natural Area is protected by Acme Township and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. It is a 17-acre forested area with beach area and wetlands. It provides beautiful views of East Grand Traverse Bay. There is just under a mile of hiking in the woods following two loops and several connecting trails. There are also short use trails to various places on the beachfront. It surely must be a hidden treasure amongst locals who can easily access this gem of nature.

I was exploring it during an afternoon break during a conference I was attending the Traverse City/Acme area at the Grand Traverse Resort. This was less than a mile from the Resort and made for quick and easy access to a nice hike. I loved getting pictures of the East Bay which proved so very scenic.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Traditions

[This is my Faith Post for October 2024.] 

Since the very beginning truth and foundations have been under assault.  The ancient serpent, the Devil, got it started in Genesis 3 when he comes to Eve questioning “did God really say?”  From that moment, all that is good and true has been drawn into question by the devil and his minions as well as by our sinful nature.

In our present culture this surely hasn’t changed.  Some would argue it has gotten worse.  While I agree it is bad, I’m thinking Noah (Gen. 6:5) would have something to say about how much worse things can get.  What concerns me is our culture’s tendency to erase tradition and change foundations.  Things we once held to be true and important are now forgotten.  This is a dangerous trend.  A wise speaker once said “he who controls the past controls the present”.  If the powers that be can change our foundations and what we once held true, then they can also begin to control everything else.

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