3-Day Hike on Grand Island National Recreation Area

 

James on Grand Island

 

The Grand Island National Recreation Area is a 13,500-acre protected island in Lake Superior, located about one-half mile off the coast of Munising, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Hiawatha National Forest, it features 300-foot sandstone cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and deep hardwood forests.

Munising is about 43 miles from Marquette and 55 miles from Manistique. In the summer it can be reached via passenger ferry or private watercraft. In winter, it is accessible only via snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes across frozen Lake Superior ice at your own risk.

Grand Island is the perfect place to spend a day or even just a few hours biking, exploring, and appreciating nature. Please be aware that, in keeping with agency interim direction, the non-motorized trails (e.g. all bike trails) are not open to eBikes. NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES ALLOWED!! The island is an exciting and secluded destination that offers: Breathtaking overlooks, Pristine sandy beaches, Fascinating cultural sites, and Deep hardwoods.

 

My nephew, James, and a friend went on a 3 Day Hike on Grand Island mid-August. He had a great time ending his summer of camping adventures. He has generously shared his photos. I am indebted to James & Heather for all the wonderful photos they have shared over the years. They are very supportive, and I love them dearly. 

 

Ferry to Grand Island

James & Friend at camp

James had an encounter briefly with a bear. He's an intelligent man and made noise to scare it. He quickly moved away & took 1 photo. It was close.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Summer in Central Florida

 As I reported recently, Florida is experiencing a severe drought, marking its most significant water shortage since 2012. Driven by massive rainfall deficits and collapsed groundwater levels, regional authorities have enacted strict water restrictions. We're now in the rainy season and are getting showers more often. This has helped but has not solved the problem. We need frequent short showers to build up groundwater levels. A heavy rain doesn't really help as the sandy soil cannot retain the moisture. 

 

Image via Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

  

Today I'm sharing summer skies here at the condo with increased darker clouds. Many afternoons moisture builds up over the Gulf and moves across Florida with showers. Sometimes there is thunder and lightening. I sit and listen as it moves in and out.  I don't really go outside to capture storms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you're enjoying summer wherever you are!

 

 

 

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June Afternoon Sky

 

One day the clouds were so beautiful that I had to stop what I was doing and take photos. Sometimes the sky seems to reach all the way up to heaven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trees & Sky at The Condo

 

 

Today’s photos are more from the condominium grounds, with a viewpoint on the building next door. The grounds are kept beautifully, with grass cutting weekly. Grass grows year round in Florida, although very slowly in the winter. Between my building and the next is a nice walkway and lots of trees. Florida’s blue skies are really the norm. I hope you enjoy the photos. 

 

 

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Last White Amaryllis & Oaks Against The Blue Sky

 

 

 

 It's mid-April here in central Florida, and I've been enjoying my potted white amaryllis for the last two weeks. These are the last few flowers today.  My red amaryllis is just starting to get buds. I'm hopeful in two weeks, I'll be in love with the flowers.

 

 

 

 

 Now, let's enjoy beautiful blue skies and gorgeous, old oak trees against the skies. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tulips at Publix Supermarket

 

I’ve been driving around and enjoying scenes here in my home of Lakeland, Florida. The days are mostly beautiful with blue skies.

 

 

Of course, I love to visit the flower department at my local Publix Supermarket. Some things never change no matter where I am in Florida. Floridians love the seasonal flowers that grow up north.  Spring flowers, like tulips, are very popular.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the visit. I’m wishing you blue skies and tulips wherever you are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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