Hiking

Thursday, June 14th:  Indian Trail Hike

Friday, June 15th: Hiking in Empire-

We hiked a new trail through the woods near Lake Michigan.  We planned to walk along the beach on the way back but we got attacked by biting flies, so we ran back to the woods and took the trail back to the car.

I did the Empire bluff trail by myself, while my parents took the girls into Empire to play at the playground.

 This picture shows the hike we did from sleeping bear dunes (far left) along the beach down to Empire on Tuesday.  That is 3 miles of coast!

I zoomed in on the beach my parents had the girls at while I was doing this hike.  I ran the trail down the bluff (1/2 mile) and then the road into Empire (1 mile) to join them.

Northport

On Wednesday, my mom and I took the girls to Northport to do some shopping and have a picnic on the beach at Lake Michigan.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Tuesday, June 12th:  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

We went to the Lake Michigan Overlook.  I have been to this over look 4 times in recent years, but this year was the first time I went down the 450ft sand dune!

 Keelin and Emmy at the top of the dune.

 Heading down!  My dad took Emmy, my mom had Keelin, and I took pictures all the way down!

 Half way down... the girls love the sand dune!

 Here is the view to the south and to the north (half way down the dune).

Keelin slid on her butt part of the way down.

 My dad (left person) and Emmy (little speck next to him!) are at the bottom.  Keelin is on the right closest to me.

 Keelin and Emmy at the bottom!

 Now we are ready to hike 3 miles to the town of Empire.  (We could have climbed back up the dune...but who would want to do that????) 

 Beautiful, clear Lake Michigan!  and the wonderful view on our long hike.  Keelin ended up getting carried by grandpa for awhile because the bugs were bothering her.

Taking a break!

When we got to Empire, we ate dinner at a little tavern in Empire called "Joe's Friendly Tavern".  It was so good!

Hiking behind the Cabin

Sunday evening my dad and I took the girls hiking up through the woods behind the cabin.

 This is an overview of Crystal Lake.

 This is an overview of Lake Michigan.

Tennis

Playing tennis with Grandpa is always a fun time for both girls.

Crystal Lake

We spent a lot of time at Crystal Lake.  It was a 5 minute walk down the hill and out of the woods to get to the beach.

Saturday, June 9th: We arrive at the cabin and the girls were ready to walk down to the lake.

Sunday, June 10th:  We spent a couple hours down at the lake (in our swimsuits this time!)

          "Surfer Emmy"

Mid-week:  Sandcastles!

End of the Week:  Keelin was very comfortable in the water!

Emmy even took a shot at wearing the mask!