Sleeping Bear Kayaking: Empire Beach to Glen Haven
- At September 24, 2014
- By Nick Nerbonne
- In Nick N.'s posts, Paddling, Places
2
At over 70,000 acres, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers plenty of room to roam. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the Lakeshore is in a kayak, and with 35 miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline, it’s pretty easy to find a quiet place to explore.
Last month when the weather forecast called for calm winds, blue skies, and warm temperatures on a Saturday morning, a sight-seeing tour of the world’s largest freshwater sand dunes by kayak seemed like a great idea. I talked fellow Northern Swag contributor Kim Schwaiger into joining me with promises of stunning views and – given the 6 am departure – plenty of coffee.
We had the beach and lake to ourselves as we unloaded the boats and paddled into the Big Lake toward Sleeping Bear in the pre-dawn light, taking in the views both behind and in front of us.
The sun began to rise as we made our way up the lake, and finally emerged from behind the hills and dunes as we passed the outlet at North Bar Lake, illuminating the landscape as we paddled north.
The view from the overlook atop Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is one of
my favorite views in Michigan, but seeing the 450-foot face of Sleeping Bear Dunes up close from a kayak wasn’t too shabby either.
As we passed in front of the dunes, the light breeze from the east disappeared, turning the surface of Lake Michigan to glass, which doesn’t happen often, creating plenty of photo-ops.
As we continued on, the sun rose above the dunes, highlighting the crystal-clear water and the ridges of sand below.
Rounding Sleeping Bear Point, conditions were pretty much perfect. We couldn’t help but stop to soak up the sun and take in the surroundings before continuing on to our destination at Glen Haven.
I’ve paddled on Lake Michigan along various sections of the Lakeshore a half-dozen times or so, and there are a few things I’ve learned along the way.
- Respect the “big water.” Lake Michigan is a massive body of water and can turn from calm to surly in a matter of minutes. Even if you’re an experienced paddler, don’t take unnecessary risks. We stayed pretty close to shore for the duration of our route.
- Wear a life jacket. You never know what might happen, and your safety is worth it.
- Bring plenty of water and a snack to provide an energy boost mid-paddle.
- Get a dry bag. We used these for our cameras and cell phones.
This latest paddle along the shoreline of Sleeping Bear was an amazing experience. Our window of favorable conditions is closing quickly for this year, but if you live in the area or are planning a visit next summer, a kayak offers a unique point of view of this beautiful landscape.
Fun with Moving Light at the National Cherry Festival
The arrival of the National Cherry Festival brings lots of things to downtown Traverse City: cherries, of course, and air shows, concerts, parades, Gibby Fries, and rides. All kinds of rides. I took my camera down to the midway during the festival to capture the fun after sunset.
While the Zipper, Orbiter, and Freak Out were certainly tempting, I decided to enjoy the view from behind the camera.
Which rides did YOU ride at the National Cherry Festival this year?
Share the Seasons of Northern Michigan with a 2014 Northern Swag Calendar
- At November 29, 2013
- By Nick Nerbonne
- In Nick N.'s posts
- 0
If you’re a follower of our Facebook page and Instagram account, you’re probably aware that we love to get outside and explore the beautiful places we have right here in our own backyard. Part of the fun is capturing these northern Michigan scenes with our cameras along the way, and of course, sharing them with you.
Earlier this fall, we sat down and looked through hundreds of images from our outdoor excursions and came up with twelve that we thought did a nice job of representing the diverse beauty of northern Michigan and its changing seasons. This collection of landscapes is now available in our 2014 Northern Swag calendar. Click the thumbnails below to see a preview of the image for each month.
Printed by Shutterfly on high-quality heavy card stock, the calendars are $20.00 each ($5.99 for shipping per order). We hope you’ll enjoy these scenic views of our beautiful backyard, and perhaps share a piece of home with family & friends who live outside the area. Be sure to order by December 17 to ensure delivery by Christmas Eve.
Hello, Snow! Kicking Off the 2013-14 Skiing & Snowboarding Season
- At November 27, 2013
- By Nick Nerbonne
- In Nick N.'s posts
- 0
Over a foot of lake-effect snow and ideal snowmaking temperatures have helped many northern Michigan ski resorts open for Thanksgiving weekend. Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain.
Winter arrived in northern Michigan this week – in a BIG way! The “lake effect snow machine” kicked on and blanketed many areas with over a foot of natural snow the past few days. Ideal snowmaking temperatures have allowed ski resorts to fire up the snow guns to add to Mother Nature’s early Christmas gift, and for the first time in many years, ski resorts throughout northern Michigan will be open for Thanksgiving weekend.
With snow sports enthusiasts scrambling to grab their snowboards from the basement and get their skis down from the rafters above the garage, we thought it would be fun to put together a list of northern Michigan resorts that will be open for skiing & riding over the holiday weekend.
Conditions like these don’t come along every November, so grab your gear, pack yourself a turkey sandwich, and enjoy a few Thanksgiving weekend turns. See you on the slopes!
Boyne Highlands
Opening date: Thanksgiving Day
The Highlands kicks off the 2013-14 season on Thanksgiving Day with 3 lifts serving 8 runs, including Heather and black-diamond favorite, South Challenger.
All-day lift ticket rate: $35 adults, $30 teens, $25 juniors
Conditions quote: ” Some of the best opening day conditions in years!”
Boyne Mountain
Opening date: Thanksgiving Day
Boyne Mountain actually opened for a couple of days earlier in November, but will re-open on Thanksgiving Day with 4 lifts and 7 runs.
All-day lift ticket rate: $35 adults, $30 teens, $25 juniors
Conditions quote: “There’s no better way to celebrate than to get in some turns with family and friends!”
Caberfae Peaks
Opening date: Friday, November 29
Caberfae’s 2013-14 season gets underway on Friday, November 29 with 3 lifts, including the North Peak Quad. Check the Caberfae snow report for updates on open runs.
All-day lift ticket rate: $24 adults, $24 teens, $19 juniors
Conditions quote: “It looks like the middle of winter at the Peaks!”
Crystal Mountain
Opening date: Thanksgiving Day
Crystal Mountain opens Thanksgiving day with 10 slopes, with 6 additional runs opening Friday, including the black-diamond Buck Glades, served by the brand-spankin’ new Buck Quad charlift. Additional terrain openings are possible over the weekend as snowmaking allows.
All-day lift ticket rate: $25 ages 13 & over, $15 ages 7-12
Conditions quote: “Mother Nature decided to unleash a lake effect snow fury on us!”
Nubs Nob
Opening date: Thanksgiving Day
Nubs plans to open Thanksgiving Day with 2 lifts and 4 runs, with a third lift and “at least another 3 runs” opening Friday.
All-day lift ticket rate: $35 adult, $35 teen, $28 child ($10 with skiing parent)
Conditions quote: “Looks like this cold air will stick around for another couple days allowing continuous snowmaking. YAHOO!”
Shanty Creek
Opening date: Friday, November 29
Schuss Mountain will open for the season on Friday, November 29. Check out the Shanty Creek snow report for updates on open runs and lifts.
All-day lift ticket rate: $25 all ages
Conditions quote: “Thank you, snowmakers and thank you Mother Nature for cooperating! Let it snow!”
Autumn Wanderings in Leelanau County
- At October 21, 2013
- By Nick Nerbonne
- In Nick N.'s posts
- 5
Like many northern Michigan residents, fall is one of my favorite times of the year. As temperatures cool and the leaves make their transition to the yellows, oranges, and reds of autumn, I grab my camera and head for the scenic views and hidden backroads of northern Michigan to capture Mother Nature’s annual display of color.
When the sun made an unexpected appearance this past weekend, I hit the road toward Leelanau County, one of Michigan’s premiere fall color destinations, right here in our backyard. Below are some highlights from a beautiful autumn afternoon in “The County.”
Heading west on M-72 from Traverse City, I had to stop at Gallagher’s Market for a cup of hot cider and a pumpkin doughnut (or two) for the road. The view of the orchards and surrounding hills is pretty nice, too.
Turning north on Solon Rd. from M-72, another orchard offered a colorful autumn scene.
The historic Solon Schoolhouse is a classic example of Leelanau’s rural charm.
Heading east on county road 616, I came upon this golden cornfield with a backdrop of amber foliage.
While searching for undiscovered views last fall, I turned down an unassuming two-track that led to a dramatic view overlooking South Lake Leelanau and Grand Traverse Bay. The landowner was kind enough to give me permission to return, and the setting seemed even more spectacular this year.
From there I wandered west to explore the backroads north of Cedar. These horses along Kabot Rd. seemed to be enjoying the afternoon sunshine as much as I was.
The calm waters of the Lake Leelanau Narrows made for the perfect final stop to reflect on a colorful Saturday in The County.
What are your favorite places and scenic drives in Leelanau County for fall color viewing? Let us know in the comments!
Click the thumbnails below to view additional images.
