One of the nicest things about living way outside of town is the proximity to the lake and lots of nice hiking trails. My favorite park on the south side of Holland is Saugatuck Dunes State Park and it is Uno's (our dog) favorite park too because he can run free and swim in the lake.
Uno is getting up there in years (about 16 now) and I wasn't sure he was up for a hike but Dad suggested we give it a try as long as we went slow. The trails bring back a lot of memories for me not only from growing up hiking and cross country skiing there but from many many high school and college track and cross country practices.
Usually, there's not a lot of people at the park and today was no exception. It was a beautiful sunny and breezy day and we only saw about two other people on the trail. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes were fierce but the reward of an empty beach and the refreshing lake made it well worth it.
Uno enjoyed himself immensely though he got tired really quickly and we thought for a minute that I might have to carry him back. On the way back home while snacking on blackberries and slapping mosquitoes we wondered, like we always do, why we didn't make it out here more often. After living in urban China where wilderness is hard to find, Saugatuck Dunes State Park feels like paradise and I know I'll be back soon. Next time I'll bring some bug spray.
oh my gosh !! this is soo beautiful may i state how jealous i am ?? i look forward to reading more about your "wandering" which i soon hope to be doing once im 18 [:
check me out too
portrayingtaylorashley.blogspot.com
Are you going to be free this weekend? John Muir is coming to Cbus...:)