Our journeys up to Sleeping Bear Dunes (SBD) varied - a driving trip in the time of Covid. Many of us left early and took 2 days travelling, so that we could hike the dunes in Indiana or visit friends on the way up. Two groups drove to Manitowoc, Wi and caught the Badger to cross the lake to Ludington, Mi. The day was perfect for a crossing!

We had contact-free check-in (doors unlocked, keys inside) at M22 Empire, formerly Maple Lane Resort. Many of us went down to the lake (Little Glen) and enjoyed the resort’s pier; some of us kayaked in the warm shallow lake with views of the dunes on the west shore and Big Glen Lake under the bridge to the east. All of us gathered for dinner at Boonedocks in Glen Arbor, with a band and all outdoor seating - a must during CoVid.

Our first day of activity took us to Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. In some sections, the paved trail was surrounded by wildflowers - an orgy of deep yellow and purple. In other areas, the trail took us through the woods or through dappled light. Yes, there were hills. It was a glorious day of sun and sky. We had lunch in smaller groups, mostly in Glen Arbor. For dinner (which was  included our “wine and cheese” party substitute), we all met at Broomstacks Kitchen in Maple Lake for dining under the trees, followed by a curling lesson for an intrepid 9 of us. One member who happens to run our website these days got the only score of the evening. Curling is hard, complicated sort of the way golf is. But a fun challenge!

On the second day we hiked. Many of us went to The Dunes Climb, a 3.5-4 hour hike over dunes to Lake Michigan and back. We got lucky with just a little bit of overcast cutting the sun, enough to make the fully-exposed walk a bit easier. The lake felt great after the first leg of the walk!  Others of us went to the beach at Glen Arbor and walked to Sleeping Bear Point. After lunch in various places and manners, many went back to the Little Glen Lake to while away the afternoon, relaxing and taking advantage of the lake - kayaking, SUP’ing, or beaching it. For dinner we were on our own; and since it rained (our only time on the trip), some of us even chose to dine “at home” in our rooms with kitchenettes.

Third day we kayaked Crystal River, a creek with amazingly clear water and a meandering course. There were LOTS of obstacles to navigate, but the river current was good due to high water, so paddling was just for navigation, not locomotion. Then, it was a lazy time of “after-nooning” and enjoying the lake – Michigan OR Little/Big Glen for those who stayed through Monday night. Unfortunately, a few of us had to go back to work and obligations at home.

Tuesday most of us headed back. Some went on to visit other friends, hike different dunes, or rollerblade elsewhere, etc. It was a great time to drive through Mighigan toward Chicago, with the roadside markets full of blueberries and other goodies.

Michigan is taking Covid seriously, so it was less risky for us to be there than other areas where restrictions are lax. Masks were necessary, and our dining practices were different (more picnicking) to avoiding being inside restaurants. It’s a testament to what a great group LSSC is, that we all just enjoyed ourselves despite the need for CoVid precautions - all of us making it work and having an AMAZING trip, at a time when it was really, really needed!