Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (MI), July 16-18

Platte River where it drains into
Lake Michigan, with
Sleeping Bear Dune and one of
the islands in the far distance

I very much enjoyed my time at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located on the east shore of Lake Michigan.  I camped at the south end of the park one night, near where the Platte River empties into Lake Michigan, a favorite inner-tubbing spot.  And on my second night, I camped at the northern end near a couple of the historic communities.  The vistas were beautiful of both Lake Michigan and Glen Lake.  I enjoyed many hours of just driving around and doing some people watching.  Two islands, South and North Manitou, are part of the park.  You can take a ferry to them (but, I didn't).

View of Sleeping Bear from
Inspiration Point

The Legend of Sleeping Bear: 

"Long ago, along the Wisconsin shoreline, a mother bear and her two cubs were driven into Lake Michigan by a raging forest fire. The bears swam for many hours, but eventually the cubs tired and lagged behind. Mother bear reached the shore and climbed to the top of a high bluff to watch and wait for her cubs. Too tired to continue, the cubs drowned within sight of the shore. The Great Spirit Manitou created two islands to mark the spot where the cubs disappeared and then created a solitary dune to represent the faithful mother bear."

Waves on Lake Michigan at

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Time has taken its toll on the Sleeping Bear Dune, she has lost much of her height and shape due to the natural erosion processes that affect dunes.

The main scenic drive in the park provided some short hikes and spectacular views, including a covered bridge.

One dune, in particular, is set aside for visitors to climb and play on.

A dune to climb!

And Glen Lake, just inland from Lake Michigan was exceptionally beautiful.

Glen Lake

originally posted 9/3/10

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, July 15-16

Before reaching my next National Park Service site, I drove a piece of the Lake Erie shore in Ohio and Michigan.  Then I overnighted at the Virant Family Winery, members of Harvest Hosts.   Located on a rarely traveled country road, I had a very peaceful night's sleep.  I thoroughly enjoyed answering the owner's many questions about how I can be self-contained in such a small vehicle.  I would stay there again.

My first impression of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was that I was back to where I grew up, on the beaches of Southern California, sans the smell of salt sea water.  Instead, I was in Indiana at the southern tip of Lake Michigan.  As I have said before, I'm not much of a sand person, so, I kept my beach walking to a minimum ... but very much enjoyed the coastline drives and views.

At their Visitor Center they had a Rain Garden.  It's purpose is to filter and slow the water's drainage into creeks, rivers, and lakes.  Having such a garden at home would be a good idea, I think.

At Indiana Dunes was also was the historic Chellberg Farm with house and barn.  It provided a nice little hike before the day got too hot and muggy.

originally posted 9/2/10

James A. Garfield National Historic Site (OH), July 14

Just east of Cleveland is the James A. Garfield National Historic Site.  This site was the home of our 20th president and his family.   After a career in education and the military, Garfield ran and won the presidency as a dark horse.  But, after 4 months as president, he was assassinated by a disgruntled job applicant. 

After his death, Mrs. Garfield added on to the home to establish the first presidential library.   She also added modern conveniences like running water inside of the house, via a gravity fed system.  The water was pumped from the well using wind power, to a second-story holding tank.

Porch where Garfield
delivered speeches

During Garfield's campaign, the home was part of a working farm.  The press and the curious would gather outside the white picket fence and Garfield would give speeches from his front porch.  Garfield was the first presidential candidate to campaign on his own behalf.

 

originally posted 8/1/10