Warren Dunes

Climbing to the top

Sawyer, Michigan -- Last Friday our family took advantage of the beautiful day to trek to to the eastern shore of Lake Michigan for a day at Warren Dunes State Park. On arrival we immediately set out to climb the dunes. Being naturally closer to the ground, it took almost no effort at all for the kids to scurry up the sandy steepness of Pikes Peak. We parents had barely caught our breath when we needed to regroup and direct the daring explorers to descend on kid-safe slopes. (They, of course, wanted to follow the groups of teenagers racing down the near-vertical drops of some paths.) Back on level ground, we moved over to the beach. Due to the day's wind and waves, swimming was off limits, but it didn't stop us from dipping toes in the chilly lake. The boys were thrilled with waves. Only the promise of ice cream pulled them away from the shore. (Anna, though a sand and water lover, was happier with her William away from the loud waves.) After that snack, we moved back to the dunes for a bit of hiking. The kids hiked like pros through the various trail landscapes and elevations. The last time we visited Lake Michigan, William was small enough that I foolishly tried to push a stroller up along the beach. What a change to have all three children capable of walking on their own two feet for a family hike.  There was some dragging at the end, but all perked up as the lake came back into view. 

The boys at the top of the Big Hill

No swimming due to wind and rip currents,
but the beach was fun anyway

Dipping toes in the icy water

All the way down!

After almost three miles of trail hiking,
little bodies get tired!