Walking up the Dune at Warren State Park

 

Walking toward the dunes at Warren Dunes State Park - 9:30am

Last night we had a steady, heavy rain for a couple of  hours.  With breezes from the southwest we knew the smoke, soot and haze from the western fires including those in Manitoba CA would be blown out of the area.  Furthermore, the rain packs the sand, making the uphill walk easier. So, the next morning after a light breakfast we took a walk and climbed the largest dune near the beach. The walk into the park and up and down is a couple of miles in total. Sometimes we bicycle, but with the summer peak on a weekend, walking off the road is much safer. Not everyone observes the 20 MPH speed limit, nor does everyone drive expecting to encounter a slower moving bicycle on the curves that lead to the beach.  

Here's an aerial view of the Warren Dunes State Park, MI.  Courtesy of Bing Maps. The ellipse is the area we were walking in this morning:

Warren Dunes State Park - Source: Bing Maps - area in the photos

We always walk with shoes, or hiking boots. We've encountered rusty cans buried in the sand, bottle tops and of course, there is a lot of wood from long dead trees.  On this walk, we encountered a couple of barefoot teenagers on the dune.  One complained of a cut "from a piece of wood".  She was able to walk down and deal with it at the bottom.  We also carry water. Hydration is important.  It is surprising how many we encounter with no water.  Taking care of the children - NOT!

G zig-zagging up the dune

It is smart to zig-zag to the top to control the heart rate. I push a bit more than G, so I tend to go straight up, if conditions permit. Hard packed sand is easier to walk on, too. Our goal is to enjoy our companionship, get a nice workout, enjoy the breezes and views, avoid the crowd and have a good time.  On some trails there are switch-backs. On the dunes we create our own to the top and hike within our comfortable limits. 

Rain stippled and compacted sand - easier walking uphill

G nears the top, I'm facing south

Steep approach to the top

Looking back as I near the top - more level walking

Some shade near the top - 9:46am

G takes a break and enjoys the view

A pleasant view from the top

One of the rewards of this hike is the wonderful, cool breezes which are generally off of Lake Michigan.  The water temperature near shore is somewhere between 65F and 70F on any given day. That is a cooling influence. Another reward is the view in all directions.  At the top, there is even some shade. 

Near the crest of the dune, it levels and walking becomes easier

After enjoying the view and the breezes, we walk down and

Beach at 10:15am

toss skipping stones into the lake. The beach people are arriving in a steady stream.

It will be a fun filled crowd today, which is our cue to leave. So we hike out of the park and return to our site.

Original Material: Roadtrek210.blogspot.com