Michigan Sweet Spot Crabapple tree blooms
Beautiful spring crabapple blooms at Ada Park.

A couple of days ago I saw on facebook that Betsy Ratsch, from Betsy Ratsch Pottery, had commented on the amazing crabapple blooms in Ada Park on Buttrick. I decided to blast on over there and see what all the commotion was about and was sure glad I did. First off, there was this wonderful crabapple perfume permeating the park, topped off by beautiful blooming trees everywhere.

As I was leaving this dude with a guitar walked by and told me that he comes there just before sunset because the light is so pretty and “it beats playing at home.” Well played sir, well played.

Archive

Regions

Tags

Image
This gal got to know her reptiles a little better at the Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park

 

Summer is a great time to go out for an adventure with kids and I’ve got the perfect place for you. Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park features exotic animals in a rare atmosphere. It feels kind of like Jurassic Park, only without the danger. My favorites in Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park are the huge bird cage you can enter and feed colorful birds, Reptile Rick’s tour of the park in a big open air truck and being able to pet baby wild animals.

Kids find this place delightful, and frankly, so did I. Here’s some info about the park:

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park Website

Address with map link: 8313 Pratt Lake SE Alto, MI 49302

Facebook Page

Hours:

Monday – Saturday:
Open 10am-5pm
Grounds close at 6pm

Sunday:
Open 12pm-5pm
Grounds close at 6pm

Phone: (616) 868-671

Email: info@boulderridgewap.com

Photo of Marshall Memorial Park
Logging ruins at Marshall Memorial Park in Newaygo

After hearing about the virtues of the Newaygo County area for some time now from my family up north, I decided to have my Noah give me a little tour. This is an HDR photo of the first stop on his list, Marshall Memorial Park. The park was established in 2004 to remember trooper Kevin M. Marshall of the Michigan State Police, who was killed in the line of duty.

The park extends back into the woods with wild snake grass growing along the banks of Brooks Creek. There is a pavilion with picnic tables, look off deck and scenic trails through the woods. It’s beautiful and worth visiting.

My favorite place to walk!

So, can you guess where I took this photo? I gave you a huge hint when I said it was a favorite place… I took this on a walking trail at the Frederik Meijer Gardens with my friend Patti. The Frederik Meijer Gardens is a great place for walks, it’s scenic, smells nice and just plain makes you feel good.

One thing though, you might forget the time so make sure you leave before they close. We totally blew the closing time and would have been locked in if it hadn’t been for a wedding there.

Big Wabasis Lake Campground
Big Wabasis Lake Campground in Greenville, MI

Wow! What a summer this has been. Other than a few days that were over the top hot, I can’t remember a more beautiful or fun summer. I took this while visiting my son Paul and his family on a camping outing at Big Wabasis Lake. It’s quite a nice place to visit, especially if you love camping. Here’s some helpful links:

Wabasis Facebook link

Wabasis Lake Details and Campsite Map

Google Map Link to Location

In addition to camping, you’ll find  a boat launch, enclosed shelter, baseball diamonds, fishing, hiking/walking, picnicking, a playground, swimming, a bathhouse, basketball, restrooms and a springhouse (which is VERY cool).

magicalwoodsmss.jpg
Sorry but I just can’t help it! I was thinking of the warm sunny evening I took this, just as the sun was going down (that’s the bright light through the trees.) This is where I took the picture along the Grand River. Over the Christmas Holiday I plan on getting out there and taking some new winter shots, so be looking for them, they will be here soon!

tassellriverviewmss.jpg
Here’s another picture that I took at Leslie Tassel Park in Cascade, Michigan. This was taken on a little dock that extends out into the river. Looking to the East, this is what you’ll see. From the west, is a view of the dam. More to come tomorrow.

fhriverwalkmss.jpg
Wowie Zowie! You know it’s just sooo easy to find a great place to go for a walk or bike ride in west Michigan. There are trails all over the place. I took this walking along the river near where the Forest Hills crew teams practice. The path is hard to find though so use this google map link, and look for a small green boathouse sign on the right and Don LeBlanc Row (the entrance road) on the left and follow the drive all the way to the end of the parking lot. The path is on the left and winds through beautiful woods, with the Thornapple River alongside it. What a way to get exercise! FYI if you’re one of those folks who don’t want to get their car dusty… the drive is a gravel road.

warrentownwoodsmss.jpg
In addition to baseball diamonds, fishing, a playground, and a beautiful creek to play in, Warren Townsend Park has nature trails. This is a picture of the nature trail that is illustrated in this link. By the way, if you have dogs they are permitted on the trail as long as they are leashed.