After making several stops at antique markets in the Holland area this morning, we set off for Saugatuck Dune Rides for a fun view of the beautiful sand dunes along Lake Michigan. The sun was shining and the temperatures were flirting with 70 degrees - a truly gorgeous day for such an adventure.
The hour ride took us through some fairly deep woods filled with some relatively large trees because they are protected from the wind by the surrounding dunes which rise up almost 90 feet straight up in this area
Most of the ride had us traveling on sand roads surrounded by dune grasses planted to try and keep the dunes from moving. When these dunes were "open" (sand only) they were traveling as much as 7 feet a year
At one high point we were able to get out and take a look around as well as get a picture of ourselves with Lake Michigan in the background
From there we could see one of the other dune schooners taking a group down one of the steep hills at a high rate of speed and all aboard raising their arms high in the air
This picture looks like there are several trees but in fact it is only two trees. They are actually about 80 foot tall trees with only the tops showing which means lots of branches. The sand over the years had built up around the trees and they continued to grow and put out new roots rather than be killed by this action. Only cottonwood trees are able to do this
Our driver was quick with the puns and silly stories when he'd stop to point out various aspects of the area. There were lots of silly signs along the road as well such as Railroad Crossing", Grassic Park, and Bridge Out. He also had a running commentary about big snakes dropping out of trees stopping suddenly under one hanging from a tree (rubber of course). We drove under one tree with quite a lean across the road and told us its name was "Leana". Then we went by this "maintenance worker" who really "buries himself in his work".
All, in all, it was great fun!
We then drove into the little resort town of Saugatuck and had lunch at a small bar and grill. After which we walked along the water front checking out some of the boats parked in the marina.
Judy let me take a picture of her with the boat she selected as "hers"
It was just fun to speculate about the owners, their life style, and what it must be like to travel in one of these as opposed to our motorhomes.
We then headed back to our campground making just a quick stop in Holland so they could see the Windmill Island area and the Dutch windmill from a distance. The village itself and most of the other such attractions are only open on the weekends in September.
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