Renewing Our Bond with the Trail
Wandering the woods near Manistee - plus news updates, music and book notes, and more!
The Call of the Trail
This week, Brenda was busy soaking up her passion for rug hooking at a conference (aka “Hook In”) in Manistee, Michigan. Instead of staying home by myself, I came along for the ride to hang out in Manistee. If you are a faithful reader of the Sunday Sip, then you realize that this is where I first explored “Up North” in Michigan as a kid from Detroit. The funny thing is that I wrote about my memories of Manistee at this time last year.
With Brenda ensconced in all things rug making, I set off to hit the trails. My first adventure was about 30 miles north of Manistee at a little Nature Conservancy spot called Green Point Dunes. Just a half mile from M-22, I was the only person on the trail. The morning was coolish for June, yet made for excellent hiking weather. While not a long trail (only 2 miles), it was a fabulous loop through the woods to the shore of Lake Michigan and back. The woods are primarily deciduous trees of birch, beech, and maple. Under this lush green canopy, I strolled, soaking in the primal calm that a forest can bring. Before I knew it, the woods gave way to the lake. A short jaunt down some stairs led to a sandy beach and a view that stretched for hazy miles.
After Green Point Dunes, I made my way a few miles south, stopping at the Baldy trailhead at Arcadia Dunes. Whenever I think of Arcadia Dunes, I think of Brenda and one of our earliest adventures when we went snowshoeing on these trails. It was the dead of winter with the roaring winds threatening imminent frostbite.
This time around, the sun was shining bright and the temperature was delightfully warm. I opted for the longer 3-mile loop that rambles through a mixed forest of pine and hardwoods. After a few miles, a short and sandy stairway leads to the dunes. The wildflowers looked fantastic set amongst the sand. The only spoiler was a group who beat me to the lookout and proceeded to speak in elevated tones. Nothing spoils a great trail more than a bunch of chattering people. Shut the fuck up and enjoy the views says the old man that yells at clouds.
The most magical part of these strolls through the Green Point and Arcadia Dune was the bird song. Many of these calls weren’t familiar, so I broke out the trusty Merlin app to put names to the voices. The chorus included American Redstart, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Red-eyed Vireo, White-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, and Eastern Towhee. Of course, the only bird that allowed me to photograph them was this disheveled little Easter Towhee who sat patiently in the tree while I switched lenses. All the while he sang and sang and sang. My foray into the woods also included encounters with a raccoon and a Pileated Woodpecker. Neither of these forest friends was willing to wait for me to snag their picture.
The next day, I set off for the Manistee River Trail. Starting at the Seaton Creek campground, I followed the trail, which hugs close to the river's edge as it winds its way toward Lake Michigan. This trail is mainly used by hikers looking to camp overnight within the Huron-Manistee National Forest. At first, this trail is little more than an overground deer path through heavy cover. Eventually, you break out into a wider trail with views of the river. After four miles out, I headed back the way I came. Sadly, this area lacked the wealth of birdsong I’d encountered the day before. I chalked that up to a later morning start with the birds taking a post-breakfast nap.
I must admit that as I wandered the woods, I thought of the awesome photographers (and writers) whose work I admire such as
, , , , , , , , , , and a bunch more that I’m forgetting at the moment. I wondered what images they would have captured in these Michigan woods? What would they make of the Lake Michigan shore or the swiftly flowing Manistee River? How can I apply the inspiration gained from their work to expand my photographic horizons? I know that I tried to see fully and be present to take in as many of those moments as possible.
These walks near Manistee also took me back in time, to the 12-year-old version of me who fell in love with the woods and fields near our home in Pinckney, Michigan. As the afternoon heated up and the dried pine needles gave off their alluring fragrance, I was transported back to the woods of my youth, entranced by the gentle power of the trees.
I was going to try to find a pithy quote to capture the feeling of how necessary and right it feels to spend time on a trail. I’m sure something by Thoreau or Muir would do. There are also plenty by someone known as “Unknown,” which could have fit the bill. Instead, I’ll share my own wish for you: May your trails be long and filled with awe. At the end of that trail, may you find that feeling of satisfaction and peace lingers on and on and on.
Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss
Our new events calendar on Life In Michigan is curated with a treasure trove of events we’ve scoured the interwebs to bring to you. From that list, here are a few highlights:
First, I'd like to share with you a GIG fundraising event that's coming up quickly!!
GIG Fundraiser at Hear.Say Brewing in Ann Arbor on July 8th
Come hang out at Hear.Say Brewing, play some Bingo (or not), and enjoy some fabulous beverages. Part of the bar proceeds go to help raise money for GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Visual Art Experience 2025!!
Schuler Book Days with GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Foundation on July 20 - 26th at all Schuler Book locations and online
Buy a book (or three or thirty) at Schuler Books in-store and mention GIG - The Art of Michigan Music Foundation. Buy a book (or five hundred) at Schuler Books online and use the code GIGARTMI at checkout. Either way, GIG gets 20% of the proceeds to help us fund our annual event!! If you are looking for a book suggestion and want to participate (be sure to wait until July 20!!), Here is our GIG book list -
https://www.schulerbooks.com/wishlist/2944
Consenses Walk Kick-Off with Event Founder Sally Taylor at The Talcott Event Center in Walloon Lake on June 24
A free public Opening Consenses Walk and Artists Panel Discussion, led by Sally Taylor, is planned for Tuesday, June 24, at 5 pm at the Talcott Center in Walloon Lake. This inaugural walk will be the first time any of the featured artists will see their pieces together and see how the collective Consenses experience was masterfully woven together.
Creative Mornings Ann Arbor - Jeremy Wheeler PUNK! At Venue by 4M in Ann Arbor on June 27
I’m a huge fan of Jeremy Wheeler and his art. Looking forward to hearing him talk about how punk rock fits into working for a non-profit organization 🙂
Geoff and Jon’s 4th of July Record Show at Ore Dock Brewing in Marquette on July 3-6
Vinyl and the birth of the United States of America go hand in hand.
In Other News
We had the honor and pleasure of sitting down with Mike Lamentola at the Michigan Media House in Grass Lake for a segment on his podcast, MI People. We felt right at home, and before you knew it, we’d chatted for over 2 hours! Thanks again, Mike, for spending time with us.
If you are into local and regional interviews with musicians, then you’ll dig The Stratton Setlist, created by Lori Stratton. Lori is easily one of the biggest music fans that I know. She has a passion for music, which she shares in each of her stories. Her most recent review is of new music from Night Sky Alumni called Down The Rabbit Hole. In addition to notes on the music, Lori spends time with the band to get their story.
Life In Michigan Podcast
On our podcast, we recently shared our conversation with Evan Westervelt of Midland Brewing. Evan shares his Michigan story with us and a bit about the Michigan craft beverage world.
Brewing Community and Innovation with Evan Westervelt of Midland Brewing Company
In this episode, we’re joined by Evan Westervelt, Sales and Marketing Manager at Midland Brewing Company. From a PBR-fueled epiphany at the Sawmill Saloon to homebrewing misadventures in Colorado, Evan shares how he found his way into Michigan’s craft beer scene—and why Midland Brewing has become a hub for innovation, collaboration, and community connec…
Substack Restack Attack
Substack is where it’s at. Check out these other superb publications:
is back at it with a great set of 25 Michigan tunes for 2025 (so far). finds his elusive green heron and shares photos, videos, and some wonderful words.
I’ve got to admit that I have a fear of ticks. After recently spending a bit of time on the trails and thinking about ticks, I found that
has some great tips on avoiding ticks!
Adventures Yet To Print
Brenda has the Ireland recap nearly ready. I’m starting a story about our recent experience at Sullivan Field in Grand Rapids, where they were shooting a video with local musicians and fans singing “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen. I’m also almost finished with a review of the new Ladyship Warship EP called Lacrimosus Intolerantem. Finally, I’m going to work up our recent adventures in Manistee into a story on trails, food, and of course beers :)
As for the Detroit Vinyl story, someday!
What Are You Reading?
As I mentioned in my last Sunday Sip, I very much enjoyed "I Cheerfully Refuse" by Leif Enger and decided to read another book by him. This one is called Peace Like A River. It is told by Reuben Land, an 11-year-old with asthma, whose brother kills two young men who are town miscreants who have been stalking their family. The brother goes on the run, and the family searches for him. Once again, the writing is fantastic. What I love is the author's mastery of showing and not telling. Way too many mass-market stories are telling and not showing you through the words and sentences. Enger is a master in the same vein as Charles Frazier (Cold Mountain) in writing that puts you into the story. None of that bullshit Hemingway dry sentences where you are supposed to fill in the blanks.
The story in Peace Like A River is tragic, sometimes funny, heroic, and above all, emotive. I highly recommend this, and I Cheerfully Refuse to anyone who loves fabulous writing that shares a compelling story. I know I’ll be on the hunt for more stories by Leif Enger.
What Are You Spinning?
Not actually a spin, but I’ve enjoyed listening to the Kate Hinote Trio’s new album Stowaways while writing and editing photos. The band features Kate Hinote (vocals), Matthew Parmenter (violin), and David Johnson (guitar). David’s rhythmic guitar anchors each song, allowing for a brilliant and dynamic harmonic and melodic interchange between Kate and Matthew. These 10 songs showcase the trio's brilliant songwriting, which captivates the listener with a wide range of sonic and lyrical motifs. My favorite songs are the somewhat bluesy “Slow Release” and the punchy syncopation of “It’s My Toy”. The Kate Hinote Trio wraps up this album with an incredible rendition of The Beatles' “Eleanor Rigby”.
That’s A Wrap
As my buddy Sturgill once said:
“Keep your head out of the clouds
And remember to be kind
And just stay in school
Stay off the drugs
And keep between the lines.”
Thank you for reading. I hope your week is awesome! Don’t forget to kick out the jams!
Now, here is your moment of zen:
Thank you for the shoutout, Chuck! I am glad you didn’t stay home, but instead went on these hikes. Look wonderful!
Thanks for the shout out, Chuck!