Get off the Couch — Explore Michigan

Get Off the Couch — Explore Michigan with Joan H. Young

March 8, 2012
Get Off the Couch — Explore Michigan with Joan H. Young

Gale’s Pond- Plan a Spring Outing     By JOAN H. YOUNG mcp outdoors blogger   Just southeast of Hart is a gem of an Oceana County Park known as Gale’s Pond http://www.getoffthecouch.info/oceana/galespond.htm. The area has been a park since 1939, but originally the pond had been created to power a sawmill and blacksmith shop. It was even served by…

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Get off the Couch — Explore Michigan: Taking it Easy at Big M

March 1, 2012
Get off the Couch — Explore Michigan: Taking it Easy at Big M

By JOAN H. YOUNG mcp outdoors blogger   Big M is perhaps the best-designed set of cross-country ski trails in the state. They were designed by professional, John Capper, in the 1950s. There are trails to satisfy all levels of X-C skiing bravery.   My personal level is “not very brave.” At this point in my ski career, I might…

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Get Off the Couch — Explore Michigan: Oceana County High Point

February 23, 2012
Get Off the Couch — Explore Michigan: Oceana County High Point

      By JOAN H. YOUNG mcp columnist Lower Michigan isn’t known for its tall hills. In fact the highest point in the entire state is Mount Arvon in the UP, at 1978 feet. The highest point in the LP isn’t too far away from Mason County, in Wexford County. It’s Briar Hill, at 1706 feet.   Although I’ve…

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Get off the couch — explore Michigan: Manistee Riverwalk

February 16, 2012
Get off the couch — explore Michigan: Manistee Riverwalk

  By JOAN YOUNG mcp.com columnist   The winter continues to limp along, providing almost no opportunities for snowy recreation. At the same time, trails may be too soggy, or uneven with icy patches to be difficult to hike. Here’s one more possible option for a winter walk. The Manistee Riverwalk stretches for 1.5 miles from just east of the…

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Get off the Couch — Explore Michigan: Arcadia Bluffs

February 9, 2012
Get off the Couch — Explore Michigan: Arcadia Bluffs

  Arcadia Bluffs Overlook – Arcadia     By JOAN H. YOUNG mcp.com columnist     Near the northen border of Manistee County is a roadside park that’s worth a visit any time you are passing by. It’s even great as a destination for a picnic, a sunset viewing, or as part of a visit to some of the attractions…

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