GPS floof...........

We went out anyway, even though it was a crummy day. It was overcast but they had said it was going to be partly sunny, well we didn't see any sun, just drizzle. We decided we would go out and look for the Indian graveyard that we had tried to find last year, We knew we wouldn't get to it due to the snow, but I did figure we would locate it. We did that but good grief...........
Anyway we set off and looked for Snowy owls, coyotes, fox anything but saw nothing. We had talked about stopping for a Reuben seeing we would be close to Fishers. Took some pictures of some barns, I do so love the old barns.



So we stopped first at the Samaritans CLoset in Lake Leelanau and I found a few treasures, well I had to look after all we were there. I bought the stuffie for the blue bedroom downstairs.


We got our coffee at The Peddling Beans. Then Gerry decided he would use the GPS, even though I had drawn out the directions, we argued a bit and then I said go ahead. Well goodness knows what he was thinking because he took French rd and I said this goes to Cedar. He insisted he was right until he knew he wasn't and decided to turn around. We got stuck on ice on a sloping farm drive. When ever he tried to move we went further to a dop off............he says "you try driving and I will put something under the wheel". Well I couldn't stand up on the ice so put my boots on. I got to the other side and flagged someone down and the nice man did stop, however, the towels under the wheels worked and we got out just fine. Thank goodness for the extra junk we carry. SO, now what. .......I had seen some cuties along the way so we stopped and got pictures,




So there we were back in Lake Leelanau, he wanted to keep on with GPS now knowing he misheard the instructions. SO hey ho what the heck.Go for it we are all about exploring. So off we go, I had no idea where it was taking us but eventually realized where we were. Had we gone the way I said through Leland we would have ended up there. Only thing was we missed the half of the trek that I had wanted to go on to get to Menominee beach, Never mind I can be flexible (grrr) well this GPS lady took us to the wrong Foxfire dr we ended up at a farm we had ended up at last year. Lucky no one around so we didn't have to explain. Hehe. Well back to it, she now takes us to the correct place. A private dr on a dead end road. Phew........and so we turned down the private road. Scared the heck out of me as I suddenly got the view of a great drop off looking over the lake Ack!!!! Can you see the water. I will darken the image......


The road was icy, it seemed it had been sanded at some point and so that helped. We saw our destination but turned around while we could and got back on the main road. Sighing a sigh of relief we gave up on the GPS and decided to now wait for the snow to go before trying to get in again. Not one animal to be seen.........so back on the main road.




So eventually we pass Fishers and I just had to say, hey theres the road we would have taken had you followed my instructions tee hee....we were not hungry so decided we would wait and get a burrito at the Hayloft later. Now to decide, should we go on to Empire or turn back to Lake Leelanau. Well, I thought it would be fun to explore the road where we found the goats and horses (and got stuck) so we thought we would do that because it had began to rain a little bit. No sun ever shone. We passed the goats who were now inside, and continued on. It was a lovely road leading to Cedar. In fact it went through Isadore.




Its such a shame some of the old abandoned houses burned down. This is the tiny village with a big church where the Nun was murdered many many years ago,
That road continued into Cedar, well, onto the road that goes to Cedar. Someone told me today about a Beaver den on the other side of the road (Gatzke) where we came out onto Good Hardbor trail. So we must go back and find that.
So Just before the church at Isadore, in the fields there we saw a huge flock of Turkey.




So then we headed home but stopped to eat at the Hayloft.



So ended another adventure, Cant wait to get out again. Supposed to be nice on Monday (Maybe Sunday) and maybe I can get to Memominee beach..........we will stay off icy roads though

The sun comes out and off we go....................

One sunny day and best to make the most of it. I love to see the snow on trees. The wind binds it to the sides of the tree and the branches look frosted like a cake. I see the stunning look of branches against a blue sky and am enchanted. I look at all the detail bared now and intricately detailed. I especially like the white birches against the blue. It makes me want to paint. Watercolour. I am working on family history stuff so maybe when I am done sorting I will get the paints out.


We haven't been having much luck seeing wildlife when we go out. Been searching for Snowy Owls. None so far. Once you know where to look it seems they hang out in the same areas. Well on the way to get bloodwork done today, there were 3 deer in the woods across from the doctors offices, two eating and one laying down. No camera. Sigh.......had I only known my cell phone was in the car. Boo.
Well anyway, we went out to Lake Leelanau to check out the new location at the Samaritans closet. It's very nice and I found a few things. Of course I did. I got a silver vase for the blue room downstairs (now I need some flowers) and two small blue glass vases for down there too. A bowl for stones and a giraffe. The place is the Samaritans Closet. Worth the trip and my new fav place. Stopped for coffee at the Peddling Beans.



Well we skipped Leland, too cold for beach walk so headed to Empire via the usual haunts. I got some pictures of some more barns, but no wildlife. It was pretty out and it always does me good just to get out even if I don't get much exercize. We did go down to Good Harbour Bay via the county road near Shalda Creek because the water looked so green through the trees. Stopped and got some pictures of the creek but no activity there either.



One thing about going out during the week there is not so much traffic and places are usually quiet. We did see one deer crossing the road but was too quick for pictures. Heading to Port Oneida next to check Beaver activity. I must look to see if they hibernate, The den or lodge as its called looked iced over so much it must be very snug inside. The roads were all clear most of the way and then one meets a stretch where the snow is frosting the roads and will soon drift over. Leelanau County do a great job of clearing all the roads even the back ones that we like.



On from there into Empire to see if we could see any deer. One lonely doe at the feeder, I bet they are in the woods out of the wind. It a very stiff breeze this day and the ice on the beach is beautiful



We didnt go into Glen Haven this was supposed to be a quick trip. The Sand Dunes looked like frosted icecream and no one there for once. Only signs of toboggans probably from a warmer day to be seen.


Its hard to believe that the main road through Glen Arbor was free of cars and people, usually jam packed and difficult to navigate in summer months its now open for deer and other critters to walk, although none this day we have often seen deer hanging around peoples bird feeders.
We took a side street that said dead end, well we know it goes to a beach so we had a look.



I meant to do it before but were always past it before I could say anything but that day we did it.
After Empire there was nothing for it but to head home. I would have walked on the beach but there was a gale blowing and my hands were numb.



Going home I remembered to get a shot going down the hill into town. You can see both Bays and see how the town is sheltered. SO that it can be nice and sunny in town and blowing a blizzard once you get up the hill.



Maybe another nice day tomorrow, if so then we may just get back out. We have yet to try our snow shoes.