Last Wednesday after work, Tony and I rushed over to the Pyramid Point trail in Leelanau county. Despite the showers that lingered well past lunch, the skies had cleared. Also, at about 75 degrees (24 C) – probably our last warm day of the year – we wanted to enjoy the remainder of the afternoon outdoors before the increasingly early sunset.
We arrived at the trailhead and soaked up the views: a grassy meadow, backed with trees burning their last fall flames. With wild rose hips practically lighting the path with their bright red orbs, we mused about rose hip jelly, which seems like more work than it’s worth. I kept getting tangled in their thorns, and with the breeze I eventually gave up on getting a good shot.
We had to make several stops on the other side of the pasture, up the hill. You see, I LOVE the aspens that are so ubiquitous up here. Or they could be birches. Or beeches. Or something else. But with their golden leaves and creamy, peeling bark, I cannot stop photographing them.
After a short while, we made it up the bluff to Pyramid Point – the closest point on the Michigan mainland to the Manitou Islands. The view was remarkably clear, and the islands appear much closer from here than from other viewing places. However, what I like most about the view was the way you could clearly see the wind rippling the lake’s surface as it blew warm air up from the south.
As awesome as the view is, we didn’t stay long to admire it. Fall’s fading out, and I hate to miss the show. Instead of taking the quick way back to the car, making the trek just over a mile, we opted for the three-mile loop, through yellowing woods, and on through more meadow.
After basking in the colorscape, we meandered back up the forest ridge, eventually joining the road about half a mile from the trailhead. Half a mile down a road might seem like a let down after such a nice walk, but our roads often resemble trails. This one was covered in leaves that had fallen from the tunnel of trees above.
We arrived back at the car and made plans for dinner. Not far into our return drive, it began to rain again, bringing cooler temperatures. I’m glad we got out while we could. Carpe diem! Have you seized the day lately?
All photos are clickable for a larger view/slideshow
Adventures in Michigan's Up North 
Lovely autumn leaves…I am feeling a little nostalgic, as most of ours have fallen off. Your hike sounds quite interesting and, yes, my friend made rose hip jelly and it was a lot of work. It would be good to eat, though!
Our leaves are going quickly. Luckily, fall always lasts longer than I think it does. Every year I am surprised at how long the leaves hang on. I have this perception that the leaves are all going to fall off two weeks after the color change starts, even though I know better.
I could buy rose hip jelly – that sounds like much less work 😉 Though I think I would prefer the jam. If I’m going to have a lot of sugar, I might as well throw in some actual fruit too 🙂
Lovely 🙂
Really beautiful. One of my favorite parts of the state, Leelanau. Have not heard of this point though. Loved the trees and of course my favorite lake…with it’s little ripples and island ‘just’ offshore. Great trip! (And yes – paper birch!)
Just when I think I’ve finally got the difference between paper birch/white birch/aspen nailed down, something trips me up. I guess I just love them all.
The Pyramid Point trail is a little out of the way from the main attraction at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, so on crowded days you can escape a little. It’s well-loved still, so don’t expect solitude…just less crowded 🙂 To get there, take M-22 north out of the SBD park. You’ll cross back into the park and eventually see signs for Port Oneida. Take a left onto Port Oneida Rd and then another left at the dead end/intersection with Basch Rd. You can’t miss the trail from here. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a stop.
Another amazing trek. Thank you – again.
Thanks for walking with me. Before long the walks aren’t going to be quite as lovely. Or at least they’ll be lovely in an entirely different way. We have snow in the forecast!
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