Bistro Newsletter

Michael and I caught the tail end of the colors peaking up north last weekend. Man, oh man do I just LOVE northern Michigan! We left Saturday morning for Harbor Springs to visit with friends. Along the drive we made a pit stop in Prudenville at the Springbrook Inn to check out their Tiki Frog Bar… we were not disappointed! Great dive bar near Houghton and only 10 minutes off the expressway.
Most of our time in Harbor Springs was spent hiking the many trails within the Little Traverse Conservancy. This is a superb organization who not only protects the enchanted forests but also maintains them so they may be enjoyed for future generations.

https://landtrust.org/

• The mission of the Little Traverse Conservancy is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas, and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment.
•  More than 330 private properties have been given permanent protection with conservation easements.
• Almost 400 nature preserves and 38 working forest reserves are open to the public with more than 100 miles of trails available.
• Several partnerships with local units of government have protected additional lands now open to the public.

We hiked Wequetonsing Nature Preserve, Roaring Brook, Woolam Family, Oden Island, Purchis Family Trails and a new trail that is just about to be opened to the public, The Trail of Peace & Tranquility, that will be ADA compliant. Such magnificent beauty everywhere!

We also enjoyed Vermut hour, the local American Legion, dining at Nomad in Bay Harbor, The New York Restaurant in downtown Harbor Springs and a few delicious homemade meals at the house. Driving through the Tunnel of Trees and stopping to watch the sunset was a highlight as well. Michael went to the local range and shot my dad’s Woodmaster Remington Rifle. My dad, Bill, got that gun well before I was born, after he served in Vietnam. Bill was an avid hunter of deer, pheasant, rabbit and some duck hunting. My dad’s guns have not been used since he passed in 1982, as my sisters and I are not exactly fans of firearms, but Michael was thrilled to shoot it, and I must admit I was excited that there was a bit of a connection between the two most important men in my life. My dad would have loved Michael. As different as their two backgrounds are they have some unique similarities.

We rounded out our trip with some shopping in Petoskey and the drive home through Boyne Falls was a showstopper. The colors were really popping!

I’m grateful for my time away in such a beautiful part of Michigan and I am reminded that much like the nature around us we need to take care of ourselves, preserve our friendships, appreciate the simple things, protect and honor our past, and give ourselves time to see the beauty in everyday life.

Cheers,
Sharon