Provin Park Trail- Grand Rapids, Michigan

Was so happy to squeeze in a hike while visiting West Michigan. My sister and I decided to hit a trail she was familiar with and in the hour we were there we went up and down every side trail available.

Any easy loop with a lot of inside trails.

Made Trish pose in front of the sign which also warned about “no sledding” during the winter months which up here is at least half the year.

The minute you walked in you could smell the aroma of pine.

In the middle of this forest is a sand dune. West Michigan is full of sand and it makes the beaches amazingly soft and the dunes out here a challenge to hike.

There are little wood forts created along the way. We also saw many people reading in hammocks enjoying the summer’s humidity free weather.

Reminded me of a trail I hiked in Edisto Beach.

It was fun hiking with my sister. We haven’t really spent a lot of quality time together in years and with her recent move to Grand Rapids, I had an excellent excuse to stay and explore with her over an extended stay.

Reminded us of the woods that were out outside our back yard growing up.

Fresh mushrooms a surprise as we hurdled some fallen trees.

I felt like this tree was special with a tutu skirt or hat. Just interesting the way her branches filled at a certain level.

Then we spotted this glory down a side trail. Was so cool to hear my sister speak of her the same way I do, admiring her scars and curves.

Dead and waiting for the right storm to fall. In the meantime still allowing her beauty to shine.

Such a beautiful trail.

Another little tee pee complete with a welcoming walkway.

Another view of the sand desert before we headed back.

Perfect way to end my work week. Walking and catching up.

They actually spray painted the roots to let you know what trail you were on. I’d never seen this before. Only colored tree markings or posts.

Someone took the time to arrange the pinecones, sticks and leaves in this path. Man and nature, a perfect couple.

One last glance at the pines before we headed back to pick up her husband Tim to start our brewery hop and embrace a proper weekend.