Our yearly trip to Bellaire happened this weekend, another rousing success. We had a lovely room at The Park Street Inn (Joel and Brit are wonderful hosts) and the Savannah Room has a magnificent desk from which I could work on Friday. The evening was then spent at Short's followed by tasty mead at Be Well Mead & Cider. The former had wonderful beers and food, as usual, and our timing was good because the number of skiers and their free-range children was lower than last year. And the latter had a good number of meads and ciders and, as an added bonus, record cases with Donnie and Marie Osmond on the cover. You don't see that every day.
On Saturday, I visited Grass River Natural Area just south of town. It was a snowy day, and I had learned my lesson on previous trips to the Bellaire area - in winter, bring snowshoes. And they were very handy in the deep-ish snow I encountered on the trail.
You have your choice of three parking areas. I went with the middle one, right next to the rail trail. Off I tromped on the wide-open path, walking right down the middle liked I owned the place. And so I didn't mash the ski trails. I'm a nice guy like that.
The rail trail connected to one of several loops that make up Grass River. Just east of the parking area is the Woodland Loop. It had snowed several inches, and I was the first one on the path since then, so I had pristine walking conditions. Through the mixed-wood forest I went, enjoying the cold and the quiet. It was a lovely start to my day.
There are couple of sections of trails, including parts of the Woodland Loop, that are closed for boardwalk construction. There are signs saying to not go that way. I've heard that if one does go along the closed section of the Woodland Loop, one would be able to cross over because the bridge is coming along nicely. These are only rumors I have heard, though. If you do wander along the Woodland Loop, you may perchance catch a lovely view of the creek.
All the trails are a winter wonderland this time of year. This is the Michigan winter we want, not the brown mess we so often get. Enjoy it while it lasts.
As I made my way back to the car, a snowmobile went by grooming the trail, making a smooth path. The loops on the west side of the entrance road - Chippewa, Nipissing and Algonquin - are groomed for skiing. Very thoughtful. And wide enough so if you are snowshoer like me, there is enough room for both types of winter activity.
Much enjoyment was had that morning. The Bellaire area has excellent hiking, snowshoeing, fat tire biking and hiking paths. You'll not lack for outdoor entertainment.