Hikes and apples

We were lucky to have beautiful weather for most of this fall.  One Saturday Trent, Hailey and I took advantage of it for a ride up north.  We headed to Baldwin first to turn off the water at the cabin and make sure it was ready for the winter. It was a gorgeous day and the river looked so pretty with the changing colors on the trees.  We saw dozens of salmon in the river right in front of the cabin.  They were huge and so loud when the broke the surface of the water.  Hailey was mesmerized.  It was really interesting to see - it has been a long time since I was up north this late in the fall to see it myself. 

When I was in college I hiked around in Ludington State Park for a day.  It left an impression on me as being a very interesting and fun place to hike with hidden little turn outs and majestic views.  I have always wanted to go back there.  Since Ludington is only a half hour drive from Baldwin and sort of on the way home - my dream came true.

It was much windier and more chilly closer to Lake Michigan.  We probably should have brought warmer coats. 

It was quite crowded in the park on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon but once we got out on a trail a bit we lost most of the people.  The park was much like I remember and did not disappoint.  I think we will add it to our list of places to visit more often. 

One of the activities Hailey had on her fall bucket list was to go apple picking.  On a Friday afternoon when Trent had a half day and the other kids were finished with school, we got to check that item off of her list. 

Evan brought his girlfriend April along and Hailey invited her friend Sarah.  She had also asked her other bestie Eleni, but sadly Eleni woke up that day to find out her Grandma had passed away.  We picked some extra apples for their family and Trent baked them one of his famous apple pies. 

It was another stellar fall day.  We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.  The kids had fun tasting the various kinds of apples and taking selfies and giggling among the trees. 

Trent the circus performer likes to show off his juggling skills.  

I think we have enough apples now.  We may have over picked just a little bit.  

 

I think Trent baked around ten apple pies.  He made applesauce and we of course ate them in their original form.   When we were "appled" out, we sliced, cut and cored them and froze another two freezer bags full.  If the apple a day saying is true - we have nothing to fear this fall!