Hiking in Ludington State Park

Most of this last weekend was gorgeous, and warm weather is going to continue through most of the week. To take advantage of this, my friend, Jason, and I headed to Ludington State Park to go hiking. And hike we did, for over five hours! Now, this might not seem all that much to you, but I was quite impressed with ourselves. We also walked around the harbor and a bit by the beach.

Contemplating the trail map...

Mike and I hiked a bit in Ludington last July (see 2009 July posts) and went to the lighthouse. Jason and I took some different trails this time around.

I thought this piece of wood was twisted in an interesting way.

There was a strong breeze and good tree cover, which were most welcome given the heat.

New Facebook profile picture. Thanks, Jason! :-)

A Ludington institution: the SS Badger Lake Michigan car ferry (see http://www.ssbadger.com/home.aspx).

The harbor park had several statutes commemorating what seemed to be Ludington's more glorious past.

Kings Island -- September 2009

The company picnic for Limited Brands -- where Mike works -- was held in Kings Island, which is toward Cincinnati from Columbus. Although we didn't see anyone from his work there, it was nice because Mike and I got free tickets, and two of my friends, Jason and Brandon, got a really good reduced price on their tickets. Here are photos of our fun amusement park day. I do have to say, though, that I've become less brave when it comes to roller coasters; I couldn't go on any of those that go upside down. Strange thing is that I used to LOVE that kind of roller coaster! Age, I guess, or I have a better sense of my own mortality. Jason and Brandon went on them, and Mike and I waited for them.

Here are Brandon and Jason (left to right).

Mike and I went to the top of the 1/3-sized replica of the Eiffel Tower. It gives you a nice view of the park.

I did go on the Beast, which I remember hearing about when I was a kid living in Celina, Ohio.

It was a great day -- the weather was perfect, and the company was super-fun!