Sometimes I Like Michigan

Sometimes I hate Michigan. Like when the temperature fluctuates 50 degrees in one day. Or when it snows in May. Or when it snows in September. Ok, pretty much everytime it snows.

But, sometimes I really like Michigan.

This weekend, visiting gorgeous Ludington, was one of those times. I tried to take as many pictures of Toby the beautiful scenery as possible, but it's hard to do it justice.

We arrived to our adorable cottage on Friday evening. We were looking for something private, not too pricey and a place that allowed dogs. This place fit that bill - dogs were allowed, they just weren't allowed on the furniture.



Oops.

We took a stroll along the beach and pier, then we left to check another brewery off my list - Jamesport Brewing Company.


I loved this place. The atmosphere was great, the beer was fantastic and the food was delicious. If I opened a brewery - this would be my model. Between Andy and I we tried all their beers over the weekend, and I'd say the Hefeweizen was my favorite followed closely by the Mocha Java Porter.

The next morning we arose and traveled a bit to the beach and took a stroll with the dog. It was pretty windy and chilly, so the waves were strong and scared the Head a bit. He did enjoy the driftwood though.

My guys.



We then ventured to the Manistee State Forest and took a 5 mile hike through the woods and to the lakeshore along the Nuremberg trails. It was a pleasant hike, but the trails weren't very well kept - a lot of fallen trees for Toby to jump over or attempt to squeeze his enormous skull under. For a dog that has trouble not tripping on his own feet, I was a bit worried. But, the Head did surpirsingly well and managed not to injure himself.

On Sunday morning, the weather was gorgeous, and we went to the Ludingston State Park for another hike. We traveled along the Island and Ridge trails for another easy 5 miles. I LOVED these trails. Easy, well groomed and marked and great scenery. Toby enjoyed this trail more too, as we were surrounded by tasty lakes for most of the hike.



Although, all dogs were required to be on a leash in the State Park.



Oops.

We had wrapped up some Oberons with some ice and enjoyed them about halfway through the hike.



Around this time, I tried to get a close-up of the labels, because there's something wrong with them. But then the Head saw me kneeling down and decided that I needed to be tackled. The Oberon bottles suffered the consequences.



Can you see what's wrong with the bottle yet?



The label is upside down. :)

After we finished our beers and Toby chewed on every piece of wood he could find, we headed back and our mini-anniversary getaway came to an end.

Oh, and did I mention, in true Davies Family form, Andy sprained his finger playing basketball on Thursday. His ring finger swelled to the size of kiwi, and he was unable to actually wear his wedding ring during our trip.

Aside from Andy's inability to wear that ring I put on his finger a year ago, the trip was perfect and we can't wait to go back soon.