This was the third stop on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This is the Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore overlooking Lake Michigan. The legend is that a momma bear and her two cubs were crossing Lake Michigan from Wisconsin. One cub couldn't go any longer and drowned forming South Manitou Island. The next cub went a bit further, but drowned, forming North Maniou Island. The Mom made it to shore and formed the Sleeping Bear Lakeshore to watch over her poor cubs. The Manitou Islands are off the lakeshore. Photo: Taylor J.
Iowa isn't the only place with covered bridges! This was the first stop on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Photo: Taylor J.
This is the view from high up overlooking Lake Michigan. The DNR warns tourists from going down the dune to the lake because a helicopter rescue is dangerous and costly, $3,000. People still climbed down. I asked a man how long it took to get back up, he said "45 minutes." It's like climbing a mountain of sand. The view from top... breath-taking. Photo: Taylor J.
This is the second stop on the scenic drive. This bluff overlooks Glen Lake. Glen Lake has been designated as the most beautiful lake in the world by National Geographic. It's sparkling turquoise and clear as glass waters are incredible. Glen Lake was the first place I vacationed in this region and will always hold a special place in my heart. It's comprised of two adjacent lakes, Little Glen and Big Glen. Photo: Taylor J.
This is the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore in Empire, Michigan! Photo: Taylor J.
When I left the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, it was close to sunset. I dipped my feet in Little Glen Lake (amazing) and then searched for this little spot in the hills, Miller Hill. My grandma used to take me to this spot to watch the sunset when I was a young girl. Unbelievably, I was able to find the spot in the hill and witnessed this most beautiful sunset! Photo: Taylor J.