Today we checked out Hemlock Crossing in West Olive.  This was our first time there and wow – what a great trail system!  We didn’t have time to check out the full system, but the paths are groomed and there are many scenic outlooks.  Well done Ottawa County!

There is also a nature center, kayak and canoe launch and a couple of picnic shelters.  In the winter they rent snowshoes as well.

Yesterday we visited Port Sheldon Natural Area for our #9 park. PSNA is located on 160th Avenue between VanBuren and Port Sheldon streets on the North side of Holland. There’s a 1 mile loop on the west side of the road and about a 2 mile out and back 1/2 mile north on the east side of the road. Both areas are wooded with a small dirt parking area. We were greeted by what must have been hundreds or thousands of peepers (frogs) at the trail located on the east side of the road. Sure sign that spring is coming!

Paragon Parks Tour 2016 – Yesterday we visited VanBuren Street Dunes for our #8 (out of 38 parks). This small Ottawa County Park is right off VanBuren street (just West of Butternut Drive in Holland) and offers approximately 120 acres of trails and dunes. The “loop” is a grand total of about 1.25 miles and there are some other trails within that main loop. We went rouge a couple of times and ended up with 3 miles total.

It was mild and we’re happy about that!  As you can see we’ve finally ditched our headbands/ear warmers for our visors. Bring on Spring!

PSA – Beware of the stumps in the middle of the trails.  Pick your feet up.  I (Jen) had to practice the trusty tuck and roll after tripping on one of those stumps that snuck up on me.  Haha..  Don’t worry.. I’m ok 😉

Well, we’re back at it again.  After a few weeks off due to vacations and somewhat nasty weather, we decided to hit two parks with one stop.

North Ottawa Dunes aka Coast Guard Park and North Shore Beach. Just over 500 acres of wooded dunes and a fantastic trail system! The park also offers a softball field, basketball and tennis courts, a covered picnic area and a space for dogs to run off leash. We hiked a little over 4 miles and hope to return one day and take the trail system to Hoffmaster State Park.

Jim and Izzo joined us and then we finished the day with lunch at the Tip A Few in Grand Haven..  Yummy!!