Old Man Winter

Site Notes…

This box is located at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, a beautiful park located along Lake Michigan between Saugatuck and Holland. The park encompasses nearly 900 acres along a secluded strip of Lake Michigan waterfront containing a coastal dune system that supports endangered plant species while permitting low-impact recreation. Major attractions are the swimming beach and the 300-acre natural area. Winding throughout the park, 14 miles of sandy hiking trails are groomed and tracked during the snowy months affording cross-country skiing. Nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and hikers are the predominant users. The picnic area offers picnic tables, grills and a shelter. This is a day use park only; there is no camping available.

A Michigan State Parks vehicle pass is required for entry and can be purchased at the park. Please check the park web site for dates and hours of operation.

Clues…

From the parking area, take the trail from whence I come. After passing by Noah and his friends, follow the path of least resistance. The path will now remain relatively level as it winds to the right and then the left. To avoid the large pine tree straight ahead, follow as the trail makes another sharp turn to the right and then begins a gradual incline. Continue in a northerly direction up the sandy trail, past a white-tipped marker and into an area of scruffy pines and grasses. As you round a turn, the lake will come into view in the distance. If you have come on a windy winter day, you will feel the full force of my icy breath as you head northwest through the clearing. Soon the trail begins to head downhill and back into the the shelter of trees.

Shortly after you re-enter the forest, you will see a centipede crawling along the right edge of the trail, after which you will notice an infestation of these leggity critters on your left. Keep an eye to the north for an open area with a crippled, multi-armed beech tree standing stoutly about 25 paces off the trail. 245 degrees from this tree, locate a very large pine 12 paces from a pile of tree debris. Walk 15 paces due south from the pile of logs to a siamese serpent, and then proceed to the meeting place at 118 degrees.