Michael, Author at Run Mi 5k

May 25, 2024May 26, 2024

Menominee

Menominee County Run

Out and Back!

The plan was to do a looped run as shown below, but I could barely see the map on my phone and the signal was on and off. I was afraid I might encounter more posted land like I did this morning in Dickinson, so I wasn’t sure if I should continue with the loop.

I think this was the back end of a dump truck. There was also an old pickup truck nearby, hidden behind some trees.

Across the street, there was a tavern. I drove by it late last night and don’t remember if there were any cars there. It kind of looks shut down.

I saw this waterlogged trail and thought of my son. He likes these sort of things.

What a long straight road.

The first glimpse of the field I took a picture of on the way back. It appears much larger in the photo below.

Continuing down the road.

By this point, every time I stopped to take a picture, I realized I was surrounded by about a hundred mosquitoes. That motivated me to keep moving.

This was a very beautiful view of water amidst the trees. The sun somewhat ruins this shot, but when I took the photo, I thought it might enhance the appearance, which turned out to be wrong.

The sign for “The Shack” made me curious about its appearance, but I refrained from investigating further because I didn’t want to trespass.

Still straight, but it’s starting to get damp again.

I’m not exactly sure, but somewhere around this point, I had covered about 1.55 miles and decided to turn around. It’s going to be a long way back!

Towards the end of this road, there was a curve that made it a bit more interesting. I thought about trying the loop, but I was super tired at this point.

I’m thinking I can’t wait to relax for the rest of this weekend after completing this run.

I heard water running and then saw a small creek.

I could see this flag from a long distance. It was cool to finally reach it. The run was very straight.

On the run back, I saw a large field that I hadn’t fully noticed on the way out. It was amazing.

It was such a great start to the Memorial Day weekend morning.

By mile 9, I was feeling exhausted, but I was determined to run the whole distance, no matter how slow.

As mentioned before, there was a bit of water towards the start of this run.

All done with three runs in less than 14 hours. Heading to my parents’ cabin on Lake Superior.

This will be my second run Friday night of Memorial weekend. I’m SO interested to see what this country looks like.

Menominee County

Carney
Cedarville
Daggett
Daggett
Faithorn
Gourley
Harris
Holmes
Ingallston
Lake
Mellen
Menominee
Meyer
Nadeau
Powers
Spalding
Stephenson

Any place in Bold and Red are townships / towns / cities I’ve run a 5k for the county run (or the closest city to my county run)

Any place in Bold and Blue are townships / towns / cities I’ve run anytime in the past.

Any place in Bold and Green are townships / towns / cities I’ve done website / hosting / design work – best website builder for small business – WordPress design hosting and search engine optimization. I’m a small business website builder – contact me to get a website that works! If no Green color is on this page, please talk with me (Click Here). I’ll be encouraged to change one to Green!

May 25, 2024May 26, 2024

Dickinson

Dickinson County Run

Entering Dickinson County, I actually arrived after dark, (from Delta County) but I captured this photo the following day.

Slept in Foster City for the night.

First thing in the morning as I traveled 4 miles to my first run, I spotted about 6 deer. You can see a few of them if you look closely.

After the deer departed, I took another vertical shot.

I was amazed to see bouldering rocks in the area.

First shot on the run. There was a huge field to the left.

A look down the road shows that the planned route includes a loop that would eventually take me back to my car. However, so far, it’s just straight from here.

Another view of the field filled with scattered pine trees all around.

The road ran through those trees.

The end of my journey… the conclusion of the loop. “KEEP OUT!!” I felt disappointed realizing this would turn into an out-and-back route. Plus, I’m only half a mile to a mile into the run at this point, so I’ll have to cover the remainder after returning to my car. I truly dislike out-and-backs for this particular goal.

I did return to my car, and the lights were on. It’s probably a good thing that I had to turn around so early.

I encountered this unfortunate fellow… I showed it to Creig (my stepfather), and he thought it looked like a Western Fox Snake. I believe he’s correct. Seemed to be about 3 to 4 feet in length.

Heading south from the car.

Found another road heading west like the one prior.

So I started my run down this road.

Yet again, not even a quarter mile down this road I see this posted! AHHHH frustration.

I returned and found a road again, this time passing through a posted area with a sign that read “NO TRESPASSING!”

I ran along the trail adjacent to the posted land, hoping to make this run a bit less of an out-and-back route.

…but the little trail didn’t go very far before it joined the main road.

Back on the main road.

Another “NO TRESPASSING” sign.

That sign said “Sturgeon River”!

A better look at the Sturgeon River.

Turned west down this road.

Heading down that road. There were several home that looked like possibly summer homes.

Another “NO TRESPASSING” sign.

Continuing down the road until I hit another mile mark.

Beautiful little house on the river.

Another “NO TRESPASSING” sign.

Heading back towards the river.

A look at the river once I got back to it.

What beautiful country.

Heading back towards the car, it’s visible from quite a distance at this point. Once I reached the car, I still had a tenth of a mile to complete. So, I ran past the car for 0.05 miles, then back. Next stop: Menominee!!

This will be my first run of Memorial weekend. Hoping to do it Friday night.

Dickinson County

Breen
Breitung
Felch
Iron Mountain
Kingsford
Norway
Sagola
Waucedah
West Branch

Any place in Bold and Red are townships / towns / cities I’ve run a 5k for the county run (or the closest city to my county run)

Any place in Bold and Blue are townships / towns / cities I’ve run anytime in the past.

May 24, 2024May 26, 2024

Delta

Delta County Run

I have only run 3 U.P. counties at this point. It’s time to knock a few more out. The plan was to visit Dickinson, Menominee, Delta, and Schoolcraft. However, I had an appointment that ran late, so I’m crossing the bridge at 5:00 PM. I’ll probably need to replan and visit Delta first since it is about 3 hours from the bridge – new plan.

This was my first view of Escanaba about 3 hours later. Impressive!

Getting close to the starting point of my route. I’m running out of daylight and must move quickly.

I asked around for a place to change into my running clothes and was directed to a wine shop. I used the restroom to change and, on my way out, I walked past an incredible performer. This video captures her performance. I was bummed that I didn’t have time to stay and listen or buy something from the wine shop, but I had to move on. If you know who this is, please contact me – she was amazing!

All changed and heading south on Tenth Street. It was pretty quiet in terms of traffic.

There are amazing homes in this downtown area.

Heading back east, toward the water, I passed a home and saw a man and his wife walking back carrying a six-pack. I jokingly pleaded with the gentleman to give me a single ale. He laughed, and the wife said, “You got this!” Exactly what I needed to hear.

Heading northeast along the bay.

Looking out at the water.

There was a play structure, and I believe there were tennis courts on the left side of the road.

Continuing along the path, which heads out to the water about a quarter mile further.

Large areas of great-looking grass toward the water.

As I approached the trail leading out to the water to the east, there was a harbor with a lot of boats.

At the base of the trail that heads east was the Delta County Historical Society Building.

Looking and heading east toward the water.

Saw a buoy in the bay on the north side.

Jogging along the northern path by the outlet, I noticed numerous American flags lining the way. I wondered if it was because of Memorial Day weekend.

Standing at the eastern tip of the peninsula, gazing out into the bay.

Observing towards the northeast within the bay.

Returning in the direction of the west.

The prominent downtown hotel is visible even from this distance.

Crossing back onto the original path, I glanced towards the northwest.

There’s a beautiful fountain located at the base of the peninsula.

Taking a closer look at the northwest part of the bay, I noticed several aspects of this run that reminded me of Traverse City.

As we headed back towards town, a construction crane downtown came into view.

A few geese were very close to me, positioned between the sidewalk and the road.

First glimpse of downtown.

A friendly little squirrel scurrying towards the tree for safety.

I loved seeing the map of Delta County on the government building, with the eagle statue in front.

Approaching that building, is it a hotel or perhaps housing? I’m guessing it’s a hotel; it reminds me of the Park Place in TC.

Continuing westward in the downtown area.

ChatGPT For some reason, this bridge caught my eye. I’m heading to Dickinson County to rest, then planning to rise early and explore a couple more counties: Dickinson and Menominee.

This could possibly be my Saturday morning run after completing Menominee and Dickson the night before.

Delta County

Baldwin
Bark River
Bay de Noc
Brampton
Cornell
Ensign
Escanaba
Fairbanks
Ford River
Garden
Gladstone
Maple Ridge
Masonville
Nahma
Wells

Any place in Bold and Red are townships / towns / cities I’ve run a 5k in the past. (or the closest city to my county run)

Any place in Bold and Blue are townships / towns / cities I’ve run anytime in the past.

May 18, 2024May 19, 2024

Livingston

Livingston County Run

This is another county that I’ve actually ran in before. I did a five mile run in Hell, about 8 years ago. Was a blast and a fun run. We were coming back from Cedar Point and decided to stop for a race in Hell. I remember it being SO hilly in hell, and being a 5 mile run was a lot more than a 5k. But I was running half marathons back then so it wasn’t that hard to finish. I do remember at about mile 3 I ran into the “devil” who gave me a hot jaw-breaker. I popped it in my mouth and then thought to myself, “should I really have this in my mouth when I’m breathing so hard?!?!” Was fine though.

I slept in my car last night because the motels in the area were fully booked and the campgrounds weren’t open yet. I really needed a shower because I had run in Eaton County and Jackson County the night before. When I started my run in Hell, Michigan, it was super foggy.

This was the start of the trail that I thought was going to be just a path but it was a road.

What a beautiful county road.

Here Is a look at Gosling Lake, but you can’t really see anything very far away because of all the fog.

There was a parking lot at the end of the road I was just on.

Tried to ge a picture of the lake to show the size, but even visually you couldn’t see more than 15 yards.

It did eventually turn into a single track.

With VERY nice docks that went over the wet areas. Thank you to whomever built all of these. there were so many throughout the run. What a great path!

Another look at the lake.

As the single track thinned out the forest got thick. It was very wet this morning.

First of many uphills the was nothing too big as far as hills go, but many, many that looked like this. Both uphill and downhills.

Found a little friend that was in trouble. He didn’t move but did blink as I took this picture below. He was having a bad day.

Later on in the run, I regretted not taking my shirt off and picking him up to make sure he was okay. but I did run by two other runners on this path, during my run. Hope one of them helped him out.

Fog started clearing up and I could see farther away from the lake.

Another of the Many docks

What a cool run this has been!

Along with docks there was this bridge and a wooden bench on the other side of the lake, west side that overlooked the lake.

Very thick and very green.

This little downhill, was wet and slippery. I fell going down this little downhill.

First sight of the road on the north side of this run.

Another dock.

It was so wet through this area!

What an interesting look. I was loving this run.

Finally got to the north road on this run. Just about 100 yards then back on the trial.

What a cool area of Michigan!

About halfway done with this run.

Back on the single track!

Here was a sign about dad. I’m guessing a dad used to ride or run this trail. I’d like to hear about him if you know the story, please contact me.

Above and below photos I came across a deer. I tried to get a picture, but I couldn’t see him in either pic, but he was there – close. The second photo I just held my camera over my head and took about 15 photos to hopefully see him.

There were also several of these plastic things on the uphills in a few places.

Getting back close to Gosling Lake. You could somewhat see the start of the lake again.

still very wet!

Saw a huge bird in the middle of the photo that took off flying.

Back to the road on the south side of this run.

I had only seen one runner at this point but there were 4 cars in this parking lot, and another along with mine in the other. Saw a female runner about 150 yards from here.

Short little run on the south side of the panned path, I looked at my phone and I was over 3.3 miles. I decided to walk the rest of the way. Noticed a sign for Halfmoon Lake.

After driving home from the three runs this weekend, the first thing I need Saturday morning is a shower! These three counties were just what I needed!!

This might be the path I try, Saturday morning. We’ll see how I feel.

Livingston County

Brighton
Cohoctah
Conway
Deerfield
Livingston
Fenton
Fowlerville
Genoa
Green Oak
Hamburg
Handy
Hartland
Howell
Livingston
Marion
Oceola
Pinckney
Putnam
Tyrone
Unadilla

Any place in Bold and Red are townships / towns / cities I’ve run a 5k for the county run (or the closest city to my county run)

Any place in Bold and Blue are townships / towns / cities I’ve run anytime in the past.

May 17, 2024May 19, 2024

Jackson

Jackson County Run

Leaving Eaton County I saw this rainbow, heading to Jackson County.

It was a torrential downpour as I got closer to my run in Jackson County. I was thinking it would be a super soaked run!

When I arrived the rain had stopped.

What a beautiful day it had turned into!

This was the northeast end of Pleasant Lake, temperature was warm but not too warm for this run.

First glimpse of the lake, you could barely see the lake on the east side because of all the houses, built on the lake. VERY nice houses.

You could get a small glimpse sometimes between the houses.

Very quiet neighborhood away from the lake.

The sky was amazing.

Huge fields in the surrounding area, there may have been a school on the left side of this field.

Think this was on the southwest side of the lake. I had to sneak through somebodies yard to get from one road to another – Sorry for the trespassing.

Was excited because I was finally seeing more of the lake.

Such cool places on the Southwest side of the lake

First glimpse of the island on Pleasant Lake. Also saw a water skier.

The west side of the road had a stream heading away from the lake.

Slow road with very little traffic. probably only saw 10 cars the entire time on this road.

Again what a great day!

Better view of the island on Pleasant lake. Also you can see another rainbow!

Geese crossing sign and goose in the background.

Pano shot of the island.

Couple shots farther Northwest.

Another huge field looking towards the west and the sun going down.

Loved this tree, Northwest side of the lake.

Think this field was on the North east site of the lake looking east, but maybe north…

Back at the park on the Northeast side of the lake.

Was pretty tired as I had just completed two 5ks in a row. This county and Eaton County just prior. Tomorrow I’m going to do Livingston County. I’ve actually run that county before, but not since I started this venture!

Think I’m going to run this one on Friday too, (along with Eaton) but we’ll see how it goes. I might sleep at the campground we’ll see. Saturday I might do Livingston

Jackson County

Blackman
Brooklyn
Jackson
Cement City
Columbia
Concord
Grass Lake
Hanover
Henrietta
Jackson
Leoni
Liberty
Napoleon
Norvell
Parma
Pulaski
Rives
Sandstone
Spring Arbor
Springport
Summit
Tompkins
Waterloo

Any place in Bold and Red are townships / towns / cities I’ve run a 5k for the county run (or the closest city to my county run)

Any place in Bold and Blue are townships / towns / cities I’ve run anytime in the past.

Author: Michael

Menominee

Menominee County

Dickinson

Dickinson County

Delta

Delta County

Livingston

Livingston County

Jackson

Jackson County

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