Completed Counties Archives - Page 2 of 17

July 5, 2024July 12, 2024

Ontonagon

Ontonagon County Run

Bond Falls was visited the day before this run.

Before the run, I saw a lake in the distance just north of where I ran.

I drove down the road to see why the Road from Google maps wasn’t appearing on my iphone map. It turns out there was a two track but not a real road. Parked at the south end of this road and decided to tackle it south to north.

I drove down the road to investigate why it wasn’t appearing on my iPhone map compared to Google Maps. It turns out there was only a two-track path, not a proper road. I parked at the south end of this path and decided to tackle it from south to north.

Here was the field that was marked as a road on Mapmyrun.

I started running down a two-track path, but about halfway through the field, it became clear to me that it wasn’t a road at all—perhaps a truck had driven through this patch once. I realized I might be trespassing on private property, although it wasn’t posted. By the time I realized this, I was already more than halfway through the field, so I decided to continue. To the owners, I apologize, but I left nothing behind except footprints. It was much rougher running through tall grass than running on a road.

Finally back on a road heading north.

A dog made it very clear to me that I didn’t belong. It was very aggressive, barking and bumping into me three or four times. I was sure I would be bitten, but thankfully, I wasn’t. I’ve encountered many dogs during my miles of running on this challange, but this was by far the most aggressive. I’ve decided I’ll never run by the shepherd’s home again. This was probably my most regrettable run so far. Next time, I’ll definitely choose a different location in Ontonagon.

Heading west back to the main road I was on, Post Office Rd.

Looking north, the beauty of this county is truly unreal!

There were flowers everywhere!

This road had a slight hill to it, but I was super tired at this point. Three days of 5Ks and running through that field have worn me down. This will be a super slow run.

Back on the main road heading south.

Throughout my travels, I’ve seen rock faces multiple times but hadn’t managed to capture any until I headed back to Baraga to my campsite. They always stand out to me because at one point in my life, I was a rock climber, and I plan to be one again someday.

What a great day, and fantastic trip this has be so far and to know that I still have two full days left! I’ll tackle Houghton and Iron Counties next!

I initially planned for this route, but I realized it was longer than 5k. Since I’m running daily 5ks for the next 5 days, I decided it wasn’t the best choice.

This route looked perfect! That is, until I turned on the topographic map…

Another Option but this one looked long again.

I finally agreed to run this route. It was semi-flat, the perfect distance, and not too far from the main road. However, as you’ll see above, this route failed me big time.

Ontonagon County

Bergland
Bohemia
Carp Lake
Greenland
Haight
Interior
Matchwood
McMillan
Ontonagon
Rockland
Stannard

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!

July 4, 2024July 12, 2024

Gogebic

Gogebic County Run

Driving west to do more runs, I hung my shoes and shorts out the car window because both were totally soaked. This photo and the next 5 are not taken in Gogebic county. These just are showing how my day went prior to running. The first was driving from Schoolcraft to meet up with my parents in Ontonagon county.

After completing my run in Schoolcraft County, I started driving towards Baraga. I found out that my parents were in town, which was conveniently on my way to the next runs. Excited about the unexpected opportunity, I called them and asked if they wanted to meet up. They agreed, and we spent a wonderful afternoon together, visiting two beautiful waterfalls in the area.

This was the first falls we went to Agate Falls.

We saw two young fellas jumping over the edge of these falls.

There was a rails to trails system and we saw a couple ORVs going over this bridge.

Then we went to the most beautiful falls I’ve ever seen in Michigan, I’ll have to get the name at a later date. But this one was spectacular!

In the pink shirt, you will see my mom posing by the waterfall. Before she went there, I saw a lady in that spot and thought she had to wade through the water to get there. I jokingly said to my mom, “You should go over there so I can get your picture.” Then my mom proceeded to go there—there was a path. It was rough going, and I regretted suggesting it. Right before I took this picture, she almost lost her balance. Great photo, but not worth the risk!

Getting back to running!

Decided to run around Bass Lake North of Watersmeet, because it was about a 5k run. this road is called Bass Lake Rd. but if I choose to run west the road is called “Sucker Lake Rd” LOL

The dog noticed me running past his property. Let me know if I don’t belong here.

There were a lot of rocks on the road, which was great for driving but uncomfortable for running. I ran as far left as I could.

I turned south at this sign, North is Old US 45 and south is Bass Lake Rd on the east side of Bass Lake.

A peak to the south.

I have a running buddy on Strava who always takes pictures of flowers along her path. This one’s for you, Gene.

Sometimes when you’re running around a lake, you don’t anticipate how great the view will be. I took this picture to capture my run around the lake.

But it opened up to give a full view of Bass Lake. You can see the island on the lake in this panoramic view.

This picture shows the north end of the lake and the island.

This picture shows the south end of the lake. Just past here, kids were playing in the water, and a little farther down the road, there were private cookouts and community gathering spots on the lake. It seemed like everyone was enjoying their Fourth of July!

I glanced back to the north of the road I just ran on, overlooking Bass Lake.

One last look at heading south on Bass Lake Rd.

Turned North on 45 to finish the last third of this run. Love seeing such a big shoulder on a road that has a 65 mile an hour speed limit.

Beautiful look to the west.

Looking north again. Not sure why I took this picture—maybe I needed to see that my face needs a shave and my hair needs a little control. Surprisingly, I don’t look as sweaty as I thought.

One of the feeder Creeks to Bass Lake, what a great final picture!

There really wasn’t much of a plan for this one. I was going up to the U.P. to complete a few more counties. But when I arrived at Schoolcraft, I found out my parents were staying in Baraga State Park. We decided to meet up and visit a couple of waterfalls In Ontonagon County (I think) I have 5 days in the U.P. so I’m going to try to complete one county each day I’m here. Schoolcraft yesterday, Gogebic today, thinking Iron, Houghton and Ontonagon the next three days.

Gogebic County

Bessemer
Erwin
Ironwood
Marenisco
Wakefield
Watersmeet

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.

July 2, 2024July 6, 2024

Schoolcraft

Schoolcraft County Run

Headed up to the U.P. after work on Wednesday with the plan to knock off 5 counties over the weekend. Here I am on US-2 heading to Schoolcraft County.

I was racing against sundown, trying to get my run in before I lost the light. I had a plan to run in Blarney Park, but the map from “mapmyrun” didn’t match the actual route in that town. So I headed north to the next spot that I thought might be good, but it looked like private land. Finally, I headed up to Germfask, but the clouds looked intimidating.

I started my run heading east, but the road didn’t even appear on the iPhone map app. It was getting too late to stop, so I just ran on this road that the map didn’t recognize. I had to hurry so I could drive back about 20 miles to get to the campsite I planned to set up after the run.

Great start to the first run of five for the long Fourth of July weekend.

Then it started raining.

Hard!

But even in the heavy rain, this county looked so beautiful.

At this point, It was coming down hard and I wasn’t exactly sure if the path would be the same as what I had on my map.

But the turns matched what I had in my memory, so that made me happy with my decision to try this run.

Crossed a big river and it was still pouring.

It was a great site to see the water tower of Germfask!

Rain stopped as I got into the big town. This was looking North

Looking south

As I started running south, back towards my car, I could see a rainbow to the east. It was one of those double rainbows, and this was a special day for sure!

Continuing to the south, Completely stopped raining but there were puddles and I was soaked from head to toe!

I passed a campgroud on this road and thought that I might see if they have space after my run. That way I wouldn’t have to backtrack 15 miles.

When cars would pass by I would be running in deep puddles!

Turned out the campground was on this river and I was able to catch a spot that was on this river.

Made a new friend in the Morning.

This was the view from the edge of my lot, unreal! Big Cedar Campground, Kayak and canoe livery. Great Stay!

This will possibly be my fourth run on Memorial weekend. We’ll see how I feel Saturday Morning after running a few other counties.

Another couple options for the Schoolcraft Run. Maybe another place in Germfask or maybe a Lake (Smith Lake) over by Hiiawatha. Suggestions?

Schoolcraft County

Blaney Park
Cooks
Doyle
Elkhorn
Germfask
Gulliver
Hiawatha
Inwood
Manistique
Mueller
Seney

Steuben
Thompson

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.

June 15, 2024July 22, 2024

Macomb

Macomb County Run

Cancel Copy Embed Code

At Sophia’s graduation party. Cody, I, Uncle Terry, and Sister Vicki. Cody and Vicki drove down to Davison with me to Sophia’s party. What a great time. This was the only picture I was able to get at the party; my Aunt Dawn took the picture.

Started my run heading west towards Main Street, then I realized that Main Street is actually east of where I parked. So I changed directions and headed towards Main Street.

Found Main Street; this is looking North.

This was Main Street looking south.

Headed down the sidewalk, it was so hot! When I passed the ice cream shop, I thought to myself I should get a cone once I’m done with this run. Vicki and Cody said that they did stop for a cone while I was running, so I changed my mind on the drive back.

Was very clear of traffic. This surprised me, I thought Romeo was a much bigger town.

Somewhere around here is where Main St turned into Van Dyke Rd.

This, I believe, was heading south on Van Dyke Road. There was no sidewalk in this lower section of the run.

I think this was down by 31 street.

Down in the south area of my run there was no sidewalks, but it was clear of traffic mostly.

Found were all the Romeo school buses are parked.

This was heading North on Sisson Street.

Finally back on a sidewalk. I love it.

This pic was taken on my last mile of this county – the final mile of every county in the lower peninsula!

Beautiful Church on Sisson St heading North.

The final county in the Lower Peninsula is planned. This Saturday, I will head downstate to celebrate my cousin’s daughter Sophia’s graduation party. Once we celebrate that accomplishment, I will head to Macomb to finish a goal of my own.

Change of plans. Wasn’t sure if the Ford Proving grounds would be available to me. So I headed to Romeo to do my run. Was at a graduation party in Davison for my Uncle Marks granddaughter. So my sister, my nephew and I went to the party, then we all drove to Romeo. Thank you Vicki and Cody for your time!

Macomb County

Armada
Bruce
Center Line
Chesterfield
Clinton
Eastpointe
Fraser
Harrison
Lenox
Macomb
Memphis
Mount Clemens
New Baltimore
New Haven
Ray
Richmond
Romeo
Roseville
Shelby
St. Clair Shores
Sterling Heights
Utica
Village of Grosse Pointe Shores
Warren
Washington

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

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.

Category: Completed Counties

Ontonagon

Ontonagon County

Gogebic

Gogebic County

Schoolcraft

Schoolcraft County

Macomb

Macomb County

Menominee

Menominee County

I'd like to hear from you!

McCatty websites

Contact