Hudson Mills Metropark

Hudson Mills was my favorite of the three parks that I visited. I walked the 2 mile nature trail that was so scenic. Saw a lot of different birds. Can't wait to go back in the fall. When taking pictures, it seems that winter and autumn are better than summer. There is more contrast even though there is less color. But summer has more birds and wild life (more bugs too). Friday was a day of lower temps and bright sunlight...the best for walking.

Dexter-Huron Metropark

This lovely little park was so quiet and peaceful. Had my lunch here and just enjoyed the shady canopy.

Delhi Metropark, Dexter, Michigan

On Friday, I drove 35 miles to visit 3 metroparks located west of Ann Arbor. All three parks were much smalled than our parks closer to home but they were beautiful none the less. The area was so scenic with rolling hills, winding and curving roads and heavily wooded in some areas.

Delhi Metropark was very small and the river was the biggest attraction.

I took some great pictures as I sauntered along the river bank in the morning sunlight.

I just got these pictures from Amy of their trip to the Smokey Mountains. The guy we don't know but it seems pretty brave of him to be in those rapids...what do you think Jim? The park looks just as beautiful as I remember it...minus the guy that is.

Well, it is still summer but my poor garden has suffered...too hot and no rain. Only my beautiful hibiscus still looks pretty. I feel ready to start pulling things out. Soon, I will buy some mums and fill in here and there for more color. It's hard to believe that autumn will be here soon.

The giraffes were our favorite! You can now feed them at the Detroit Zoo but only at certain times. I loved the little one.

He/she is so adorable and beautiful!

My brother and sister-in-law came up for a visit. We spent an enjoyable afternoon strolling (for many miles) the Detroit Zoo. The weather was wonderful! This nice picture of Mary Ann was taken in the Arctic Ring where we were suppose to see polar bears but they were laying down on the job (sleeping). We enjoyed the butterfly house and the aviary.

The Detroit Zoo

Hollyhocks on Mackinac Island

Thanks for looking in daily to see at my vacation pictures. We had a great time but as with all summer vacations it must come to an end. Now it's all a memory...but a clear memory, thanks to my Canon Rebel.

The joys of a telephoto lens!

Kids Having Fun on Mackinac Island

John and Allison

The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan

A Glorious Day on Mackinac Island

Outdoor Cafe

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island was awesome! We had a great day there. The weather was fabulous and I was able to "keep up". We took the carraige tour which we really enjoyed.

Emma and the Dodo

Feathered Friends

Such beautiful birds in the aviary.

What amazing creatures and what long, thick eye lashes.

More of God's Creatures

Mother and her baby

I love this picture! At the zoo they have a porch or decking that hangs out over the "Savanna". You can buy crackers to feed the giraffe. They come right up to people...not shy at all...and you can pet them. Their head is a bit higher than the railing. I think that the kids loved this best about the zoo.

Monkeys in a Tree

This tree at the zoo was a perfect climbing tree. From the right...John, Liam, Emma and Allison.

Binder Zoo

Isn't she a beauty? Usually these cats are asleep whenever I have been to the zoo. This one was pacing back and forth and I was glad that there was a fence between us. We watched her for the longest time and yea for my telephoto lens!

There was also a snow leopard that was lazing about but I was unable to get a good shot.

My Summer Vacation Posts Start Now!

During the three weeks that Amy and the kids were here, I took almost 300 pictures! I will be hard pressed to pick just a few for my blog every day. I am determined to get some of the best posted.

We started off with a tour of The Ford Rouge Plant. We all enjoyed it even the kids. Next, Emma and Liam came to spend 3 days with their cousins. We went to the metropark for a picnic and swimming (of which I already posted pictures). We also went to Binder Zoo near Battle Creek. We spent about 6 hours there and the kid's attention never wavered...nor mine for that matter.

We were on the go everyday and ended our vacation with a trip to Mackinac Island (see picture above of the bridge).

This morning (Monday), Amy, John and Allison left for home. But on the way, they are camping in the Great Smokey Mountian National Park for a few days.

I feel that my summer is now over...but that's not true. I still am looking forward to Jim and Mary Ann's visit, a Tiger game, and exploring a few Metroparks that I have never visited before.

Hope that you enjoy all the daily postings that cover our vacation. I think that I got a few GREAT pictures.