A bit of hurly-Burly

This is the largest burl I've ever seen on a tree! It is at least 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide near the bottom of a full grown tree. Whenever I see one, I always wonder what caused it, but to have one this large, it must have had a large reason! There are usually 2 main causes of burls, mold, or insect infestation. The tree compensates by growing around and enveloping such a problem and continuing with growth. But it leaves a lot of interesting information behind. This one is located in the Bay View Hiking Trails, a great spot for hiking if you're looking for one. There are maps at each entrance showing you the different trails and all are very well marked. Happy trails to you today!

New Business...New Ideas!

Today, I met Josh, an enterprising gentleman in Petoskey. He drives the new Petoskey Pedicab--great for the environment, and I'm sure great exercise for him! He carries passengers from the downtown, the waterfront, and the Bay View area to each of the others. It looks like so much fun! I must say "Bravo" to him as Petoskey is built on a HILL! There is no where to go without riding up a hill either on the way there or the way back. Josh, good luck with your business and I hope it goes well!

Hiking Again...

Yesterday afternoon we went for another hike. It was a beautiful fall day, sunny and breezy. On one of the trails, there is a rather steep climb that can leave you winded. At the top, your reward!! A sign congratulating you for your trek. I did it and wanted to share it with you!

Gingerbread, Gingerbread

Many of the homes in Bay View are Victorian in style, but I think this one wins the prize for most gingerbread! I've only seen about 1/2 of the homes there, but this is one of my favorites. I love the upstairs porch. (On another home, we saw a hammock in an upstairs porch like this--what a wonderful idea!!)

Bay View Memorial Garden

I just found out this was here yesterday. It is a memorial garden near the water for friends and family. You are asked to enjoy the garden but to stay on the paths as some people have requested that their ashes be spread here when they're gone. I think it is a lovely sentiment and a lovely place. I can't imagine a nicer spot to be remembered in.

Ascending can be an Adventure!

I just think that this staircase to a house in Bay View is one of the coolest I've ever seen! You can't really see the house from the street, just what is in the picture, but the mystery of it is pretty amazing. And who doesn't love a stone wall? And stone steps?

The Glory of the Forest

This is one of my favorite walks in Petoskey, actually in Bay View. It is a hiking trail where the trees are tall and the sun shines through and makes it feel like an enormous cathedral. The feeling is quite amazing here and to really understand you would have to experience it for yourself. If you ever come to Petoskey, go to Bay View and go for a walk on the Gateway trail. I hope your walk will be as uplifting as mine.

The Terrace Inn in Bay View

One of my favorite places in Bay View, the Terrace Inn. They have lovely rooms that are all decorated differently and one especially decorated for the movie "Somewhere in Time". We have stayed here a few times and really enjoyed ourselves. My favorite times are the Murder Mystery nights (I've actually won one of those) and the winter sleigh rides you can take after dinner at the Inn. You can find out more about the Terrace Inn here:
http://www.theterraceinn.com

Bay View, Michigan

If you haven't heard of Bay View, you're not alone. It is a small community inside Petoskey, actually, they used to be separate, but Petoskey has grown up around it and it is still very much a separate area. It was a Methodist camp meeting area that began in the late 1800's. Cottages were built and over the years the cottages became bigger and were handed down through the generations. There are many that have not left their particular families. Some of the cottages are very beautiful. The center of life in Bay View is the auditorium, pictured here. There are concerts and music lessons going on every day. We went for a hike yesterday on one of the hiking trails and then relaxed at the park and playground in front of the auditorium. It was like having a mini concert as we heard a brass section playing and someone else practicing an aria. There is a lovely old Inn inside Bay View, the Terrace Inn, that is a lovely place to stay. Check back for a picture of that tomorrow!