There’s something about walking in nature, or “hiking.” (If it’s not natural terrain, it’s called “walking.” 😊) The eyes and ears open and life’s stresses melt away, at least for a while. The Japanese call this forest bathing, and have exported this idea as a form of nature therapy. Whether you call it hiking or bathing, it will refresh you. It certainly does me.
Sometimes it’s done with companions and sometimes alone. A few of this summer’s hikes in photos and captions below.
Here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, 84% of the land is forested. New trails are created every year.In some places, the undergrowth is sparse and the tree canopy is high, so the view is clear and the hiking easy.In other places, we pick our way over undergrowth and under branches.Deep in the forest, we encounter evidence of history and decay. One wonders how old was the tree that once grew from this huge stump.Sometimes, there’s a bench to “take a load off” at the turnaround point……and sometimes, a cool river for feet-dipping. It was so hot this day that I laid down in this shallow river, but there was no one to capture it by camera. Just as well — it wasn’t pretty!And sometimes, it’s not a river but a lake — in this case, a huge lake. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Hiking its rocky shores is a unique challenge that requires the right footwear.We didn’t swim in Lake Superior that day, but we did dip into this calm river that ran into it.The most memorable solitary hike this summer was this trail, which is located..…at the very top of Michigan, right across from Canada. (The black line is the U.S./Canada border.) Many people think that part of Michigan is part of Wisconsin. Locals find this an endless source of jokes.This remote trail follows the Lake Superior shoreline for a few miles, offering gorgeous views. Further inland, the path was made of large rocks, gravel, and sand.And this one! It’s called the “rock cut” because engineers cut through the rock to create a railroad. (I believe the Iron Range and Huron Bay Railroad, created in the late 1800s to haul iron ore but never really used.) Wooden railroad ties are still visible in places.I walked up as far as the mud would allow, since I was wearing crocs and socks. Not exactly hiking footwear.The sun at the end was so magical, I just had to share several photos. I was waiting for a fairy or a troll to jump off the cliff! Nature is available everywhere. Get out there! Take a bath!
For Many Moons 
I love biking that Point Trail too, although there aren’t as many water views as the trail name might suggest! Still, it’s magnificent.
Steve
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You are right about that. I hope to do more of the forest trail.
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