One of the great joys of living in Petoskey is being here in mid-October when the leaves are changing. This year has been particularly spectacular. The leaves have held their colors much longer and the reds are so much brighter. Some of the trees here at Crooked Tree look like they are on fire.
Today Leah and I went on a mini-fall color tour as we traveled from Petoskey to Boyne Mountain Resort using the back roads. My head felt like it was on a swivel as we both kept saying “look at those colors” as we passed hillside after hillside.
Boyne, which has a knack for attracting people to the area, has just created another reason to visit Boyne Mountain Resort, in Boyne Falls. On Saturday they opened the SkyBridge Michigan. Which Boyne hopes to become “Michigan’s second bridge,” enticing travelers to take a walk on the wild side.
Panoramic valley views and extensive light displays are a guaranteed camera pleaser. Open year round, every season has a reason to take in the views from this architectural masterpiece. SkyBridge Michigan is constructed between the peaks of McLouth to Disciples Ridge. Guests ride the historic Hemlock Scenic Chairlift to the mountain’s top, then venture out along the exhilarating 1,200-foot long and 118-foot-high pedestrian bridge, which is the longest timbered towered suspension bridge in the world. In the center of the bridge is a 25-foot-long glass floor which allows you to look down to the valley with an unobstructed view.
Today Leah and I decided to forget that we in our 70s. Despite 20 mph winds, with cold and wet weather, we went for it. We bought the tickets, put our fears away, took the ski-lift to the top of the mountain and then ventured over to the Sky Bridge.
As we approached the bridge the looks on the people coming off the bridge got our attention, some were exhilarated, others looked like they had seen a ghost, and some said never again.
Since Leah and I had waked on the rope bridge in Vancouver, we were confident, so we started to cross the bridge. The first 20 yards were relatively easy as we were somewhat protected from the wind, but we could feel the bridge swaying. As we continued walking, the wind got stronger and it felt like I was walking on a trampoline, with a 20 mph very cold wind. As we made our way to the middle section with the glass floor, there was a couple who stopped and would not step on the glass floor. The lady was petrified and was nearly in tears. Leah tried to encourage her as Leah passed them. I also stopped to encourage her. As I passed the couple, I heard the guy say, if they can do it so can we. I was pleased to see they were not far behind me as I got to the other side.
Once you get to the other side, you are near the first tees of Boyne Mountains two golf courses, which are beautiful holes. Leah and I walked over to the tees so she could see why I rave about The Alpine. As we walked back to the Sky Bridge, we had to decide, do we return by the Sky Bridge or do we use a walking path to get back to the ski-lift for our trip down the mountain. Two of the workers estimated that 20% of the people choose to take the walking path rather than returning to the Sky Bridge.
Without hesitation Leah said she wanted to go back via the Sky Bridge. So off we went, however this time, the wind was at our back, so it was less daunting. The sun was peeking through clouds, which made for a spectacular view of the hills in the background. As we exited the Sky Bridge it started to rain, which caused a partial rainbow to appear against the backdrop of the fall colors on the mountain. It was spectacular.
We made our way down the mountain in the ski-lift during a steady cold rain enhanced by the 20 mph winds. As we exited the ski-lift, we were chilled to the bone, but these two seventy-year-olds were feeling good about ourselves.
We took a different route back to our home while we marveled at the beauty of the Petoskey area in mid-October.
Pictures of the Day:
Please feel free to share my blog.
Elections Matter. Pray for peace and tolerance. What are you doing to stop the violence and mass killings?
Hey Biggsie, what a GREAT story! Just what I needed!! Boz.
Boz,
I appreciate your comments. It is nice to know that someone is reading it.
Biggs
Thanks, Tom, for sharing your great story and beautiful photos!
Marilyn,
If you get up this way, it is worth your time.
Biggs
Gorgeous, we folks in our 70s still gotta get out there and experience things! 🤗 As a wise man once said ” you can still have fun and get things done”. Has a different reading to it as you age, but still totally applies!
Hi Tom, I read with interest your walk with Leah on the Skybridge. The photos are spectacular. I did want to share our recent experience with mother nature. An 83 year old and a very young 72 year old are feeling a bit battered and tattered surviving Ian, the category 4 hurricane. The following days without power or water, and the closing of bridges and highways almost did us in, but we survived. The worst is knowing so many people lost everything and will be struggling for a long time.
We have plans to be in Boyne City next summer, we will give you a call. Sharon and Larry
Spectacular colors !!! 🍁🍂🍁