[michmoldman]

Originally Posted by Bydand

If you really want a nice, relaxing afternoon. Grab a favorite book or one that just may become a favorite and head out to the woods on a warm Fall day. It is best if the leaves have turned color already and some are dropping. Find a quiet spot away from everything and just sit down at the base of a tree and spend some time reading, listening, smelling. There is nothing like a warm bit of sunshine while you hear every rustle of the tree canopy and the leaves, the birds singing, the squirrels chattering. The sound of a leaf falling through that same canopy and being able to actually HEAR it brush against branches and other leaves on its downward journey to the forest floor. The smell of Fall in the Michigan woods is something else entirely. Some places have wild wintergreen plants, or mint; others have raspberries; still others have just the smells of the different trees blending. No matter where you go it is a great way to spend a lazy, wonderful day and not spend a penny other than gas to get there.


I like to sit in a couple of places, one of which I have been reading/daydreaming in since I was a kid. That is a place along the banks of the Pere Marquette River. The sound of the river gently flowing by just ads to the overall effect. (I would HATE to guess how many hours I have spent sleeping in that same spot over the last decades.) It was one place I would think about often while living away from Michigan. Another is a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan that is wooded. Visually stunning, as well as emotionally soothing. Find "Your" spot. We sure have enough room and place for everybody around this State.

You are right Bydand..what a great cheap way to spend the day! I used to do that more when I was a kid, (when I had more time) I would take off for hours and spend the day in the woods by my parents house. I also used to go make a little spot in a cornfield and just lay there listening to the wind through the corn. I used to climb to the top of huge pines and just look and listen as the wind swayed me around, or I would climb a tree and lay on a branch and listen to the animals. Thats why I am longing to move north in the woods so I can enjoy all that stuff again, especially just walking through the woods which is probably my most favorite thing to do. Once I'm closer to lake Mi. I will definately try to spend as much time as possible just sitting, listening, smelling and watching...oh, and sleeping! lol!
One side note, hearing the wind through the pine trees, and the smell, are my all time favorite things. A while ago my wife found a website that told some things about what your name means. I believe thats what it was, but it did say that based on my name my favorite tree is the pine. cool!!

[JGatti]

Originally Posted by michmoldman

You are right Bydand..what a great cheap way to spend the day! I used to do that more when I was a kid, (when I had more time) I would take off for hours and spend the day in the woods by my parents house. I also used to go make a little spot in a cornfield and just lay there listening to the wind through the corn. I used to climb to the top of huge pines and just look and listen as the wind swayed me around, or I would climb a tree and lay on a branch and listen to the animals. Thats why I am longing to move north in the woods so I can enjoy all that stuff again, especially just walking through the woods which is probably my most favorite thing to do. Once I'm closer to lake Mi. I will definately try to spend as much time as possible just sitting, listening, smelling and watching...oh, and sleeping! lol!
One side note, hearing the wind through the pine trees, and the smell, are my all time favorite things. A while ago my wife found a website that told some things about what your name means. I believe thats what it was, but it did say that based on my name my favorite tree is the pine. cool!!

Your posts brought back a very find memory along the same lines. When I was MUCH younger and single I had a dual sport motorcyle. ( can be ridden on the road and trails if anyone is unsure). Anyway we had a place up near Gaylord and I went out exploring one day. I was cruising down a dirt road and seen a trail leading off to my left. I followed it and came to a big valley with what looked liked a very rough ride down and a river in the distance. I could see a little bridge and decided to go for it. I crossed that bridge and passed some really tall pines. Under the pines was nothing but old fallen pine needles. They are pretty comfy if you've ever sat on em. So I thought this looked like a good place to stop. Leaned my bike against a tree and sat down under the closest one. Just sitting there listening to the river, the smell of pine tree's in the air and the wind lightly blowing through the tree's. Next thing I knew I woke up about 2 hours later laying there curled up underneath that tree. I don't think I've ever had such a peaceful nap in my life. I used to go back to that spot over the years but only fell asleep the one time.

[michmoldman]

Originally Posted by JGatti

Your posts brought back a very find memory along the same lines. When I was MUCH younger and single I had a dual sport motorcyle. ( can be ridden on the road and trails if anyone is unsure). Anyway we had a place up near Gaylord and I went out exploring one day. I was cruising down a dirt road and seen a trail leading off to my left. I followed it and came to a big valley with what looked liked a very rough ride down and a river in the distance. I could see a little bridge and decided to go for it. I crossed that bridge and passed some really tall pines. Under the pines was nothing but old fallen pine needles. They are pretty comfy if you've ever sat on em. So I thought this looked like a good place to stop. Leaned my bike against a tree and sat down under the closest one. Just sitting there listening to the river, the smell of pine tree's in the air and the wind lightly blowing through the tree's. Next thing I knew I woke up about 2 hours later laying there curled up underneath that tree. I don't think I've ever had such a peaceful nap in my life. I used to go back to that spot over the years but only fell asleep the one time.

Those pine needles can be pretty comfy! lol!
Not sure what draws me to the woods, but I can just spend hours walking and looking and smelling. I used to love going blueberry picking with my parents up north. The smell of the woods and those blueberry plants. MMMMM.... I take my wife and kids now, but we have more fun then they do. I could probably just build me a simple log cabin in the middle of the woods and be happy forever!