26May2014 - Forestville Dam to Krohn's Lake

Dale and I were able to squeeze in another section of the Ice Age Trail as soon as I got back from my Memorial Day weekend bike-camping trip.  While it’s not the PCT; I continue to be amazed at how wonderful the IAT has been so far.   

Things got interesting right from the start as I bent down to get a better look at something odd looking on the side of the trail.  Boy was I startled when I found out it was a mother turkey.  Check out the catch of eggs in her nest.  

Picking up the trail at Forestville Dam we followed alongside the Ahnapee River, through Blahnik Park, past two trailside campgrounds and into the coastal town of Algoma. There are many informational signs along this rails-to-trails corridor that give the history of the railway, major accidents, harsh winter conditions, and other historical information about the area. 

Back in-the-day they would even use old worn-out train boilers to create culverts to bridge small streams along the railway.  

Lots to see including plenty of birds, mushrooms, fungus covered trees and stumps, and lots of wild flowers mostly white and purple trillium, bluettes, and marsh marigold.  Even found a robin’s egg.  Those that know me also know it's all about the food and the wild mustard greens and dandelions didn't go un-noticed.  On last Friday’s Fish-fry bike ride some friends had pictures of morel mushrooms that they had found.  Dale and I kept our eyes open and it paid off.

Crossing Silver Creek we hiked into the coastal fishing town of Algoma on back streets with views of an old church on bluff above the town.  I was surprised by the moist cold air that hit us as we rounded the mouth of the Anhapee River where it meets Lake Michigan.  Our short town walk included a stop at Bearcats Fish House; a famous fish shack.  Next we passed the von Stiehl Winery, Anhapee Brewery, public harbor and fishing boat landing, and the lighthouse at the mouth of Anhapee River.  

We had to stop to sample an Anhapee Brewery Noble IPA. These town beer stops are starting to look like a major feature of the Ice Age Trail!

From Algoma the trail follows closely along Lake Michigan on a series of boardwalks beside the sandy beach front.  A very scenic waterfront.

From Algoma the trail is an unofficial and unmarked route.  As we left the coast line on side roads we took a planned 1.3 mile detour over to Krohn’s Lake where we had staged a car to end our day.