Fall is the best time to head out in Michigan: that's why we went to western Oakland County

The pandemic has upended plenty of outdoor plans throughout the year. The last seven months in Michigan have been a weird time to try and plan trips, especially those trips farther away from southeast Michigan.

After halting activities in March and moving everything online, the youth group I assist with began its fall season with in-person activities. Some things have changed, namely the fall outing we typically do: traveling several hours with a large group Up North did not seem like a good idea this year, so we improvised. That led us to western Oakland County, a true treasure of Michigan that has the feel of being north of the Zilwaukee Bridge.

Instead of a weekend trip, we spent the day out in the Milford area: the morning was spent on an orienteering course that had been set up for the kids to learn about compass usage and the afternoon on the Huron River canoeing.

It's been a very long time since I did an orienteering course: perhaps a first or second year in the Boy Scouts, so almost 20 years. The concept is simple: using a map a compass, find items designated on a map in a place like a park.

About a dozen markers were set up by our main leader the day before, plotted on a map surrounding the Kensington Metropark group camp area. Using simple compasses and maps, we'd head into the woods and along the river to find waypoints.

It proved to be an interesting experience, bushwhacking through the brush and seeking the red-and-white cardboard markers. Using starting locations like road intersections, old water pump landings and outhouses to help pave the way to the destination is a valuable skill to have. 

After a traditional camp lunch of sandwiches and other fare, we headed to Heavner Canoe and Kayak Rental for a leisurely ride up and down the Huron River. I've always heard that stretch of the Huron was popular for day trips and those looking to just get out, and those tales were correct. Even on the last Saturday of canoeing for the livery, the river was packed with groups of all kinds, from scouts to corporate groups to families. 

I can see why it's a popular destination: it's a simple, easy-going river. The water was incredibly low, with one area needing us to scoot the canoe across the riverbed composed of sand. I was concerned at first when I heard we would be paddling upstream, which usually tells me we'll be fighting current. But the Huron is slow in this part of Oakland County, and it more or less acts like a lake. It's a clear stretch all the way to the Proud Lake dam, a small dam for turning around at. 

I've always loved Michigan falls, and being along rivers is one of my favorite things in the later months of the year. Trees with their spectacular yellows, reds and oranges along with the lingering greens make for some of the best views of the year. And while this year is a completely new experience due to COVID-19, having a sense of normalcy on a river and in the woods.

The Huron River in Kensington Metropark near Milford.

What it's like sledding the hill at Kensington Metropark

Looking up at the advanced sledding hill at Kensington Metropark near Brighton.

After several years of spending a weekend in Island Lake State Recreation Area without snow, Heikki Lunta blessed us this past weekend with the first major snowfall of the season. What better way to celebrate that first snowfall th
an with a trip to one of the bigger sledding hills across southeast Michigan?

I spent part of my weekend in eastern Livingston County this past weekend as I have done for most weekends in January the past 20+ years with the youth group I now help run. Island Lake State Rec Area is a special place to me, especially in the wintertime. With the large snowfall, we checked at nearby Kensington Metropark for their sledding hill, and were told it was open with fresh powder.

After loading up the vehicles, we headed to Kensington for the afternoon to a hill that's my favorite to sled.

I may be 30 years old now, but there's no such thing as being too old for a good sledding hill. The hill, covered in a wintry blanket of snow and leaves, ran quickly. We traditionally use metal runner sleds that are straight out of the 1980s, and those puppies run quick and accurate. I tried my hand at a more modern, plastic runner sled, but steering proved difficult.

But you don't need my words to tell you this; check out the footage shot on my trusty GoPro Hero 5, which I acquired last summer in preparation for the canoe trip I took to Canada in July. Three times I hit "record" on my camera, and each time had a little different feeling. Take a look:

Yet another outdoor adventure at Island Lake State Recreation Area, although this time with a plethora of snow

The snowy, snowy scene at Island Lake State Rec Area near Brighton this past weekend. The perfect weather for sledding.

Since my trip to Island Lake State Recreation Area is becoming an annual thing, typing out a recap begins to get old after three years.

Instead, some photos from the snow-filled weekend will suffice. We had more snow for the weekend than I can remember in previous years, including last year's drought with no snow, which made the winter activities of sledding and cross-country skiing all the better. It seems Heikki Lunta was looking down upon us this past weekend.

Out on the trail. Some hiked, others skied. 

Running down the small hills throughout the trails. 

A light snowfall happened throughout our trip, making for a pristine time
outside.

Very little falling took place on this ski trip.

Sledding at Kensington Metropark returned this year. Lots of snow made the
slopes nice and slick.

Never a plastic sled. Always use a metal runner sled.