A sharp transition from Black Oak forested dunes to younger foredunes occurs where a pair of lagoons bisects the trail. Here we see the last line of dunes which have been stabilized by the oak trees. This is about a mile from the trail head.

Just across the lagoon we see the trees thinning out and the dunes becoming more sparsely covered with grasses in the distance. This habitat is quite fragile and easily damaged by going off trail. The trail through this area is essentially pure sand which sucks a surprising amount of energy out of you, particularly on a hot and humid day. Fortunately this day the temps were a very pleasant 50 degrees. Lake Michigan is just on the other side of the most distant dune in this photograph, and you can hear the sound of the waves constantly breaking on the beach ahead.

The view looking up what is an impressively steep slope of sand which is just barely stabilized by the grasses which have taken hold.

The trail here runs alongside the lagoon, hugging the edge of the dunes. The variety of plants and insects which appear along this narrow strip of trail throughout the year never ceases to amaze me. Snakes, turtles (and their nests), and dragonflies appear in abundance through the summer. Unfortunately mosquitos, tics and poison ivy are also present, often in impressive numbers. Although a beautiful area, I often find myself moving quickly to avoid being swarmed by biting insects. And regardless of how hot it is, I always wear long pants because it is simply not possible to pass through here without brushing up against poison ivy at certain times of year.

Although difficult to discern from this view, here is where the trail turns away from the lagoon and cuts into the final ridge of dunes before emerging at the shore of lake Michigan.