Category: Indiana Dunes Trails

More Fall Fun

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Almost the end of Autumn, just a couple days before Thanksgiving (aka Turkey Day). With temps in the 40’s and a nice breeze off the lake the conditions called out for a return to Miller Woods and a hike out to the beach. As always, a day out in nature did not disappoint!

I typically do not encounter snakes this time of year. This Eastern Ribbon snake was stretched out full length across the trail. I expect it was trying to pick up a little warmth from the sand, at least until I came lumbering up on it. It was sluggish enough in the cool air that I was able to get in nice and close for a portrait. He stuck out his tongue and slithered off into the underbrush before I could get any closer.
It has been a mild Autumn, which is not uncommon along the shore of Lake Michigan. Even in late November you can still spot the occasional plant that is still vibrant green. I see the occasional pollenator out and about, but not many.
The small flecks of green add a nice splash of color.
There is a lot of fallen and decaying wood in Miller Woods, which means plenty of fungi.
I always enjoy the scene when the back side of the foredunes opens up to the lake.
Soon these reeds and grasses will soon be flattened out.
Where the trail passes close to the lagoons these reed fronds dominate the scenery.
There really is no end to the beautiful sights along the trails in late Autumn.

Ridge to Road II

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The second half of the Dune Ridge & Beverly Dr. trail begins when the Beverly Shores trail ends at the road closed barriers on Beverly Dr. Now you are traveling through the heart of the marsh, right in the midst of it which is a fun experience.

In a previous post Ridge to Road – I covers the first half of this loop starting at the Dune Ridge.

In late fall most of the wetland wild flower remnants that remain standing are the asters and goldenrods. Their rigid stems will keep them upright until the heavy snows come along.

Delicate grasses sway in the wind. Their delicate structure is ideal for close up photography.

Not everything in the landscape is brown. Bits of color can be found scattered here and there.

The perspectives you get from ground level down in the marsh are always fascinating to me. The green “stuff” in the water is Duckweed, the smallest of the flowering plants.