Here are some random photos from the past Labor Day weekend, where it was decreed that it would be as stress-free and enjoyment filled as possible…we took two different trips out to Brighton Recreation Area near Brighton, MI.

First off, it was supposed to be “un-hot” on Friday, so we decided we’d go to Brighton Recreation Area to take a hike. Rather than take the potentially congested and stress-inducing highway, we decided to take all surface roads to get there. And here are some things we saw on the way…(please note, some of these are “drive-by” shots, so they might be a little wonky!)

Frains Lake in Superior Township

Three Cedars Farm on Six Mile in Salem Township. I want to go here later for cider/doughnuts and to pick out the perfect pumpkin…or pumpkins!  I’ll skip the hay ride, those usually make me sneeze…

Horse farms were a common sight along our drive. Here’s one in Northfield Township.

Sailboat on Winans Lake south of  Brighton Recreation Area. We jokingly call this lake “Damon Wayans Lake,” and pretend there’s a local legend about how on foggy nights, you can sometimes see the image of Damon Wayans rising up from the surface of the lake, where he appears as “Homey the Clown” from the TV series In Living Color. There is also a legend that he is a Genie and grants wishes, though if you ask for him to grant wishes, he’ll tell you “Homey don’t play that.”  We resort to some strange things while entertaining ourselves on road trips!

 

I do not own this photo, and I didn’t bring any cameras along on our hike. But this is a picture of a hiking trail in Brighton!

We hung out on the beach at Bishop Lake a bit after our hike and checked out “Jump Island.” It’s bunch of huge inflatable things that for a fee, people can bounce around on for 45-minute sessions. Kids were going absolutely NUTS for this! One such kid’s enthusiasm was unabashed while he described it to another kid…”It’s like a water park…IN the water!”

 

If “Jump Island” wasn’t your scene, you could bring your own floats to the beach. Here’s a man lazing about on what we assumed was his child’s (or grandchild’s) unicorn float. A portion of “Jump Island” can be seen in the background.

It was my job to carry these foam “noodles” around, so I decided to do my best octopus impression while doing so…the water was way too warm, murky and shallow for me to do anything more than wade out and decide I didn’t want to immerse myself in it (I am very picky when it comes to lake water). But I still had plenty of fun hanging out on the beach and enjoying the lake breezes (and scenery).  And listening to a drunken, know-it-all loudmouth on the “alcohol-free” beach (LOL)! Once, I saw a park employee dump out someone’s illicit hooch at this beach. But no park employees were seen patrolling the beach this day.

Sunset over “Jump Island.”

After doing our hike at Brighton, we stopped by Zukey Lake Tavern, and were able to snag a seat right around when they opened. These seats would fill up VERY quickly!

I usually have simple tastes when it comes to drinks. But I just HAD to have a “Bahama Mama.” Bottoms up! Great way to top off a lovely day outside!