Super Sunday

We had a great day today starting with going to church in Empire after breakfast and then a trip into Traverse City to do some exploring after lunch. We actually went to the nut house to see the transformation of the former State Asylum to condos and shopping boutiques and restaurants. It was interesting to see the history of the place (which opened as the State Mental Asylum in the 1880's and was renamed State Hospital in 1910. It continued to serve as a state mental institution until it closed in the 1980's. It has been acquired by developers in recent years and is being transformed into a new community with housing, restaurants and shops.
We also hiked along Boardman Lake on a two mile trail that goes from South Airport Road to the south side of Traverse City. We walked to Oryana Health Food Coop and then walked back to Airport Road. It's a nice walk along the lake on boardwalks and paved trails and has great views of the southeast side of town. It was a gorgeous day to be outside, but still not the warm weather we are waiting for. (That will come in late May and June).
I pulled out my hunting gear to hit the woods in the morning in search of the illusive wild turkey. You know, the ones you have to stop for on the highway so they can get out of the way. I'm sure they won't be that way in the morning!
Happy Trails!!

 The State Hospital. We were surprised at how big this place is. It was quite a facility in it's day, complete with housing and a farm that grew much of the vegetables used to feed patients.

A view of on-going restoration in back of the complex. They are turning buildings into condos and cottages. There are some nice restaurants here and quite a few trendy boutiques.

The south shore of Boardman Lake just south of Traverse City.

Boardwalks made up parts of the two mile trail along the lake.

A view into downtown from the south east. That's the Park Place Hotel in the downtown area.