Parker Mill County Park

Parker Mill County Park called to us today, and so we went. The sun shone as we drank our coffee. But by the time we got ready to leave, snow flurries had started. We get to our plan.

Waiting for winter to end creates a sense of misery quickly dispelled by time spent outside, so we keep to our plans. With proper preparation - long underwear, something wool around the neck and feet, waterproof boots, gloves and a coat for the outer layer - and off we went.

We stopped at Zingerman’s Roadhouse first since I had awakened craving a waffle. So I ordered a grits n’ bits waffle, french fries and a side of bacon. Ms. H. ordered the corned beef hash.

Now fortified, we headed to the park by the Dixboro Dam entrance. I had thought we would walk to the old Grist Mill, turn around and then make our way into Gallup Park. We were pleasantly surprised to find the Hoyt G. Post trail through the Fleming Creek floodplain. The one mile raised, wooden trail meanders through an alluvial floodplain that is home to plant and tree varieties more often found in the southern regions of the U.S. Apparently in floodplains water temperatures remain higher overall than the surrounding areas, which allows these varieties to grow in Michigan.

The trail is wheelchair and walker accessible, too. The snow wasn’t removed, so walkers may be safer to use in the warmer months.

We exited the Post trail and headed to the old Mill. The Mill itself is on the National Register of Historic Places. We located the site of the old dam and decided to tackle the path around the old mill pond next time. I found it fascinating that there used to be a train depot at Geddes and Dixboro in 1905 and Geddes in 1917 looked to be a 1 1/2 lane dirt road!

An hour and fifteen minutes later we headed back to the car, stopped at the Ypsilanti Coop on the way home. I then made hot chocolate from Ms. H.’s secret hot chocolate stash from Montreal. Not thirty minutes later I took an excellent nap with Ms. Moxie.

We had a great time and highly recommend Parker Mill County Park.