Sea of Blue

The simplest perspectives are oftentimes the best. ENJOY!

Lake Michigan

Did I mention it's been blue skies and sunshine for days on end here in the Bluegrass State . . .

Here's a couple of images I captured on my trip to Michigan.

Every day in Michigan we had beautiful blue skies along the lakeshore. Am I allowed to say I miss the lakeshore. It was so much fun near the water and walking on the beaches. Did you know aside from Florida, Michigan has some of the best beaches in America? I'm talking soft, fluffy sand. The kind of sand you can really sink your toes in too. ENJOY!

Nesting Trumpeter Swans

In the summer of 2006, conservationists from Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, located in southwest Michigan, in partnership with the staff and volunteers of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, released eight pairs of Trumpeter Swans at an undisclosed location. As I drove the route that traverses the Dunes on my trek north in July, I caught sight of several Swans out of the corner of my eye. Making a quick turnaround, I drove back to the marsh where I spotted the Swans.

Strangely, this marsh sits directly to the east of the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes. The marsh was peppered with beautiful yellow lotus flowers. It was late in the day, but I still managed to capture a few images of the nesting pair, albeit not the best lighting.

I read online that in the thirties there were 33 Trumpeter Swans in the entire continental United States and none in existence in Michigan. Thanks to conservation and reintroduction efforts, the Swans are plentiful again, not only in Michigan, but also throughout the United States. And it appears the conservationists at Sleeping Bear Dunes were successful in their hope that the Trumpeter Swans would imprint on the Dunes marshland making it their nesting site each Summer before migrating south for Winter.

Being quite a distance from the Swans, these images were the best I could do. I stood and watched the nesting pair for quite some time hoping one might lift off and give me an image of their beautiful wing span, but no luck. The entire time I watched them the Swan on the left never once lifted its head. I'm thinking an afternoon nap.

I took various images of the marsh itself before I headed back to the car to continue on to Empire Bluffs that day. I love marshes. And why I love marshes is easy for me to explain. I love the sharp edged cattails sticking up out of the water and blowing in the breezes. I love the brightly color lotus flowers that bloom amongst the lily pads. I especially love all of the waterfowl you can find on any given visit.

Speaking of waterfowl, this female Wood Duck was plying the waters in the marsh just over from where the Swans' nest was situated. And while you can't see it in my photos, there was one Great Blue Heron fishing on the opposite end of the marsh not far from the Swans. When I planned my trek to Michigan, I had no idea I would encounter such a beautiful lakeshore with gorgeous blue water, gulls and wood ducks and swans, stunning red lighthouses, blueberry and cherry farms galore, tallships sailing in the bay, and dunes as tall and as far as one's eye could see. But I did and it all so refreshing. I have a few more photo ops to share coming up. I hope you have enjoyed the trip so far. I would love to hear your thoughts. ENJOY!

Ahh . . . Cherries!

As I traveled the rural road from Leland to Empire, Michigan, on my way to hike the bluff trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes back in July, I stopped to capture a few images of the ripe cherries hanging heavy on the trees at an orchard I passed.

There were blueberry farms and cherry orchards galore everywhere I drove along the route that traversed Lake Michigan, not to mention the many wineries and tree farms. I gotta tell ya, Michigan knows their fruit.

Truth be told, I had never seen a blueberry farm or a cherry orchard, so it was a treat to get to see both. In the Bluegrass State, we're accustomed to thoroughbreds, bluegrass farms, bourbon and tobacco. Yes, we do gave an occasional apple orchard here and there, but Michigan is much more heavily into their fruit.

I think half the fun of cruising around America is the local flavor you find as you travel the rural roads. It's where you find real America wrapped neatly in the farms, orchards, factories and small towns that dot the landscape. The cherries in a local farm market I stopped at outside of Holland had the usual bright red cherries, but they also carried a larger dark seedless cherry. After a quick taste test, I have to say I like both. When I returned home to Kentucky, I went grocery shopping since I had made sure not to leave anything much in the frig before I left. Lucky me, I found fresh cherries at the Fresh Market and bought a bag. I had never bought fresh cherries before. I think it's because I don't like cherries on top of my sundae or milkshakes. So I guess I thought I wouldn't like fresh ones. Turns out, I was wrong. Did I mention I ate my fair share of blueberries after visiting that farm market. Oh, you heard me right, no cherries on my ice cream. I cannot have anything interfering with my ice cream eating experience. Did I mention I am also a huge 'chocoholic'. Yep, and don't even think about getting between me and my chocolate. ENJOY!

Reflections

Hope your week is off to a great start. I captured this image at a marsh which sits just to the east of the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I loved the reflection in the water. ENJOY!

Beautiful Point Betsie Lighthouse

Lighthouses, in general, are very popular landmarks. On a beautiful sunny day a few weeks ago, with the most gorgeous blue sky, and just the slightest breeze in the air, I decided to drive down to Point Betsie Lighthouse in Frankfurt, Michigan.

I had just finished hiking Empire Bluffs Trail and wanted to see the lighthouse as I knew I would be heading home the next day. The lighthouse sits just south of Sleeping Bear Dunes, a mere twenty minute drive. Only a handful of people were at the lighthouse as I drove into the parking lot as it had already closed for the day.

I was actually glad it was closed. That meant I could have this place virtually to myself. A wide path led down to the beach and as I walked along the shore farther away from the lighthouse, I turned and looked back. I knew this would be the best perspective to capture a few images of this old lighthouse and I was right.

I also snapped a few images closer to the lighthouse as I walked up the hillside from the beach.

I read that Point Betsie is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. The lighthouse dates back to 1858. You should know that if you take a hankering, you can rent the two bedroom keepers quarters for a weekly rental fee. Considering where the lighthouse is situated along the lakeshore with Sleeping Bear Dunes close by, not to mention the beautiful lakes and quaint artist's towns right down the road, and add to that Lake Michigan's beaches, it seems the perfect spot to spend a week. ENJOY!

Empire Bluff Trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes

A mere seven tenths of a mile hike on a relatively level terrain through mostly dense woods, with a sprig of wildflowers growing here and there, and you find yourself approaching a sign that warns to stay on the trail as "Steep Bluffs" are ahead. This is the trail at Empire Bluff just south of the tiny town of Empire, Mighigan. It is also the southern most point of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

As you peer out over the landscape looking north, you catch a portion of South Bar Lake which sits just inland from Lake Michigan. There are many inland lakes around this "thumb in the mitten" portion of the state of Michigan as locals call it.

Most of the images I captured from Empire Bluff looked north toward the massive dune. In the far left of this frame sits South Manitou Island. North of South Manitou is Manitou Island. I would have liked to have taken the ferry over to the island to walk around while I was in Leland earlier on this particular day, but I wanted to drive south and hike to Empire Bluff.

The actual bluff itself with the boardwalk didn't afford the prettiest views of the dunes so these images were taken about a tenth of a mile before you reach the boardwalk. This viewpoint is where the trail ends in winter due to the hazardous snow and ice conditions on the boardwalk and bluffs.

One has to wonder peering down from the boardwalk at this tree trunk just where it began its journey, having found its resting place here on the side of the bluff. I tried to imagine winter's wrath bearing down on this bluff and the sand dunes to the north. Imagine, if you can, five to six feet of lake effect snow covering this bluff and the dunes. It's hard to imagine, but is very real here in winter. ENJOY!

Weathered Barn, Charles Olsen Historic Preserve

As you travel the main state road around Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you will pass Charles Olsen Historic Preserve situated in Port Oneida. In 1918, this old weathered barn was built up against the hillside. Today, along with the adjacent farmhouse, it is part of a project to preserve these structures by Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. Charles Olsen, the original owner of the farm, built this type of barn structure to house cattle in the lower section and hay in the upper section. Normally I see these types of barns out west where cattle ranchers are more prominent.

The day before I took these images, I saw this old weathered barn and got a glimpse of the historic preservation sign and was a tad curious. On my drive south from Leland the next day, I passed the barn and decided to capture a few images when I noticed these beautiful wildflowers blooming in a field nearby. I have to say I tire of taking the standard barn image as barns are a staple everywhere you travel, so finding this patch of wildflowers was a plus.

Charles Olsen raised cattle, but he was also was an avid horseman. He actually maintained state road 22 which traverses this area around the dunes before the highway department took over.

As I got out of my car and walked a short way back to the wildflower field, I wondered what flower this was and discovered online today that they are Everlasting Peas or perhaps you might call them Sweet Peas. I was amazed at the many, many Everlasting Peas growing in abundance along the two main state roads near Sleep Bear Dunes. They are so beautiful I just had to get a close up to share with you.

It has stormed here since last evening. The lightning and wind was atrocious around 10 p.m. last night. Thunder kept me awake and then woke me up again this morning. I'm off to finish a home decor project. Have a wonderful Sunday. ENJOY!

Linking to Barn Collective

Tall Ship Manitou, Grand Traverse Bay

The first leg of my trip was spent in Holland visiting various beach towns and enjoying beautiful Lake Michigan. On the second leg of my trip, however, I drove to Traverse City to spend a few days. Right as I pulled into town late in the day, having spent most of the day at Sleeping Bear Dunes, I noticed a tall ship out in the bay. I had read there was a tall ship company in Grand Traverse Bay, but I didn't know what time of day they sailed so I wasn't sure I would see the ship on my visit.

On this particular day the wind from a cold front that had come through on Tuesday was still very prevalent on Grand Traverse Bay as the Tall Ship Manitou made its way back to the dock. Now mind you I am not an expert, but it seems to be pitching just a tad to one side with the wind against its sail. I would have loved to have been on that cruise.

As luck would have it, the next evening I drove the road that circumvents the bay before heading back to my hotel and just happened to catch the Tall Ship Manitou again. This time it was pulling into dock, sails down, and in a much calmer Grand Traverse Bay. I love the reflection of the sails in the water. This is my favorite image of the bay and the ship. I found Traverse City to be the best place to station myself as it was in perfect proximity to Leland, Glen Arbor and Empire, all tiny towns along or close to Lake Michigan. Also, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is only about 35 minutes from Traverse City.

I had read this area of Michigan is virtually an undiscovered area and has not turned totally commercial from tourism. I have to agree. There is still a great deal of this area where I found myself almost alone along the lake shore. Vacationing in mid July can be tough because of the heat of summer. After spending last year on the Eastern Shore in 95 degree heat and 100 degree heat index, I opted to travel north. The farther north I drove, the larger and more beautiful the inland lakes were. Glen Lake was so gorgeous I couldn't begin to describe it. Cutting my trip into two destinations in fairly close proximity kept my driving to a minimum on any given day making for a more enjoyable trip. To check out Pure Michigan, the state's tourism website, go to www.michigan.org. ENJOY!
ENJOY!

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Gorgeous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore located in the northwest section of lower Michigan in the Grand Traverse area was recently voted the #1 Most Beautiful Place in America. In my humble opinion, it was and is still #1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is such a beautiful area with huge sand dunes that seem to rise right into the heavens. Add to those overpowering sand dunes, the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan and its beautiful beaches, and it is just a phenomenal place to spend a few days.

As I drove the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, I captured one of my favorite images of Sleeping Bear Dunes which features a huge sand dune off in the distance and gorgeous Lake Michigan, as well as the immediate sand dune with its varying flora and fauna. Flowering Baby's Breath bloomed in large patches all over the dunes making for a beautiful scene. Sadly, Baby's Breath actually destabilizes the dunes and invades the native plant species that stabilize the dunes. So an effort is under way to eradicate this flower from the dunes.

If you look closely while driving the Pierce Stocking Drive, you will see small patches of Butterfly Weed growing in the sand. I love the bright orange color and find it even more beautiful with the Baby's Breath.

A favorite stop along the Pierce Stocking Drive is the Lake Michigan Overlook which features a boardwalk that juts out into Lake Michigan. On this particular day, a lone sailboat was sailing across the lake. Everyone around me was busy taking photos of the dunes and walking out on the boardwalk, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to snap a few images of the crystal blue waters and this solitary sailboat. It has such a serenity about it that was irresistible. ENJOY!