Epworth Heights

I am looking forward to the Ludington New Year's Eve Ball Drop and fireworks tonight, but I am already being blown away this morning by the ice balls forming along the Lake Michigan shoreline by waves and spray from a December northwester. Large rocks protecting the Lincoln River Outlet channel wall at Epworth Heights are becoming increasingly large ice balls. The splashing water is also freezing on my waterproof North Face clothing. As I move, the ice coating on my clothing breaks with a crunching sound. Goodness gracious!

Time appears to stand still as I look past classic cottages toward Lake Michigan at Epworth Heights. The summer resort north of Ludington is one of many private summer retreats established more than a century ago at dozens of small Great Lakes ports frequented by ships transporting vacationers to and from large city ports. Many of these association retreats appear similar today as in the heyday of Great Lakes cruise ship travel.

The sweeping view of the C-shaped shoreline from the Ludington city beach northward toward Epworth Heights has always appealed to me. I especially like it when Epworth comes to life for a new season and the cottages begin lighting up at night. F4.5 at 30.0, ISO 100, 80-200 mm at 80 mm

I have just finished attending the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame banquet, during which one of my heroes, tennis coach Howard Jensen, was inducted. I have not driven a half-mile when I see Mount Epworth silhouetted against the afterglow sky. Sweet. F14.0 at 1/6, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

It is a spectacular summer afternoon to be at Epworth Heights. Brian and Leah Roche of Columbus, Ohio walk along the North Beach sidewalk en route to meet some friends on the beach. F8.0 at 1/320, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 16 mm

Waves, clouds and trees turning color give Epworth Heights an autumn look. It is a quieter but beautiful time of year at the historic resort. North Point Cottage stands out on the Lake Michigan shoreline just south of the Lincoln River outlet. F13.0 at 1/500, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 105 mm

I have been to this spot by the Lincoln River Outlet at Epworth Heights several times this year to try to make a picture. Today, the snow fence patterns and cloud patterns help complete the image I had envisioned. F7.1 at 1/60, ISO 200, 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm

Yowzah! The dawn over Pere Marquette Lake has me scrambling for my camera and tripod. This is one of the most spectaclular sunrises I have ever viewed from my home on the Buttersville Peninsula. F2.8 at 1/15, ISO 100, 80-200 mm lens at 92 mm

Fall color can be so fun to photograph in the fog. The vibrant colors of the leaves are muted by the fog, but still help define the lines in a photograph. I made this photograph of Epworth while standing on the Lincoln River bridge. F22 at 1/6, ISO 100, 14mm lens at 14mm