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A ride on a Mac Wood's Dune Rides dune scooter provides a scenic view of the Silver Lake sand dunes. Even though I usually prefer to walk the pedestrian area of the dunes to slowly search for photographs, I love the fast-changing view from the dune scooters. I also appreciate that they stop at selected spots to provide time to savor, and photograph, some of the most spectacular scenic views in the world.

So Hi

Dead trees buried by shifting sand stand out on the Silver Lake sand dunes. The trees look as if they could be a slalom course set up for the off-road vehicles that race up and down this portion of the Silver Lake State Park.

Spring Dance

State Park Beauty

My son, Brad and I were looking for fresh views of the Silver Lake sand dunes on an August evening. I found this perspective, near the north end of the dunes, in a privately owned area undisturbed by tracks made by vehicles or people.

Stone Washed

At the northern end of the Silver Lake sand dunes is a section of private dunes that I am privileged to wander. Many of the pieces of driftwood, polished by sand, water, and time, remain undisturbed on these dunes.

Summer is Near - panoramic

Being on the Silver Lake sand dunes on a warm summer evening feels so good. I wonder why I am not here more often. My wife, sons, and I go away talking about coming back soon. Yet, I know soon will probably not be as soon as we think.

Summer is Near

While my son, Tad, explored sand dunes farther inland, I took up position on top of a dune overlooking Hamlin Lake and composed a view across Lower Hamlin Lake through the Narrows leading to Upper Hamlin Lake. Then, I sat in the sand and savored the view while waiting for the exquisite light the evening graciously delivered.

Sunrise on Lost Lake

Bass Lake Outlet North of Pentwater is a secluded place I look forward to coming back to, the next day or next season, with great anticipation. Wading in its shallow stream that meanders in everchanging routes toward Lake Michigan or taking up a spectacular vantage point to watch night fall, is a favorite pastime.

Earlier in the day Brad and I were shown this Charlevoix spot and thought it had good potential for an evening shoot with students taking part in our photography workshop. Now at 6:39 P.M. I can hardly believe the glorious light as I make this picture after helping some students make some strong images of their own design. F9.0 at 1/15, ISO 100, 12-24 mm lens at 24 mm

Sunset Bay

I am certain I have watched more than 10,000 sunsets and afterglows. This one, along the Lake Michigan shoreline at Ludington State Park on May 24, 2014, was one of the prettiest I have ever witnessed.

Water from Bas Lake, carving a path of least resistance, curves through the sand on its downhill flow to Lake Michigan.

In 1936, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the Beach House at the Ludington State Park. The CCC also built many of the current park roads and twelve warming shelters on the trail system. Unfortunately, many of the original shelters were destroyed by vandalism and severe weather. Luckily though, the Beach House remains and is a beautiful piece of history.

An ice fisherman is oblivious to cold because good fishing luck could arrive at any time. I eagerly waited, on a bone-chilling winter morning, for the sun to rise over the Pere Marquette River. My perseverance netted a good catch. A day like this helps me understand ice fishermen better.