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Dunes

The grand porch of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island affords hotel visitors and guests one of the grandest views imaginable of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Today I am most impressed with how the light and shadow are playing on the columns extending across the porch. D800, F7.1 at 1/400, ISO 100, 70-200mm lens at 70mm

The grand porch of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island affords hotel visitors and guests one of the grandest views imaginable of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Today I am most impressed with how the light and shadow are playing on the columns extending across the porch.

Best Place to Be

As darkness approaches, the colors of the sunset afterglow grow richer and the shapes of the Charlevoix pier and lighthouse become darker and bolder. I am looking for that perfect balance between light and dark, that moment of dusk when the view on this tranquil June evening is the perfect combination of whiskey and wine.

A Michigan steelhead leaps high in an attempt to get over a short dam on the Betsie River near Benzonia. The Betsie is among the many Michigan rivers that attract fishermen from across the country.

Evening at the Light

The best way to discover beautiful marshes is to go into the marsh. I don't have to go far into marshland along the Pere Marquette River this morning to be stunned by the sight of dewy plants gloriously bathed in the early morning sunlight.

Quite often (my wife would say, too often) on our frequent 2020 trail hikes, something caught my photo eye and I would have to pause to better see it and assess its photographic potential. On this May day at Ludington State Park my eye was drawn to some cattails, but more exactly to their reflections. Brad and I tell our workshop students to determine “what exactly” excites them about a scene or other subject. I focused on exactly that.

Dewdrops sparkle like diamonds, making stunning wildflowers even more glamorous this morning. What a way to start a September Michigan day! I have gone into swampland along the Pere Marquette River to see what I can find. I always know I will discover beauty in a swamp.

Frankfort

Frankfort

Frankfort

Gull Morning

Rest Stop

I truly appreciate those Michigan entrepreneurs who make the Michigan countryside more beautiful in the process of luring customers. The Iris Farm on M72 west of Traverse City is a stunning example of such a business. I am delighted to drive a hundred miles to take in this sight.

Hallelujah Sky

Hallelujah Sky - panoramic

Horses, horse ranches, and equestrian clubs appear left and right as Brad and I travel one of the country lanes through the rolling hills of Metamora horse country. This is definitely some of the most beautiful Michigan countryside we have seen. During a lunch break in Metamora, we are told there are more horses in Metamora Township than there are people.

Brad and I are always trying to discover different spectacular vantage points from which to view Michigan. Tonight we have hiked to the Empire Bluff for the first time. I stop short of the bluff at this overlook spot because I just can't resist making an image of the view northward toward Empire, South Bar Lake, and Sleeping Bear. I am content here but can't help wondering what Brad is seeing from the bluff's edge.