Ludington Point to Point

Strapped to their 44-foot rescue boat and hanging on as the small but mighty vessel takes on another huge Lake Michigan wave, Ludington Coast Guardsmen head into the teeth of a storm. If it were to capsize, the boat is designed to right itself within 15 seconds and forge ahead. Crews purposely go out to train in such weather conditions in order to be able to safely and successfully aid mariners in distress in similar wind and seas. As a Coast Guard Reservist, I served as a “coxswain” or captain of this incredible vessel, 44345, for more than 25 years. Oh to have been able to take photographs during some of those boat rides! I scrambled part way out the Ludington north breakwall to take this off-duty photograph. I think it speaks volumes and will always be one of my favorite photographs, especially because I like to think of 44345 as a best friend, one that never has failed me and never will

Winter is a quiet time at Ludington State Park, a time when rental boats are of no practical value on frozen Hamlin Lake. I selected this boat for its artistic value.

The persistent fishermen who troll Ludington harbor, day after day, in their tiny boats are reminiscent of Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea. I marvel how they often catch fish when larger fishing vessels go empty-handed. I admire their simplistic approach to fishing as much as I do their patience, perseverance, and willingness to face the elements. Outdoor photographers could learn much from these fishermen.

There were many times at Coast Guard Station Ludington that the rescue boats were at rest. The crew was usually still busy carrying out the work and training of the Plan of the Day, but there was down time too when crew members could pause to take in a rainbow or other impressive waterfront view. There were also many times when “Always Ready” search and rescue boat crews scrambled to respond to a call for assistance, like fighting a fire at the carferry docks.

Petty Officer Barry Schultz stands lookout watch aboard MLB44345. Schultz also serves as one of the motor lifeboat's engineers. They are responsible for keeping the Coast Guard rescue boat's twin diesel engines, and other machinery, maintained and operating properly. The boat looks and operates as if new despite having served as Coast Guard Station Ludington's heavy weather rescue boat since 1965.

Like a lightning bolt, the Lake Michigan shoreline looks electric as the setting sun hits the wave-washed sand.

All is quiet along the Lake Michigan shoreline on a spring evening before this historic summer resort comes to life for another season.

Snacking its way to Lake Michigan, water from Bass Lake catches sunlight on a September evening.

I have been watching several months for just the right light to photograph the sailboats lining the Ludington Yacht Club peninsula on Pere Marquette Lake. One August evening, storm clouds and the golden light of an approaching sunset made the scene extraordinary. A rainbow added the crowning touch.

The first time I photographed Big Point Sable Lighthouse at night was in 1970. It was an assignment for a photography class at Michigan State University while pursuing a journalism degree. I continue to enjoy hiking to the light, setting up my tripod in the sand, waiting for darkness to fall and the light more than 100 feet overhead to beam forth. The solitude of the 30 to 45 minute walk, in the dark, back to my vehicle makes the photo trek to the lighthouse more gratifying.

Fishermen saunter home after an evening of fishing on the Ludington North Breakwater.

All is quiet on the Silver Lake waterfront on an autumn evening. Rental canoes remain stacked along the shore. The sun has set on another tourist season at one of Michigan's busiest and most spectacular summer fun spots. I love the stillness and the visual simplicity the lack of activity provides.

I have photographed mute swans hundreds of times and now try to look for peak moments that will produce more original and interesting pictures. This proud swan rose up as I was observing it on the Sauble River at Ludington State Park.

On summer mornings, Pentwater can look magical. Sailboats, and other watercraft, line the waterfront of the quaint village and lie at anchor scattered about Pentwater Point marinas on this morning when light and atmosphere created an extraordinary view for a few magical moments.

Pilings, which guard storm water drain outlets, and their repetitive patterns have been a popular photo subject for years. On this day, the S-curve design created by shoreline ice and magic light made an impressionable scene.

In the 1980s, high Lake Michigan water levels threatened to undermine Big Point Sable Lighthouse. The Coast Guard erected a planned replacement tower to be ready for the day the light toppled into Lake Michigan. Local lighthouse lovers and construction companies teamed up to repair the steel wall that once protected the light, adding further fortification against the waves. The reinforcement worked; the Coast Guard removed the backup light. Lake Michigan receded, allowing the waves to deposit sand around part of the sea wall. Knowing the potential fate at this light makes me appreciate its presence even more.

The freighter Canadian Transfer, her navigation light showing she is underway, steams slowly, carefully toward Ludington harbor on a summer night. The traditional style Great Lakes freighter was bringing a load of stone to the Laman Aspalt docks.

Shining brighter than a spotlight at a rock concert, beams of light I like to call "God beams" spotlight the Ludington lighthouse. I prefer nature's light shows to any manmade ones.

Winter painted a still life of the tugboat Kurt. R Luedtke and carferry City of Midland. I enjoy looking at ships, especially in winter. Ice and snow are among a photographer's best allies.