Nordhouse Dunes

I wonder how many times since I was a young boy that I have climbed to the top of the dunes on Hamlin Lake to take in this incredible natural view. My son Brad looks like an ant in the distance as he makes his way to a spot from which he plans to make a more intimate image of the landscape. I can't get back here soon enough!

My son, Brad and I climbed for half an hour to arrive at this dune vantage point on Hamlin Lake. Our family made several summer trips to the dunes and was always rewarded with good pictures and great experiences.

The Lake Michigan shoreline can change in a blink of an eye. Tonight, at the Lake Michigan Campground in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area between Manistee and Ludington, I was amazed at how quickly the sand on the left of this image was being undercut and caving in. The small outlet was growing in width before my eyes.

My son, Brad and I climbed for half an hour to arrive at this dune vantage point on Hamlin Lake. Our family made several summer trips to the dunes and was always rewarded with good pictures and great experiences.

I am struck by the shapes and forms carved by the waters of Porter Creek as it winds its way from the Nordhouse Dunes Federal Wilderness into Lake Michigan. I know converting this image to black-and-white will help me emphasize the constantly evolving shapes, forms, and patterns of this wild place.

The view from the top of South Manitou Island Lighthouse is well worth the long climb up the circular stairway to the top. The lighthouse has helped guide ships through the Manitou Passage between the island and Michigan's mainland since 1872.

During that golden hour before sunset, I am struck by the thousands of dimpled impressions left behind by hikers to the Lake Michigan shoreline observation area in the Nordhouse Dunes Federal Wilderness. Within a couple months, when the cold and snow arrives, footprints will be few and far between as fewer and fewer people will venture to this warm weather mecca. F13 at 1/60, ISO 400, 24-70mm lens at 24mm

The brilliant sunlight hitting the newly rebuilt walkway leading to the top of a tall sand dune at the Lake Michigan Campground became the focus of this image. If you and your family have not explored the beautiful Nordhouse Dunes Federal Wilderness Area between Ludington and Manistee, the Lake Michigan Campground is a great place to start. F8 at 1/60, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 18mm

The golden light of the setting sun is showcasing the zigzag pattern Porter Creek is taking this evening. I love the way this outlet changes shape and course as the water finds the path of least resistance to Lake Michigan. It is one of countless magical natural places in the Nordhouse Dunes Federal Wilderness. F8 at 1/640, ISO 400, 80-200mm lens at 135mm