Summer
In
After pausing briefly with its catch, the blue heron extends its neck and dumps the fish down the hatch. My parents live near the Ludington State Park. They are most happy if the herons find the fishing good on the Sable River rather than the goldfish pond in their backyard.
Dune Sculpture
Like nature's version of a Calder sculpture, a sand-blasted and sun-faded tree trunk juts forth from the Silver Lake sand dunes. It is amazing how much the dunes shift with the wind. Changing light also adds new discovery to each visit. I often wonder about the scenes I am missing on the days I am not here.
Silver Lake Sunrise
Looking eastward from on top of the Silver Lake sand dunes, on an October morning provides a back-lit view of Silver Lake as well as a view of the sunrise.
Dune Ride
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.
Slalom Course
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.
Squirrel Bait
Whenever I see acorns on the ground it reminds me of the acorn fights I used to get in with my two brothers Tad and Willie and my cousin Ryan. We would spend a few minutes gathering our arsenals, stuffing our pockets with as many acorns as possible. Then the acorn-throwing war was on. Oh, to be a kid again.
Lake Michigan Mecca
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.