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This trip's agenda:
(posts are in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent on top)
- Houghton Lake
- Mackinaw City/St. Ignace Straits State Park
- Walloon Lake
- Marquette
July 25-31, 2018
July 25-31, 2018
Andrew and Susie's time at Walloon went quickly with lots of highlights as you will see below.
Andrew and Susie's time at Walloon went quickly with lots of highlights as you will see below.
July 20-23, 2018
July 20-23, 2018
Lazy days of summer run together up at Walloon! My cousins are here, staying across the lake. We've spent a good bunch of time together. Here are some photos from the past 3 days!
Lazy days of summer run together up at Walloon! My cousins are here, staying across the lake. We've spent a good bunch of time together. Here are some photos from the past 3 days!
July 19, 2018
July 19, 2018
Last night/this morning I went out on a mission to photograph the Milky Way in several settings. Mission accomplished! Here are the best-of-the-best.
Last night/this morning I went out on a mission to photograph the Milky Way in several settings. Mission accomplished! Here are the best-of-the-best.
It was another beautiful day today....a relaxing time on the dock and floating in my velvet lake. I met cousins at Boyne City Tap Room for some trivia. Of course, we won! As I was leaving, I noticed the sunset over Lake Charlevoix was about to be gorgeous so I took a turn into the park and there was a Food Truck Rally ongoing! Took a few pictures and walked around. Live music, too!
It was another beautiful day today....a relaxing time on the dock and floating in my velvet lake. I met cousins at Boyne City Tap Room for some trivia. Of course, we won! As I was leaving, I noticed the sunset over Lake Charlevoix was about to be gorgeous so I took a turn into the park and there was a Food Truck Rally ongoing! Took a few pictures and walked around. Live music, too!
July 18, 2018
July 18, 2018
Susie had to leave for home this morning...but not before our last trip to Johan's Bakery! Lots of yummy deliciousness there. I love their bagels, toasted, with veggie cream cheese. Susie loves....well...everything else!
Susie had to leave for home this morning...but not before our last trip to Johan's Bakery! Lots of yummy deliciousness there. I love their bagels, toasted, with veggie cream cheese. Susie loves....well...everything else!
I went over to my family's houses, finally! It was super nice to see Terry & Laurie, and Audrey's son and girlfriend, too. Terry & Laurie had a gift for me. When they remodeled their cottage and stripped the paint, the found these two boards that my dad had carved/written into the wall. "Vee" is for Virginia, my mom's name - and 1942 was 3 years after they were married. In another area of that room was "I <3 Harry" which was my mom's response. These are very precious to me and I'm so very glad to have it!
I went over to my family's houses, finally! It was super nice to see Terry & Laurie, and Audrey's son and girlfriend, too. Terry & Laurie had a gift for me. When they remodeled their cottage and stripped the paint, the found these two boards that my dad had carved/written into the wall. "Vee" is for Virginia, my mom's name - and 1942 was 3 years after they were married. In another area of that room was "I <3 Harry" which was my mom's response. These are very precious to me and I'm so very glad to have it!
A quick trip to the grocery store for jalapenos and cilantro for mango salsa....then a very successful rock picking trip at Magnus Park! See below....
A quick trip to the grocery store for jalapenos and cilantro for mango salsa....then a very successful rock picking trip at Magnus Park! See below....
July 17, 2018
July 17, 2018
Not much sleep last night, so we slept in a bit and then chose the simple life of relaxing on the dock by the lake. We got new anti-gravity chairs that were super comfy! Napped a bit, and it was breezy and cool so no swimming. Susie's towel kept blowing in her face so I took the first picture after she gave up with trying to keep it in place. We went to dinner at the Barrel Back Restaurant which is always delicious! We noticed a yoga class happening on the beach so of course, she needed to go down there and join in. In a dress of course. Drank a couple lavender martinis. Oh my!
Not much sleep last night, so we slept in a bit and then chose the simple life of relaxing on the dock by the lake. We got new anti-gravity chairs that were super comfy! Napped a bit, and it was breezy and cool so no swimming. Susie's towel kept blowing in her face so I took the first picture after she gave up with trying to keep it in place. We went to dinner at the Barrel Back Restaurant which is always delicious! We noticed a yoga class happening on the beach so of course, she needed to go down there and join in. In a dress of course. Drank a couple lavender martinis. Oh my!
July 16, 2018
July 16, 2018
A completely busy day today! We went to "The Foot" (the little village of Walloon Lake at the "foot" of the lake) to do some shopping. Tee-shirts and sweatshirts, etc. then breakfast at Johan's Bakery. Susie got a delicious raspberry donut! Then more shopping, got a couple of floaties for the lake and some toys to take home to grands. Then we went to Coveyou Scenic Farm. This place is a gem! Susie was in her element with all the flowers and the view is truly scenic.
A completely busy day today! We went to "The Foot" (the little village of Walloon Lake at the "foot" of the lake) to do some shopping. Tee-shirts and sweatshirts, etc. then breakfast at Johan's Bakery. Susie got a delicious raspberry donut! Then more shopping, got a couple of floaties for the lake and some toys to take home to grands. Then we went to Coveyou Scenic Farm. This place is a gem! Susie was in her element with all the flowers and the view is truly scenic.
At Johan's Bakery
Coveyou Scenic Farms
Coveyou Scenic Farms
Coveyou Scenic Farms
Coveyou Scenic Farms
Coveyou Scenic Farms
Coveyou Scenic Farms
Coveyou Scenic Farms
Coveyou Scenic Farms
Susie wanted to collect a Petoskey Stone for her grandbabies who love all things science! We went to the beach where I knew I'd find some. OOPS, now Susie is a rockhound! We had so much fun picking rocks and learning about them!
Susie wanted to collect a Petoskey Stone for her grandbabies who love all things science! We went to the beach where I knew I'd find some. OOPS, now Susie is a rockhound! We had so much fun picking rocks and learning about them!
After all the shopping and exploring we were ready to float and relax. Susie found a new friend....Shelly the turtle. She wanted to keep him but he was a baby snapping turtle so .... not a great idea. But he was fun while it lasted! It was a gorgeous cloudless day and we anticipated the night would be the same.
After all the shopping and exploring we were ready to float and relax. Susie found a new friend....Shelly the turtle. She wanted to keep him but he was a baby snapping turtle so .... not a great idea. But he was fun while it lasted! It was a gorgeous cloudless day and we anticipated the night would be the same.
We made dinner -- it was delicious! Then went to "the foot" for sunset and some playing around with the lensball. Then ice cream. Naturally.
We made dinner -- it was delicious! Then went to "the foot" for sunset and some playing around with the lensball. Then ice cream. Naturally.
Fresh creamed corn, traditional northern Michigan olive burger, and caprese bites.
Photo cred: Susie Duval
At astronomical dark (about midnight) we got in the car equipped with camera and tripod. I had made arrangements with the owner of Coveyou Scenic Farms that I could photograph the barn at night without being shot for trespassing! But there were a few problems, the first of which were clouds. Then, turns out, there was a group of teenagers sleeping out on the back deck. We cleared out of there just in time to see the amazing yellow-orange crescent moon....so we drove like crazy to a better viewpoint. Unfortunately, the moon set before we could find a spot. Another disappointment! But then....we got back home and realized the night sky had cleared of clouds and there was a possibility of an aurora! Of course we are exhausted but adrenaline kicked in and out to the dock we went! Sure enough there was a very minor display! Someone once told me that whenever I think I've got a great shot in front of me, to turn around. I did -- and the Milky Way was stunning! And I made a little poster with that saying. So true in life, too! I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did experiencing them!
At astronomical dark (about midnight) we got in the car equipped with camera and tripod. I had made arrangements with the owner of Coveyou Scenic Farms that I could photograph the barn at night without being shot for trespassing! But there were a few problems, the first of which were clouds. Then, turns out, there was a group of teenagers sleeping out on the back deck. We cleared out of there just in time to see the amazing yellow-orange crescent moon....so we drove like crazy to a better viewpoint. Unfortunately, the moon set before we could find a spot. Another disappointment! But then....we got back home and realized the night sky had cleared of clouds and there was a possibility of an aurora! Of course we are exhausted but adrenaline kicked in and out to the dock we went! Sure enough there was a very minor display! Someone once told me that whenever I think I've got a great shot in front of me, to turn around. I did -- and the Milky Way was stunning! And I made a little poster with that saying. So true in life, too! I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did experiencing them!
July 15, 2018
July 15, 2018
My best friend Susie arrived today after the usual drama! I can't remember back to the first time she came to the lake - but a few years ago she surprised me on my birthday! I had no idea she was planning on coming up - and she called me one afternoon and we played the "where do you think I am now" game. She face-timed me with a familiar background - it was just down the street! She was here and I think she is one of the first and maybe only people to be able to surprise me. We had a blast even though she could only stay a couple days.
My best friend Susie arrived today after the usual drama! I can't remember back to the first time she came to the lake - but a few years ago she surprised me on my birthday! I had no idea she was planning on coming up - and she called me one afternoon and we played the "where do you think I am now" game. She face-timed me with a familiar background - it was just down the street! She was here and I think she is one of the first and maybe only people to be able to surprise me. We had a blast even though she could only stay a couple days.
Last time she came up (2 years ago), she got lost on the way up and ended up almost in Detroit. If you know the geography of Michigan you realize that's not at all the way she should be going. 10 hours later, she finally arrived! Always good for a giggle!
Last time she came up (2 years ago), she got lost on the way up and ended up almost in Detroit. If you know the geography of Michigan you realize that's not at all the way she should be going. 10 hours later, she finally arrived! Always good for a giggle!
Today she ran out of gas. Well, almost. She texted me that she was hoping she'd make it to the gas station that her car said she only had 6 miles left to empty. WHAAAAAT?! Evidently she didn't learn from my post a month ago about almost running out of gas in northern
Today she ran out of gas. Well, almost. She texted me that she was hoping she'd make it to the gas station that her car said she only had 6 miles left to empty. WHAAAAAT?! Evidently she didn't learn from my post a month ago about almost running out of gas in northern
Wisconsin....! So she made it to the gas station in Fife Lake....only to find that they were out of gas. Yes, seriously. Only Susie! A huge gas station on the side of the road and ZERO gas. With 6 miles left to empty, she hoped the next town was 5 miles. But alas, it was 10 miles away. She limped in with her luck in tact and they had gas. I was about to go find a gas can and go rescue her. Apparently you can't make it all the way from Chicagoland to Walloon on one tank of gas! Enough drama already! :)
Wisconsin....! So she made it to the gas station in Fife Lake....only to find that they were out of gas. Yes, seriously. Only Susie! A huge gas station on the side of the road and ZERO gas. With 6 miles left to empty, she hoped the next town was 5 miles. But alas, it was 10 miles away. She limped in with her luck in tact and they had gas. I was about to go find a gas can and go rescue her. Apparently you can't make it all the way from Chicagoland to Walloon on one tank of gas! Enough drama already! :)
It was again so hot today I had to get in the lovely velvet waters of Walloon Lake. Once Susie arrived we chatted, enjoyed the beautiful lake, made dinner, did some "boating" (we had to move a boat that was knocking up against the dock and driving us crazy!) and then some night sky viewing and photography. A great day!
It was again so hot today I had to get in the lovely velvet waters of Walloon Lake. Once Susie arrived we chatted, enjoyed the beautiful lake, made dinner, did some "boating" (we had to move a boat that was knocking up against the dock and driving us crazy!) and then some night sky viewing and photography. A great day!
Tonight's early night sky featured a beautiful crescent moon flanked on the left by Venus. Later, after the moon set, we saw Mars in the southern sky, all big and bright and red and beautiful! Too bad clouds messed with us but I was able to grab a couple photos.
Tonight's early night sky featured a beautiful crescent moon flanked on the left by Venus. Later, after the moon set, we saw Mars in the southern sky, all big and bright and red and beautiful! Too bad clouds messed with us but I was able to grab a couple photos.
July 14, 2018
July 14, 2018
St. Ignace - Straits State Park Campground was beautiful! The morning photo opportunities were better than the night, since we had fog all night and overcast skies so no Milky Way shots. Take a look at the pictures I did get though. Some are stunning!
St. Ignace - Straits State Park Campground was beautiful! The morning photo opportunities were better than the night, since we had fog all night and overcast skies so no Milky Way shots. Take a look at the pictures I did get though. Some are stunning!
Made a few more stops on the way to Walloon. Cross Village, then Harbor Springs and Petoskey via the Tunnel of Trees.
Made a few more stops on the way to Walloon. Cross Village, then Harbor Springs and Petoskey via the Tunnel of Trees.
July 13, 2018
July 13, 2018
First stop, Burt Lake. It was a gloomy day, but the lake is always really pretty. Mullet Lake is right next door and just a little smaller.
First stop, Burt Lake. It was a gloomy day, but the lake is always really pretty. Mullet Lake is right next door and just a little smaller.
Then it was on to Mackinaw City and across the bridge! In Mackinaw City I visited the lighthouse both above and below. Got stuck in traffic on the bridge - which let me tell you is not fun. Crossing the bridge doesn't bother me, but stuck in traffic for a 1/2 hour on a 5 mile long suspension bridge is like getting stuck at the top of a broken ferris wheel. Yikes!
In St. Ignace I found our campground and got ready to do some photography. Stunning sunsets and even some Friday night fireworks!
July 12, 2018
July 12, 2018
On my way at the crack of 4:30 am! Even on a Thursday morning, this is the time to go through all that crazy Gary Indiana traffic. It was a breeze! I took the traditional picture of the Welcome to Indiana sign, and before I knew it, I was scrambling for my phone to take the Welcome to Michigan sign! Pretty sunrise, too.
On my way at the crack of 4:30 am! Even on a Thursday morning, this is the time to go through all that crazy Gary Indiana traffic. It was a breeze! I took the traditional picture of the Welcome to Indiana sign, and before I knew it, I was scrambling for my phone to take the Welcome to Michigan sign! Pretty sunrise, too.
I drove to Houghton Lake. Not to be confused with the Houghton that is in the U.P. in the Keweenaw Peninsula. I wanted to check out the lake and it's neighbor, Higgins Lake. Did that. It's pretty, but not terribly impressive. Plus it's only at the 44th parallel. I must be an "up north" snob because if it's not past the 45 parallel (halfway between the equator and the North Pole) it's not Up North to me.
I drove to Houghton Lake. Not to be confused with the Houghton that is in the U.P. in the Keweenaw Peninsula. I wanted to check out the lake and it's neighbor, Higgins Lake. Did that. It's pretty, but not terribly impressive. Plus it's only at the 44th parallel. I must be an "up north" snob because if it's not past the 45 parallel (halfway between the equator and the North Pole) it's not Up North to me.
July 12, 2018
July 12, 2018
PLANS: I'm on my way to Houghton Lake this morning. Why? Because I can! I wanted to get up into Michigan before the Friday crazy traffic, so decided to break up the trip by staying at Houghton Lake. Also, I've never been there before, so it sounded like a good overnight destination.
PLANS: I'm on my way to Houghton Lake this morning. Why? Because I can! I wanted to get up into Michigan before the Friday crazy traffic, so decided to break up the trip by staying at Houghton Lake. Also, I've never been there before, so it sounded like a good overnight destination.
From Houghton Lake I'm driving up to Mackinaw City. Actually, I'll kick around there a while, maybe do some rock picking on Lake Huron, then drive across the "Mighty Mac" bridge into St. Ignace. Straits State Park & Campground is my destination for the night. I'm camping there overnight with a fellow night sky photographer Julie....and we hope to have a great nighttime view (no moon!) of the Milky Way from there. My photographic vision is to get a night shot of the bridge with the Milky Way behind it. We'll see. We need totally clear night skies!
From Houghton Lake I'm driving up to Mackinaw City. Actually, I'll kick around there a while, maybe do some rock picking on Lake Huron, then drive across the "Mighty Mac" bridge into St. Ignace. Straits State Park & Campground is my destination for the night. I'm camping there overnight with a fellow night sky photographer Julie....and we hope to have a great nighttime view (no moon!) of the Milky Way from there. My photographic vision is to get a night shot of the bridge with the Milky Way behind it. We'll see. We need totally clear night skies!
Saturday morning I'll wind my way down to Walloon Lake, my home for 3 weeks, hopefully hitting some farmer's markets on the way. I'll have visitors, but a lot of alone time too. I call it re-generate time. Much needed. Early in August I'll head up to Marquette, my favorite city in the U.P. for about 3 days.
Saturday morning I'll wind my way down to Walloon Lake, my home for 3 weeks, hopefully hitting some farmer's markets on the way. I'll have visitors, but a lot of alone time too. I call it re-generate time. Much needed. Early in August I'll head up to Marquette, my favorite city in the U.P. for about 3 days.
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