While being a tourist in Washington DC a few years ago, I noticed this old dog waiting patiently for his people from behind the glass of a window in Georgetown.
He was so sweetly sad that I had to capture the moment.
Tag Archives: trip
Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Glass
A Photo a Week Challenge: Delicate
While Katie and I were up north we happened across a wildflower garden that had attracted a lot of monarch butterflies.
You may or may not know that the monarchs are endangered and oh so delicate. It was good to see many of them enjoying the garden on the shores of Lake Michigan.
I felt privileged to have been there while they were lunching.
Cee’s Black and White Photo Challenge: Sculpture
Yesterday, during our last day of adventuring, Katie and I stopped for a few minutes in Mackinaw City, located at the northern tip of the lower peninsula of Michigan. There’s a 5 mile bridge between the lower and upper peninsula of our state, built in the 50s, and in the park at the base of the bridge is a sculpture dedicated to the iron workers that worked on the bridge as it was being built.
The sculpture of the iron worker showcases many of the tools needed to do the work, the details making it particularly interesting. When we saw it we just knew it would be perfect for Cee’s challenge this week!
Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Mirror images or reflections
Many years ago I was visiting a friend up in Northport, Michigan. We were out taking pictures, mostly in the woods and along the lake shore. But we also stopped in town where I noticed this interesting shop window and grabbed a shot without even leaving the car.
Can you find the reflection?
On the way there and back
On my way up to the Pigeon River State Forest, three hours away from home, I drove through some of my favorite farm country. Both on the drive up and the drive home four days later I was lucky enough to witness clouds building above beautiful farm country.
I knew you’d want to see (who doesn’t want to look at barns, right?) so I put together a little slide show.
And even though I know these pink flowers are not native, and are in fact, invasive I couldn’t help but stop and grab a few photos because they’re just so darn pretty.
Pretty but invasive.
How can this be invasive?
When we weren’t staring at the river…
We did score the best campsite in all of the Pigeon River Forest, nestled next to the river in all it’s gurgling glory. We could have sat there all day, but there was more to explore.
There’s a large elk heard residing in this park, with certain locations where you’re more likely to see them. We drove around one evening looking, but didn’t see any; I guess the elk hadn’t read the memo about where they were supposed to be. In 2014 we were luckier and saw three of them in almost exactly the spot where the map said they’d be. Now those elk knew how to follow directions!
This year I did see this guy, on our first day there, as we were driving to our campground on a narrow sandy road through the tall trees.
What you lookin at lady?
I caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye and screeched to a halt. My friend, who was driving ahead of me, kept on going so she didn’t get to see him. I felt privileged to be able to snap his picture as he gazed somberly back at me.
Aside from the elk this state land is known for beautiful lakes and wonderful hiking trails. You can walk through varying topography and plant life, from wet bogs and reedy lake shores to hilly pine forests and open meadows.
Care to go for a walk?
We did all of that. We hiked around Pickerell Lake on a beautiful afternoon, the sky filled with white puffy clouds and the lake a beautiful blue.
It was a perfect day for a hike around a lake.
We climbed to the top of Inspiration Point, where the ranger said you can almost see from horizon to horizon. He was right.
Walking through the meadow on the way up the hill.
It would be a perfect place for star gazing if you’re there on a night when the full moon isn’t beating down on you.
You can see forever from here.
We walked along the river and looked up the names of all the wildflowers we could find. We were surprised by just how many there were when you stopped to really look.
I’ve already forgotten the name of this one. A variety of coneflower I think.
Mostly we just enjoyed being outside in a beautiful place during a beautiful weekend. Even when there was a bit of rain.
Walking through a misty rain.
And in the morning, when it was time to pack up and leave I felt sad, but happy too, that I got to spend time in this magical place. I know I’ll be back, likely on a dark night with no moon and clear skies. There are stars out there just begging to be photographed and I’d like to try.
The sky wasn’t dark enough with the full moon coming up behind me.
Until next time Pigeon River State Forest! It’s nice to know you’re up there waiting for us to stop by again.
Wonder what secrets the forest holds over there?
It’s good to know that the river continues to dance over those rocks, singing it’s gentle and calming song, even when we’re in the midst of whatever gets in the way of happiness out here in the real world.
Until next time, Pigeon River.
I’m lucky to have such a wilderness so close to home, and I’m pleased to share it with all of you. If you’re ever this way, stop by and explore even a little of it.
You won’t be sorry you did.
All this and more is waiting for your visit!
A river runs though it.
Entering the magical Pigeon River Forest.
I’m back from a three night camping trip in the Pigeon River State Forest, a place that features spacious camp sites, towering pines, hiking trails, pristine lakes, and of course, the Pigeon River. A friend and I were lucky enough to score what I consider the premiere site right on the river. We got to listen to the swift water pour over some rocks just feet from our tent and we spent a fair amount of time just sitting in chairs watching it move along.
The perfect spot to spend a few days.
Of course we weren’t always sitting mesmerized by the river. We ate a lot too. But I don’t think it was typical camping fare. No, we didn’t have the burgers and dogs, didn’t roast marshmallows over the fire. Instead my friend brought along gourmet stuff like this kale and brussel sprout salad and bread baked the day before at a restaurant from her hometown. And that was just Friday’s lunch!
Very overexposed, but I thought it was cool so I’m using it anyway.
Friday evening this guy wandered by, moving slowly up the river. I heard him splashing up the river before I could see him and I swear I thought he was a bear. So I had my camera ready.
Going fishing on Friday night.
I’m sort of glad he wasn’t a bear. Though that would have been very cool.
In the morning my friend went fly fishing too. That’s what you do on a swift and shallow river like the Pigeon. First there was assembling of the rod and the attaching of the perfect fly.
I’d need a magnifying glass to do this!
Then there were a few practice casts in the road.
Practice makes perfect.
And then she was off into the water!
Come on in, the water’s perfect!
I think she had a great time, though I don’t pretend to understand it all. No fish were caught, but she got to get into the river and I got to take pictures. So we were both happy.
Here fishy, fishy!
We saw a few other people in the water, notably a couple of brothers floating by on tubes.
Looks like so much fun!
I was jealous and the entire three days I was there I considered putting on my swimsuit and my water shoes and going upstream a bit and floating back to camp. I didn’t need a tube, I care my flotation devise on my person at all times. (Smile.) For some reason I just didn’t do it. That would probably be my only regret from this trip.
So this post is all about the river
The river moves on past me to it’s own destination.
But there are acres and acres of woods to explore, elk herds to find, stars to watch. What about those?
Light plays.
Guess you’ll have to stay tuned.
The old man in the woods.
Cee’s black and white photo challenge: Bench
I need to catch up as I’ve been traveling again, this time to a state forest campground in central Michigan. As soon as I saw this bench at the top of Inspiration Point in the middle of the Pigeon River Forest, I knew it would work for Cee’s challenge.
You could see for miles.
Change Is Hard 