Have you ever seen...

The sunset on any of Lake Michigan's beaches? Well if you have not you need to get to the west side of the state. It is worth any length of drive. Last night I chronicled one. All that I can say is that it is good to be home. Let me know what you think.

Everything is beautiful, and the clouds could not have cooperated more.

This is my personal favorite from the night, love the light waves coming in.

You should see the shots she took! They will be accessible from: http://cinemarie.tumblr.com/ any day! Check it out!

A great way to end a great day in Northern Michigan.

Having a blast, hope you are too.

-J

Fun, it is out there and you should be too

Whenever people talk about adventuring and getting outside they make a big deal out of it, they plan, and pack and book rooms, which is all fine and dandy a few times a year, but, what needs to be realized is that you can get outside, get some exercise, have a great time and do it more often by only driving a few miles, or even walking just a bit.

Today we decided to get out of the house despite the intermittent showers. While we would have rather hopped in the car and high-tailed it out of here, we have to work tomorrow, so our trip was short. However short, it was a great time.

We started by walking to Nichol's Arboretum, a large park owned by the University. The "Arb" as it is known around here is like a mini forest amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy city. It makes me forget where I am.

Due to the near constant rain that we have been receiving lately there is an excess of fungi everywhere. I am still working on identifying them, but here they are:
 
 

I find fungus to be extremely interesting, strange and mesmerizing.

Though it was drizzling we still managed to see a few critters including this groundhog!

There were also large visible areas of flattened grass where deer bed down for the night. It is amazing and refreshing to see wildlife still around when most of their habitat has been squashed.

You would never know that she is just 50 steps from the street!

Every once in a while everyone needs to get out, even if it is just around the corner...

To hell with roads, I will take a trail any day!

Wide open spaces within the confines of a tall city.

Chelsea in pursuit of a pic of that groundhog.

Look at that great bag! It survived the rain of the day and no camera equip ruined!

This poor little guy was dodging rain drops to grab a quick snap.

What a great way to get away for a few hours, no noise, no sirens, nowhere to go and no time to get there by. It is very grounding. I cannot wait for our next trip out.

As for now, there appears to be a small rain storm on its way, nothing severe, and we are watching Spies Like Us.

Enjoy your evening,


-J

sun up, i put in,

lake is flat, breeze cool

the heat of the soon to be sweltering sun lifts steam off of the water

as i board my tiny vessel i like to imagine that the ripples she makes start the waves for the day

check the dry box; phone, wallet, keys, improvised map of shore

this is going to be a great day...

still flat

however the sun overhead

its rays shine to the floor of the lake bringing many creatures of the deep into my sight

the small fish, undoubtedly ailwive and smelt

some carp

the behemoth rocks and dock pilings make up their world, their towns and vilages

ahead i see the remnants of an old ship pier

funny that the area on hte shore should be known as pierport, rather literal naming

looking down the shafts of the seemingly ancient poles i cannot help but drum up a small amount of fear of the creatures of the abyss from books and movies

of all the times not to have my mask and snorkel

how perfect it would be to tie up to one of them and descend to its depths in search of fishing lures and other treasures discarded by mankind

by now the sun is starting to burn

wet shirt, lay it across my shoulders

it brings a much needed cooling,

its the closest thing that i will get to shade for another few hours

time to turn around and head south to the place where my journey began

tomorrown i must return to the daily hustle and bustle