INSPIRATION POINT PLUS

 There are many Inspiration Points throughout our beautiful country…places that inspire awe and provide exceptional views of natural landscapes.  The closest one to me is just outside Glen Arbor and offers views of the Glen Lakes, Alligator Hill, Manitou Passage, and North Manitou Island.  Faust Log Cabin sits next to Inspiration Point.  Young Mary Faust first experienced the property when the bluff was used as a log slide during the winter.  Taken by the views, she and her husband later purchased the property from Glen Haven entrepreneur, D.H. Day.  The family eventually sold their treasured home to the National Park Service so it would be protected and open to the public.  The Faust Cabin is currently undergoing a multi-year restoration project.  This one’s for you, Steve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOLLOWING BENZIE COUNTY 610

 Sunday evening, I was riding around with Gracie and my camera.  I decided to follow 610 to where it ended at Esch Beach.  The route was mostly farmland and woods so I didn’t find many pictures-taking subjects.  Sometimes a drive is more of a drive than a photoshoot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FALL CREEPS IN

 

 

 

 

 

 

MURAL FEST

 The inaugural Traverse City Mural Festival took place last week.  The event featured several artists painting murals on businesses around the Eighth Street “NoBo” corridor from Lake Avenue to Barlow Street.  I visited several times to watch the artists work unfold as they painted from rolling scaffolding and hydraulic lifts.  The festival closed with a parade and art walk to view the finished projects.  If you’re interested, check out the outdoor wall spaces at Oryana, The Box, Silver Spruce Brewing, Bay Family Vision and EB2 Vintage, The Copy Shop and The Filling Station.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILL POND HABITAT

 At the base of the Dune Climb sits the Mill Pond, a wonderful habitat for birds, especially during migration.  I headed there early yesterday morning, hoping to catch some action.  Right away, I saw a great egret standing tall.  It didn’t seem bothered by my presence, and continued searching for food in the water and mud.  A striking pair of wood ducks swam nearby.  At the backside of the pond, almost out of camera range, I spotted a great blue heron.  But the egret was my favorite.  I loved watching it preen its beautiful white feathers.