SPRING INCHES FORWARD

And brings a variety of blossoms with it.

HAWKING

Hawks are the most prevalent raptors in our area with red-tailed the most common.  I also a dark morph of this rough-legged hawk in the same area.  I’m never sure of a definite ID, though, until they take flight and I see their underwings and tail feathers.

 

 

 

 

THE LURE IS NOW ON AUDIBLE!

My latest book The Lure has now arrived on Audible.  The audiobook is another collaboration with classmate  and narrator Stephen Marsden.  The Lure continues to be available in e-book and paperback formats at all online bookstores (Barnes&Nobles, Apple, Amazon, etc.) and in your favorite local bookstore.  

The Lure is the second installment of my Northwoods Mystery Series featuring Forensic Detective Quinn Macarthy.  Follow Quinn and her crimefighting team as they investigate murders in the Traverse City homeless encampment known as the Pines and chase the wrongdoers at a new peregrine falcon repopulation center owned by an Arab sheik at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula.  Thanks for supporting my writing and enjoy The Lure!

ROAMING

 Last Saturday, with the snow gone from seasonal roads, I got into places I hadn’t driven since December.  Bumpy dirt roads, wetlands, spent milkweed pods, woodland streams, blue skies, and a new historic marker were there for picture-taking.  The scenes weren’t spectacular, but it was great having the freedom to roam again.

 

 

 

SPRING FLOWERS POKING THROUGH

And more are on the way.

MY SECLUDED BEACH

I call several beaches in the Lakeshore favorites but all for different reasons.  Tiesma Beach is one of them due to its seclusion and spectacular view of Empire Bluffs.  It’s off an unmarked dirt road near Platte Point and has no toilets or running water.  It’s also off limits to dogs beginning April 15, when Piping Plovers begin to nest.  It’s where to go when you really want to be alone.

ICONIC BARN

A beautiful, old barn sits at the far north edge of Grand Traverse County along US-31 North.  Drivers get different perspectives depending on whether they’re headed north or south.  The barn wood is weathered and shows just enough red to make it interesting.  As I photographed the barn from all angles, I spotted a turkey vulture hanging out the partially boarded opening.  Old barns are always full of surprises.

PLATTE RIVER WATERSHED

Located in the northern half of Benzie County, the Platte River Watershed is fourteen miles long with 90 miles of river and connecting streams.  I followed it to Platte Point on a recent sunny day, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.