LAVENDER

 Another fragrant, vibrant summer beauty.

 

 

GREAT EGRET

I was passing a small wetland on the corner of US-31 and Sawyer Road when I spotted a great egret, the first I’d seen this year.  I pulled over to watch the gorgeous bird feed, but I was still too far away for good close-ups.  Sometimes the thrill is in the seeing versus the picture-taking.

 

 

DIRECTIONAL CHALLENGES

 I was in Maple City taking pictures when I realized I wasn’t far from the Bohemian Road/669 beach.  Unable to resist the Lakeshore’s pull, I headed there and found the beach full of people.  It was a great sight, but not ideal for scenic photography.  So I drove a short distance to Lake Michigan Road, which runs parallel to the water, and saw beautiful beaches, sun-drenched fern forests, keyhole views of the Whaleback, and Shalda Creek awaiting the fall salmon run.  I drove the north end first and then turned around for the south end.  I was puzzled, though, because my mirror compass and my GPS both showed I was going northwest when I KNEW I was headed south.  It wasn’t until I got home and looked on Google Maps that I found I’d been heading “up” towards Pyramid Point.  Indeed, I’d been going north after all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONARCH ON TENNIS BALL

 I usually pick up Gracie’s outdoor toys each evening, but her tennis ball escaped me.  The next day, I found this beautiful monarch butterfly perched on its fuzzy surface.  Luckily, I got off a few shots before Gracie chased it off. 

 

 

LANDSCAPE ROSES

 I’ve always loved rose bushes, but these newer shrub varieties have really grabbed me with their low maintenance and disease resistance.  They bring splashes of bright color to yards and gardens.