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.
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.
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.
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.
