After photographing D.H. Day’s iconic Glen Haven barns in August, I wondered whether there were other white barns in the area. I traveled four counties in two months and found less than ten. Most barns were either traditional red or weathered wood. It was fun being on the hunt, though.
I hadn’t seen my two Sandhill Crane families since mid-August. But after the corn was harvested last week, they appeared on opposite street corners, chowing on the dregs they love to eat. The youngster had grown tremendously and its red crown was just beginning to show. Cranes begin to gather in large numbers this time of year before their long flight to Florida. I discovered a huge field that ran the length of a seasonal road and think it’ll be the staging area they’ll use this fall. A couple evenings ago there were over fifty cranes there, feeding, bugling, and flying around. I expect the crowd will grow before they migrate early to mid-November.
Over the last ten days, the amazing weather drove me outdoors every evening. I wanted to drink up these gifts of sunshine and warmth. I didn’t have a photography subject in mind when I left home, but I was drawn to the evening skies.
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.
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.
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.
