Nature’s Mirror

I was happy to find this shoreline of Autumn colors reflected in a small lake yesterday. I enjoy finding tranquil scenes such as this.

Photo Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

Moonlit Flight

The best time to see the Supermoon in my area of Michigan was tonight. I was fortunate to also see this flight of Sandhill Cranes flying in formation as the moon was rising.

Photo Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

Michigan’s Waterfall Wonders

Photos and Story Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

Above from left- Sable Falls, Chapel Falls, Agate Falls and Munising Falls

The waterfalls of Northern Michigan stir feelings of power, renewal, wonder, tranquility and beauty as they rush forward in their never-ending journey that is part of nature’s wonder. There are many to be seen in my home state, although driving to some near the Michigan, Wisconsin border from where I live in Southwest Michigan would be the equivalent of driving past Pittsburgh, Pa. That’s about nine hours of nonstop driving over a distance of about 500 miles. However, if you take a shortcut via Muskegon’s Lake Express Car Ferry, the drive from Milwaukee is about 300 miles or 5 1⁄2 hours of driving.

Bond Falls

Two of the falls to visit in the far western Upper Peninsula are Agate Falls and Bond Falls. The pair are great to see in autumn with the colored trees accenting the beauty of whitewater spilling over dark rock formations.

Upstream from Bond Falls is an amazing palette of colors reflecting in the water before it travels further downstream where the water is less tranquil.

The falls themselves can be viewed from the sides or straight on with any angle being an impressive sight.

Bond Falls

And Agate Falls is no less striking with its dark slate rocks over which a constant tumult of water cascades.

Agate Falls

For those who enjoy a nice hike, Chapel Falls near Munising might be a great place to visit. Close to the end of a hike of 1 1⁄2 miles and through a forested trail, a distinct rumble eventually turns into a roar as the forest opens into a clearing. There the 60-foot tall waterfall presents itself surrounded by trees, which are beautifully colored in the fall.

Chapel Falls

For more easy access there are other choices in Michigan including the more modest but still beautiful Scott Falls near Au Train and Haven Falls near Lac la Belle. Both are located just off the road. Each of the falls has its own unique character.

Scott Falls

Haven Falls

Sable Falls near Grand Marais has a much different look than the others. With a more gentle slope over a longer area, water cascades 75 feet down several cliffs until it reaches Lake Superior.

Sable Falls

Perhaps the most well known waterfall in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the renowned Tahquamenon Falls. Aside from the world famous Niagara Falls, Tahquamenon is the largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River at about 200 feet wide with a 50 foot drop. Its water has a distinct brown color. About a 1 1⁄2 hour drive north of the Mackinac Bridge, Tahquamenon Falls, appropriately is located in Paradise.

Tahquamenon Falls in Winter

For those who would brave the cold and snow of winter in the Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon along with its sister waterfalls are marvelous to see in their frozen state as well. Any season is a great time to see these wonders of nature in Michigan.

Sky Dragon

 

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

The interaction of light and shadow along with the glow of the sun to me gave the appearance of a dragon in the sky, complete with fire about to emerge from its mouth.

 

 

Migration Time

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

It’s that time of year again when Sandhill Cranes are migrating in preparation for winter. They are another favorite bird of mine to photograph and I was happy to get them with a blue sky as a backdrop.

Overwhelming Beauty

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

The patterns and colors on this Buckeye Butterfly are amazing to behold, and in this case, the surrounding colors from Autumn leaves which form the background complement its beauty with their own stunning colors. I shot this in Autumn using a Macro Extension Tube which gave great separation from the background, but left a very shallow depth of field for the subject’s focus. Despite these challenges, I am happy with the result.

Scenic Michigan

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I caught this pair of ducks floating along as the sun’s reflection formed in the water along with the vibrant colors at dusk in Muskegon County, Michigan.

Falling Water in Autumn

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

Chapel Falls near Munising, Michigan was a beautiful subject to photograph after a one and a half mile hike through nearby woods. The water cascaded down 60 feet toward Chapel Lake.

 

Covered Bridge

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I enjoyed photographing the Ada covered bridge in Michigan during Autumn as the leaves covered the ground nearby.

Mountain View

 

Copyright Jeffrey Foltice

I took this photo in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula during Fall color. The Porcupine Mountains are a great place to enjoy spectacular views anytime of year, but Autumn is my favorite.