I spotted this Mallard duck today as it floated along in what seemed to be an abstract painting with colors spilling out all around. The sun peaked through the surrounding Autumn foliage lighting up the neon green of the bird’s head and neck while the reflections of the environment were washed away in the ripples.
Photo Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
This morning I saw the first robin of the year here as the skies were sunny and beginning to melt the recent snowfall. Its been a mild winter in Southwest Michigan, although the month of March has been colder and had its share of snowfall so far. I’m looking forward to no more snow soon until next winter 🙂
Photo Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
For those of you who may not have noticed the link to Flickr where some of my favorite photos reside, please click on the image below to take a look 🙂
Photos Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I enjoyed some wonderful views and landscape scenes this afternoon in Southwest Michigan. The first image is of an old shed I discovered overgrown with vegetation:
Photos Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I also found what I think were Blue Spruce trees and other evergreens in a meadow:
And of course I couldn’t resist photographing the rolling hills I found as clouds rolled along overhead:
So this was just another beautiful summer day in Michigan I’m happy to share with you here 🙂
I recently created this video showing some of the work I’ve done. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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.
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
The waves of Lake Michigan themselves can make for a great photographic subject. Each is unique and ever changing. In this case I caught the sun backlighting the wave, revealing luminous shades of green at the wave’s peak.
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
These birds reminded me of Christmas tree ornaments as they rested on the branches of a pine tree.
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
Lake Michigan provides many different looks – this day was a blue day 🙂
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
This nearby wetland area in Southwest Michigan presented itself as a great opportunity for a Landscape photo.
Photo Nature Blog 