Summer Evening IMG 3124 1 quicktime

Entering Port of Muskegon

Entering Muskegon Lake -Port of Muskegon

We just went down to check the wave action at the beach after returning from Northport, Michigan and saw the Pearl Mist out on Lake Michigan heading in to Port.

We hurried to the channel and managed to catch these photos and the movie clip. Summer has been so busy with so much to do. Watching this lovely lady as she entered Muskegon Lake through the channel was an relaxing respite from some of our traveling.

It has been an exciting and wonderful summer.

Channel Walking - you never know

We walk the channel quite often and the thing that surprises me the most is that it never gets boring. You never know what you are going to see. I took this video as I watched this ship maneuver through the channel and head out into Lake Michigan. I was mesmerized by the ease with which it glided through the channel. Later we watched it as moved over the horizon on the big lake,

Walk After the Rain with Cranes

Took our walk a bit earlier today after the rain ended. Briskly walked through the fog at the channel. We could hear the horn of a ship approaching but had no idea as to what it would be. Suddenly out of the curtain of fog appeared the Lake Express on it's way to Milwaukee.

We then took a short jaunt through the Channel Campgrounds and back to the car. Once on our way back we still wanted to walk a bit more. We pulled into Snug Harbor picnic grounds. We parked and decided to walk along the shoreline to find water fowl. We found Sandhill Cranes, actually, they were making such a racket with their calls they were impossible not to find. I slowly moved in to get video shots of the birds. I have spliced my videos together for one long viewing. The view keeps moving closer as i tried to slowly edge up for a good close up. In doing so I eventually aroused them to flight. So ended that excitement.

 We then tried to walk into the woods until the trail became just too muddy.

Night Walking

It was just after sundown and we decided to take a short walk along the channel. The water was smooth as glass, another calm night. We saw very few walkers at this time of the evening. A few campfires in the campgrounds, some boats fishing the channel, and a lone heron.

We just loved the silent calm evening with the lights from the Silversides Museum and the city reflecting in the water. The pictures aren't as great a quality as we would like but the time of night can be seen in them.

Late Evening Stroll Along the Channel

After spending an enjoyable evening with acquaintances, as well as a good supper meal at Hobo's, we went for a short walk along the channel. There was quite a bit of fishing activity both in the channel and at the Lake Michigan entrance. Whether there was any fish being caught I can't say, the only fish catching I saw was that of the water fowl.

The sunset started with a soft palette of pastels and slowly blossomed into a magnificent and vibrant red, orange and salmon. The water was calm and as smooth as glass.

As we ventured out further on the channel we did see a Great Blue Heron. Today as we returned from errands along the connector to the causeway I saw a pair of Great Egrets in the Muskegon River marshland. Truly a beautiful sighting of these wonderful white birds..

The walk ended with the Coast Guard heading into Muskegon Lake. It was such a beautiful and mild night I thought perhaps the coasties were heading in to town to dock and head to Rebel Pies or Rad Dads for their supper.

All in all a very wonderful evening. Oh how very fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place.

Fishing under pastel sky

red, orange and salmon

Water as smooth as glass

Fishing at dusk

Evening falls

Great Blue Heron in flight

So regal

Warm Sun, Cool Air - Foggy Day at the Lake

We were sitting at home enjoying the warmth of the sun and thought a walk along the channel would be a good thing to do today. So in the car we hopped, drove to the channel parking lot, and got out for a stroll along the channel.

Big surprise! While the sun was warm and seemed to be shining upon us, the air was quite cool. Looking toward the Lake Michigan was a thin veil of fog. In fact, the lake wasn't visible at all. We headed out to find the lake but as we got closer the fog got thicker. When we got to the break wall area the moisture was dripping from the trees. We grabbed a few snapshots and headed back toward Muskegon Lake.

Ahead of us now we could see the sun on Muskegon Lake, the skyline of Muskegon, and many fishermen out in their boats. We walked through the channel campground. Where we were entertained by the symphony of bird song, the croaking of bull frogs, the honking of overhead geese, and the constant back sounds of the peepers. Quite an enjoyable day, and as always,  mystified at the wonders of nature in Michigan.

Walking out to Lake Michigan was a chilly experience as the fog became thicker.

The Coast Guard station in the half fog

Walking back toward Muskegon Lake the sun on our back was warm but the air was cool.

The fog thinly veiled the channel.

No fog as we neared the trail to enter the park.

The muskegon shoreline - a beautiful sunny day.

Leaving the Campground to head back to the car and the fog.

Sounds of Spring

The Sound of Spring

the peepers are back and so are the birds.

Out last night for a trip to the state park where we gathered a few photos and a short video. The weather was pleasant and the big lake was smooth. Drove around the park to the the channel. Hope you enjoy the photos.

Wave Action Hits Icebergs

Our walk today brought us to a windy and cold afternoon in the park. The best part of the walk was after we returned to the car. We turned up the heat and drove to the scenic drive parking area. Being able to sit in the car, as we warmed and watched the wave action wearing down the remains of the winter's ice, was a pleasant respite. Another attempt of spring trying to arrive in her full splendor.

We then proceeded to Pioneer Park to enjoy the sunset. Below is a progression of the sun setting.

Beautiful Sunny Day

The sun was absolutely beautiful today. Felt so good that we daringly took a walk along the channel west to view the remaining icebergs.  Above is a short video of the sound of the ice as it beats against the icebergs. Below are today's entries into the photo diary.

Looking out toward Lake Michigan

The remaining icebergs from the shore

Close up of remaining icebergs from the shore

Looking at the icebergs from the north channel walk

the light

South channel entrance light still has ice

Another view of the icebergs from the walk way

You Can't Rush Spring

 

click and listen

This is a song to remind us that even though the days are getting ever more pleasant we must still wait for spring to really arrive in all it's wonder. I've noticed the bulbs are beginning to push up from the earth, waking from their winter slumber. But, it will still be a bit of time before we see the  blooms.

I'm including a some art pieces and a short video to for you to enjoy, Have a great day!

winter at the beach

Ice cave

cast your fate to the wind

a fall of light

the lighthouse

the forest from the trees

Spring Slowly Coming Our Way

Out and about yesterday. As the sun warmed our spirits we began to see some signs of spring. The light playing with shadows on the trees. The budding of catkins on the willow branches. The ice slowly melting on Muskegon Lake. Of course the returning waterfowl swimming, diving, and honking. The red winged blackbirds are back. Robins seem to be hopping everywhere.  I found a blog site for birders - Muskegon County Nature Club - just search for them on the web. They offer a lot of information.

I am including a few photos from trip out yesterday, hope you enjoy them.

The sun was warm and created interesting shows on the trees

Light bouncing everywhere

Will keep my eyes open to the changes here in the next month

Dune trails deer runs to the water

Beach grass 

Ice slowly melting on Muskegon Lake

Close up of ice flow

Open water and returning water fowl - Common Goldeneye

Another shot of the waterfowl

Willow buds showing early catkins

A closer look at the Pussy Willows