Summer
Dune Ride
A ride on a Mac Wood's Dune Rides dune scooter provides a scenic view of the Silver Lake sand dunes. Even though I usually prefer to walk the pedestrian area of the dunes to slowly search for photographs, I love the fast-changing view from the dune scooters. I also appreciate that they stop at selected spots to provide time to savor, and photograph, some of the most spectacular scenic views in the world.
Slalom Course
Dead trees buried by shifting sand stand out on the Silver Lake sand dunes. The trees look as if they could be a slalom course set up for the off-road vehicles that race up and down this portion of the Silver Lake State Park.
Squirrel Bait
Whenever I see acorns on the ground it reminds me of the acorn fights I used to get in with my two brothers Tad and Willie and my cousin Ryan. We would spend a few minutes gathering our arsenals, stuffing our pockets with as many acorns as possible. Then the acorn-throwing war was on. Oh, to be a kid again.
Lake Michigan Mecca
My son, Brad and I were looking for fresh views of the Silver Lake sand dunes on an August evening. I found this perspective, near the north end of the dunes, in a privately owned area undisturbed by tracks made by vehicles or people.
Eye to Eye
Staring down a large toad "eye to eye" on the Island Trail at the Ludington State Park was a hoot. I love getting close to my subject and truly enjoy the challenge of trying to show nature from its own perspective. As most fairytale princesses would agree, toads are not creatures of great beauty. However, when you get close enough to a toad that the end of your lens is touching its nose, you realize that toads do have an amazing beauty all their own.
Still Beautiful
At the northern end of the Silver Lake sand dunes is a section of private dunes that I am privileged to wander. Many of the pieces of driftwood, polished by sand, water, and time, remain undisturbed on these dunes.
Sandy Sunset
Being on the Silver Lake sand dunes on a warm summer evening feels so good. I wonder why I am not here more often. My wife, sons, and I go away talking about coming back soon. Yet, I know soon will probably not be as soon as we think.
Hamlin Dunes
While my son, Tad, explored sand dunes farther inland, I took up position on top of a dune overlooking Hamlin Lake and composed a view across Lower Hamlin Lake through the Narrows leading to Upper Hamlin Lake. Then, I sat in the sand and savored the view while waiting for the exquisite light the evening graciously delivered.