Lake Michigan
Since the day we met, Amy has repeatedly emphasized her desire to vacation in Northern Michigan. Having grown up in the bottom center of your palm (if you understand the whole “Michigan hand thing” you know exactly where that is), she remembers adventures to the Lake Michigan coast. One such adventure was a school field trip to Camp Leelanau; sailing, dune climbs and water as far as the eye can see. The specifics may be lost, but the feelings of those memories endured long enough for her to nudge my fingers to the keyboard: “L-a-k-e-M-i-c-h-i-g-a-n-V-a-c-a-t-i-o-n-R-e-n-t-a-l-s.”
We discovered a perfect little spot for our family on Platte Lake, just south of Glen Arbor and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. My parents booked it for us as a multi-year Christmas gift, which means they got to come along for the ride.
Of course, the first thing I packed was the camera. On loan from my employer, a Canon R6mii and a collection of lenses. I’ll spare you the specifics. I had one hard goal: to scope the shore each night for a sunset photo. I love sunsets and waterfronts without the camera… adding my favorite craft to the mix offered a perfect blend of sabbath and creativity. Those nightly scopes were the only destinations the camera went to. Everything else, came to the camera. As I look through the complete album, there are three categories from which my favorite photos emerged: sunsets, family and surprise. It’s hard not to be surprised when exploring Northern Michigan. Moments that make me say, “wow” always capture my creative imagination. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive pullout #9 stopped time.
I pulled a small collection of my favorites to sell. Any of these prints would bring a little bit of heaven to your home or office.
Day One – Platte Lake
We arrived in the evening after 8 hours on the road. The house on Platte Lake was very nice. Clean, modern, big backyard…ping pong! Kayaks, too, though covered in spiders. Violet and I cleaned them up and off she went. The lake was calm. We got ourselves comfortable, had tacos for dinner and then Ben beat me in ping pong. NEVER in a million years did I think that would happen. It didn’t happen again.
Sunset One – Platte Point
Platte River connects Platte Lake to Lake Michigan. Amy and I took a quick evening detour to Platte Point, where the river empties along the Lake Michigan shore. While I had hoped to be more deliberate about my first sunset capture, we were immediately devoured by biting stable flies. Carried by the wind from inland farms, their painful bites on our bare legs were enough to force a reluctant retreat. We scurried to the next closest access point, hoping the flies were local to Platte Point. We were met by a swarm. I was fortunate to capture the sunset while I danced to prevent the bloodthirsty boogers from landing on my legs.
Day Two – Traverse City
After breakfast, we spent the morning swimming and kayaking in Platte Lake. After lunch, we left for Traverse City. Mini golf at Pirate’s Cove (Ben’s idea), Ice Cream at Kilwins, meandering by the bay and cherry-flavored food tasting at The Cherry Republic where we bought a variety of cherry sodas and cherry candy. We also enjoyed dinner at a restaurant by the bay. My parents took the kids back “home” while Amy and I went to Target to buy LONG PANTS. Apparently, stable flies only attack below the knees. I was determined to get a better picture at Platte Point.
Sunset Two – Platte Point (again)
Amy wanted nothing to do with the flies, so I went back to Platte Point by myself. Though my legs were still speckled with biting bugs, my new long pants gave me freedom to explore different vantage points. I parked just beyond the river’s vanishing point. Others came and went as they too discovered the need for long pants. I’m glad I had mine… I have four incredible prints available from Platte Point.
Day Three – Empire
The day started with my dad chasing down our paddle board, which was scampering away from our dock with the wind. Crisis averted, but the rescue attempt revealed a dead bunny on the lake’s edge. “A fresh kill,” my dad called it. Each morning, our yard was littered with wildlife–bunnies, chipmunks, woodpeckers, bluejays…even a couple deer. Another lazy morning on the lake ended with a trip to Empire Bluff. As part of the Sleeping Bear Dune National Shoreline, access to the 1.5 mile hiking trail cost us $25/car (for the week). The pleasant trail guided us to the top of a sand dune that overlooks Lake Michigan–a decent reward for an easy hike. After that, we visited Empire Beach for an afternoon swim. The water was freezing, but the kids did not want to leave. I love watching them have a good time. Happy kids = happy Dad. We had to drag them out of the water when it was time for dinner. Pork loin with veggie sides, then more ping pong.
Sunset Three – Empire Beach
Amy and I revisited Empire Beach for the sunset. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Normally that’s a good thing, but it left me feeling uninspired. You could say there is no sunset the same as another…unless there are no clouds. That’s a sunset I’ve seen too many times. What caught my attention was a fence. Sloping with the sand, it was an interesting pair of curve and line. I guess it’s still a sunset photo… but I stripped the color in favor of featuring contrast. You can buy this one as a poster, if you like it.
Day Four – Pierce Stocking
Another lazy morning at the house. Violet experimented with spaghetti pancakes, then Boompa (my dad) made the rest, with blueberries. It was delicious. Breakfast lead to more ping pong. After a quick run to the store for peanut butter, we left for a picnic and cruise along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Pierce Stocking is a 7.5 mile loop with 12 pull-off views. And wow - the views were spectacular. Especially pull-off #9. It was like something out of a dream. You’re literally standing at the top of a giant sand dune, at the edge of a steep decline all the way down to Lake Michigan. You can trek all the way to the bottom if you’re brave, but if you can’t get back to the top it’s $3,000 to rescue you. Very windy. North and South Manitou Islands are visible across the water. There were lots of people present, but plenty of view to share.
I asked Ben, “what do you think of sand mountain?” He said, “meh, it’s ok. It could use more sand.” [Insert eye roll]
After Pierce Stocking, Amy and I escaped for a date night in Glen Arbor while my parents took the kids back to Beach. Glen Arbor was full of interesting things to discover. We wandered around, then ate dinner at The Cherry Public House, owned by The Cherry Republic. We shared the most incredible grilled cheese sandwich we’ve ever had… cherry sourdough with crusted parmesan, melted white cheddar and muenster, and some kind of cherry sauce that put it over the top. After dinner we did a little more shopping, then traveled South to Frankfort for the sunset and ice cream (Kilwins again).
Sunset Four - Frankfort Lighthouse
As evening approached, rain clouds filled the sky. Frankfort was void of tourists, which made the streets loud with a few echoing locals. Our umbrellas were out as we lagged to the shore. The town was a little spooky. Clammy…monotone…quiet. No sun meant no sunset, but the Frankfort Lighthouse was a shining light in the darkness. For me, it was another moment that time stood still. I almost forgot that Amy was holding my camera bag. You can snag a print for yourself.
Day Five – Esch
The last full day of our Michigan adventure was nothing short of magical. It started with a big breakfast. We had to cook up all the food left in the fridge. Eggs, bacon, cereal, mixed veggies, chocolate cherry coffee and anything else we could find. While we were cooking, a baby deer visited our backyard. Violet yelled and yelled, “DEER! AH! LOOK! GUYS! DEER! DEEEEEEER!" – which stopped the deer in its tracks. It stared at us, which made us all laugh.
After breakfast, we boys found a disc golf course in Benzonia to try. We parked at basket 7, which was next to a dog park. They barked at us until we were out of sight. HUGE loud dogs. Then it started to rain, and the gnats were terrible. We were soaked while hunting for the next tee pad. The course only had 9 tee pads, so we weren’t there long. We still had fun.
Before leaving Ohio, we made a pact to eat ice cream every day. Staying true to our promises, we got heaping cones at JoMo’s Ice Cream Shack in Honor. Cherry Ameretto and Peanut Butter Supreme were the winners. That’s what we had for lunch.
In the afternoon, Violet and I went kayaking. Form the moment we arrived, I was curious to find Platte River. On google earth, it appeared to be close to our house – just at 10 o’ clock across the lake from us. But geez, it was a lot farther away than it looked. I was glad to have a travel companion as Violet and I hunted for the river’s mouth. We took our time and needed a few breaks along the way, but we found it! And wow what a moment. No manatees like in Florida, but just as beautiful. Smooth, slow and shady. It hit the spot. Getting back was tough because we had to paddle upstream, but Violet did great! Dinner was well-deserved; frozen pizza on the patio. The rain went away. Boompa started a fire in the pit by the lake. Ben and I had a catch with the baseball. Violet got Grammie and I to wear her silly spa masks. We ate smores. It was glorious.
Sunset Five - Esch Beach
Amy wasn’t feeling good, so she couldn’t come with me. That was the only bummer in what otherwise was a perfect finale to our vacation. Ben and Violet came with me instead. I was so glad they did. The car ride with the windows down, the surprise of the beach as we laid eyes on it for the first time, the perfect temperature and a stunning sunset. I took photos while the kids meandered along the shore. We met a nice man who more than tolerated their long-winded vacation recap. It was sweet seeing both of them interact so kindly with a stranger. As we walked to the car, a friendly raccoon startled us. We encountered several deer on the way back to the house. One was at the end of our driveway. We named it Jeff.
Will we be back? I’m not sure. The world is big and life is short. One thing is for sure…those last moments at Esch Beach I’ll be clinging to for a long time.