Last of the colour..............

Well we are almost done with October and even though we have had a lot of rain, we have also had some sunny days. We went out to get some pictures before it's too late. I do want to get to Leland next week to look for Blue Stones but that can wait. This day we went on our usual route and stopping for coffee at the Peddling Beans. Remember when Gerry first started to come with me, well he sure got a liking for the white chocolate mocha coffee..........
We stopped first at Cedar Lake but the pictures were dull but the next one Little Traverse Lake was pretty.


Its a lovely road with houses along the beach side and woodlands on the other. We had gone for a walk in Veronica Valley but the grass was wet so we didn't go far. The Blue Heron came in but was dissappointed because some kids were fishing. So no pictures of that. Also missed a flock of turkey running. We didn't get a picture of them either.




By the time we got into Leelanau county the sun was in and out.There was no one to see on the Boardwalk so we next went to the Port Oneida roads into the woodlands. There is one spot that I love because the colours are so brilliant.




There were people up at the farm house working on the barns so we just stopped down the road a bit to get pictures.





This road and the views never get old. We meandered on through the woods. We noticed the apple trees from the old farm was lush with fruit and the deer and other animals will enjoy these.


This road was nice and smooth unlike the ones we were on Thursday. The view from my favourite spot was fantastic. A couple of people had put up chairs and sat enjoying coffee just enjoying the view. I took my pictures and left them to enjoy the sunshine and the view






We were surprised to see the Sandhills still there. I just took a couple of pictures because some guy was there with a huge proffessional camera. Didn't want to disturb him.


Next stop the beach, it was also washed out but at least I could get down these steps. Gerry stayed in the car to "rest his back" .....there were quite a few people going back and forth because the storms had brought up a lot of stones too and everyone wants Petoskey stones. It's the fun of the hunt. I saw one lady with a bag of driftwood. I contented myself with picking up trash. I hate to see the rings from milk jugs and tabs from soda cans etc that birds and fish get caught in. Now I have to say our beaches are usually pristine but after so many storms trash was inevitable.

The colours were pretty and the lake was calm this day, but you can see the damage.





I saw some cute little bugs on the stones on the beach. No idea who they are.



A freighter passing by, safe this time from the gales.




Gerry was ready to go home by then so a quick swing by Empire to see what the damage was there.......amazing how strong those waves were.



So home today and next time Leland.

October off to see the sights.............

Well I was going to go to Leland because people are finding a lot of blue stones on the beach but.............I wanted to check the view on Miller Hill. Took us two trys to find the road. (eye roll) Gerry read the sign wrong......never mind we went back and found it. I never use the GPS but it was fun watching the blue dot going along the road. Found it and went up. Its still a dirt road with just a couple of houses on the lower part. I hope it stays that way. Anyway.........got a couple of pictures from an open spot before going to the lookout. I get ahead of myself We started off at Gallaghers farm market because we know that on Thursdays they bake Pizza bread.
We took the back roads towards Cedar after that.




The colours were probably at the peek this week. Got to get out again before its passed. We went along my favourite road looking for Blue Birds only saw them on the wing but naturally the cows.....I love cows








We stopped at Old Settlers picnic ground but not much to see from there really





On to Miller Hill where I met a nice man who chatted about the view, and told stories of eagles.




Better view at the lookout. Gerry I guess had only been up there once, while Laura and I were frequent visitors in most seasons. Not winter though, not in our vehicles but I bet it would be wonderful on snow machines







It was a bumpy ride down the other side of the hill but we came out right where I wanted. I wanted to get a picture of Crystal River without all the canoes etc.......got it. A nice elderly lady stopped and sat on the bank reading and eating lunch. How nice.



We wanted to see what was going on in Glen Haven. The nightly news had said they were taking out the boardwalks and benches so the waves didn't destroy it all. Well it was calm this day and quite pretty but the beaches are just about gone.






Next stop the drive up dunes. Pierce Stocking drive. It had been closed the day before with high winds and trees down........I had wanted to get out on the overlook all summer but it was just too hot or too windy or too many people. So this day I just did it.........glad I did. I saw an eagle flying, searching for fish in the lake. Also met the nice gentleman I spoke with on Miller Hill. He was an ambassador for Sleeping Bear. I Didn't notice till I heard him say " well there's the lovely lady I met on Miller Hill" .......blush. Anway I was brave and went down onto the platform and took pictures and climbed to the top overlook. Wow, such a view. Then I saw the eagle again and braved going out on a ledge to see if I could get a picture below. The beach is so erroded down there I am pretty sure we're in for some sand slides.Another nice gentleman offered to assist but I declined and said maybe you will see me on the evening news (if I fall)











......and 200 feet below









We were going to stop in Empire to check out the damage. The whole beach wall is gone now. The power in those waves is incredible. The great ships seak shelter in these bays when it rages out there. Michigan is a lot calmer than her sister Superior.
We went home instead as the Chilli and the new bread just sounded right about then. It wasn't terribly cold but had been pretty breezy and my face was cold.......so glad I went though. Gerry doesn't like the cold and stays in the car. Fine by me. I have been debating doing some of this on my own. I am not an outgoing person but found I was talking to people just fine. I had to tell them to look at the eagle. I spoke to several other people too so I could do it. I really could. I just wont unless I have to haha. I hadn't wanted to go on my own but when I think about it I usually end up off on my own anyway so whats the problem???Confidence I suppose. I prefer being off on my own so why not just drive on my own............