Cold dreary day....................

Monday was cold and dreary but I wanted to go out. It was to be a short trip we were intending to go up one side and down the other of Lake Leelanau. Well that was the plan, a short ride I had said. Well we took the wrong road. Again.....so ended up not exactly where we planned. We ended up in Cedar. Ah well. Don't know what I was thinking, the Bay was as calm as glass. The ducks hiding in the shrubs as we passed but out in groups on the water



We always pass some Swans and this time got a picture. They looked so pretty against all the grey.



We made our mistake by taking Cherry Bend instead of going into Suttons Bay but I had thought it would be easier to get the shots I wanted being on the correct side of the road. Didn't turn out that way. Ah well never mind.


When we got to Cedar we took a picture of the bridge there and the river. A few farms along the way





I loved how the trees were all frosted. Well we ended up in Leland instead of where we intended so what could I do? I had to check out the beach. It was so calm. The sky and water both grey and blended one with the other. I walked about an hour, it wasn't cold to me. Gerry stayed in the car. I found a few stones, some blues, only small ones but I like them just as well. My feet got wet but I didn't notice. I was alone, it was quiet. I loved it.





Only a few pretties, most of the stones were like gravel so no big ones. Some Petoskey's in the water but not worth going in for haha.


Well we headed home after that taking the long side of Lake Leelanau that again comes out in Cedar. We had been told that there was a carcass out on the lake and that Eagles and Coyotes were eating there. Well all we saw were fishing shanties. I don't think we saw any birds or animals this day except for a deer crossing the road far away. I have been watching for Snowy owls but alas no luck. We think it may be sunny tomorrow and today its been snowing all day so maybe some nice pictures. Where should we go though.......
Frozen Lake Leelanau

Some beautiful barns along the way.






So here's hoping for a nice day tomorrow. I have to decide do I want to go the usual route? or if the roads are good up to the Lighthouse at Northport Point, or just go the other way to Elk Rapids.......what to do?

Winter winds..............

Its howling out there today, winds blowing and a little fresh snow. Too cold to be outside. I would have liked to get back down on the beaches, so many stones to sort through now, I see videos on Facebook from people who are braving the cold. I want to be there.
We went for a drive the other day.........decided on a short one. We knew storms were expected so ventured forth. Went through some farm lands to Esch Road. I wanted to see if Beaver Creek was flowing free again and it was. It was so nice being the only one on the beach.
We started off on back roads for an indirect route.


I thought maybe the open fields and barns would give us some views of Snowy Owls or turkey at least but nothing.
We finally came out on M22 as planned right near Esch Road. So on down to the beach, the road had been plowed so it was easy enough, it was beautiful. No one there, just me. Gerry stayed in the car, well I should say he got right back in the car after the first shock of the wind.





I had to walk up to see if the Creek was flowing again, it was. It was beautiful. Nice strong current right into the Bay. Last summer it was all filled in by the storm and everywhere was flooded up by the bridge,




The water was so clear and the pebbles would have been a delight in the summer time, sitting in the water looking for treasures. Not this day though brrrrr.
The frozen sand made walking easy.........



I walked to the bridge to see what was going on there, not a thing. One man came to walk his dog as I left the beach. Looked like the dog was to have fun with a ball, a good day for a run I guess. Saw nothing at the Creek but glad to see the flooding had eased up.


We wanted to go along Aral road through the woods but had to turn back. Lucky for us a good spot to turn around


It had started to rain a bit and we knew the storm was about to hit us, ice first then snow later. We headed home after stopping to check the progress of the beach in Empire and get a glimpse of the deer. They were headed for the Cedars to wait out the weather no doubt,



We only ended up getting a little snow but more coming tonight. I see on Facebook pictures of Leland beaches and I want to be there. Way too cold for Gerry so no point in suggesting it. I can't safely drive in snow, I can't see well enough and it scares me anyway,,,,,,,,,so till next week. Here are a few visitors to my feeders.







Later 'gator .....