Scene & Story - November 2016

I knew from the moment I saw this photo on my computer that this was my pick for November's Scene & Story.

I often struggle with showing a feeling other than solitude in my photography. This photo is brimming with feeling and emotion, and it may be the turning point in my work.

The scene involves my daughter, her 8-month old golden retriever, Findley, and a hike in the woods at a family favorite state park.

Now you tell me the story...


Joining my friend Leon of Sea Blue Lens for our monthly collaboration.

Unexpected Destination

Photo Credit: Glen Huizenga

I have proclaimed in past blog posts that I am not one for doing much research ahead of time for road trips, and this continues to hold true. On our recent adventure to Indiana to photograph covered bridges, my research consisted of Googling Indiana Covered Bridges, which revealed this site with a map and listing of all the covered bridges in Indiana. I printed that first page of the site and then got my road atlas of the United States, I opened it to the Indiana page and looked for a bigger town near the main amount of covered bridges so I could find us a hotel. I found Crawfordsville, about a half hour from the start of the bridges, located a Holiday Inn Express there, and booked it. We have oodles of points to use from all my husband's traveling, so we were able to stay all three nights for free.

On Sunday, in route to our hotel, we stopped at an Indiana rest stop. I spied a fold out Indiana road map mixed in with all the tourist trap brochures, I thought it would be good to have that and easier to carry around than our big road atlas. I wanted to open it up and scour the surrounding land once we were back in the car, but due to life long car sickness issues, I figured it would be best to wait until we got to the hotel.

At the hotel, back from supper at the local "quaint" restaurant, I settled on the bed and spread out my map. I found where we were, found where the bridges started, and then studied other local attractions in the area. I was floored when I saw the words Turkey Run State Park right next to the first bridge I wanted to go to. Turkey Run State Park has been on my photography/travel bucket list forever. Any Midwest travel magazine I have ever read has listed Turkey Run State Park as a must see in the state of Indiana. Finally I could check it off my list.

The next morning at 8:00 a.m. we were at the Narrows Bridge, part of Turkey Run State Park to photograph the bridge at sunrise. Best bridge of the trip, and everything is better at the golden hour. After we were done at the bridge, I suggested we drive into the park and check it out. We wandered about a little, but knew that we needed more time than we had to do it justice, we had many more covered bridges to see that day.

Over supper that night at the less local, but with more quality controlled food, Cracker Barrel, we discussed what we wanted to do the next day. We both had had our fill of covered bridges, eventually they all start to look the same. I suggested that we go back to Turkey Run State Park in the morning and do some hiking. My husband went into research mode, looking for the most rugged trails we could do. You know the ones with ladders to climb to get out of the canyon, the ones with 140 steps, some of those "steps" being boulders to climb up and over, or navigate down. Visions of my trip to Pennsylvania last year and my friend Andrea falling and breaking her leg filled my head. I was looking for meandering trails that wound along Sugar Creek, flat trails with only a few wooden steps. But since my husband was being such a good sport about photographing bridges with me, I knew I had to do the rugged trails for him.

The only way to do anything without crowds of people in your pictures or in your way in general is to go early, so the next morning we were back at Turkey Run by 8:45 a.m., there were only two other cars in the parking lot when we pulled in.

To get to the hiking trails we had to cross this suspension bridge that spanned Sugar Creek. I knew then that whatever ruggedness I would have to endure it would be worth it to see the beauty of this place.

Photo Credit: Glen Huizenga

I did climb the ladders out of Bear Hollow, I did climb the 140 steps on the way to Boulder Canyon and climbed up and down boulders on the way to Falls Canyon. I did traverse little streams here and there throughout the canyons. I did not fall, but next time I will remember to pack my hiking poles, just in case. But even without the poles, I would do it all again because the views were incredible.

For the second half of our hike, we did take the meandering path along the creek that led to the Narrows Covered Bridge, and the Lusk Homesite, but it also led us across little streams and into another hollow with boulders to climb over, and rocks to squeeze through, even when you get what you want, you end up compromising.

The First Turning

I skipped church today, but I think God will understand.

Today was the day I have been waiting for all summer, and it wasn't just because my husband and daughter were leaving for a three day backpacking trip to a remote island, although it was an added bonus. No, today was special because the weather exhibited the first turn towards Autumn, my favorite season of the year.

I love summer for about two weeks, and then I am ready for the heat, the humidity (terrible for a curly-haired girl), and the bright sunshine that washes out every color, all to go away.

This morning I woke to change in the air; the humidity had disappeared overnight, the temperature was the perfect 68 degrees, and the breeze...oh how I have missed the breeze. Throw open the windows and let it in.

After listening to my husband and daughter go through their packing list for the tenth time, I kissed them both, extracted promises from both of them that they wouldn't kill each other, and sent them on their way.

The next three days were mine. Well actually, mine with Scout and Findley, but the worst they do is bark. Scout was still snoozing downstairs, the life of the aged golden retriever, and well earned. I coaxed Findley into his walking harness with the promise of a car ride and off we set for a walking trail that I had discovered this spring. A trail we can't do in the summer because it is too sunny and too hot.

Today was perfect, a refreshing breeze blowing through the wildflower fields, an amazing cloud display, and not a bead of sweat anywhere on my body.

It took a little time to settle into our pace on the wide paved path, but finally Findley became content with looking for sticks to carry in his mouth, and I could tune in the voice in my head. The voice has been missing the last few weeks, lost amongst the busyness of the final weeks of summer. I could slow my breath and truly see the things around me. The vibrant purples and yellows of the wildflowers, and how the breeze made them dance. The breeze carried the smell of rotisserie chicken on the grill, bringing back pleasant childhood memories of my dad making chicken on the grill for Sunday dinner.

The two hour walk brought more peace than church could have today. I think God will understand.

Autumn's Fading

Every day is one day closer to winter. That bone chilling, dreary time of year when I am stuck inside more than I would ever chose for myself.

Isn't that a cheery way to start a blog post? Unfortunately it is the truth. It is the truth that propels me out the door and into the world every day that it isn't raining or snowing. I want to capture as much of Autumn's fading beauty as I possibly can.

You will know by now, if you happened to read last week's curiosity post, that I have a new adventure companion. Scout, my youngest golden retriever. The week after we lost Riley and everybody had returned to college or work, Scout and I were alone. It was sad for both us being home surrounded by memories of Riley. So I decided to get us out of the house and go do some exploring. That first day we did a nice long hike, the weather was a balmy 75 degrees. Almost too hot for hiking but being the end of October I really wasn't going to complain.

We were gone a couple of hours. It was the perfect start to our exploring. A couple of days later we went on a longer trial run. I wanted to see how he would do going someplace and having to sit and wait while I took some photographs. I chose a Covered Bridge and Park a little over an hour from our house.

This park also had a great historic barn. This was where Scout's patience and sitablity was tested. He still did great, although he never wanted me too far away from him.

We had lunch at the roadside park which inspired last week's post. Then we did a little more back roads exploring and returned home. Four hours out and he still did great.

So this past week I decided we would go big and be gone for most of the day. We left the house at nine in the morning. I figured to make the day the best for him we would need to break it up with some hiking and some car riding. Our first stop was a nature preserve that is about a half hour from our house. It has nice hiking trails and a beautiful boardwalk over the water.

We worked on our selfies. We still have some work to do on these.

A little tired out now, Scout laid down on the backseat. We then set off for our destination, a road side park in New Era about an hour's drive from where we were. Once there I took the photos I needed for my story while he rooted around under the outdoor grills searching for any possible leftover delectables. Since there wasn't any place near by to get something to eat for me, we continued on with our exploring.

We found ourselves in Fremont for lunch. I knew of a nice little park next to Fremont Lake where we could eat. I stopped at Subway on our way there. It was a little chilly by the lake but we (I) was dressed for the weather. He was so happy to finally eat his lunch then he sat patiently beside me while I ate mine. I was hoping to get a few selfies while we were there, but it was a little too windy and cold to linger long.

After leaving the lake I knew the exact back roads route I wanted to take to get us back home. I had done this adventure last year and knew there was an old abandoned schoolhouse where I could stop and get some photos. I was so glad to see that it was still standing. You just never know with places like this.

I had debated about taking this shot because the light wasn't coming from the best angle, but I am so glad that I did. It is my favorite from the day.

I decided on one last stop before we went home. Eastmanville Farm which has some lovely hiking trails and some glorious red outbuildings.

After hiking those trails, Scout was plume tuckered out. Back in the car he promptly laid down on the backseat and fell asleep.

We arrived back home about four in the afternoon. A full day of it for sure. He was one tired adventure dog that night.

This week has potential for snow to be falling so I doubt we will get out, but I am hopeful for another adventure or two before the end of the year.

5 Random Friday Finds

Find No. 1

I found this lovely footbridge when Glen and I went out hiking last weekend. I knew it would be fun to process with the waterlogue app.

Find No. 2

I found this vintage apron at our downtown antique store and the green handled spoon I found at the outdoor antique market. I set up this little scene for homework from Kim Klassen's new class Start to Finish.

Find No. 3

I found this sign in the stall of a rest stop bathroom on my trip to Marquette. I guess they don't expect high usage.

Find No. 4

I stopped in Mackinaw City to get a photo of the Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Lovely processed in Waterlogue.

Find No. 5

Thanks to Amy at Four Corners Design I found this lovely book. You want to digest and savor each beautifully designed page.

Joining Kim for Friday Finds

Our Northern Adventure

It seems a trip for us can never be without some element of the unusual. We love to leave after work, drop the dogs at the dog sitter, and drive another three hours to the halfway point between home and college daughter. That always gets us to Marquette around lunch time the next day, which works perfectly.

Anyway back to the adventure. We arrived at the hotel at the half way point in the trip only to find that the entire west side of Gaylord was without power, including our hotel. It is already after 9 p.m.by this point, dark and very cold outside. We were meeting friends in Gaylord who were going up to Marquette with us. We decided to go to a restaurant for a quick snack to discuss our options. Fortunately Glen is familiar with the area so he called another hotel that was on the east side and had power, booking two rooms for the night. Light and heat are essential items in the middle of winter.

The next morning we wanted to get an early start since the weather was going to be questionable for the next four hour leg of our journey. We got to the Mighty Mackinaw Bridge an hour after leaving the hotel, so around 10 a.m.

They close this bridge quite often in the Winter because of high winds or poor visibility. Less than two hours after we crossed they closed it.

It was a slow drive across the Upper Peninsula with snow covered roads and occasional white out conditions, but eventually we made it to Marquette and met up with college daughter for lunch.

We spent the afternoon visiting some of our favorites places downtown including the indie bookstore and doing a drive by of Mallory's potential house for next year.

Saturday morning, Mallory and I were going to her favorite coffee shop in Marquette for breakfast. The guys were out cross country skiing. Being an early riser and having an extra hour on my hands I set out to explore a large boarded up building that I have always seen from the highway, but have never taken the time to search out. 

Holy Family Orphanage

Built in 1914 and opened in 1915, the Catholic diocese built this orphanage to help with the overcrowding in two previous built, area orphanages. 

There are rumors that this place is one of the most haunted sites in Michigan. I didn't get any weird vibes while I was here, but I also wouldn't want to be here at night by myself.

When I go back in May I am going to have to see if I can get to this staircase.

I came across this blog post which contains a lot of background and history, as well as, additional photos. Even though the light is gorgeous on this morning, the temperature was -6 and my poor fingers froze fairly quickly once I took off the tops of my fingerless gloves.

Babycakes

Mallory and I had a great breakfast of ginormous muffins, a chai latte and a hot chocolate. Always so wonderful to have face to face, one on one conversations. Her little coffee shop reminds me a lot of my beloved coffee shop, right down to the chalk board and chalk.

Presque Isle Park

We spent the afternoon hiking around Presque Isle Park, a 323 acre forested oval shaped headland/peninsula that juts into Lake Superior at the Northern tip of Marquette. 

This is my favorite place to go to in Marquette, even though it is located at the edge of the city and is a short drive from Mallory's campus, you feel a million miles away from civilization when you are out here. The rocky shores remind me of Maine.

The snow is even with the seat of this bench that Mallory is trying to sit on.

Sunday was our last full day in Marquette. We went to Mallory's church with her in the morning. Since we are heavily involved in the service quite often at our own church, it was so refreshing to go someplace else and simply enjoy the act of worship.

After a very hearty, late breakfast/lunch we bundled up for a trip to the ice caves.

Eben Ice Caves

Eben Ice Caves are located outside the tiny town of Eben Junction, about a 30-40 minute drive from Marquette.  The ice caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of a small cliff and freezes, forming ice caves. If you were to visit here in the summer you would see little to no water running over the edge.

It is about a half mile hike from the parking lot to the ice caves. These caves are heavily visited so the trail is well packed down. The first part of the trail is quite flat, but as you get closer to the caves there are quite a few steep ups and downs.

Ice cleats are highly recommended. This is our friend Cal giving his a try on the ice at the base of the caves. I did not wear any but I did have my hiking poles for the steep ups and downs on the trail, which worked wonderfully. Since I was the photographer I didn't have any plans to go into the caves any way.

Our friends Cal and Jane at one of the entrances.

We were so happy that Mallory's boyfriend, Jon, could join us for the hike. They have been dating since November but have been best friends since Malloy's freshman year. 

Off they go to explore at the top of the cliff.

At the top.

Turn about is fair play I guess, since the photographer is being photographed here.

We had a great weekend away in Marquette, as always it went too fast. Mallory is nearing the end of her junior year at Northern Michigan University, and it is sad to think about not coming up here anymore. So I feel a big need to photograph as much of Marquette as I can over the coming year. I am sure you will see more sights in the future. My next trip up will be at the beginning of May to help Mallory move home for the summer and Jon will be graduating, no way I would miss that. Hopefully most of the snow will have melted by then.

Joining Helen for her Weekend Walks