Monotropa uniflora, also known as the Ghost Plant, Indian Pipe is a rare find, but grows in Michigan woods.
Monotropa Uniflora, also known as Ghost Plant or Indian Pipe is a rare find, but grows in Michigan woods.

Indian pipes are rare plants that grow in the woods of Michigan. Although they look like a fungus, they are actually flowers that lack chlorophyll. My friend Ruth, an avid gardener, called me today and said that in her 53 years she had never seen one of these plants and that one was growing in her garden. Of course I had to go there tonight and take this for ya’ll!

Wildflowers in Glen Arbor is a must if you love gardening and are in the area.
Wildflowers in Glen Arbor is a must if you love gardening and are in the area.

Up until this summer, I had never checked out Wildflowers, but had driven by the shop on my way to Syncronicity in Glen Arbor. My friend Lisa had told me this was one of her favorite places to go when she was up north with her mother-in-law.

Now I can see why. Inside, the shop is filled to the brim with unique specialty items, from home accessories to personal gifts. Outside, the garden area showcases lush shade gardening with plants, statuaries, fountains, birdbaths, furniture and more for sale. It’s located on M-22, here’s a google map link.

These little guys were getting daring!
These little guys were getting daring!

One of the things I get a kick out of is the seagulls on the beach. I’ve heard people call them “rats with wings,” but I think they add to the mood of being at the beach.

Big Mouth Bass at Sunset
Big Mouth Bass at Sunset

I’ve been very negligent in writing posts on Michigan’s tremendous fishing opportunities. This big mouth bass was caught just after sunset off a dock at Gun Lake in Shelbyville. I’ll be trying to come up with more fish tales for you, Michigan is full of them.

He's the King of the World!
He's the King of the World

This beautiful peacock looks like he’s caged in, but this is just his shelter. I saw him roaming around in the field earlier, but he ran away and hid in here… Boo!

Looking Towards the Sunset
Looking Towards the Sunset

This is another view of Grand Rapids at night from a downtown condo rooftop.

Northpoint, Michigan Just Before the Rain Came
Northport, Michigan Just Before the Rain Came

I just knew it was going to rain right around when I took this picture but just didn’t care because in upper Michigan it’s all good. Northpoint is another one of those spots where you’re immediately on vacation when you get there. I LOVE it!

Leland, MI HDR Photo
Leland, MI HDR Photo

For those of you who have never been to Leland, maybe you should plan it in your agenda. It’s very unique, and I mean that in a nice way. There’s a bunch of interesting shops along this waterway, which leads to Lake Michigan.  I took this HDR photo while I was standing on the dock. If you look close, you can see a dam that bridges the local hotel and The Cove, a fabulous seafood restaurant.

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