I’ve had a few requests for a picture of the ice shelves that line the rivers around this time of the year. I took this shot in Ada by the Grand River in a swampy area. There’s a whole field of these things over here, check out my google map link, turn down Shady Drive and the Ice Shelves are on the left (at least until they melt which will hopefully be soon!)
I took this in Muskegon at the Pere Marquette Park. Even though it felt desolate here, it was beautiful in an awe inspiring way.
If you’d like a print of this picture, you can get one by clicking this link. Print prices range from $29.97 for a 10″ x 6.5″ print, or you can order a print up to 35″ x 23.3″ for $170.97.
It’s February and Michigan, which makes it the perfect time to go ice skating. Tonight I went to Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids (Happy Birthday Noah!) and what a blast it was. Yep, it was cold but the music that was piped in over the loud speakers and the fun of watching all the people made me totally forget the cold.
The cost is just $1 for admission and don’t worry if you don’t own ice skates, with an I.D., you can borrow some for free! Hours of operation are Monday – Thursday, 6:00-9:30pm; Fridays 6:00 – 10:00PM ; Saturdays noon – 10:00 pm and Sundays 2:00 – 9:30 pm. Here’s a google map link to help get you there.
I realize there are a lot of incredible places in this world. But, I must say I am constantly awed by how beautiful it is here in Michigan. I took this looking out a window as the sun was setting in Ada.
All winter long I’ve been waiting for the right moment to catch the sun shining through the trees, casting long winter shadows on the glittering snow. This weekend I finally got it, I think this is one of my favorite winter shots.
It sure is pretty here when the sky is blue, the sun is shining and there’s a ton of snow on the ground.
As part of my boycott of winter, I visited ground zero for my very favorite summer treat, Palazzolo’s Artisan Gelatos and Sorbets. I took this photo of Pete Palazzolo with some of his freshly made gelato, one of the 600+ flavors they offer. Every pan of gelato and sorbetto is made to order european style with premium, pure ingredients and very little air whipped into it. I really appreciate the fact that this is an innovative small company that is known for high standards, a unique product and customer service, where you can easily get the people in charge on the phone.
Apparently I’m in good company of Palazzolo’s lovers, they made Oprah’s “the O’s List” of her favorite things. If you want to try some of their sorbet or gelatto, you can find their products in Michigan at D & W, Forest Hills Foods and many fine restaurants coast to coast.
Big news today, there’s going to be a huge 4 day music festival in Oceana County at the Double JJ Resort over the 4rth of July holiday. It sounds like a blast with Dave Mathews Band headlining and a ton of other well know national acts also participating, like Primus, Modest Mouse, John Mayer, 311, Snoop Dogg and too many more to mention. The tickets, which are $224 for 4 days go on sale February 27. You can find out more here. If I get a press pass, I’ll take some shots of the event when it happens and share them with you.
Okay, Michigan truly is a sweet spot, but I’ve got to admit I’m a little weary of winter now. In fact, I’m boycotting it for a few days on my blog. So, in honor of the sunny, warm Michigan days ahead I’m posting this. I took it on my birthday in Whitehall. The air was fresh, the sky was blue, it was hot and I was happy.
Here’s another popular location in Muskegon. This time of year it is desolate in an awe inspiring way. Here’s a link to some more information about these lighthouses, with directions to get there.