I love this photo taken by guest photographer, Rhianna Hudson. It’s taken at the Grand Haven State Park on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
You might think that the beach is only for summer, but in Michigan, I love seeing the ever changing snowy, icy sculpture of a seascape found at one of my favorite places, Grand Haven, MI. The catwalk is under construction and is closed, but that’s ok, it’s still well worth visiting. Rhianna Hudson and I recently captured these photos. If you decide to make the trip, you might want to visit one of these great places while you’re there:

Buffalo Bobs: From the outside, this looks like a small general store that might have clothes, but wow is that decieving! This gem of a store never fails to have something cute that I just have to buy, they carry major brands such as Free People, BB Dakota, Woolrich, Kut, Maui Jim, Oakley Native, Bula, Havana, See-thru Soul Denim and much more. Basically, they have the latest trends for guys and gals, plus lots of things to support your active life for camping, fishing, skating, etc. Located at 136 Washington, Grand Haven, MI and locally owned and operated.

The Toasted Pickle: A local favorite, that has an eclectic and delicious menu of sandwiches, salad and soups. I always go there, and I’ve never been disappointed. Located at 112 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI and locally owned and operated.

Aldea Coffee: This place is another local favorite and features some of the best coffee I’ve had in my life. Plus, the folks who work here are super nice. The are located in the Armory Buiding at 17 S 2nd Street, Grand Haven, MI and locally owned and operated.

The Creative Fringe: Guys, this place is AWESOME! They have an amazing amount of beads, jewelry supplies, jewelry lessons and more. If you have a creative bone in your body, you owe it to yourself to visit this place. They are located at 210 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 and locally owned and operated.

There’s lots more to enjoy, so stay tuned. I’ll be writing more about Grand Haven again soon!

The frozen beach with embedded frozen ice balls looks a bit like a lunar landscape.

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Michigan Ice storm with icy trees
Ice storm diamonds are a trees best friend.

Early this morning I was greeted by two messages, one by Inge, and one by my mom. Both of whom wanted to make sure that I knew I would be missing a great chance to take a picture for this blog. As my mom put it, “there’s ice diamonds on the trees.” Amazingly, it’s been that way all day, which is somewhat of a consolation for me because I am sick and tired of winter. Actually, literally sick. I have a cold. I’m thinking of venturing out to take more pictures because it’s just so pretty out right now.

Does it look cold to you? It was!

So… when my friend Peggy and I were getting lost in Amish land looking for the “perfect Amish photo” I saw this very striking farm and had to take a picture. Let me tell you though, it was so incredibly cold, I could feel my fingers and toes freezing even though I was bundled up to the hilt.

I think it was worth it though!

Red Barn on the horizon
I captured this shot of a peaceful red barn, just as the sun was going down.

I was looking for something to do with my friend Sandy and she was game to scope out potential places for photos. She mentioned her grandparents used to live near 10oth Street in the Byron Center area and thought that since it was on high ground, we might find something nice. She was right.

Old barns and farmhouses fascinate me and this one caught my eye. The farmhouse on the site was abandoned with a big “No Trespassing. Trespassers will be prosecuted” sign posted. Luckily, I got my shot anyway!

 

DJ Bearie shredding it in the backwoods of Michigan.

According to Mr. Obvious, snowboarding in Michigan is popular. This winter we’ve been doing especially well in the snow department, so it’s a great time to hit the hills. Here’s a few places to go snowboarding in Michigan:

Pando Winter Sports Park: Has small hills and great for the experienced snowboarder. It also has one of the best tubing operations in west Michigan.

Cannonsburg Ski Area: A nice place to go out and get a quick run in.

Crystal Mountain: Have a great terrain park and a lot of hills.

Shanty Creek: Great snowboarding with a good mix of jumps and riding.

Boyne Mountain: Is known for their terrain park.

Nubs Knob: Has lots and lots of hills and is known more for the skiing than snowboarding.

If I missed someone, or you have something to add, please add a comment!

Time to get inside and cozy up by the fireplace.

Yep, that’s what Lake Michigan is link in the winter. I took this photo in January near the Grand Haven Pier in the Grand Haven State Park. It was so cold, that if I had a mustache, it would have frozen and broken off.

Just beyond the dune, is the mighty Lake Michigan

I woke up. The sun was shining. And, it was deep freeze cold outside, so of course I decided to head to the lakeshore. On the way to Grand Haven, I was admiring the pretty blue sky, the wind whipped snow glittering on the vast fields of nothing and… what’s that in my rear view mirror? Why, it’s a jacked up truck tailgating me with a huge American flag mounted to the truck gate and flapping in the wind. Welcome to Michigan. You never know what to expect.

Belknap Park, behind Griff's Ice House ... the sledding hill.

Have you been searching for the ultimate sled hill? The sled hill where you want to prepare with helmets, padding, bandages and slings because it’s so high and fast? Well, this one is probably it for Grand Rapids. Note the antennas to the right, it’s a high point of the city.

To find the hill, it’s a little tricky, so of course I’ve provided a google map link for your convenience, just click here. The hill is located near Division and Coldbrook on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids behind the Griffs Icehouse at Belknap Park. There is convenient parking in the Griffs Icehouse parking lot, and then you just walk to the back of the building and Whah Lah, sled time.