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I was lost when I took this picture so I can’t give you a google map link to it. But, this was taken in the Kalkaska area, it might have been on M-72. One thing that surprised me was how absolutely beautiful this area is. I don’t know why that surprised me except that I’ve never heard Kalkaska mentioned as pretty.

That’s something Michigan has going for it. Even though a lot of places here don’t get much attention, it doesn’t mean they are lacking in the “spectacular” department. I’ll be heading for the Detroit area soon and would appreciate feedback from those of you who can give me suggestions for interesting places to show the world on the East side of the state. Just post it as a comment or send and email to me at ann@anntopia.com. Thanks!

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Well folks, if you’re looking for fall color, this coming weekend is a great time to head to northern Michigan. This is another view of the picture I took inland last weekend in the Kalkaska area where color was starting to peak (see post from earlier this week). Closer to the Lake Michigan lake shore the color hadn’t come even close to peaking yet. I’ll bet anywhere from Frankfort north on M-22 or M31 between Traverse City and Charlevoix will be beautiful this weekend.

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When I was on my fall color tour this weekend I almost got in a wreck when I saw this cute little iris farm. By the way, I noticed a lot of people finding my blog because they are looking for barn photos, please be sure to click the “Barns” link in the menu bar to right so you can easily find all of my barn pictures. And, thanks for visiting!

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Want to guess where I went today? I took this inland right around the 45th parallel on private property. The next 2 weeks should be spectacular in Northern Michigan, the trees are just starting to turn along the coastline and are nearing peak colors inland. I took a ton of pictures so check back!

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I think I have a thingy about barns because I can’t help but taking pictures of them. I see this one every time I take I-96 back and forth to Lansing and just LOVE the aqua flair on the little building by it.

My maternal grandparents were farmers in Missouri and barns remind me of them. Here’s a YouTube link to the one armed fiddler, my Grandpa Smith. I admired him tremendously because he only had one arm and never let it stop him from doing what he loved, in fact it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I realized what huge obstacles he had overcome, to me he was invincible.

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I know a lot of people who have moved to the Byron Center and Caledonia area. After driving around there, I can see why. If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon drive, cruise out to 100th Street and drive through the farmland, this is one of the barns I saw while checking it out. By the way, if you have any great ideas for fall color tour pics, please make a comment and let me know. I want to get some pics from all over the state and appreciate your suggestions. (Thanks!)