Downtown Petoskey, Michigan is one of the most utterly charming places I’ve visited. Lots of shoppers flock here for the fine stores and shops filled with gifts and clothing. We best enjoyed the breathtaking sunsets but I also liked the architecture and the details in so many of the storefronts.
This ghost mural clues in the curious visitor to the fact the upstairs of this building was home to the Normal Business College. Seeing things like this always makes me wonder about the people who taught and studied there. Where were they from and what ever happened to them?
What did they learn here and how did they apply that knowledge to bettering themselves and the world around them? Do their grandchildren’s children still live in Petoskey or did they travel west to live or go abroad on grand adventures?
Clearly, I will never know but these types of questions keep me entertained for hours.
Happy Monday, friends! Make it a good one!
Life is short—and if you’re not careful you’ll spend so much time doing everything you “have” to do that you’ll run out of time for things that bring you joy. Make space. It’s never convenient. It’s always worth it.
Michell C. Clark
This photo comes from Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan and makes an excellent case for making time to travel. Go forth and enjoy this beautiful world!
What travel memories stick with you the most? Which ones are your happiest? For me, it’s rarely what I plan or expect in any way. It’s often the stuff there was no way to foresee and the things I just stumble into.
My cousin and I had several of these moments in Michigan last year. We got up one morning to hike at Sleeping Bear Dunes and to visit Point Betsie Lighthouse. When we left out Traverse City hotel, it was looking to be a decent day but there was a threat of storms at Sleeping Bear. Boy, were there storms. When we arrived at the visitors’ center, the sky had turned dark and had opened up into a torrential downpour.
So, we skipped the hike and drove out to Point Betsie, an 1858 era lighthouse on the shore of Lake Michigan. It’s fully automated now and the free museum had just closed for the season so we could only walk around outside. Since we were so close, we thought we should at least go see it before heading back to town for some thrifiting and lunch at a vintage pancake house.
Unfortunately, I was poorly attired for this venture. Actually, I think we both were but I really regretted my decision to wear shorts and a tank top the minute I forced my car door open against the wind.
Indian Summer had vanished in the blink of an eye, taking with it my illusions that it would eventually warm up. Michigan weather can turn on a dime and it’s no joke when it does.
We donned our hats and headed to the lake shore for a few photos and to admire this beautiful spot. The wind was whipping up more and more with each passing moment. While the rain had stopped, hard waves beat the shore and shot up sprays of frigid lake water.
At one point, I thought I noticed someone on the lighthouse porch. They likely wondered about these middle aged fools who had dressed to face the elements in shorts and sun hats.
By then, we were soaked, tired and hungry. Those pancakes were calling our names. Bargains awaited. It was time to go.
But first, here came a woman with an umbrella chair, cooler and snack bag. She was dressed for the elements and excited to be there. “There’s a storm rolling in,” she exclaimed. It was her day off and she was excited to watch whatever Mother Nature had in store. This evidently was a lifelong passion of hers and she was thrilled not to miss it on this glorious stormy September day. She assured us she would be fine. She does this all the time.
“Good for her,” I said, climbing into the car and turning up the heat. Pancakes and warmer clothes were sounding pretty good to me by then. We headed back to town where we could ride out the storm indoors and with bags full of bargains.
It was unscripted, unplanned, unpredictable and a day I’m unlikely to forget. By the way, the pancakes were great too!
I don’t know who needs to hear this but car show season will soon be upon us. With it will come tail fins, hood ornaments and opportunities to make new friends who are excited to talk about their classic cars. Not to mention all the photo ops!
Sit tight friends. It will be here soon.
Meanwhile, here’s a beaut I photographed in Boyne City, Michigan last year. We were on our way somewhere else but you can bet I slammed on the brakes at the sight of a park full of cars.
The fact it all took place on a lake was even better. Atmosphere counts for a lot! Here’s another shot with the water.
