Podcasts about sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore

Retire in Traverse City, Michigan! Fred Anderson has lived most of his life in Michigan. He considers himself vintage, not old. When retirement rolled around, Fred and his wife decided to move from Lansing, Michigan to Traverse City, Michigan. Sadly, Fred's wife passed while the couple was preparing their Lansing home sale. Fred carried on, moved to Traverse City and has kept himself busy with the area's numerous shops, cultural centers and natural surroundings. The small city includes two independent bookstores, two movie theaters, numerous eateries, a great library, an opera house, and three whisky distillery tasting rooms. And there are over 50 wineries nearby and the amazing Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hear Fred thriving in Traverse City on Episode 189 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. #retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #traverse #traversecity #traversecitymichigan #michigan #traversecitytourism #sleepingbeardunes #sleepingbear #sleepingbeardunesnationallakeshore #visitnorthmichigan #michigantrails #aarp @retirethere_ email: gg@retirethere.com https://www.retirethere.com

Last July 4th weekend, I had the honor of going to a very sacred space with two bereaved moms, Dixie, and today's guest and dear friend, Michelle. We retraced the steps that Michele and her family took on that fateful day on July 4th, 2020 when Michelle lost her amazing 19-year-old son, Corban, who drowned in Lake Michigan. From the first steps walking along that trail, I knew that we were doing something very special. I could feel Corban, Parker, and Andy. I could feel God walking along beside us. In the first years after Andy died, whenever we dove past the accident site where Andy died, I would feel sick to my stomach. That has never been a struggle for Michelle, however. Perhaps it is due to the beauty of the sand dunes or perhaps the sparkle of Lake Michigan in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore area. Whatever the reason may be, this spot has been dubbed by Michelle as 'Corban's Spot' for she feels his presence close whenever she is there. For me, Corban's Spot feels holier than any cathedral. Three years ago this week, God gave Michelle another gift at Corban's Spot. She went up to be with Corban for her birthday weekend. While there, she noticed a new large piece of driftwood had washed ashore. Michelle had always looked for hearts in nature to help remind her of Corban, but on this day, God gave Michelle a piece of driftwood that looked to have a cutout heart in the center. Over the last three years, the appearance of the driftwood has changed, but it has remained as an ever-present reminder of her love for Corban. It even inspired Michelle to write a poem. ~Driftwood Heart~ A grieving mother's heart, A piece of driftwood on the beach. Pieces missing, not complete; Changed but the same. Rough edges, smoothed by the elements. Ever changing, never what was. Created by God, changed by the world. Searching for a new purpose. How to fit into this place? A changed heart, a different world. A piece of driftwood, looking for its place. A piece of driftwood, tragically beautiful. Thank you, Michelle, for helping us see the beauty in tragedy. Thank you for being an inspiration to me and all around you.

On this podcast, Gonzo and Amy take you to Frankfort in Benzie County for 10th annual Frankfort Beer Week (Oct. 1-8, 2023). Special events take place all week long in the charming, coastal city of Frankfort and neighboring village of Elberta.Segment 1: Rick Schmitt, co-owner of Stormcloud Brewery, talks about the spirit of the community and how local restaurants have come together to create a special foodie week for everyone. Look for a list of Stormcloud events, including Oct. 7's Stormtoberfest, at stormcloudbrewing.com. (Gonzo and Amy named Stormcloud the Best New Brewery in Michigan in 2016.)Segment 2: Good friend and local business owner Joey Barcheski talks about his popular FrankZ Restaurant, which offers not only great hot dogs and fries, but something spectacular called "Man Dip." It's a creation Joey and his friends came up with in the wee hours of the morning after a college party. The Grand Rapids native also talks about why he loves the area. "I always knew I wanted to open a restaurant in Frankfort," he said.Segment 3: Joanne Bartley, executive director of Frankfort-Elberta Chamber of Commerce, joins the show to talk about all the things there are to do in the area, which is just south part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Point Betsie Lighhouse.Segment 4: Local restaurant owner Nick Crawford talks about what his restaurants will be offering during Frankfort Beer Week. He owns Birch & Maple, a scatch kitchen with craft cocktails, as well as Dos Arboles. He is doing a wine vs. beer dinner, paring a five-course meal with a wine and beer. Learn more at birchandmaplefrankfort.com.See the complete list of Frankfort Beer Week events at frankfortbeerweek.com.Tune in. It's a fun show!Keep up to date on everything going at Behind the Mitten, including our list of affiliates, at amyandgonzo.com.Follow Gonzo and Amy:Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/behindthemittenTwitter at @BehindTheMittenInstagram at @BehindTheMitten

Spring peepers (chorus frogs) in full chorus shortly after sunset in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Michigan, USA. The persistent, lush and mesmerizing symphony of the spring peepers makes for a perfect backdrop for sleep and relaxation. Recorded by Darrin Wassom. Part of the Music for Sleep project - for more information and to hear more sounds from the collection, visit https://citiesandmemory.com/music-for-sleep/

Aug. 20, 2023 ~ Host Dave Lorenz previews the Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival in Royal Oak and the Michigan Irish Festival in Muskegon. Plus, he explores the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Northern Michigan and the late-summer happenings in Grand Rapids.

This is Eric Stark with The Smart RV'er Podcast Delivering the smarts you need to enjoy the freedom of the RV Lifestyle without the fear of breaking down! Living the RV Life: Eric and Alexis talk about how to live the RV life and how you can take advantage of Cruise America. The best part of this is that while you may already be an avid RVer with your own RV and setup if you are thinking of making a change, you can try out a different style of RV or trailer. You can also rent an RV for your family. If you have an RV and you want to meet up with members of your family that don't own an RV, then Cruise America can be just the option for you. Or maybe you're about to have a big family reunion, and you don't have enough space for everyone; this is a great option for putting family and friends up for a few days. There are many options for using Cruise America, so check them out today.  Staying On The Road: Eric discusses how to maintain and clean your RV roof properly. This may seem like a simple thing, but it's extremely important to take care of. He talks about which products to use for certain types of roofs and which never to use. Eric gives reminders of the process and how to monitor your roof so it doesn't develop leaks that can't be fixed easily.  The Next Stop: Eric and Alexis go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. They explore the many activities there are to do there and the many places to eat. As always they only scratch the surface of these destinations, so if you want to get a deeper look into what they talk about, check it out on TheSmartRVer.com.  RV Envy: Eric talks to his listeners about how wire connectors, voltmeters, and logic probes work.  Sunpromfg.com TheSmartRVer.com HotBoatRopes.com RV Destinations Magazine

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey through the captivating state of Michigan as we unveil the top ten must-visit destinations for July 2023. Whether you're a local resident in search of new adventures or planning a visit to the state, this series is your ultimate guide to the most thrilling experiences that await you. Michigan's diverse offerings, from stunning lakeshores to vibrant urban centers, promise a plethora of activities for everyone to enjoy. So, are you ready to uncover the 10 Best Things To Do in Michigan in July 2023? Let's dive right in and embark on an unforgettable exploration of this remarkable state.1. Take a ferry ride to Mackinac Island2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.3. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising)4. Isle Royal National Park5. Seney National Wildlife Refuge6. National Cherry Festival in Traverse City - 7/1 to 7/87. Marquette Blueberry Festival (Marquette) - Friday 7/288. Ann Arbor Art Fair (Ann Arbor) - 7/20 to 7/229. Traverse City Film Festival (Traverse City) - 7/26 to 7/3110. Charlevoix Venetian Festival (Charlevoix) - 7/15 to 7/22For the full breakdown of all of these events, including when and where to go, check out our feature article on OnlyInYourState: The 10 Best Things To Do In Michigan In July 2023.

I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.Subtlety and solitude were the theme of the early dawn as I drove towards the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore this morning. The morning sky was replaced by dark, brooding clouds as dawn broke and the crash and retreat of water against the sandy shoreline echoed a symphony that only nature could compose... a soothing rhythm that breathed sustenance into this muted morning. In this quiet, moody atmosphere, the resilient life of the beach was on full display. Dune grass swayed gently with the wind, each whisper adding another layer to the dawn soundtrack filling my ears. Intermingled with the subdued tones of the morning, vibrant shocks of color pierced through, with the Carolina Puccoon flowers shining their intense yellow petals. These hardy blooms were striking against the backdrop of rugged and scraggly pines that stand guard over the dunes, a testament to the beauty of nature. Rainy mornings such as these come with a precious offering - solitude. The beach, often teeming with life, was a haven of tranquility. The soft patter of the rain added a soothing rhythm to the natural melody, each drop a unique note in the lakeshore's grand aria.I spent the morning in unhurried exploration, my camera guiding my movements rather than any pre-set path. It led me across rolling dunes and clusters of wildflowers, while the captivating sounds of the beach played on. Time seemed suspended, every moment a snapshot of serene beauty set against the gentle music of the lake's waves.It was a morning filled with exploration and reflection, where nature's music and visual spectacle were in perfect harmony. As the field recorder captured each note of the morning's melody, I was reminded of the beauty in these unscripted moments and the enduring allure of nature's symphony. It was, undoubtedly, a couple of hours well spent.Recording Details:Date and Time: 6/13/2023 | 5:30 AMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreLandscape/Feature: Peterson Road Beach and Surrounding DunesConditions: 49F (9.5C), Sunrise, Cloudy, Misty, RainRecording Device: Zoom F3 Field RecorderMicrophone(s): Sonorous Objects SO.101 (matched pair in stereo configuration)Support the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.Returning to the idyllic Boekeloo Lodge at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for the second week, it was as though I had stepped into a Thoreauvian (is that a word?) dream. Set amidst a picturesque landscape that Mother Nature herself would be proud of, the lodge and its surroundings evoked a sense of peace and tranquility, only amplified by the resounding chorus of spring peepers that punctuated the evening air.For this endeavor, I brought along my new LÖM BasicUcho microphones, making their inaugural appearance on my podcast. My trusty companion, as always, was the Zoom F3 Field Recorder. It's the stalwart backbone of nearly every episode, faithfully capturing the intricacies and nuances of nature's audio tapestry.The day was adorned in spring's finest hues of green and yellow, the skies overhead clear with a hint of a breeze that softly grazed but didn't interrupt my recording. An enthralling promise filled the air, the possibility of seeing the northern lights.At Boekeloo, solitude is often your only companion. But this time, my day was punctuated by the unexpected, but pleasant, company of Nick Irwin. A talented photographer (IG: @irwin.nick), Nick was the only other soul present during the six hours I spent recording. His conversation was as engaging as his photography skills, and I found myself thankful for his presence.Recording nature and wildlife sounds can be a solitary activity. Yet, there is an undeniable thrill in the pursuit. To sit quietly and be an observer, to capture the conversations of nature that often go unheard, is a humbling experience. The spring peepers at Boekeloo, with their overpowering sonic presence, have been captivating. These little tree frogs have left an indelible mark on my heart, and through my recording, I hope they touch your hearts, too.As I pack my gear for the night, I am left in awe of the overwhelming power of nature - both seen and heard. The ephemeral glimpse of the northern lights coupled with the resonating echo of the peepers rounds off a perfect day. The Boekeloo Lodge, the pond, the peepers, and the chance encounter with Nick made for a day that will long be etched in my memory. But for now, I am happy to share this recording with you. After all, each peep is a story waiting to be heard.Recording Details:Date and Time: 5/23/2023 | 9:15 PMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreLandscape/Feature: Boekeloo Lodge and the surrounding pondConditions: 59F (15C), Sunset, Golden Hour, Light Breeze, Pleasant ConditionsRecording Device: Zoom F3 Field RecorderMicrophone(s): LÖM BasicUcho matched pair microphone(s)Support the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.Today, we're exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and uncovering the story of the Boekeloo Lodge. This charming cabin, nestled in a picturesque landscape, has a fascinating history.The Boekeloo family made an unexpected discovery in 1945 when they found an old cabin that had been neglected and had deteriorated for the past 10 years. They saw its potential and restored it with love and care. The result was a delightful wilderness getaway, where the family enjoyed many peaceful retreats surrounded by the tranquility of the woods and the grandeur of the dunes. But this hidden gem had an unexpected future.Eventually, the National Park Service (NPS) acquired the property because they recognized its historical significance and natural beauty. Today, visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can take a leisurely walk around the lodge and look through its windows to glimpse how vacations were in the past. The cabin stands as a testament to the Boekeloo family's creativity and vision, offering a unique view into a simpler and more peaceful time.As a volunteer involved in a photography project at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, I was honored to be assigned the task of capturing the beauty of the Boekeloo Lodge. Without this opportunity, I would have never known about this incredible building and its fascinating history.When I arrived at noon, the sun was directly overhead, making it challenging to capture the best lighting for my photographs. Similarly, nature photographers know that noon is not the most active time for wildlife. I took advantage of the situation and was delighted to discover a lot of birds at the location. While taking pictures and documenting the site, I also set up my recording equipment, hoping to capture the essence of this enchanting place.Boekeloo Lodge is located just a mile off M-22, a state highway in Michigan. It sits next to a peaceful pond, and although you can hear some traffic noise in the distance, the overall atmosphere is enjoyable, allowing nature's melodies to shine through. I'm excited to return to this idyllic spot to experience the dawn chorus and explore the surrounding area on a hike.The Boekeloo Lodge at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provides a captivating look into the past and serves as a reminder of the significance of conserving our natural environments. With its storied past and peaceful surroundings, it's a remarkable place for photographers and nature lovers to visit.Recording Details:Date and Time: 5/15/2023 | 12:15 PMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreLandscape/Feature: Boekeloo Lodge and Surrounding AreaConditions: 59F (15C), Bright, Sunny, Strong Breeze, Pleasant ConditionsRecording Device: Zoom F3 Field RecorderMicrophone(s): Audio Technica BP4025 Stereo MicrophoneSupport the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

Quick Note: You will hear some artificial noises in this recording, but they are few and I don't feel they detract from the recording. It is becoming increasingly difficult to record pristine audio without driving hundreds of miles and spending countless hours in its pursuit. I realize it is perhaps better to include the artificial sounds and recognize that we live in a society where noise pollution exists. I am a perfectionist for my work and I struggle on where to draw the line and release a recording. To maintain my sanity, I have to learn to be okay with imperfect recordings and some noise pollution. I hope you will understand. We have made it through the third winter here in Michigan and have started on the second spring. We also made a jump to first summer, but it was very short-lived. It can be very hard to define seasons here because it can change so quickly, but it does really feel like a spring that is going to actually get us to summer. One thing I look forward most as the snow melts and the flowers start blooming is the return of the dawn chorus. This natural phenomenon occurs in the early morning and is a collective singing of birds as they welcome the start of a new day. During the dawn chorus, birds sing to defend their territories, attract mates, and communicate with their flock. The chorus begins just before the first light of dawn and can last for several hours, with different species of birds joining in at differing times. It truly is one of the most beautiful sound collective that exists in nature. I recently received a new recording kit from SR3D Binaural Microphones in the UK to test out and share my thoughts. I will have a separate post and video about this kit and my thoughts on it in the coming weeks. Binaural recording is an advanced method of capturing audio that closely replicates human auditory perception by utilizing two microphones configured in that mimics the human head. While listening to binaural recordings through headphones, the listener is immersed in a lifelike environment, such as the dawn chorus in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The biggest advantage, in my experience, is the heightened level of auditory realism. In short, you will feel you are in the middle of the action. Knowing I wanted to test out the realistic recording effects of this kit, I went to one of my favorite recording locations to capture the dawn chorus. Over the course of a few hours, I heard and saw at least 13 different species to include the usual suspects like the American Robin and Red-winged blackbird, but I recorded some firsts for me. It was my first time recording a Bald Eagle and a Virginia Rail. I won't spoil the entire recording and would love to hear what species you heard while listening. Recording Details:Date and Time: 5/5/2023 | 5:45AMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreLandscape/Feature: Otter CreekConditions: 49F (10C), Sunrise, Slight Breeze, Mild ConditionsRecording Device: Zoom F3 Field RecorderMicrophone(s): SR3D Binaural Microphone Kit fitted with Sonorous Objects SO.1 MicrophonesSupport the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

For Media Business Episode 49: Tony Conley welcomes back Dave Lorenz Vice President-Travel Michigan at Michigan Economic Development Corporation Before that Dave was already A seasoned tourism professional, Lorenz has served for more than a decade as the Industry Relations and International Marketing Manager for Travel Michigan. Prior to coming to Travel Michigan in October 2002, Lorenz was the Manager of Partnerships and Promotions, for Meijer, Inc. where he was responsible for the facilitation of collaborative marketing programs with key consumer goods manufacturers such as Nabisco, Kraft, Kellogg's, General Mills, Coca-Cola, Disney and Mattel. Lorenz attended Western Michigan University. He lives in Norton Shores with his wife, Roberta. “Travel is one of the best ways to gain fresh perspective and expand your thinking,” said Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “The ‘Keep It Fresh' campaign is an invitation to experience something different and feel renewed in Pure Michigan, using the sights, sounds, and artistry that reflect the range of unique stories and opportunities to be found here.” The Pure Michigan advertising campaign first launched in 2006. The campaign's familiar voice, nostalgic soundtrack and picturesque visuals have successfully beckoned travelers to Michigan's sparkling beaches and vibrant cultural centers for more than 17 years. Today, Pure Michigan is one of the most recognized travel brands and hashtags. However, the world and how people seek and share travel information and inspiration is constantly changing. Since its inception, the Pure Michigan campaign has evolved to meet these changing trends and interests, introducing new social channels, influencer programs, accessibility initiatives, and most recently, fresh campaigns and targeting that inspire deeper connections while traveling. The ‘Keep It Fresh' campaign will run across digital, connected and linear TV, print, social media, radio and streaming audio services with the digital portion of the campaign launching in late February, national TV launching in March, and the campaign wrapping at the end of July. The campaign will also feature commercials with regional travel partners, including Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Traverse City. The ‘Keep It Fresh' campaign marks Pure Michigan's return to national TV during the summer timeframe, with spots and custom executions running across Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, and Magnolia Network. Regional efforts will target the state of Michigan, as well as Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Fort Wayne, Green Bay, Indianapolis, Louisville, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, South Bend, St. Louis and Toledo. Out of home placements include 46 billboards in Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Lansing and Minneapolis. Pure Michigan branding will also be showcased on a double-decker bus in Chicago from March 13 through April 9, 2023. For travelers looking for trip inspiration, the 2023 Pure Michigan Spring/Summer Travel Guide is currently available both in print and in a digital and universally accessible format on Michigan.org. An awe-inspiring display of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore stretches across the cover and the guide's contents explore the great outdoors, city escapes, the Upper Peninsula, surprising small towns, lakeshore destinations, golf, and more. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music

 I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.Welcome to the latest episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast! I am a firm believer in the meditative and restorative benefits of simply listening to moving water, especially the sound of waves crashing onto a remote beach. This week, I am uploading over 2 hours of a recent recording done at the Peterson Road Beach at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Within the Platte Plains section of the lakeshore, this area features gently rolling hills, mature forests and wide expanses of beach that are rarely crowded. On the night of this recording, I had the entire beach to myself for around 4 hours, except for one person walking his dogs for a few minutes. I let the field recorder run and spent the time hiking on the beach to see what the melting ice might reveal. Ever since I have been old enough to remember, I have been irresistibly drawn to water like a magnet. One of my earliest memories is walking the beach with my parents and my brother in San Diego when I was 4 or 5. I remember holding my dad's hand as he let me get closer and closer to the waves. The waves mesmerized me and I was instantly drawn to that unmistakable sound of waves crashing onto the shore.Not even the “Jellyfish Incident of '96” could change my love of hearing the waves and wanting to be close to a body of water at all times. Pro tip: If the locals aren't in the ocean on a hot day, then there is probably an excellent reason. Don't be that guy that ignores all the clues and finds himself wrapped up in jellyfish tentacles. Waves are one of the most powerful meditative tools available to us. Their rhythmic and soothing sounds can help us achieve a state of deep relaxation and inner calm, while also providing a powerful connection to the natural world. The repetition of the sound of waves crashing on the shore creates a sense of predictability and stability, which can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. I think that the sound of waves can even help to synchronize brainwaves, leading to a greater sense of focus and concentration.Besides their calming effect, the power of waves lies in their ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder. The vastness of large bodies of water and the sheer force of the waves can help to put our own problems and worries into perspective, reminding us of the greater forces at work in the world. There are many ways to incorporate the power of waves into a meditation practice. Simply sitting by the shore and listening to the sound of the waves can be a powerful experience, while walking along the beach and feeling the sand between our toes can also be grounding and calming. For those who don't live near the ocean or the Great Lakes, recordings of waves can also be a powerful tool for meditation. Whether experienced in person or through recordings, the power of waves as a meditative tool is undeniable. By connecting us to the natural world and helping to calm our minds, waves can provide a much-needed sense of peace and tranquillity in our busy lives.Recording Details:•Date and Time: 3/30/2023 | 6:30PM•Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore•Landscape/Feature: Peterson Road Beach•Conditions: 41F (5C), Overcast, Low Clouds, Stiff Onshore Breeze•Recording Device: Zoom F3 Field Recorder•Microphone(s): Audio-Technica BP4025Support the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.Welcome to Season Two of the Nature is my Jam podcast! 2023 is finally here, and the year begins anew with resolutions, intentions, hope and excitement. We are still early enough in the year where our resolve to change habits is still strong, right? One of my resolutions for 2023 is to embrace inclement weather rather than sitting in front of the fireplace. Cold and snow doesn't bother me but I draw the line at rain. Living in northern Michigan, it's a safe bet that most days in winter are of the inclement weather variety. With that resolution in mind, I spent a morning on the Platte River, where it empties into Lake Michigan, watching the ice floes go past and to feel the stinging sleet hit my face. Sleet, in my mind, is closer to snow than rain because it is cold but doesn't look as nice. I rate this weather experience at 6 out of 10. The Platte River meanders 30 miles through forests, open land and wetlands that are in the public trust. The mouth of the river empties into Lake Michigan at Platte River Point, which is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and is an idyllic spot in winter. There are few cars and even fewer people venturing out on the beach. I only saw an angler early in the morning and then a Mom and her son bravely taking a stroll down the beach as the weather intensified from sleet to wet, heavy snow. The river takes a dogleg right as it nears Lake Michigan and runs parallel to the beach for about a 1/4 mile before meeting crashing waves. During the recording, several large floes of ice moved down the river and met their fate in Lake Michigan. Northern Michigan experienced a thaw after the “winter storm of 2022” so it surprised me to see these large chunks of ice in the river. The recording features the sound of the river as it cascades against some large rocks. In the background, you can hear the roar of the Lake Michigan waves as they hit the shore. It is a confusing sound, but oddly hypnotic. Thick fog permeated the scene, and the sun had no chance to make its presence known. Near the end, sleet enters the scene and offers a wet pitter patter of its icy flavor to round out the recording. Recording Details:Date and Time: 1/5/2023 | 8:00AMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake ShoreLandscape/Feature: Mouth of the Platte River as it empties into Lake MichiganConditions: 33F (.6C), gentle breeze, fog, sleetRecording Device: Zoom F3Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe AuditionSupport the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

May the closeness of friends and the comfort of home renew your spirits this holiday season. I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.Summary:Welcome to episode 28 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. As 2022 winds down, Mother Nature is going to remind us she is all powerful and wants to add some excitement to the season's holidays. We have a major winter storm heading our way and if the weather predictors are right; we are going to end the year with a doozy of a blizzard. With this in mind, I wanted to record what I am calling the ‘calm before the storm. It was a cold yet mild day here in northern Michigan and I, once again, found myself along one of my favorite beaches along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We are the Peterson Road Beach, which is near Honor, Michigan and very close to the Platte River Campground. This recording features gentle waves and a very light wind. While it was a mild day in terms of wind, the temperatures dropped throughout the day and the skies got very dark. My watch notified me of blizzard and extreme weather warnings the entire time I was recording, and my wife even called to make sure I hadn't fallen off a bluff or into a ravine. Severe weather warnings, I've noticed, bring a hint of concern *and* excitement to everyone affected. While the storm is still a day away, instinct creeps in and everyone does their best to prepare and, well, wait. The Rest of the Story:The truth of the matter is that while it was extremely cold along the lakeshore, I was in no real danger during the recording. Dressed for the weather, I knew I'd be able to get back home before any major snow or drop in the temperature. My truck can get through snow and I always bring extra clothing, water and a personal emergency beacon that will notify family and first responders via satellite if I need help. The storm is definitely on its way and I plan on getting out to record as long as long as I can get down our tiny two-track and out onto a main road. If we don't get plowed out for a few days, then I'll explore and record right in the backyard. It could be a long few days of being housebound and I'm okay with that. The fireplace will roar, hot cocoa will be at the ready and a long backlog of Hallmark Xmas movies will entertain us for days.  Recording Details:Date and Time: 12/21/2022 | 3:30 PMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake ShoreLandscape/Feature: Peterson Road BeachConditions: Extreme Cold, Light Wind, Very CloudyRecording Device: Zoom F3Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe AuditionSupport the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.Summary:Welcome to episode 27 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. Winter in Michigan presents a unique set of challenges with field recording. My new mantra is, “If it's blowing wind, then it must be .” This week was no exception and we, once again, brave the elements in pursuit of those sweet, sweet sounds of nature. I have wanted to hike the Empire Bluff Trail at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore all year and with 2023 quickly approaching, I knew I had to get my butt in gear. The Empire Bluff trail isn't terribly long, but presents some of the most iconic and scenic views at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Overlooking Lake Michigan, the trail offers sweeping views of South Manitou Island, massive sand dunes and the stunning South Bar Lake with its narrow spit of land separating it from Lake Michigan. On the day of this recording, I had the entire trail almost to myself, sharing it was a pair of hikers and two Bald Eagles. This recording features massive wind (welcome to Winter in northern Michigan) blowing through the woods and down the bluff to where I was standing. The wind goes from a whisper to a howl to a roar in several minutes. Creaking trees, airborne ferns and sand pebbles shimmer across the soundscape as the wind shifts direction. It is a stunning show of force that, once again, reminds us of the power of nature. The Rest of the Story:Hop on over to the Nature is my Jam website for the rest of the story!!Recording Details:Date and Time: 12/14/2022 | 1:45 PMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake ShoreLandscape/Feature: Empire Bluff Trail overlooking Lake MichiganConditions: Extreme wind, Cloudy, Blustery, Cold, IceRecording Device: Zoom F3Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025Support the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.Summary:Welcome to episode 26 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. As always, I'm happy to welcome you back for another foray into the wilderness to capture the best northern Michigan offers. This week, we are once again on the banks of Otter Creek at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to record the sound of a big wind as it blows in from Lake Michigan. How windy was it today? So windy that Otter Creek was flowing backwards! This wasn't the original location for today's recording, but it turned out to be the best location. I really love the sound of the intense wind. It's not only a reminder of the power of nature, but a chance to get lost in the wind's sound blowing through the trees with no other sounds to get in its way. It was a whirlwind of activity to get this episode recorded. I received feedback (very good feedback) that I sometimes take too long to get to the point. I know it but I like to write so I put all the really important stuff at the top this week. If you want to know the rest of the story, then I invite you to continue reading on the Nature is my Jam blog.Recording Details:Date and Time: 11/30/2022 | 4:30 PMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake ShoreLandscape/Feature: Dense Woodland along the shore of Otter CreekConditions: Sunny, Blue Skies, Warm, BreezyRecording Device: Zoom F3Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe AuditionSupport the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.Welcome to episode 24 of the Nature is my Jam podcast! As always, I'm happy to see you again and can't wait to share this episode with you. This episode is a continuation of the recording I did last week at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. What intrigues me most about this part of the night is how quiet it can get after periods of intense activity. The beavers have moved to other parts of the creek or simply went back to their lodge. As the wind picks up, we hear some crickets and blowing leaves. There is an occasional stirring of some geese and an occasional creak from an old tree. It's a pure joy to sit back and take it in. It reminds me of sitting on the back porch during a thunderstorm. I have been asked how often I listen to my own recordings or if I ever listen to every episode. I do. It is therapy for me and a chance to let my brain slow down and take in the wonders of the world. A time to reflect and be grateful for the life I'm so fortunate to enjoy. It is also a time to think about future episode and yes, a time to be critical of what I could do better going forward. And as quickly as those thoughts enter my consciousness and the tranquility that I am experiencing, they get interrupted by, well, the ebb and flow of life. Just like this episode, which I like to call, ‘Tranquility Interrupted'. I think it's okay to have interruptions in our life and there is a balance that is needed. Okay, this might be less about the podcast and just a rule of thumb for life, but I believe we need quiet spaces just as we need loud spaces. Chaotic spaces full of noise, energy and uncertainty give us a deeper appreciation for the relative solitude and a chance for introspection. I think this recording allows plenty of space to breathe, followed by some intense activity and then a few minutes of quiet to round out your listening experience. I'm always biased, but I think this is an exception recording to listen to with headphones. As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! Recording Summary:Date and Time: 11/10/2022 | 03:25 AMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake ShoreLandscape/Feature: Otter CreekConditions: Mild, Gusting Winds, Bright MoonRecording Device: Zoom F3Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe AuditionSupport the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.Welcome to episode 23 of the Nature is my Jam podcast! As always, I'm happy to see you again and can't wait to share this episode with you. The weather here in northern Michigan has been unseasonably warm, with temperatures in the low 60s (around 15.5 Celsius for the rest of the world). The leaves have fallen and we would normally gear up for the first big snow of the year, but Mother Nature has other ideas. Fall is my favorite time of year so I'm not complaining! I went to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore yesterday to hike the Otter Creek Loop, which is part of the Platte Plains Trail. It is a roughly 5 miles (8km) loop that meanders through gently rolling hills and takes you along the creek and all the way around Otter Lake. Besides completing the loop and getting in some miles, I also wanted to find some sounds to record. As I was entering the last section of the trail, I noticed some signs of beaver activity so stopped to inspect. I could see recent chew marks in several saplings and what appeared to be a slick mud slide down to the creek. I assumed this to be a sure sign of one or more industrious beavers, so I came up with a plan to record them working. Knowing my presence would likely dampen their enthusiasm, I quickly configured my gear to record overnight. I would come back the next day to see what sounds I captured. The trail is fairly popular, so I have to believe the beavers are used to human presence, but I always do my best to maintain a respectful distance. When I returned, I was happy to see there had been additional activity overnight. To my complete surprise, they worked the area immediately in front of my gear and gave me a gift of some amazing sounds. Thank you, beavers!! This might just be my favorite recording of the year. I have several hours of their activity recorded and will do a longer edit over the winter. However, because I'm so excited about capturing the beavers, I want to share this clip with you on the podcast right now. As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! Recording Summary:Date and Time: 11/10/2022 | 01:00 AMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake ShoreLandscape/Feature: Otter Creek and Otter LakeConditions: Mild, Gusting Winds, Bright MoonRecording Device: Zoom F3Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe AuditionSupport the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a plethora of recreational opportunities…. Hiking, birding, camping, sand dunes, rolling hills, deep woods, wildlife, ghost towns and the list goes on. In terms of time, it's a safe bet I spend weeks there annually since it is less than 30 minutes from my house. On this recording occasion, I camped at the Platte River Campground and explored the Platte Plains Hiking Trail as it runs directly from the campsite. The Lasso Loop will take you along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan and into rolling hills with thick forests, lakes and swamps. There was a promise of a thunderstorm, so I was looking forward to capturing the sounds of the storm. I found a large White Pine that was struck by lightning a few years back and placed my microphones underneath a section of the tree that had split to give the microphones protection. I hiked 4 miles back to the campsite to hunker down for what was surely going to be a magnificent display of thunder and lightning. Alas, I should have known better. The weather in northern Michigan is never as predictable as we might like and the thunderstorm never materialized, but the wind put on a great and boisterous show. The wind roared all night and the tree where I placed my microphones created a wind tunnel effect that produced what I can best describe as natural white noise. There are subtle tonal variations, sections of howling wind and creaking trees. Fair warning, there is a plan passing overhead in this recording, but this might be the one time where I feel actually enhances the soundscape. I hope you enjoy and please let me know your thoughts! I recorded this soundscape using the Zoom F3 Field Recorder and the Sonorous Objects SO.1 Microphone pair. Recording SummaryDate and Time: 7/20/2022 | 1:30 AMLocation: Honor, Michigan USALandscape/Feature: Sleeping Bear Dunes | Platte Plains Hiking TrailConditions: Cloudy, Hot, Humid, Heavy WindRecording Device: Zoom F3 Field RecorderMicrophone(s): Sonorous Objects SO.1Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe AuditionSupport the show

Welcome back to Season 5 of the Hashtag59 Podcast! Did you know we now have a Patreon Page? Become a member at www.Patreon.com/Hashtag59 Mike R & Jill G are sharing ways to experience outdoor adventures in the Midwest in Season 5. In this episode we adventure in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Ransom Lake Natural Area for a High and a Low when it comes to Jill experiencing Outdoor Adventure! Links from the episode: National Cherry Festival: https://www.cherryfestival.org/ Manistee River Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hmnf/recarea/?recid=18710 Sleeping Bear Point: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailsleepingbearpt.htm Thanks for listening to episode nine of our Midwest Adventures during Season 5 of our podcast. If you don't already, make sure you subscribe to our podcast by searching "Hashtag 59" on your podcasts app! Keep in touch with us on our website www.Hashtag59.com for our latest podcast episodes, blogs, become a Patreon Member, go an Unordinary Adventure with us, and find out about our latest trash cleanup events! #Hashtag59

Welcome back to Season 5 of the Hashtag59 Podcast! Did you know we now have a Patreon Page? Become a member at www.Patreon.com/Hashtag59 Mike R & Jill G are sharing ways to experience outdoor adventures in the Midwest in Season 5. In this episode we adventure in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Ransom Lake Natural Area for a High and a Low when it comes to Jill experiencing Outdoor Adventure! Links from the episode: Sleeping Bear Dunes: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm Ransom Lake: https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/ransom-lake-natural-area/ Shipwreck Cafe: https://shipwreckcafe.com/ Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes: https://friendsofsleepingbear.org/ Thanks for listening to episode eight of our Midwest Adventures during Season 5 of our podcast. If you don't already, make sure you subscribe to our podcast by searching "Hashtag 59" on your podcasts app! Keep in touch with us on our website www.Hashtag59.com for our latest podcast episodes, blogs, become a Patreon Member, go an Unordinary Adventure with us, and find out about our latest trash cleanup events! #Hashtag59

Jeffy and Bridget Geer share their thru hike of Michigan's Shore to Shore Trail. The Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail (also known as the Michigan Riding and Hiking Trail) is a 220-mile-long (350 km) trail that runs between Empire on Lake Michigan and Oscoda on Lake Huron across the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It is open to horseback riders and hikers but not bicycles. The trail's western end is located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The trail, going from west to east, travels through the Boardman River valley and follows the Au Sable River for about 50 miles (80 km). The trail was developed by trail riders in 1962 and travels through mixed hardwood and conifer forests. Public campgrounds are located throughout the route. (taken from Wikipedia)More Trail Info: Huron-Manistee National Forest pageMichigan Trail Riders Association MapsConnect with Jeffy and Bridget:Instagram: @roguefootFacebook: Rogue FootConnect with Lori:Instagram: @thehikepodcastTwitter: @thehikepodcastFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehikepodcast)

Mark Janeczko is an environmental enthusiast who had a 30-plus year career working as an environmental specialist on water quality and pollution issues. He holds a degree in conservation and wildlife management and served with Americorps as a ranger with the U.S. Forest Service. He continues to dedicate his life to a healthy and diverse planet. Diane Miller has tried to live her life as close to the land as possible. During the decade when she lived in an off the grid cabin in the woods, she learned from the plants and animals about the power of our actions, and sometimes, nonactions. She is a communication professor who encourages her students to question dominant narratives, expose logical fallacies, and advocate for interests beyond their own. Mark and Diane live at the edge of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Decades into working a lucrative corporate job, Shann Vander Leek was sitting in a board room meeting one day gazing out the window when a rainbow appeared. She knew in that moment it was time to make the leap into her sacred work. Now Shann is the host of This Sacred Life podcast where she inspires women to walk in beauty, amplify their voices, and reclaim their feminine sovereignty. Watch this episode for an honest discussion about taking the leap into your zone of genius and leaving behind the comfort of your competence. LISTEN: This Sacred Life Podcast https://bit.ly/3cRJXkp More About Shann Vander Leek Shann Vander Leek is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, an award-winning podcaster, best-selling author, podcast coach, and voiceover talent. She loves to mentor women to walk in beauty, amplify their voice, and reclaim their feminine sovereignty with her popular This Sacred Life podcast and signature offerings. Shann lives with her husband in the village of Suttons Bay, Michigan — just minutes away from Lake Michigan and The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Visit Shann at TransformationGoddess.com where women gather for a soulful, sensual, and sacred exploration. Connect with Shann: Web: http://transformationgoddess.com/ Podcast: https://transformationgoddess.com/kerry-hummingbird/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformationgoddess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannvanderleek Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/shannvanderleek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannvanderleek YOUR GUIDE TO SOUL NECTAR - KERRI HUMMINGBIRD SAMI I love mentoring women to rewrite the story of their lives through inner transformation, connection to essence, remembrance of purpose, and realignment to authenticity and truth. If you don't want to settle for anything less than a life of passion and purpose, book a Discovery Call and let's talk! Schedule today! http://bit.ly/2CpFHFZ FREE GIFT: The Love Mastery Game, an oracle for revealing your soul's curriculum in every day challenges. http://www.kerrihummingbird.com/play Do you lack the confidence to trust yourself and go for what you want? When you take actions towards your dreams, does self-doubt infect your certainty? Do you find yourself distracting and numbing while also feeling something is missing inside? Do you feel disrespected and like your wisdom is being dismissed? Do you have a hard time asking for what you need? You may benefit from healing the Mother Wound and reconnecting with the Divine Mother for love. Find out more at www.motherwoundbook.com You may be a member of The Second Wave, here to uplift human consciousness from the inside out by healing patterns of suffering that run through your ancestry. Find out about “The Second Wave: Transcending the Human Drama” and receive a guided meditation at www.thesecondwave.media READ an Excerpt from the Award-Winning memoir, Awakening To Me.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of Michigan's most popular National Parks. From gorgeous Lake Michigan coastlines to the infamous dunes, this national park is a Pure Michigan gem. Whether you're camping, taking a day trip, or hitting up the Northern Michigan area, we'll help you plan your trip to the dunes with tips and resources to get your visit started. Guest expert: Cassondra from @cassondra.wanders Don't miss an episode - subscribe to the podcast to get the newest episodes! Follow National Park Trippers on Instagram Join our private Facebook community And read more on our Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Guide --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maureen-hochdorf/support

Lori takes listeners on a day of adventures at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations and ancient glacial phenomena. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including an 1871 lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations and an extensive rural historic farm district. (source: michigan.org)There are plenty of hikes and activities for all ages and abilities. Learn more at the official park website. Learn more about D.H. Day CampgroundInfo about Pyramid Point hikeInfo about Alligator Hill hikeConnect with Lori:Instagram: @thehikepodcastTwitter: @thehikepodcastBlog: thehikepodcast.wordpress.comFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehikepodcast)

If you've never been there, when you think of Michigan, you may not imagine miles of sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and bluffs that tower more than 450 feet above one of the four Great Lakes that border the state. There are also inland lakes, lush forests, an island lighthouse, coastal villages and picturesque farmsteads. All of these fantastic features can be found in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Today we celebrate an American female botanist who collected the flora of the great state of Maine. We'll also learn about a Michigan conservationist who is remembered as the First Lady of Michigan State Parks and Natural Areas. We’ll remember Nathaniel Hawthorne on the anniversary of his death today - and the quirky little story he wrote about a mad scientist and his experiment involving geraniums. We hear an excerpt about botanically-inspired girl’s names. We Grow That Garden Library™ with a book about Organic Gardening And then we’ll wrap things up with the wonderful Nora Ephron and one of her best-loved movie quotes.   Subscribe Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart To listen to the show while you're at home, just ask Alexa or Google to “Play the latest episode of The Daily Gardener Podcast.” And she will. It's just that easy.   The Daily Gardener Friday Newsletter Sign up for the FREE Friday Newsletter featuring: A personal update from me Garden-related items for your calendar The Grow That Garden Library™ featured books for the week Gardener gift ideas Garden-inspired recipes Exclusive updates regarding the show Plus, each week, one lucky subscriber wins a book from the Grow That Garden Library™ bookshelf.   Gardener Greetings Send your garden pics, stories, birthday wishes, and so forth to Jennifer@theDailyGardener.org   Curated News Then and now: 7 ways garden design has evolved over the last 40 years | House Beautiful | Olivia Heath   Facebook Group If you'd like to check out my curated news articles and original blog posts for yourself, you're in luck. I share all of it with the Listener Community in the Free Facebook Group - The Daily Gardener Community. So, there’s no need to take notes or search for links. The next time you're on Facebook, search for Daily Gardener Community, where you’d search for a friend... and request to join. I'd love to meet you in the group.   Important Events May 19, 1834 Today is the birthday of the daring self-taught American botanist Catherine Furbish. Kate is remembered for her life-long work collecting, classifying, and illustrating the flora of the great state of Maine. Kate spent six decades crisscrossing her home state. Her delicate, beautiful, and simple botanical art charms gardeners still today. Kate grew up in an upper-middle-class home. She attended private school and studied drawing as a child. By the time she was thirty, she had combined her love for flowers and drawing and embarked on a goal of collecting, cataloging, and drawing all the native flora of Maine. During Kate’s lifetime, Maine was still a rugged and wild place. Her amateur eagerness to explore the forests and wildernesses of Maine put her in direct contrast to the women of her time. Her exemplary fieldwork drew respect from her male counterparts - many of whom worked at the major Universities or scientific centers across the country. In 1881, after getting a plant named for her, Kate wrote to Sereno Watson at Harvard to acknowledge the honor, saying, “Were it not for the fact that I can find no plants named for a female botanist in your manual, I should object to “Pedicularis Furbishae”... But as a new species is rarely found in New England and few plants are named for women, it pleases me.” In 1895, Kate helped found the Josselyn Botanical Society of Maine. In 1925, her friend “Joss” (Louise Coborn) described Kate as a botanist in her sixties: “I can see her as I saw her then — a little woman with uplifted head already turned gray, in animated talk, or with bowed face using her keen eyes along a forest trail, or up a mountain path. She had the sort of eyes that were made for seeing, and nothing escaped the swift circle of her glance. Her feet were as untiring as her eyes, and she could out-last many a younger woman on a cliff-side climb or river-bank scramble.” On September 16, 1978, the New Castle News out of New Castle, PA, shared an article written by Mike Finsilber with a headline that read: Exhibit Depicts Female Scientists. Here’s an excerpt: "When curator Deborah Warner suggested to her superiors at the Smithsonian Institution that she put together an exhibit documenting the accomplishments of American women in science in the 19th century, her superiors were skeptical. Women scientists in the 19th century? Would there be enough of them to fill an exhibit? They doubted it. Ms. Warner didn’t. Yesterday her display opened in the Museum of History and Technology, telling of, among others: Kate Furbish, the botanist who discovered the now-famous Furbish Lousewort. It is now famous because it is endangered and for a time threatened to block construction of the Lincoln-Dickey Dam in Maine."   May 19, 1898  Today is the birthday of the woman known as the First Lady of Michigan State Parks and Natural Areas and the “Mother” of Michigan State Parks system, Emma Genevieve Gillette, who was born in Lansing. Genevieve learned to love nature from her dad. He would take her into the woods in the spring to see arbutus flowering and the brook running. Genevieve recounted how he would kneel down by the brook and ask, “Can you hear what it is saying? It’s talking to us.” In 1920, Genevieve was the only woman to be part of the very first landscape architecture class to graduate from the Michigan Agricultural College. She ended up going to work for the great Landscape Architect Jens Jensen, known as the “Dean of Landscape Architects,” and would become a trusted mentor and lifelong friend to Genevieve. In terms of a role model, Jens was perfect for Genevieve; he was an early pioneer in the conservation movement, used art as activism, and was generally ahead of his time. Jens once famously said, “Trees are much like human beings and enjoy each other's company. Only a few love to be alone.” A contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright, Jens was also a maker of public parks and spaces. Genevieve later said Jens “pestered her” to start a state park system in Michigan. Genevieve befriended the Michigan Parks Chief Peter J. Hoffmaster, who was one of her old college classmates. Her sincere alliances with state officials helped her garner support to serve as the president of the Michigan Park Association. Genevieve boosted public support and funding for more than 200,000 acres of Michigan’s state and national parks during her tenure, including the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In the mid-1960s, Genevieve was asked to serve on President Lyndon Johnson’s Committee on Recreation and Natural Beauty. It was the honor of her career.   May 19, 1864  Today is the anniversary of the death of the American novelist and short-story writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. In 1843, Nathaniel wrote a crazy short story about a mad scientist who became obsessed with removing his wife, Georgiana’s birthmark. He decides to repurpose a remedy he created to remove blotches from the leaves of his geraniums. In the end, as his wife drinks the mixture, her birthmark does indeed fade away but so does her life force, and she dies a perfect, unblemished woman.   Unearthed Words Like their mother, Honor Sparrow, dead now for twenty-some years- gone on the very day her youngest daughter, Impatiens, arrived - the sisters had all green thumbs. It was ordained, really. They had each been named after a botanical, mostly flowers, and as their mother kept producing girls, the names became slightly ridiculous. But Honor was a keen gardener and in darkest winter, calling her daughter's names reminded her that spring would come again. For months after her death, the older girls hated their names and all they recalled for them. By the time they founded the Sparrow Sisters Nursery, though, each thoroughly embraced their names as the sign they were. ― Ellen Herrick, American publishing executive and author, The Sparrow Sisters   Grow That Garden Library Organic Gardening for Everyone by Cali Kim This book came out in 2019, and the subtitle is Homegrown Vegetables Made Easy - No Experience Required! In this book, Kim shows you just how easy it is to grow healthy vegetables at home - something she started doing in 2012. At the time, Kim approached her desire to garden in a very unique and compelling way: she crowdsourced it! After launching a YouTube channel under the name "CaliKim" (a nod to her California residency) and asking for help from everyday gardeners, Kim started gardening. When questions or problems popped up, Kim found support, advice, information, and connection from her viewers and subscribers. Gradually, she learned to garden, and her garden managed to survive and thrive even under the hot, harsh conditions of the California climate. Kim’s book is her way of giving back the gardening wisdom she’s accumulated. Now, almost a decade later, Kim answers more garden questions than she asks, and she’s here to help grow more gardeners through her lovely book. With Kim’s step-by-step encouragement, you’ll realize that anyone can garden and overcome any hesitations that gardening is too hard, intimidating, or time-consuming. With a busy family of her own, she shares her own inspirational story of balancing the garden's demands alongside the demands of a modern, busy California family. Kim offers friendly and practical advice that celebrates the joy of gardening. She offers her best advice on her passion for organic vegetable gardening.   This book is 160 pages of garden encouragement, wisdom, and enthusiasm from a California mom who became a passionate modern organic gardener over the past decade. You can get a copy of Organic Gardening for Everyone by Cali Kim  and support the show using the Amazon Link in today's Show Notes for around $5   Today’s Botanic Spark Reviving the little botanic spark in your heart May 19, 1941 Today is the birthday of the New York director and screenwriter Nora Ephron. Nora was the writer of many favorite movies: When Harry Met Sally (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and You've Got Mail (1998). In You’ve Got Mail, Nora wrote one of the most iconic lines about daisies in a scene between the two main characters: Kathleen and Joe. In the movie, Kathleen Kelly looks at the vase of daisies that Joe sets on the table beside her, and she says, I love daisies. And then, Joe Fox replies: You told me. Kathleen ignores the clue in Joe’s remark. Now, had she noticed what he just said, she’d realize that he purposefully bought her the daisies because he remembered their very first meeting at her bookstore. During his visit with Annabelle and Matthew, she tells the kids about her handkerchief. (Since they didn’t know what a handkerchief was!) Kathleen tells the kids, “My mother embroidered this for me - [with] my initials and a daisy because daisies are my favorite flower.” But Kathleen misses Joe’s comment because he had just set the flowers on the table beside her. At that moment, Kathleen gets distracted by the daisies and caught up in the beauty of the flowers. She offhandedly remarks, “They’re so friendly. Don’t you think daisies are the friendliest flower?” At this comment, Joe Fox looks to the side (because at this point he realizes she’s missed the meaning of his earlier comment), and then he simply answers her with, “I do.”   Thanks for listening to The Daily Gardener. And remember: "For a happy, healthy life, garden every day."

If you look at Benzie County on Google Maps , you’ll notice a dark green strip of land about five miles long between Platte Lake and Crystal Lake. That’s where a long-proposed scenic road would run – between U.S. Highway 31 and M-22 – taking people from Beulah into Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Last month, a bug the size of a fleck of pepper was found in a hemlock tree in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The invasive bug is called the hemlock woolly adelgid and it threatens Michigan’s 170 million hemlock trees. Infestations have existed in southwestern Michigan for years, but last year it was discovered in Mason County and has since crept north of Ludington. Foresters hope to hold the line there and keep woolly adelgid out of hemlock stands in northern Michigan.

North and South Manitou Island can be found around 14 miles northwest of the Michigan mainland in Lake Michigan. The islands are very rich in history and are part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Episode Sponsors:50% off your first order...

Helen Lockwood's boat was found drifting off Sleeping Bear Dunes with no one aboard. A year later her body was found in a shallow grave on South Manitou Island. She had been in court, fighting with the Park Service who had condemned her family's four hundred-acre orchard and intends to make it part of the new national park.Burr Lafayette, recently divorced and the deposed head of a major Detroit law firm, has kept the Park Service at bay for seven years, with no end in sight. Until Helen's husband, Tommy, is arrested for her murder. It turns out that he’d been trying to sell the orchards to the Park Service ever since Helen went missing. Tommy may not have been the perfect husband, and the prosecutor has damning evidence, but there's no shortage of people who had their own reasons to murder Helen.But Burr isn't a criminal lawyer. A man at loose ends, he's a brilliant litigator who prefers sailboats and dogs over courtrooms and clients, but he's convinced there is a clue somewhere that will unlock the truth, even though Tommy may be the murderer.Bear Bones is being released on the fiftieth anniversary of the formation of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. Celebrations are planned all year. The Park has been a great success, but its formation was full of controversy.This is the third book in the Burr Lafayette mystery series Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/house-of-mystery-true-crime-history. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Helen Lockwood's boat was found drifting off Sleeping Bear Dunes with no one aboard. A year later her body was found in a shallow grave on South Manitou Island. She had been in court, fighting with the Park Service who had condemned her family's four hundred-acre orchard and intends to make it part of the new national park.Burr Lafayette, recently divorced and the deposed head of a major Detroit law firm, has kept the Park Service at bay for seven years, with no end in sight. Until Helen's husband, Tommy, is arrested for her murder. It turns out that he’d been trying to sell the orchards to the Park Service ever since Helen went missing. Tommy may not have been the perfect husband, and the prosecutor has damning evidence, but there's no shortage of people who had their own reasons to murder Helen.But Burr isn't a criminal lawyer. A man at loose ends, he's a brilliant litigator who prefers sailboats and dogs over courtrooms and clients, but he's convinced there is a clue somewhere that will unlock the truth, even though Tommy may be the murderer.Bear Bones is being released on the fiftieth anniversary of the formation of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. Celebrations are planned all year. The Park has been a great success, but its formation was full of controversy.This is the third book in the Burr Lafayette mystery seriesSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/house-of-mystery-true-crime-history. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Half the Park is After Dark.” Think your park day is over once the sun sets? Think again! Tyler Nordgren, PhD, joins Bryan for an illuminating look at the Night Skies program. As a Night Sky ambassador, Dr. Nordgren supports The National Park Service’s efforts to ensure that the celestial landscape remains visible to future generations. And speaking of young park-goers, stick around after the Carl Sagan story and travel tips as Everybody’s National Parks special junior ranger correspondents ask a few hard-hitting astronomical questions of their own. Discussion Includes the Following: [00:54] - Introduction: Night Skies program, Big Bend National Park [01:17] - Dr. Tyler Nordgren: Cornell University and Carl Sagan [02:46] - International Dark Sky Association and Dark Skies sites, the Milky Way, Natural Bridges National Monument [03:51] - Ancient skies, ancient stories: Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, John Muir [06:02] - Evening Ranger programs: Around the galaxy, through the seasons [08:41] - Astronomical math [10:22] - The Drake equation [11:06] - Teaching insignificance via a grapefruit and sundae sprinkles; Big Bend National Park, Kuiper Belt; Alpha Centauri [14:29] - Native American oral traditions and the story of Ursa Majoris; Corona Borealis [17:18] - Dr. Nordgren’s seasonal tips for travelers: Grand Canyon National Park, Acadia National Park, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Isle Royale National Park [20:41] - Eclipse events: Mapping out the five years; Crater Lake National Park, Great Basin National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Lake Powell National Recreation Area, Mesa Verde National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Niagara Falls National Heritage Site [24:05] - Letchworth State Park [24:30] - Carl Sagan’s 'Cosmos' [24:47] - Questions from junior rangers [26:35] - Our collision course with Andromeda Galaxy For complete show notes and archive, visit everybodysnationalparks.com. Note: This episode is coming out in spring of 2020 during COVID-19 please be safe and follow guidelines to stay at home in social distance. If you are going to a national park, check the website for specific closures and guidelines for that park. The content of this interview is to inspire future travel once it is safe to do so. Thank you and we hope you and your loved ones stay healthy. Actions: Subscribe to our podcast from our website https://www.everybodysnationalparks.com/ Tell your friends about Everybody’s National Parks Send us your national park stories, recommendations, comments, or questions to Hello at everybodysnps.com. Support us on Patreon Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook   Please tag us from the parks you are visiting at #everybodysnationalparks and @everybodysnationalparks

This week on the RV Podcast we hear from Joe Russo, who with wife Kait creates the popular  We’re the Russos YouTube Channel and blog. Joe has just written his second book, Tales from the Open Road, and in this episode of the RV Podcast, he drops by to share some of their adventures and misadventures. Show Notes for Episode #251 July 17, 2019 of The RV Podcast; WHAT MIKE AND JENNIFER ARE UP TO THIS WEEK   JENNIFER - As this episode is released, we are in the Nashville, TN area on a family vacation. We’re spending a week in a rented house outside of Nashville with our three grown children, their spouses and our eight grandkids. We’re just hanging out together and touring the area. We rented a house in the horse country near Franklin and among our planned activities, taking in the historic Grand Ole Opry. MIKE – We’re really trying to make this a true vacation, too, meaning we’re cutting back on work as much as we can. Bo is with us and we drove the RV down and will take our time heading home, doing some wandering and exploring. I’m sure will chase down a couple of travel stories as we slowly head north. JENNIFER If anyone is looking for an excuse to go camping and get outsides, I can help. Just 20 minutes a day spent in nature can help reduce stress hormone levels, according to a new study by University of Michigan researchers. It concluded that an efficient "nature pill" — 20 to 30 minutes walking, sitting or completing a physical activity outside or interacting with nature — can reduce health issues such as chronic stress, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and weight. I like that. A “nature pill.” A great reason to go RVing! MIKE A very good idea. It’s that time in the podcast where we want to give a shoutout to our reviewer of the week, whose screen name is MLV55… who left us this wonderful five-star review on iTunes: “I have listened to several different podcasts on RV'ing and this by far is the best one. It is very professionally done with great tips and ideas for everyone no matter what size RV you own. We are in the research and planning phases of buying a class A motorhome and have found what we have learned from Mike and Jennifer's podcasts to be very valuable. Plus, the sound like really nice people and are a pleasure to listen to. Mike and Jennifer, keep up the great work! Thank you, MLV55. We so appreciated those kind words and your review. And we invite you dear listener, to do the same. Please leave us a review and a rating on iTunes or Stitcher or whatever app you listen to us on. We so appreciate the feedback and we read every one!  RV NEWS OF THE WEEK   JENNIFER Disabled can now hike Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park with special “Track Chair” Trails through Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can be steep or sandy -- but people who require hiking mobility assistance can now rent a motorized chair with treaded tracks to get around. The fact that the chair has tracks rather than wheels makes rougher terrain much more accessible. The program is run by volunteer group Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, which wants everyone to be able to experience the park's natural beauty. The group says the program is the first of its kind at a national park. The group currently has one chair that is available through reservations, but it is hoping to buy another one later this summer for children. The chairs are pretty pricey, with the first one costing more than $13,000. However, it's free for visitors to use and can carry up to 350 pounds. Since the program launched in June, the group has had more than a dozen visitors use it Volunteers try to do one run in the morning and one in the afternoon, allowing for the chair to be recharged between sessions. MIKE Should we close some National Parks so others can survive? We’ve reported extensively here about overcrowding in the National Parks as well as a woefully long backlog in maintenance and basic repairs.

Lori explores Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan, one of the most beautiful coastal wonders of the United States. She gives an overview of Sleeping Bear, Manitou Islands and things someone visiting can do to explore them and the surrounding areas. Find out more about Sleeping Bear Dunes and the surrounding area:Visit the National Park web site: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htmBlog post: The Working Mom TravelsDetroit Free Press: https://www.freep.com/story/travel/michigan/2016/05/28/8-dont-miss-gems-sleeping-bear-dunes/81861354/Leelanau Cellars: Visit their web siteConnect with Lori:Instagram: @thehikepodcast, @lori_the_explorerTwitter: @thehikepodcastBlog: thehikepodcast.wordpress.comFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail Lori at hikepodcast@gmail.com Special thank you to Isabella for being a show patron! Music track "Two Mountains at a Time" from Live at the Fillmore by Pachyderm, used under the Creative Commons license. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehikepodcast)

Who knew?   I have lived in the Midwest for decades, OK several decades and had only recently heard of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore located on Lake Michigan in the northwest corner of the "mitten" state known as Michigan.  Heralded as The Most Beautiful Place in America by a national newspaper, I was skeptical having stood in the Valley at Yosemite, watched Olde Faithful in it's majesty, seen the Grand Tetons, buffalo in Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon and after our visit at the very least if not THE most beautiful place Sleeping Bear Dunes is certainly one of THE most beautiful places in our great country! 450' Sand dunes severely sloping into Lake Michigan and 4 sq. miles of glacial moraines to hike along with pristine waters to paddle and secluded campgrounds.  Come along as we share our experience during a five day trip to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and ride The Heritage Trail.  Click on this link to download our free interacive PDF, ECT Travel Guide.

In today's episode of Are You Afraid of the Park, we have our very first guest! Join us as Katie tells us about some of her favorite stories from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Email us! - areyouafraidoftheparkpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram - @areyouafraidofthepark Follow us on Facebook - Are You Afraid of the Park? Follow us on Twitter - @areyouafraidof7 (because our name is too long...and 7 8 9.) ;) Warning: This podcast contains explicit language. Please listen with caution, especially if listening with children in the room. Thanks!

Our longtime boondocking buddy Campskunk has shared lots of information on the blog and podcast about traveling North America as a fulltime RVer. But he's now expanding his territory and is about to embark on a six month RV tour of Europe. His RV is now on a ship somewhere in the mid Atlantic. In a week or so, Campskunk and his wife, Sharon, and their cat, Fiona, will fly to Belgium and pick their RVup at the dock and begin the tour. In this episode of the RV Podcast, Campskunk shares what you need to do to take your RV to Europe. And he tells us the places he'll go, where he'll boondock and how much it will cost. Plus your RV questions, RV news and lots of tips and helpful RV information. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #135 April 12, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK Jennifer One frustration many RVers have is not having enough room to take all the things they'd like in those small RV refrigerators. Our friends Tom Burkett and his wife, Patti, have found an innovate way to get more food in the RV freezer   The Burkett's freezer template Tom shares his idea with us at [spp-timestamp time="5:20"] And be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox.I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: Rosie asks for advice in cleaning the little fuzzies and stuff that accumulates on the window screens of her RV. We answer, noting that clean screens produce more efficient air flow through your windows and will make you breathe better. Normally, to meticulously clean your RV screens, you remove them and wash them off with soap and water. But if they are just dusty, a microfiber towel which you can buy at WalMart or in auto stores can do the trick even without water. You will be surprised how it can do wonders to your screen. A small battery operated vacuum like the Dirt Devil also helps. [spp-timestamp time="9:04"] Pam wants to remodel her older RV. One such place is focalwood.com in Indiana. They specialize in RV makeovers and amish-crafted RV furniture like tables, desk units, headboards, window treatments and much more. Another is RVMakeovers in Wheat Ridge, CO. They do all sorts of projects on RV kitchens, baths, flooring and more on Sprinters, campervans and lots of Class A, B and C motorhomes. [spp-timestamp time="12:08"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, and their Partner Dealerships Creston RV in Kalispell, Montana, and Wagon Trail RV in Las Vegas. Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B's from three locations. PET TIP OF THE WEEK We've heard of jobs for volunteer campground hosts at RV parks. But here's one for you dog owners. You and your pet can become “Bark Rangers.” [spp-timestamp time="17:58"] Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan is hosting an orientation meeting for anyone interested in volunteering to serve as a “Bark Ranger.” Bark Ranger volunteers and their canine companions serve as ambassadors on national lakeshore beaches to provide visitors information about the park, highlight pet policies, and pet safety. Bark Rangers will also help to protect the lakeshore's nesting shorebirds. You do not have to own a dog to become a Bark Ranger. Bark Rangers will receive training and Bark Ranger gear for their dog, if they choose to volunteer with their dog. “We started this program last year and it was very successful,

North Manitou island is approximate 7-3/4 miles long and 4-1/4 miles wide. The highest point on the island is 1,001 feet above sea level and therefore 428 feet above Lake Michigan. That high point is somewhere on the northwest corner of the island and we would not visit it this trip we probably were not that far from the high point on the first day on our walk along the trail to the Pot Holes. The group would divide a couple times the first day with some heading straight to the campsite we had agreed upon near Swenson's Barn, the rest hiking along the Pot Holes trail to the overlook on the norhtern shore where we gazed down upon Lake Michigan and then divided once more with some retracing their steps and a group consisting of myself, Doug, and Andy scurrying down to the warm sandy beach and walking the 3-1/2 to 4 miles of beach to reach the campsite. We would have several hours to laze around camp, swim in the cool but not frigid, waters of Lake Michigan, relax, and just have fun. With the setting of the sun the bugs grew a bit more annoying but unbearable. We would spend some time watching the stars peak out as we sat on the cool sand listening to the waves of Lake Michigan lap against the beach. The last of us, Andy and I, would settle down for bed a little after 11:00PM—pretty late for a backpacking trip especially when you consider we hadn't slept much the night before. Our full day would include exploration of Sweonson's Barn, a long lazy lunch near Fredickson's Place, and then exploration of lesser visited parts of the island by some of us. That would include some wonderful bushwhacking up steep sandy hills to gain great views by Old Mount Baldy. We wold also walk along beaches of rich sand and deep Zebra Muscle beds and through dense woods down by Dimmick Point. The day would end with the group re-united near the old cemetery near the old estate of the Bournique's. The final day would go prety smoothly except for an accident Jim would have on the ferry before we even left the dock. While that would take some time to sort out and cause concern for us all everything would work out well in the end. Sites of Interest The National Park Service site for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is at www.nps.gov/slbe. Information for North Manitou can be found here. I have also written about previous trips I have taken to both the mainland portion of Sleeping Bear Dunes and North Manitou Island and you can find those journals on my main website. Photos Additional photos can be found at A Wandering Knight. (direct link)

North Manitou Island, the larger of the two islands, is a designated wilderness area. The only real way to reach it if you are not a serious paddler yourself, and the paddle from the mainland to the island should not be under-estimated as Lake Michigan is a serious body of water worthy of considerable respect, is via the Manitou Island Transit Ferry. Today the very full ferry made the hour long crossing on fairly smooth seas, but for some the ride was not quite smooth enough and I am sure they felt an even greater sense of joy upon reaching the dock at the old village remains, the one small bit on non-wilderness designated area, on North Manitou Island. The real trip would begin at this point, just around noon, on a glorious summer day. We planned to stay somewhere near Swenson's Barn which is located on the northwestern shore of the island. A direct hike, across the island center and then north, to the region we wanted to visit is just a few miles. With that in mind our group would split up with the bulk of it trekking down the unmaintained trail that winds through the "potholes" to an overlook above Lake Michigan. At that point we would divide once more with one group retracing their steps and hiking to the camping area we had settled upon while the others, including myself, would take the more round-about trek walking along the beach to the same location. Even the longest trek, the around the beach version, was probably only about 8 or so miles of easy hiking. Easy and lovely. Our campsite was, and I've stayed at several on North Manitou, superb. We had easy access to the lovely fresh waters of Lake Michigan and there was so much room that had their been others around we could have easily been spaced far enough apart so as not to notice them. If only the bugs hadn't pestered us the night would have been perfect. Sites of Interest The National Park Service site for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is at www.nps.gov/slbe. Information for North Manitou can be found here. I have also written about previous trips I have taken to both the mainland portion of Sleeping Bear Dunes and North Manitou Island and you can find those journals on my main website. Photos Additional photos can be found at A Wandering Knight. (direct link) Music Music came from The Podsafe Music Network by Artist Hello Dave with Michigan and from the group Falling You with their song Tribe which can be found at Magnatune.

Maya Dolena (Maui, HA), lifestyle coach and retired corporate executive, discusses how the current economic downturn is affecting consumer health spending. As the credit crunch threatens to throw the economy into a deep slump, and with health care costs rising, Americans are already cutting back on health care. Spending on everything from doctors' appointments to preventive tests to prescription drugs is under pressure. Second guest, Art Bernstein (Gold Hill, OR), naturalist and author, discusses Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Sleeping Bear Dunes comprise 35 miles of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, North and South Manitou Islands, and of course the famous dunes! For additional information, please visit www.nps.gov/slbe.