Early Fall on the West Shore of Houghton Lake, Michigan, where the morning air is crisp and the sun rises with clouds, color and beauty. Every morning was different. Some mornings were so cloudy or foggy that the sun made a quiet, almost non-appearance for the day. Other days were glorious. Here is a taste of the last week of September, 2021.
We had landscaping done today. A dry shade garden full of plants to surprise and amaze. Lots of texture, colors and flowers and seed pods. All of my favorite things. So much to explore. Here is a brief preview of some of the details but there is more to come.
Sunrise on the lake. I’ll be visiting Dad every month this year, and the highlight of every morning is what the sun will do. Color, clouds, timing, brilliance, all can vary and I can’t predict it. In June, it occurs early and I can miss it. Today was not as dramatic, but I really liked it. There were the pastel areas surrounding the sunrise, cloud character, and sun color peeking through the fluffy clouds. The lake is slightly rippled so there is texture in the bottom of the images, and an overall smoothness in the sky as potential rain clouds come into visit us today.
Much of northern Illinois was covered with heavy frost at the first of the year. Some was Rime Ice, a very thick ice that forms when a fog is present during winter weather. Some was Hoar Frost, ice crystals that form when the temperature is well below freezing and the moisture creates ice crystal growths that resemble thorns or hairs. It was a very cold walk that day when I ventured out to capture images. Eye glass wearers always struggle on those very cold days to keep their glasses clear. But add a mask for COVID and fogging up just won’t stop. As a result, quite a few images captured were not in focus. That didn’t stop me from trying, however! Every branch and twig was covered with Hoar Frost. It was amazing to explore and get up close to see the ice crystals. The weather conditions have to be just right for this phenomenon to appear. And within hours the sun had melted all the crystals. It was a special time to be outside and look at all the ways the ice crystals grew.
This lovely native bush is in full bloom in early July. The blooms look like the brushes for baby bottles, hence the name. But this species is native to Illinois and its full name is Bottlebrush Buckeye. It spreads out and fills the shaded area. Some branches are low to the ground.
Bottlebrush Buckeye Full View
Bottlebrush Buckeye Full View
Bottlebrush Buckeye Edge
Bottlebrush Buckeye Close Up
Bottlebrush Buckeye Close Up
Bottlebrush Buckeye from Above
Bottlebrush Buckeye Bush View
The sky was clear, but the temperature was cold. We decided to take several short walks in Morton Arboretum, late afternoon on New Year’s Day. As the sun lowered, the oak leaves turned gold and the colors on Lake Marmo, which was ice covered, offered reflections and colors. It was a great way to start 2020!
Starburst through winter oaks
Golden Oak Leaves
Golden Oak Leaves
Golden Oak Leaf
Clouds and blue sky reflected on Lake Marmo
Patterns of water freezing
Clouds Reflected on Ice
Sunset behind trees
Sunset Drama
Full Color of the Sunset
The sky was like a watercolor painting, with soft hues and colors. The clouds were sparse, but lovely. They looked a bit like popcorn in places. As the bright orange sun set, the colors and drama deepened. These were taken at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve.
The sunset was a pastel palette. The trees have lost their leaves and are showing their bare branches. I chose to capture with intentional camera movement, creation Sunset Impressionism.
Golden Hour Framed by Nature
As the sun sets in my neighborhood, the brown oak leaves still on the trees turn a brilliant orange. As I walked I saw this brilliance framed perfectly by trees. Nature’s Golden Hour art framed for us to see!
