“Dear Louis, Here is a good sample of the land advertised for sale so cheap. All light sand and the most desolate country you ever saw. A man here told me that there was some of this land that was good, but that has been sold. In time this land might be all right for grass, fruit and sheep.”

Some things haven’t changed since that message was written in 1909. Things aren’t always what they are advertised to be, and the early bird gets the worm.

When buying property in today’s economy there is a lot of truth to both of those old adages. Often, when a piece of property is offered “cheap” it is easy to write it off thinking it is probably not worth your time, and in many cases that may be true.

But, there are also those hidden gems out there whose beauty is uncovered with a little bit (or a lot!) of elbow grease.

Who knows, someone may have come along and bought that “light sand and the most desolate country you ever saw” and made millions selling grass, fruit or wool.

So, buyers beware, but also keep an open mind.

The card is postmarked March 24, and is either 1906 or 1908.

The location is not indicated on the front of the postcard, but on the back it says, “Chinnery’s Landing, Pere Marquette River, Scottville, Mich. In smaller letters it says “J. Henry Chinnery, Pub. ”

The location, “Chinnery’s Landing”, caught my interest. I did some research on the web, but found nothing on Chinnery’s Landing, or on J. Henry Chinnery. If you know anything about this, I would appreciate hearing from you.

I’m not sure what the gentleman on the front of this postcard was thinking, but when looking at him, I was reminded of my posts on June 24 and August 26 about securing your toys. This man seems to be thinking, “Where is my boat? Both of my neighbors’ boats are here, but where is mine?”

But, then again, he could be thinking “This wasn’t what I envisioned when the real estate ad said ‘Waterfront Property. Needs a little work.”

Summer is going fast, so don’t let it slip by without taking time to enjoy a Michigan lake or river.

The audience that evening was made up of the very young to the very old, and all seemed to be enjoying the entertainment very much.

The part I respect the most is that they are all volunteers and donate their proceeds to a nonprofit organization. Visit our last post on the band or their website for more information.

Today’s picture was taken while strolling the beach in the Epworth Heights area of Ludington Michigan.  We salute those that proudly display the American flag for all to see.

We wish you all a happy and safe 4^th of July.

One of the things on my summer’s to do list is to take the ferry across Lake Michigan. I have seen both from the shore and I am trying to decide which one to experience.

The Lake Express leaves from Muskegon Michigan three times a day and arrives in Milwaukee  Wisconsin after an estimated 2 ½ hour crossing time. The cost is $128.00 round trip for adults, $117.00 seniors, and you can bring your car for $165.00.

The Badger leaves Ludington Michigan for Manitowoc  Wisconsin twice a day with an estimated crossing time of four hours.  The cost for the trip across Lake Michigan on the Badger is $121.00 round trip for adults, $104.00 for seniors and cars are $154.00.

The Lake Express is a little faster but also a little more money. The Badger has more nostalgia. I understand parking is free for the Badger. I am unsure if that’s the case for Lake Express. One other difference is that Badger allows you to take aboard your own food and the Lake Express does not.

I am wondering if anybody has been on both and can comment about your preference. Or share your thoughts on one or the other. 

One early morning, I was setting up to take a few pictures of the Badger preparing for it’s daily trip. Before setting up the tripod, I decided to snap a few pictures without the tripod and found the results to be quite interesting. Hope you enjoy this unique view of the Badger!

For the past several years, I have heard reports about a pair of photographers who were doing some amazing work in the Ludington area. After seeing their inspiring photos of Lake Michigan and the Ludington State Park, I had to learn a little bit more.

A father and son team, Brad and Todd Reed own a growing gallery on the main street  in Ludington Michigan.

While exploring their website, we learned about a class they offer two afternoons a week during the summer months, so one summer afternoon my wife and I made plans to attend one of the sessions. We knew we needed to sharpen our skills or, more truthfully, acquire some skills. I was hesitant about spending three hours in a classroom on a beautiful summer afternoon, but we were blown away with what we heard. Time flew by and we wanted to hear more.  Todd was our instructor that afternoon and he shared some of their tips, experiences and ideas. In the evening Todd joined him and our group for a sunset photo shoot. They gave tips and advice on setting up that perfect shot.  But, we found it just as fascinating to watch Todd and Brad setting up their shots and explaining their rational on how they were composing the shot.

One side note, as we were about to leave our home for the class, my wife asked me if I had packed the tripod. I had not, so set the camera down and packed the tripod. About 65 miles into the trip, I asked my wife to erase the shots on the camera.  She asked “Where did you put it?”  Sure enough, we packed the tripod and left the camera on the counter!  Fortunately, we had a spare camera with us and Todd graciously loaned us one of his.  But, we learned a good lesson that day. If you are going to take a camera class, bring a camera! 

Todd and Brad also offer a more detailed class over the course of two days with and early morning shooting session and a sunset shooting session. The weekend includes a review and critique of photos taken and instruction of the technical aspects of photography. They go over shutter speed, F Stops,  ISO, depth of field and much more. They ask you to take the manual to your camera and they help each person individually to understand how their particular camera works. Throughout the entire weekend, I never felt I was asking a dumb question or was wasting their time. They teach you how to take your camera off automatic and get creative.

The morning shoot was in the Ludington State Park and Todd and Brad shared insight on how to catch the morning light and make it work in your photograph.

The evening shoot was on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Yes, the sunset was an object of the lens, but there was so much more to shoot. Todd explained that so many people leave with their cameras as soon as the sun sets, thereby missing some spectacular shots.  I never realized how good the shooting is after the sun goes down.

This is not your ordinary photo class taught by a part time photo enthusiast. Todd and Brad have real passion and flair for what they are doing. Todd  is a former newspaper photographer and instructor. Brad a natural photographer, taught us that photography is an action sport. You have to get right up their where it is happening!

The intent of this site is not to recommend places or businesses, but this site seeks to promote Michigan and when I see someone with a passion for the beauty of Michigan who has the gift of capturing it and sharing this beauty with others, I do not hesitate to recommend them.

Visit their website, sign up on their email list, take their afternoon class, and take their picture perfect weekend class. Visit their gallery on Ludington ave and buy something.

This past weekend my thinking may have changed a bit. While I did not stay at a Bed and Breakfast, I attended a workshop at the Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Ludington Michigan.

This impressive home is a large, brick, neoclassical home built by William Cartier during Michigan’s lumber boom era in the early 1900’s. The large inviting front porch led to an impressive center entrance where the Cartiers would welcome their friends and business associates.

Even more impressive is the original woodwork throughout the home, each room finished with a different species of wood. The different rooms feature mahogany, oak, cherry, and my personal favorite, the black walnut in the library. Off the library is a delightful cozy den with a fireplace. I could just envision the Cartiers relaxing in this room with their close friends, enjoying the rooms  beautiful pocket benches next to the fireplace. The room even has pockets in the brick for guests to place their drink. I could go on and on about the detail of the house, but I will let you explore their website.

Now for the people. Gary and Sue Ann Schnitker are owners of the B & B and are only the third owners of this residence. I arrived very early Friday morning and I was welcomed by Gary, a very warm and personable gentleman, who with his warmth and sincerity, quickly erased my false, preconceived ideas of a B &B. 

As I waited in the parlor for the rest of the workshop participants, I had the opportunity to admire the cherry trim, the inlaid floors and the casually elegant period furniture. Sue Ann then came out of the kitchen, and I was given another warm welcome. I felt like I was a long lost friend!

The meals that were served were outstanding, beginning with a four course breakfast. All of the fantastic food was prepared and served by Sue Ann and Gary. The surroundings, the proprietors and the food went far beyond my expectations.

I was not able to spend the night at the mansion that weekend, but it is now on top of my list of things to do.

There is something for everyone including hiking trails (48 miles) and camping, horseback trails (35 miles) and ski trails, snowmobile trails (50 miles) and ATV trails (19 miles).

Within Newaygo County, the forest offers two developed campgrounds. Nichols Lake and Benton Lake campgrounds are less busy than a private campground or a state campground. These campgrounds are designed for those who really like to rough it, as electric and sewage hookups are not available.

You may chose to use the campsites on one of Michigan’s small lakes within the forest: Brush Lake, Condon Lake, Hungerford Lake, Sawkaw or Shelly lake. These sites are more rustic but generally have drinking water, garbage disposal and restrooms.

As with most attractions, there are fees involved: $3.00 for one day, $5.00 for up to seven days or $20.00 for the season. You can get more information by writing: District Ranger, 650 N Michigan, Baldwin Mi., 49304 or by calling 1-231-745-4631