#Lake Leelanau

[johnnycats]

Finally made it camping again at Leelanau State Park.

[annaetoma]

Sleeping Bear Dunes on the last warm day of the year.

[farlane]

Rite of Passage

An incredible photo of the Northern Lights dancing over the Manitou Passage in Lake Michigan last night from Sleeping Bear Point.

Rite of Passage Part 2 by Captures by Ethan VIA LEELANAU.COM… Here’s an incredible photo of the Northern Lights dancing over the Manitou Passage in Lake Michigan last night from Sleeping Bear Point. South Manitou Island is to the right, North Manitou Island to the left & The Crib (North Manitou Shoal Light) is in the center. Ethan’s father Elmer Hohnke recently passed away and he shares: I’ve…

[allmichigan]

Rite of Passage

An incredible photo of the Northern Lights dancing over the Manitou Passage in Lake Michigan last night from Sleeping Bear Point.

Rite of Passage Part 2 by Captures by Ethan VIA LEELANAU.COM… Here’s an incredible photo of the Northern Lights dancing over the Manitou Passage in Lake Michigan last night from Sleeping Bear Point. South Manitou Island is to the right, North Manitou Island to the left & The Crib (North Manitou Shoal Light) is in the center. Ethan’s father Elmer Hohnke recently passed away and he shares: I’ve…

[leadvalets]

Picking the right Northern Michigan Painter

Every home will eventually need a new coat of paint. When a homeowner decides to have their home painted, it is extremely important that they find a Northern Michigan residential painting company who is competent and will do a good job, but who will also offer top-rate customer service. Good painters and painting companies, like Pro Paint Co., will go the extra mile to make sure that the customer…

[typocode]

Transitional Deck - Deck Deck - medium-sized, open-air transitional backyard deck design

[devries-travels]

Leelanau State Park

May 25, 2021

I have lived in Michigan since 2001. I had ventured to the bigger cities and spent a few summer days here and there on the beaches on the West coast of the state, but until this trip I had never been to anywhere North. Right before we left we got some very basic gear: a purple water bottle that maybe fits 20 ounces in it, and a small $5 backpack both from Five Below. So with that and some snacks we had the bare minimum to do a real hike.

That drive towards Traverse City is still burned into my memory. Seeing glimpses of the Manistee National Forest, being surprised by how beautiful the Grand Traverse Bay is…. I knew that it was going to be really beautiful when we got to our destination but I really had no idea what was in store for us.

We first decided to take a route that led to the lake after about a mile of hiking. I’ve seen Lake Michigan before but this was the clearest water I had seen in my life

Stunning, honestly, and we got to walk along the beach for a while before heading back to the trail. The problem is that to get down to this amazing beach we had to climb down a pretty sizeable dune. The way down is nothing, but climbing up a dune when you haven’t yet gotten used to physical activity is basically the worst thing possible.

Eventually we struggled our way up the dune back into the forest. This was such a magical place honestly. It was far enough into spring that a lot of the growth had already happened, bugs were everywhere but they mostly left us alone. And the trees? Absolutely gigantic.

To be fair now that I’m writing this I’ve seen a handful of bigger forests, but this is the first time I’ve seen something more striking than the woods around where I live. This is one park we spent the entire day doing every possible trail either by accident or sheer curiosity.

On the other side of the park also there is the beautiful but not that originally named Mud Lake. I feel like there are multiple Mud Lakes even just in Michigan. Even just in the Lower Peninsula if I remember correctly.

Eventually after many hills and discussing our lives over the last few weeks in the woods with barely anyone around to hear us (which is one of my favorite parts of all of this) we completed our trip around the park and stopped back at the beach at the bottom of the dune and watched the sunset.

That cloud formation actually ended up being a storm that hit right after we got back to camp.

I’ll honestly never forget this day as long as I live. It was before recording hikes became a thing, so I don’t know how much we actually did that day but it felt like a challenge and left me with a feeling that I would be wanting to do things like this for as long as I’m able to.

[joshsindigostreak]

O, Pioneers

Prologue

“Resist much, obey little.” - Walt Whitman

Sam Kiszka x F!OC

Authors note: Welcome Sam lane!!! This is the official start to Sam’s journey in the ISHIYE universe. This one starts around the same time ISHIYE started, so we’ll basically see what Sam has been up to this whole time. I will say that O, Pioneers along with every other spin off will make the most sense if ISHIYE is read beforehand. It’s all an interconnected universe and all the fics will reference each other to varying degrees. Every chapter besides this one will include a flashback to his Uni days. I hope you guys love this and I want to make Sammy Nation proud! I also hope you love my OC Natasha, as she just jumped into my head one day and hasn’t shut up since. Danny will also be heavily featured, it his actual story will be its own titled, “Running Through the Garden.” This is relatively short, but it’s a good little preview of what’s to come! Enjoy!

Word Count: 2060

Warnings: None for this chapter other than sweating!

It started with an email. One, stupid, email. One, professional, email. An email from one academic to another. Natasha just needed an extra source. Specifically, she needed to get her hands on a very specific journal. A journal that contained anatomical drawings and first hand accounts of the Lake Leelanau Creature. Colloquially it is referred to as the Leelanau Lake Monster, but the use of the word “monster” is frowned upon in Supernatural and Academic circles. Annoyingly, she only knew of one person who would be in possession of said journal. The one person whom she was perfectly fine never speaking to again: Sam Kiszka. He had built up quite the reputation in recent years with rumors of his immense archives and collection of particular artifacts. 

Natasha wrinkled her nose and adjusted her glasses as the cursor blinked on the screen. She could write emails like this in her sleep but the thought of asking him for something? Giving him the satisfaction that she needed his help? She’d rather be hit by a bus. However, she needed this information for an upcoming presentation and she had gathered almost all of her resources except this one. Adjusting her cat-eye frames one more time, she began typing.

From: nedelaney@lakewooduniversity.edu 

To: sfkiszka@stardustarchives.com

CC:

Subject: Lake Leelanau Journal

Dear Sam,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you for a request for some scans from a book I know you possess and are familiar with: the Gautheir journal. Currently I am in the middle of a research project involving North American Sea Serpents and I need the pages with the anatomical drawings in particular, as well as any other pages pertaining to the first sighting of the Creature. Any contributions beyond that would be most appreciated. 

Kind Regards, 

Natasha E. Delaney 

States away, in eastern Michigan, a young scholar was startled by the sudden ding on his laptop, alerting him of a new email. With an arched brow he opened his inbox, and seeing the email address in the top bar brought back hoards of memories. 

Natasha. Fucking. Delaney. The only person to ever score higher on tests than him, to easily skate past him in grades, keep up with him during lectures, and narrowly beat out his GPA for the top of their graduating glass. He hadn’t spoken to her since graduation almost three years ago, but he couldn’t help being amused at the fact that she needed his help. He could just imagine that icy blonde hair of hers sitting on top of her head in a bun, those obnoxious cat-eye glasses resting on her nose while she bites the bullet and asks for his help. With a smirk on his face, he clicked on the reply button and began typing.

From: sfkiszka@stardustarchives.com

To: nedelaney@lakewooduniversity.edu 

CC:

Attachments: Secondary Leelanau sources.pdf

Subject: Re: Lake Leelanau Journal

Dear Natasha, 

Unfortunately your email did not find me well, as I am in the middle of several projects myself. Here at Stardust Archives™ the stream of knowledge never stops, and neither shall I. I also regret to inform you that scanning said journal for those particular pages will be impossible, as that journal is much too fragile to be handled in such a way. I do however have a few recommendations for similar sources, which I have attached to this email. I am so sorry I was not able to assist you further. 

Good luck on your endeavors, 

Sam F. Kiszka 

He sat back as he clicked send, knowing that most of it was horse shit. He hadn’t been in an actual project in nearly a month, but she didn’t know that. But he wasn’t lying about the journal being too fragile for scanning. Theoretically it would be ok with current technology, but he didn’t want to risk it as it was a trusted family heirloom that was given to him in confidence. In this business, keeping contacts happy was nearly half the job. Word of mouth was crucial, and if you couldn’t be trusted to handle things with respect and care, what good were you? Satisfied, he stood up from his desk to go back to the new shipment of books he was sorting. 

“That mother fucker,” she seethed. Natasha read his email again, mocking the ‘here at Stardust Archives™…’ line to herself while scrunching up her face. She knew for a fact that while that journal was old, it wasn’t that old. The librarian who had recommended that particular volume to her in the first place even said that it shouldn’t be any trouble to get scans of the pages. To make it worse, those ‘resources’ he had sent weren’t helpful at all, and didn't even go into detail of the anatomy of the Creature, which was what she truly needed. Rolling her eyes, her fingers began tapping out her rebuttal. 

From: nedelaney@lakewooduniversity.edu

To: sfkiszka@stardustarchives.com 

CC:

Attachments: Secondary Leelanau sources.pdf

Subject: Re: Re: Lake Leelanau Journal

Sam,

I’m so sorry to hear how busy you are. However I was told specifically that the Gauthier journal was preserved enough that scans wouldn’t be a problem at all. Has something changed? Has it been damaged in any way since it was last made public? I hope such an integral part to your own state's history would be treated with the utmost care. If I remember correctly from that class we both took, with Professor Andrews, paper from that time period would still be stable if exposed to light or a scanning device. In fact I remember he said once, “as long as you’re not mashing it down on a decrepit photo copier from 1993…”. Surely you have a better scanner than that? If you could get those scans to me as soon as you’re able, that would be wonderful. 

Regards, 

Natasha

The ding from Sam’s laptop alerted him again, and his smile quickly faded when he opened the mail program and saw Natasha’s response. On one hand, she had the right idea, but on the other hand, whatever project she needed it for was not worth the risk in his eyes. His mouth hung open in offense with her questioning his integrity to Michigan history. Artifacts from his home state were always given top priority, and to have her imply that he was being careless with any of them made his entire body tense. Instinctively, he wanted to just send back a simple, ‘no,’ but he knew that would only make her more relentless. 

From: sfkiszka@stardustarchives.com

To: nedelaney@lakewooduniversity.edu 

CC:

Attachments: Secondary Leelanau sources.pdf

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Lake Leelanau Journal

Nat,

You aren’t entirely wrong about it being possible, however the family who entrusted it to me made me promise -in writing- to keep it as well preserved as I possibly could. As such, any form of scanning or sudden exposure to light is just not an option.  I hope that the other resources I sent you were enough to suffice. I know whatever project you’re needing them for will manifest in the most riveting way. 

Godspeed, 

Sam F. Kiszka

Natasha tilted her head and cracked her neck when she saw the shortened form of her first name. She hated being called Nat. It was too close to the word for those annoying bugs. Worst of all, it was what her older sisters called her just to get under her skin. All three of them would repeat it over and over again when she was little and laughed when she got upset. Her oldest sister would even take it a step further and call her ‘Natty’ on occasion. She hated how it sounded, how it looked, and she much preferred the nickname ‘Tasha’ if she had a choice. Most of her fellow students called her Tasha, as well as her close friends. Even on blind dates she’d introduce herself as Tasha before anything else. 

From: nedelaney@lakewooduniversity.edu

To: sfkiszka@stardustarchives.com 

CC:

Attachments: Secondary Leelanau sources.pdf

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Lake Leelanau Journal

Samuel,

I appreciate your passion for the preservation of critical documents, it’s truly inspiring, Professor Andrews would be proud. But I think you’re being rather difficult here. If not unreasonable. And no, those other resources did not help as they are not relevant to my ongoing project. I appreciate your confidence in my work, but what would truly help me be on my way would be your cooperation. 

Impatiently, 

Tasha

Sam stared at the screen. She really wasn’t going to let up, was she? He thought for a moment, and something in his brain wanted to physically hear her ask for his help. Maybe it was his ego, maybe it wasn’t, but he was impulsive enough to go out on a limb to satiate it. 

From: sfkiszka@stardustarchives.com

To: nedelaney@lakewooduniversity.edu 

CC:

Attachments: Secondary Leelanau sources.pdf

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Lake Leelanau Journal

‘Tasha’,

Unfortunately, I must be away from my desk at this time due to other projects and meetings. However, if you would like to continue our correspondence, I will happily provide you my number for your convenience. 

(248) 555-9423

In eternal anticipation, 

‘Muel’

Natasha stared at the phone number on her screen. That little shit. He wanted to hear her ask. It didn’t take a genius to figure that part out. Maybe he wanted her to beg? He was arrogant enough to want such a thing. She wasn’t going to give in that easily. She wanted his arrogance in writing. If he couldn’t be professional and stick to emails, he was going to have her in his pocket at all times, constantly making his phone go off. Quickly she added his number as a new contact, and typed out her first ever text to Sam F. Kiszka. 

Natasha: Ok cut the shit, Kiszka why are you being difficult? 

Sam: Who is this?

Natasha: I swear to god, Sam

Sam: Ok ok, fine. Do you really want to see this journal that badly? 

Natasha: I have wasted an entire afternoon emailing you about it, so yes. 

Sam: Well as I said I can’t scan the pages. But if you would like to view them in person for your research, that can easily be arranged. 

Natasha: In person?

Sam: Yes, that's when people meet face to face. 

Natasha: I’m going to ignore that for my sanity, but don’t you live in Michigan?

Sam: Yes.

Natasha: You do know that I’m in Lakewood for my Masters right?

Sam: Yes, what is the issue?

Natasha: So you want to travel all the way to Vermont just because you are refusing to scan the pages? 

Sam: Oh I wouldn’t bring an artifact that fragile on a plane, you know that. You can simply come here. I know there’s a break coming up, if I remember our old schedule correctly. 

Natasha nearly threw her phone, but she wasn’t going to give up. Before she could fully type out a response she got another text.

Sam: And don’t worry about needing a hotel there’s plenty of room upstairs for you. My parents are in Canada on business and my brothers are off doing god knows what. 

Natasha: I’m sure I can find a hotel I don’t want to put you out

Sam: It's really no trouble, we have a separate guest room anyway that barely gets used 

She mulled it over for a few minutes. 

Natasha: Well I’ve never been to Michigan.

Sam: It’s much better than Vermont.

She sighed.

Natasha: Fine. I’ll talk to my professors and get it sorted out. The break starts in two days. 

Sam smirked at his phone and leaned back in his chair,  he was right.

Sam: Excellent. I’ll go dust the window sills and pick out the fanciest chocolate for your pillow.

Natasha: I’ll text you my flight details. 

Sam: Can’t wait, Nat ;)

Not wanting him to know that he bothered her, Natasha set her phone down and opened up another webpage to look up flights. By the weekend she was going to not only be in Sam Kiszka’s presence for the first time since graduation, but staying at his fucking house. 

What the fuck did she just agree to? 

To be continued...

Tag List:  @dannyandthekiszkas , @readyforthegarden  , @sinners-go-to-drink-the-wine , @wideminded-dreamer , @runwayblues , @wildbluesorbit , @llightmyllovee , @rhythm-of-space , @sacredthefran , @writingcold , @alwaysonthemend , @wetkleenex-gvf , @josh-iamyour-mama , @lightsofthe-living-gvf , @gvfcinema , @sacredthethreadgvf , @losfacedevil , @jakekiszkasbuttsweat , @shutupdevvie , @hearts-hunger , @gretavanfleetposts , @ascendingtostardust , @mackalah , @andromeda-raine-gvf , @jake-kiszkas-smirk , @gracev0609 , @sacredjake , @earthlysorrows , @gvfpal , @myownparadise96 , @itsafullmoon , @gvfmelbourne , @twistedmelodies , @that-witchy-pan , @gold-mines-melting , @texas-bbq-pringles , @jakekiszkapunchmeintheface , @sadiechar , @char289 , @stardustvanfleet , @sunfl0wer-power , @holdingup-fallingsky ,

[railwayhistorical]

Leland, Michigan

These images come from Fishtown which is located in the heart of Leland, Michigan. The body of water pictured is called the Leland River, which is a very short outlet stream between Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan.

The buildings on either side of the stream are wonderful in their rustic characteristics. The fish tug pictured is attractive as well—the Janice Sue was built in 1958; it's covered so that people fishing can do so in adverse conditions/for a longer season.

Three images by Richard Koenig; taken August 6th 2023

[dailylighthouse]

I haven't seen this one yet, but if you want another Lake Michigan lighthouse, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Leelanau State Park, MI is a strange looking one. It looks like a little bed and breakfast but they stuck a light on the roof. The inside has been restored to about the 1920s (I think).

Another one that you can walk through is Au Sable in Grand Marais, MI off of Lake Superior. It's about a 1.5 mile hike to get there from the campground close by. If you're a rustic camper it's a GREAT campground that sits practically on the beach.

Lovely lighthouses! They have been added to the queue.

[erikbahle]

Sailing on south lake leelanau

[johnnycats]

Moonrise over Grand Traverse Bay, Leelanau State Park, Michigan

[glampmichigan]

Experience Unmatched Elegance: Luxury Glamping in Michigan

Michigan, known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty, offers an incredible way to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comforts of high-end living. Luxury glamping in Michigan, a blend of glamorous and camping, provides a unique experience that combines the best of both worlds. If you’re seeking a lavish retreat in Michigan’s stunning outdoors, here’s why luxury glamping should be on your bucket list.

Embrace Nature with Style

Luxury glamping redefines traditional camping by offering upscale accommodations without sacrificing the essence of nature. In Michigan, you can find a variety of glamping options, from opulent safari tents and yurts to elegant treehouses and upscale Airstreams. These accommodations are thoughtfully designed with high-end furnishings, plush bedding, and stylish decor, ensuring a comfortable and sophisticated experience amidst the beauty of the wilderness.

Unrivaled Comfort

Forget about roughing it in a basic tent. Luxury glamping sites in Michigan offer a level of comfort that rivals five-star hotels. Imagine sinking into a memory foam mattress under a canopy of stars, or enjoying a private bathroom with hot showers and premium toiletries. Many glamping locations also provide gourmet meals prepared by skilled chefs, adding a culinary delight to your outdoor adventure.

Scenic Locations

Michigan’s diverse landscapes offer a perfect backdrop for luxury glamping. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan, the serene forests of the Upper Peninsula, or the rolling hills and vineyards of the Leelanau Peninsula, there’s a luxury glamping spot to match your desires. Each location is carefully chosen to enhance your connection with nature while providing breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.

Exclusive Experiences

Luxury glamping in Michigan goes beyond plush accommodations. Many sites offer exclusive experiences tailored to their guests’ interests. You might enjoy private guided hikes, kayaking on pristine lakes, or stargazing with a local astronomer. Some glamping resorts also provide wellness services such as yoga sessions, spa treatments, and meditation classes, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate in a natural setting.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

One of the benefits of luxury glamping is its commitment to eco-friendly practices. Many glamping operators in Michigan focus on sustainability, using green technologies and materials to minimize their environmental impact. Solar panels, composting toilets, and locally sourced materials are just a few examples of how these retreats promote sustainability while delivering a high-end experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group retreat, luxury glamping in Michigan offers something for everyone. The unique blend of elegance and nature makes it an ideal setting for celebrating special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, or even corporate events. The intimate and exclusive atmosphere ensures that each guest enjoys a personalized and memorable experience.

Book Your Luxury Glamping Adventure

If you’re ready to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in luxury amidst Michigan’s natural splendor, consider booking a stay at one of the state’s premier glamping destinations. With an array of options to suit different tastes and preferences, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy a glamorous outdoor adventure.

[farlane]

Michigan Strawberry Season is underway!

Have you had any fresh Michigan strawberries yet?? Where's your favorite place to pick them up??

via Leelanau.com Strawberry Season at Bardenhagen Berries Farm Bardenhagen Berries Farm of Lake Leelanau, Michigan reports: We checked to see if the berries were ready to pick and it turns out they ARE!! We’ll have strawberries at our farmstand at 7990 E Horn Road, Lake Leelanau today until they sell out. The photos show the first flat of the day picked, as well as the first customers to…

[allmichigan]

The Legend of the Lake Leelanau Monster

A good story to share when you’re floating around this weekend is the tale of the Lake Leelanau Monster

Tilting by john levanen Back in the day, I used to feature excerpts by Linda S. Godfrey from the definitive book of Michigan mysteries: Weird Michigan. A good story to share when you’re floating around this weekend is the tale of the Lake Leelanau Monster. The story of an early 20th Century sea monster sighting was sent to The Shadowlands Web site by a reader whose great-grandfather was the…

[troybiddix]

Leelanau State Park’s Lake Michigan-Mud Lake Loop

Troy Biddix is an accomplished accountant who serves as a partner with Deloitte Tax in Detroit. He lives in the relatively small northern Michigan community of Lake Leelanau. One of Troy Biddix’s favorite pastimes is hiking.

A wildlife area about half an hour away from Lake Leelanau, Leelanau State Park offers some of the best hiking in the area. Occupying the northernmost tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, Leelanau State Park has five named trails that interweave across its 1,350 acres. The most popular trails in the park, according to the independent resource AllTrails, are the Lake Michigan Trail and the Mud Lake Trail. In fact, Michigan Trail Maps reports that large numbers of hikers tend to combine these trails to make the Lake Michigan-Mud Lake Loop.

To complete this loop, hikers venture from the Lake Michigan Trail past the Manitou Overlook cutoff and toward the beach and observation deck on the Mud Lake Trail. All told, this hike spans five miles and rates as easy to moderately difficult. In addition to general recreational hikers, the Michigan-Mud Lake Loop is popular with birdwatchers, who can spot a variety of waterfowl, and “leaf peepers,” who know that the fall colors of the forest leaves are generally most vivid in early October.