Bayshore Marathon

This is from yesterday's Bayshore Marathon. I was surprised by not only how long this event had been taking place (I heard 'just under 30 years'), but also by the fact that I'd never attended this event before, as a spectator. It was a beautiful day for a race. Runners could participate in a 10K, half marathon or full marathon. It was inspiring to realize that every single person that crossed the finish line had hustled at least 10K. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to cover the runners out on the course. The paper wanted photos of the first place male and female finishers in each of the three events. Therefore, I had to stay in the same general area since they started and finished very close to each other. Also, there wouldn't have been enough time to walk the mile to my car, drive out on the peninsula, drive back and find a decent parking spot again. It would've been a minor miracle to do all that. It made me a bit antsy but the other photographer took some great photos out in the field so it worked out well. The paper, most papers, wouldn't run a lot of these photos, plus, they would most likely be in color. So it's nice being able to have the freedom here to post the photos I had fun taking.

Paradise

This old sign presented itself near the small town of Elk Rapids.

Tent Caterpillars

The invasion of 2010 involves these tent caterpillars. When I was younger I remember them being this bad but that was some time ago. I was walking near the old state hospital recently when I saw and abundance of these nuisances falling like rain from the trees and covering the ground. I looked up and saw a few determined mini-beasts crawling on a door marked 'no tresspassing' and that pretty much sums up the situation.

Lake Leelanau

This was from an assignment today in Lake Leelanau during their Walleye Festival. The photo isn't one that would run in the paper, but it's just one that appealed to me as I was standing there. It's fun to break away from only taking photos that would run in a paper. I try to get the shots for the paper first, but afterward I like to just see things for the fun of seeing things. It's a tough separation sometimes though.

Petoskey

A guy walked into a store and tied his Jack Russell Terrier to the tree and then this cool car pulled up alongside. I was sitting on a bench watching everything and just decided to take the picture.

Bicycles

This scene presented itself after turning a corner in Northport, MI. I'm not sure why these bicycles were hanging in trees.

Morel

The Morel gods smiled upon me a couple days ago by placing one right in front of the house. I'm not a fan of mushrooms at all. So it surprises even myself that I enjoy them so much. A caramelized morel is a tasty delight that everyone should try at least once.

Speed Limit

Bacon

I love cool dogs. I also love taking pictures of them. It seems like each one I encounter has a unique personality, or quirk, of some sort. This dog was awesome. My car was giving me some attitude so I took it to a garage this morning. When I pulled up, the owner was inside. His car was out front with the doors and hatch open and this dog taking it easy. When I inquired about the black lab in front, he said it's name was 'Bacon' and that it was a good dog. Apparently, Bacon just has the run of the car while it's owner is inside. The backseat is probably more comfortable than anything in the auto shop. Most dogs would give a week's worth of milk bones for one car ride and this dog gets to be in the car all day, not a bad gig. Anyway, this is Bacon-a cool dog.

Glen Haven

Glen Haven, MI.

Blue Sky

This was from a trip out on Old Mission peninsula today.

Pig