Uploads from jimflix!, tagged elberta, with geodata

The Point of Hiking in the Green (GPDNP 14/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:26:20 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

That is – this shows why we like to hike in the lovely woods at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve!

The fall colors were just getting started in this neck of the woods

Taken at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better.)

Just One Last Long Look at the Lovely Lake(s) (GPDNP 13/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:20:02 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

Yes, I know – “they” say don’t shoot straight in the direction of the sun. But once it a while you get pleasant surprise!

This is taken during of what’s normally the height of fall colors, but you only get a taste of that here.

And unlike the previous photos, this one is taken at the main “roofless gazebo” overlook (made out of Ipe wood like the stairs), a few hundred feed back from the edge of the bluffs, and overlooking Lake Michigan at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

In the distance is Mt. Baldy and the Arcadia Lookout on M-22. (There’s another great set of trails and overlooks Mt. Baldy, by the way.) On the left you can make out a sliver of Lower Herring Lake (and the Watervale Resort at the south end).

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better.)

Da Beach -- just a mere 300 feet down! (GPDNP 12/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:21:35 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

View as large as you can for the full effect. And then Be Careful -- don’t lean too far forward -- you might fall in!

Taken at the bluffs overlook above Lake Michigan at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better!)

Frankfort-Elberta Point & Lighthouse (GPDNP 11/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:13:03 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

I'm putting this one up just because it shows better the Frankfort Lighthouse and beacon (3.3 miles away), the breakwater piers to those, and the small shoreline point at Frankfort-Elberta. You can also make out the sandy trail to a hill atop the high bluff north of Frankfort. This may provide a better feel for how high the overlook is above the water.

Taken at the bluffs overlook above Lake Michigan at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better.)

Straight Out View from Green Point Overlook (GPDNP 10/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:31:06 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

As James Taylor sang, "deep greens and blues are the colors I choose."

There have been views to the south, views to the north, so where is the view looking straight out from the overlook, you ask?? Well, here you go!

In your mind’s eye you have combine this with the southern and northern views of the previous two photos -- see first comment below -- only then do you begin to get an idea of the vastness of what it’s like up there.

If you want to feel “some air in your hair” this would be the place! And it was a windy day, as you can tell from the distance between the wave peaks. The wind is amplified when it hits the 300’ bluff. (In fact, that’s why they hang glide from the Green Point launch about 1/3 mile to the north.)

For the full effect -- run a fan at your face while viewing this as large as you can. (:->

Taken at the bluffs overlook above Lake Michigan at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better.)

Northern View from the Green Point Overlook (GPDNP 9/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 11:57:43 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

Not as dramatic as the southern view (seen in the previous photo), but better light (the sun is at a right angle or more). Sharp eyes will spot the Frankfort Lighthouse and the breakwater piers.

This is another merge of two photos to give you a hint, at least, of the vastness seen / felt up there. Because the overlook is on a bit of a point it feels like it’s hanging over the edge of the bluff in these photos. (It’s not, but it is right on the edge.)

Taken at the bluffs overlook above Lake Michigan at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

View as large as you can then pan left and right.

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better.)

Southern View from the Green Point Overlook (GPDNP 8/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 07:25:16 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

So, starting at the stairs at the beach, the trail next takes you up, Up, UP along the edge of Lake Michigan until you reach a small overlook platform perched literally on the edge of the bluff. The wind there can be amazing. (In fact, that’s why they hang glide from the Green Point launch about 1/3 mile to the north.) It can feel very dramatic there, or very serene.

From the overlook you’re rewarded with a fantastic view. A full panoramic shot would be ideal, but you-all would need a monitor four feet wide to see everything very well. So I offer this merger of two photos to give you a hint, at least, of the vastness seen / felt up there. See the northern view of the next photo to see more.

In the distance is Mt. Baldy and the Arcadia Lookout on M-22. (There’s another great set of trails and overlooks Mt. Baldy, by the way.) At the far left you can just barely make out a sliver of Lower Herring Lake.

Taken at the bluffs overlook above Lake Michigan at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

View as large as you can then pan left and right.

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better.)

Take your shoes off, sit a spell! (GPDNP 7/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:57:21 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

When coming back from the beach, this is a great place take a moment and dump the sand out of your shoes, and take in the view before going back on the woodsy trail.

Taken as you leave the woods where the Stairs Trail leads down to the Lake Michigan beach at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

The landing / benches / stairway here is very well-designed and well-built (done by someone through The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy). The wood used is Ipe (e-pay), AKA trumpet tree and Tabebuia. "It is increasingly popular as a decking material due to its insect resistance and durability."

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better.)

Stairway Down to Heaven (GPDNP 6/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 04:42:17 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

A heavenly beach, that is! Taken as you leave the woods where the Stairs Trail leads out to the Lake Michigan beach at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22). The maple tree on the right is the only clue this was taken during fall color season.

The stairway here is very well-designed and well-built (done by someone through The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy). The wood used is Ipe (e-pay), AKA trumpet tree and Tabebuia. "It is increasingly popular as a decking material due to its insect resistance and durability."

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better.)

Lake Michigan’s Liquid Magic (GPDNP 5/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 06:13:06 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

I love how the thin later of receding water allows for nice reflections. The water's color appears to be mostly just a deep reflection of the sky.

The bluff at Mt. Baldy can be seen in the distance.

Taken at the Lake Michigan beach where the Stairs Trail hits the beach at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better.)

Luscious liquid lake looking to lick your “little piggies” (toes) (GPDNP 4/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 11:15:23 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

Another summertime refresher (fun to remember, and look forward to). Close your eyes -- can you hear the waves? Can you feel the sand at your feet and the water washing up around you?! Can you smell the sea air? (If so, then my job is done!)

Taken at the Lake Michigan beach where the Stairs Trail hits the beach at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

(Click on image to view on black.)

Summertime Shoreline (GPDNP 3/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 05:39:02 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

Ready and waiting for your tooties! (Or for every bit of you to just jump right in!!)

Looking north along Lake Michigan where the Stairs Trail hits the beach at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22). Sharp eyes will spot the Frankfort Lighthouse, the beacon, even the condos and Coast Guard building.

(Click on image to view on black -- looks better.)

A Bit of Beach, a Sky of Blue, and Thou (GPDNP 2/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:14:43 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

"Beside me singing in the Wilderness. This, this is paradise -- now!"

(Borrowed from the famous quote in Edmund Fitzgerald’s Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam --
"A Book of Verses underneath the Bough, A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread--and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness -- Oh, Wilderness were Paradise enow!")

Take a deep breath -- can you smell it, feet it, hear it...?! (Hopefully this is a "cheer-me-up" when viewed on a bleak winter's day, or any time!)

Can you guess my favorite color...?! (That, and the orange that complements it.)

Looking north along Lake Michigan where the Stairs Trail hits the beach at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22). Sharp eyes will spot the Frankfort Lighthouse.

(Click on the image to view on black.)

“I see the sea!” said she. (GPDNP 1/14)

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 07:12:20 -0800

jimflix! posted a photo:

“Sure feels like Seychelles. Let’s to the seashore go and sell seashells!”

Lake Michigan through oaks and cedars at the end of the Stairs Trail at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (south of Frankfort on M-22).

(Click on the image to view on black.)

Mere minutes before the storm...

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:09:16 -0700

jimflix! posted a photo:

It was sunny on my side of the breakwater at the moment, but that did last not very long. Soon to come was a nice, long, soaking rain.

Taken from the Elberta beach, south of at the Frankfort-Elberta, Michigan harbor entrance, on Lake Michigan. That's the Frankfort Lighthouse, of course.

Best if viewed large, and/or on black.

But the dog was not so sure...

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:03:22 -0700

jimflix! posted a photo:

I did not mind dodging some of the waves splashing over the breakwater, but this dog was not so sure. His master was apparently too busy fishing to be mindful of what the dog was doing. And, the waves hitting the breakwater were often much bigger than shown here (see the previous photo, for example).

It started out a sunny day, but the rain, it is a coming!

Taken on the south (Elberta) breakwater at the Frankfort-Elberta, Michigan harbor entrance, on Lake Michigan.

View on black.

Tower through the Shower

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 06:31:23 -0700

jimflix! posted a photo:

And that's how I got my bath that day!! (Part of a water deconstitution experiment.)

Taken while standing on the end of the south breakwater (off the Elberta beach) looking at the north breakwater and the Frankfort, Michigan lighthouse, on Lake Michigan.

View on black.

Nonetheless, she played on...

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 06:38:04 -0700

jimflix! posted a photo:

It was her only day off and warm and sunny at the moment, so she wanted to soak in as much beach time as she could before the impending rainstorm.

Taken on the Elberta beach, south of at the Frankfort-Elberta, Michigan harbor entrance, on Lake Michigan. The Frankfort Lighthouse is there in the distance.

View on black.

On the Rocks

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:10:37 -0700

jimflix! posted a photo:

Something fun about the sun on the water and rocks in the foreground, and the impending storm clouds in the back.

It started out a sunny day, but the rain, it is a coming!

Taken on the south (Elberta) breakwater at the Frankfort-Elberta, Michigan harbor entrance, on Lake Michigan.

Looks better on black.

This Old Lighthouse

nobody@flickr.com (jimflix!) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:08:11 -0700

jimflix! posted a photo:

It was not quite sunset, so I decided to wait at the Elberta Lookout so see what might happen. Lo and behold, the sun came out. Though still somewhat subdued, and it makes this look like an old photo. I like the light coming through the top of the lighthouse. Sharp eyes will see two boats on the horizon.

Frankfort, Michigan lighthouse on Lake Michigan.