July 22

For the last 18 summers, I’ve had the privilege of spending a week or two on Beaver Island. This sparsely populated landmass in northern Lake Michigan has been a great place for our family to “get away from it all” and encounter wildlife in a rich variety of natural habitats including: sandy beaches, lush wetlands, inland lakes and dense forests. On this sunny, warm afternoon, I’m strolling along a remote beach near our summer rental on the western shore of the island. While enjoying a gentle breeze, I gaze afar at the glistening water and nearby at the gentle waves washing ashore. After passing Canada goose tracks as well as a mixture of tiny shells and pebbles, I pause to watch a 3-ft. Northern Water snake slithering ahead of me. Also, I notice the record high lake level floods sections of the beach, killing and drowning trees. The water has risen a staggering 5 feet in the last 6 years. Nearby, I get a close-up view of a Maine Snaketail dragonfly and a patch of Huron Tansy blossoms before spooking a flock of gulls. Turning around, I move a short distance inland to the foredune area, where yellow wildflowers are in abundance including: St. Johns wort, Silverweed, Stonecrop and Hoary Paccoon, being visited by a Yellow Swallowtail butterfly. Just ahead, Wild Rose and Oxeye Daisy flowers show their colors while a Monarch butterfly rests on a pile of woody debris. Approaching a large patch of Bearberry, I spot some ripening fruit that is edible. Tucked in the shade at the tree line, I discover tiny Fairy Thimble Bellflowers growing on a bed of Sphagnum Moss as well as a few patches of Reindeer Moss. Returning to the water’s edge, I approach our lake house where a few blossoms of Beach Pea catch my eye. While climbing up the steps, I’m grateful once again for my annual reunion with this unique lacustrine landscape.

Wandering tracks

Goose and gull

Shells of a clam

Bones of a skull

Sizes and shapes

Beach of stones

Iron and quartz

Colors and tones

Painting the shore

The artist’s hand

Image of summer

Canvas of sand

D. DeGraaf