October snow glistened the Saturday experience.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

A snowy seat awaits a young child's presence.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

A light dusting of snow is all that remained from the early October snow.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Orange, yellows and reds were the theme of this trip as they seemed to have dominated over greens and browns that served to accent these colors. From Grayling to Indian River, the chatter in the car was a never ending "oh, look at that..." This year we stopped at the rest area just short of Gaylord where a pond and a golf course back dropped large maples and oaks. This is truly an appetizer for what is to come as we become more anxious to experiencing the color rather than just viewing it.



The backdrop of the pond in the morning sun makes the leaves' colors dance.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

A view of the Mackinac Bridge means we are about to experience the UP splendor.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

While we experienced one batch of heavy flurries along the roads to Tahquamenon, the Saturday snow had vanished say for a few shadowy areas. From just south of Paradise, the colors picked up and served to excite the senses as we approached the upper falls. The orange, yellows and reds served as torches ushering in the way to the falls as beautifully shaped maples fully dressed in color greeted us as we entered the Park. A few piles of show remained from the previous day's snowfall just enough for the first snowball to be made and thrown.

While the forecast of snow and light rain would keep many from venturing north, we were again rewarded by the benefits of such elements. The snow and light rain moistened the leaves and surrounding forest bringing out the vibrant colors that too often are dulled by drier conditions. Also blue skies abound to give us the facet of sun glistening off of the trees, leaves and water. What a spectacular visual experience.

I suspect that the previous week's warmer temperatures bought out the larger crowds. This week the number of viewers was not as many, another benefit to the weather. It always amazes me how many people we run into from Bay City and usually someone we know. This all adds to the fun and experience of Tahquamenon. Some day I'm going to bring a folding chair and just sit down by the falls for a while taking in the beauty, the roar and the tranquility of it all, but there is so much to see and take in that soon we were off to the lower falls.

The midday sun ignites the brilliant colors.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The carpet of color is breath taking.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The journey was just a great as seeing the falls.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The colors reached up and touched the blue skies.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Having spent a good part of the afternoon at the upper falls, the sun was now too far west in the sky for good normal photography so we got creative. Johnny focused on the advantages of a sun that was lighting up the leaves from different angles not to mention the shoreline. Forcing us to look outside of the box allows us to see things that we wouldn't normally see and experience if we were just casually looking. This is what makes this trip so special for us.



The reds seemed to glow in the afternoon sun.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Imagine an afternoon soaking in the scenery by water's edge.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The evening sun created some brilliant contrasts.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Caitlyn and Mya just couldn't get enough of the view. I guess that is why we keep coming back
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

All too soon time had run out and we were off for home. The whole journey was 500 miles in a day but well worth it and leaving plenty of time to get out and enjoy the beauty that makes Michigan such a wonderful place to live, see and experience.

---

Printer Friendly Story View

	Prior Article February 10, 2020 by: Rachel Reh Family Winter Fun Fest is BACC Hot Spot for 2/10/2020
	Next Article February 2, 2020 by: Kathy Rupert-Mathews MOVIE REVIEW: "Just Mercy" ... You Will Shed Tears, or at Least You Should

Agree? or Disagree? Leave a Comment!

---

John Keuvelaar
John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College. More from John Keuvelaar

---

Send This Story to a Friend!       Letter to the editor       Link to this Story
Printer-Friendly Story View

---

--- Advertisments ---