The Leelanau Peninsula protrudes north from the mainland of Michigan’s northwest coast creating Grand Traverse Bay, a 32 mile long, 10 mile wide, body of water that is divided from the south by the Old Mission Peninsula, thus making a popular, protected boating area and miles of coastland lined with year-round and summer residences. At the base of these two peninsulas sits Traverse City, a thriving community of over 142,000 residents.
Some years before Jay had attended an annual Pterodactyl Roost in Traverse City. It was during the fall and the masses of brilliantly colored leaves had impressed him so much he thought it would be a wonderful place for Chris to photograph. In addition, Ward and Christina Lewis, friends from the Coast Guard, lived in the area and their first evening in town was spent enjoying a delicious dinner at their home and catching up on the events of the last few years. The Lewis’ daughter, Karen, and her husband, Mark Lundmark, had spent their honeymoon as charter guests on Jay’s boat. They, and their two lovely children, Emily and Max, also lived in the area and, later in their stay, Chris and Jay shared an enjoyable evening with them dining on their waterfront terrace. A Golden Eagle’s visit to their yard made the occasion even more special.
The eagle landed in a tree just in front of the house.
Several days during their two-week stay Chris and Jay eagerly drove the coastal roads in anticipation of capturing some beautiful waterscape photographs but gradually became disappointed as it seemed that every linear foot of waterfront was privately owned with a house on it, a dock in front and no public access to the shoreline. Chris felt uncomfortable treading on other’s properties and so they continued to drive mile after mile with little to no nature photography opportunities due to the clutter of mankind’s domiciles. However, they did see and take pictures of dozens of homes that they liked and added them to their collection of ideas for a home they may build in the future.
Both the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas are known for their vineyards and orchards, so Jay suggested they turn their attention inland to find more inviting photo ops. Chris didn’t know if her eye was just off or if there really wasn’t much that interested her but she was uncomfortable traipsing through people’s property to find the images and therefore went home almost empty handed.
One of the best finds of the area – a picturesque barn.
On a clear, warm, blustery day, they decided to head west to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. As they walked the beach a man and his young son passed them from the opposite direction and asked if they’d seen the shipwreck. Chris perked up with visions of a massive, rusting hulk and a plethora of photo ops so they quickened their pace to investigate. The reality was not exactly her vision, but a modern-day 20-something foot fiberglass sloop that had been beached. A few snapshots were all she got.
Jay peers into the abandoned vessel.
One of the more interesting places in Traverse City was a former State mental hospital turned condo and specialty shop complex. Now known as The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, its unique Victorian-Italianate style architecture and red roofed cupolas create an inviting setting for living and shopping. The massive, five-story, yellow brick structure vaults from the emerald grounds like the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Boutiques line the partially submerged “basement”, the exposed stone and brick walls conveying a rustic appeal that only century-old architecture can provide. It was truly worth the time to visit and explore.
Detail photo of a cupola and a portion of the roofline of The Village buildings.
The month of August was drawing to a close and on the 30th Chris and Jay continued their drive south with an overnight stop at the home of Eric and Julie Davidson, former fellow cruising friends of Jay’s. Their house is nestled in thick woodland and overlooks a fresh-water lake but the property had just enough room to comfortably park Sonny for the night’s stay. Eric built their home himself on land that is father owned which Jay thought was extremely industrious. He showed his guests another, equally challenging project – a 50-plus foot plywood cabin cruiser that he was building in a large shed he’d constructed specifically for the task. Sanding the last layer of fiberglass on the upside-down hull was almost completed and he was making preparations to flip it upright before the winter weather set in. The final goal was to have it in the water in a couple of years and continue the cruising lifestyle with his wife and 12 year-old daughter, Mara. 
The inverted hull with fiberglass skin.
Most of us cannot imagine the amount of time and effort that goes into a project of this size.
An unexpected surprise was the arrival of Deno Baut and Gail Tooley, mutual friends whom Jay had also known in his cruising days. Deno was a diesel mechanic and shared his pearls of dieselese wisdom with Jay when needed. Everyone contributed to and enjoyed the scrumptious dinner, which included organic vegetables and herbs from Julie’s garden, topped off with two performances from Mara; a fashion show of new school clothes and an Irish Stepdance.
The Davidsons on their deck.
The one-night stand visit was all too short but Jay and Chris saddled up the next morning eager to see what would unfold for them in Holland, their destination for the next few days until Labor Day weekend.
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