Respite

With the looming election, the ceaseless pandemic, and oh yeah, the threat of Zombies sticking their arms through your windows on Halloween, I know you all have more than enough on your minds. Who needs anything else to read at this moment in time?

That's why instead of writing some rambling blither-blather, I'm treating you to a visual getaway.

Most of these photos were taken on an actual getaway Ray and I had recently. For many years, we headed to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore every autumn to take in the fall colors and overall wonder of the 111-square-mile park. We missed a few years when other trips and other matters took precedence, but this year's visit was our twelfth to the area. We arrived when the leaves were just beginning to turn, and we returned home to Newaygo to find even more dazzling colors.

So have a soothing beverage and enjoy the views.

Field and forest

Loon Lake

Lake Michigan from Empire beach

Platte River

Paddling on the Platte

A reflective moment

Quackery

Weathered

Wired

Ray's breakfasts are always a highlight.

Looks good!

The verdict?

Yum!

Inspiration Point, overlooking Glen Lake

Another view from Inspiration Point

Good Harbor Bay

Good Harbor Bay, looking toward Pyramid Point

Shalda Creek

Tree hugger

Point Betsie

Point Betsie lighthouse

Stony and stormy

Back home in Newaygo, beside the Muskegon River

Reflections double the beauty

Last leaf