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# Mark Yancey Photo

Seeing Beauty in the Everyday World

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## Posts

- [Blog](https://markyanceyphoto.com/blog/)
- [Follow-up to Back to the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/07/follow-up-to-back-to-the-lake/) - This is a follow-up to yesterday's post on the lake from the kayak with more birds, turtles, and water lilies.
- [Back at the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/07/back-at-the-lake/) - Back at Duck Lake for a few trips in the kayak. See the birds including loons and herons, snake, turtles, water lilies, and more, photographed from my kayak.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 8 - Dinner with Polish Dancers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/02/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-8-dinner-with-polish-dancers/) - Our final evening in Poland was spent with dinner and Polish folk music and dancing. I've also included some misc. photos from our trip. This concludes our trip
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 8 - Sanctuary of Divine Mercy](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/02/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-8-sanctuary-of-divine-mercy/) - The Divine Mercy Sanctuary resembles a ship, symbolizing an "Ark of the Covenant". It serves as the final resting place of St. Faustina Kowalska, the Polish nun whose visions led to the Divine Mercy devotion. We visited the home of St. Faustina in an earlier post. The following references were used for this post [REFERENCE 1, REFERENCE 2]. All
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 8 - Sanctuary of Saint Pope John Paul II](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/02/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-8-sanctuary-of-saint-pope-john-paul-ii/) - The Sanctuary of St. John Paul II is a modern pilgrimage site to honor JP II. It is filled with beautiful mosaics of JP II and other biblical scenes.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 8 - Wadowice](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/02/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-8-wadowice/) - Karol Józef Wojtyła, the future Pope and Saint John Paul II, was born in Wadowice, Poland. In 1919 Wojtyła's family rented two rooms with a kitchen on the first floor of an apartment building adjacent to the Minor Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Karol Wojtyła was born in this apartment on May
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 8 - Our Lady of the Angels Basilica](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/02/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-8-our-lady-of-the-angels-basilica/) - The shrine of Our Lady of the Angels is part of a large complex, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, that includes a Franciscan monastery and 42 chapels spread across about 1500 acres. The shrine of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is one of the most often visited pilgrimage sites in Poland with more than a million pilgrims every year. The Shrine
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 7 - Krakow](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/01/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-7-krakow/) - We continue to explore Krakow. As I mentioned in the previous post, Krakow has a long history and its Old-Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although St. Mary's Basilica is a dominant feature in Old-Town, there is much more to see. I have relied on several references scattered through this post for
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 7 - St. Mary's Basilica in Krakow](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/01/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-7-st-marys-basilica-in-krakow/) - St. Mary's Basilica in Krakow is a wonderful example of Polish Gothic architecture. The highlight if the interior is the famous Veit Stoss altarpiece.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 7 - Wieliczka Salt Mine](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/01/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-7-wieliczka-salt-mine/) - Its Day 7, and our first stop is the Wieliczka Salt Mine in the town of Wieliczka, near Kraków in southern Poland. I previous posts I've shown many sculptures, but in this post, all the sculptures are carved from salt. I have relied on the following references for my descriptions of the mine. [REFERENCE 1,
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 6 - Auschwitz](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2026/01/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-6-auschwitz/) - The name Auschwitz calls to mind death and a darkness of the human soul. These concentration camps were set up to house Polish Jews and other "objectionable persons" when local prisons were filled to overflowing. The Auschwitz camps were established by the Germans in 1940 in the suburbs of Oswiecim, a Polish city that was
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 6 - Our Lady of Czestochowa](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/12/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-6-our-lady-of-czestochowa/) - The Black Madonna, or Our Lady of Czestochowa, is an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. All information on Our Lady of Czestochowa comes from the following references. [REFERENCE 1, REFERENCE 2, REFERENCE 3, REFERENCE 4] Other information may have been obtained through AI (Gemini). All translations were done using Google
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 5 - St. Faustina](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/12/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-5-st-faustina/) - St. Faustina is known as the Apostle of Divine Mercy. Jesus revealed a vision of Himself to Faustina and commanded her to paint the image and spread the word of His Divine Mercy. All biographical information of St. Faustina comes from the following web sites. [REFERENCE 1, REFERENCE 2, REFERENCE 3, REFERENCE 4] Helena Kowalska
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 5 - Old-Town Torun](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/12/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-5-old-town-torun/) - Old-Town Torun has so much to see. We only spent a few hours, but were overwhelmed by its history and stories. See my photos of this UNESCO World Heritage Site
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 4 - Old-Town Gdansk](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/12/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-4-old-town-gdansk/) - Gdańsk is located in northern Poland on the Baltic Sea. Settled by the year 980, it has been destroyed more than once. On September 1, 1939, Adolf Hitler fired on the munitions depot at the city's harbor, starting WW II. While under German occupation, local Poles were forced to build Nazi U-boats in their shipyards.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland – Day 4 – Royal Chapel and St. Mary's Church - Gdansk](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/11/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-4-royal-chapel-and-st-marys-church-gdansk/) - We visit the Royal Chapel and St. Mary's Church in old-town Gdansk, Poland.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 4 - Sopot](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/11/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-4-sopot/) - We visit the spa resort of Sopot, Poland, and walk the longest wooden pier in Europe.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland – Day 3 – Malbork Castle – Part 3](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/11/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-3-malbork-castle-part-3/) - As we leave the interior of Malbork Castle, we walk towards St. John the Baptist Church, just outside the walls of the castle. Along the way there's still a few things of interest to see. Again with this post, I’ve used AI (Gemini) to help ID some of the murals and other art work and
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 3 - Malbork Castle - Part 2](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/11/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-3-malbork-castle-part-2/) - In my previous post we toured the exterior of this wonderful castle. In this post, we move inside. To help navigate the interior, I found a website that has an interactive map that might be helpful. It doesn't contain locations for all the rooms we were in, but offers some perspective. I have found it
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 3 - Malbork Castle - Part 1](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/11/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-3-malbork-castle-part-1/) - Malbork Castle in Poland is the largest brick castle in the world. This post explores the exterior of the castle and a bit of its history, with plenty photos.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 2 - St. Maximilian Kolbe](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/11/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-2-st-maximilian-kolbe/) - We traveled about 30 miles west of Warsaw to Niepokalanów, the home of the monastery build by St. Maximilian Kolbe. We visited the museum dedicated to him. The stories and life of St. Maximilian Kolbe are taken primarily from REFERENCE, and REFERENCE. Museum Saint Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan Friar who became known for
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 2 - Archcathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/11/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-2-archcathedral-basilica-of-st-john-the-baptist/) - In the heart of Old Town, Warsaw, stands the Archcathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. St John's is one of three major cathedrals in the city, but it is the only church that also possesses the title of an archcathedral. It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Warsaw and one of Poland's national pantheons. Along with the old
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 2 - Royal Route](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/11/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-2-royal-route/) - We continue with a tour of the Royal Route in Warsaw seeing many monuments, churches, and statues dedicated to Polish Heroes.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 2 - Old Town Warsaw](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/11/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-2-old-town-warsaw/) - We're back on foot, wandering through Old Town, Warsaw. We saw everything from statues of sleeping bears, mermaids, and an actual organ grinder.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 2 - Joseph Pilsudski and Frederic Chopin](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/10/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-2-joseph-pilsudski-and-frederic-chopin/) - We start our tour of Warsaw along the Royal Route. Here we see the monuments to Marshall Joseph Pilsudski and Frederick Chopin.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - Day 1 - Warsaw](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/10/pilgrimage-to-poland-day-1-warsaw/) - We begin our pilgrimage in Warsaw at St. James Church. This is where St. Faustina first arrived in Warsaw before entering the convent. I've included many photos
- [Reflections, Lilies, and Birds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/08/reflections-lilies-and-birds/) - What a morning on the lake. Very calm. I found some interesting reflections, loons, an eagle, and more.
- [Back to the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/07/back-to-the-lake-3/) - Back on the lake with deer, eagles, goldfinch, great blue herons, green herons, kingfishers, swans, redwing blackbirds, and water lilies.
- [First Trip on the Lake this Spring](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/07/first-trip-on-the-lake-this-spring/) - We finally got out on the lake this spring and found lots of turtles, beaver dam, bald eagle, marsh marigolds, and so much more. See the photos from the trip.
- [Backyard Garden Spring Blossoms](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/05/backyard-garden-spring-blossoms/) - Spring is here! I love the ferns, mosses, redbud, and all the spring blossoms. Check out my photos.
- [Meijer Gardens Japanese Garden](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/04/meijer-gardens-japanese-garden-2/) - We visited the Meijer Gardens Japanese Gardenf. It was early spring, but there was still plenty to view. We also saw several of the sculptures in the garden.
- [Butterflies are Blooming](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/03/butterflies-are-blooming/) - It is "Butterflies are Blooming" time at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, MI, where thousands of butterflies, over 60 species, are on display March and April.
- [Its Crocus Time](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2025/03/its-crocus-time/) - The crocuses are the first spring blossoms. They always surprise me because they are a blast of bright color when we've had such a drab winter.
- [Gull Prairie Preserve](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/11/gull-prairie-preserve/) - Come visit the Gull Prairie Preserve, a 2-mile trail starting in the village of Richland. Explore the prairies, woods, and ponds full of wildflowers.
- [Fort Custer National Cemetery](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/11/fort-custer-national-cemetery/) - Fort Custer National Cemetery is located between Battle Creek and Augusta, Michigan. The fort was named after General George Armstrong Custer, a native of the state of Michigan. It is only about 10 miles from where I live. Their Avenue of Flags is spectacular. There are 152 flags located along the main entrance. There are
- [Lower Woodcock Lake Preserve and Esch Rd Beach](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/10/lower-woodcock-lake-preserve-and-esch-rd-beach/) - It was a splendid day for a couple hikes. We visited Lower Woodcock Lake Nature Preserve and the Esch Rd Beach on Lake Michigan. Fall colors were their peak.
- [Finally Back on the Lake - Fall Colors](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/10/finally-back-on-the-lake-fall-colors/) - I've not been on the lake this summer due to back surgery. It was great to be back on the water in the kayak, especially with the spectacular fall colors.
- [Recovery of Impatiens](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/10/recovery-of-impatiens/) - Impatiens require lots of water if left in the sun, but recovery quickly when watered. This timelapse video shows how quick the recovery process is.
- [Interlochen Center for the Arts - A Walking Tour](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/10/interlochen-center-for-the-arts-a-walking-tour/) - The Interlochen Center for the Arts is a treasure in the community. It must be wonderful being a student on campus. Today I took some photos as I walked around.
- [Keystone Rapids Trail - Part 2](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/07/keystone-rapids-trail-part-2/) - Today I want to continue showing images from my hike on the Keystone Rapids Trail. See Part 1 here and Part 3 here. Here we are, back on the trail. You can just make out the river beyond the trees. Along the river I found this small stump that clearly shows evidence of beaver activity.
- [Keystone Rapids Trail - Part 1](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/07/keystone-rapids-trail-part-1/) - The Keystone Rapids Trail is just south Traverse City, MI, just 1.5 miles east of Chums Corner. (Chums Corner is at the intersection of US-31 and M-37.) The trail is contained within a 525 acre preserve along the Boardman River. For more information on the preserve and trails, see this website. This is Part 1
- [Keystone Rapids Trail - Part 3](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/07/keystone-rapids-trail-part-3/) - I conclude my 3-part post with photos from the Keystone Rapids Trail. There were lots of wild flowers. Hike along the now-dry lakebed along the Boardman River.
- [Baldy Trail Arcadia Michigan](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/07/baldy-trail-arcadia-michigan/) - There is no shortage of places to view Lake Michigan from a high bluff. This post will share another hike with incredible vistas of the lake, Baldy Trail near Arcadia, Michigan. Here's a link to further info. The trailhead is located just north of Inspiration Point Scenic Overlook described in my previous post, right on
- [Inspiration Point Scenic Overlook: A Stunning View of Lake Michigan](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/06/inspiration-point-scenic-overlook-a-stunning-view-of-lake-michigan/) - Inspiration Point Scenic Overlook of Lake Michigan is located just north of Arcadia, MI. This is a premier vantage point to see the lake.
- [More from Historic Barns Park](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/06/more-from-historic-barns-park/) - Historic Barns Park is more than just the Stable Garden. There are other gardens scattered across the property with flowers, flowering trees, and a labyrinth.
- [Koeze Stable Garden at Historic Barns Park](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/06/koeze-stable-garden-at-historic-barns-park/) - The Koeze Stable Garden is built in the foundation of an old horse barn. The microclimate that allows the flowering plants so show blossoms from spring to fall.
- [Traverse City Botanical Gardens](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/07/traverse-city-botanical-gardens/) - Welcome to the Koeze Stable Gardens at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. This microclimate garden provides color from spring to fall. Here are some photos.
- [See Historic Fishtown at Leland, MI](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/06/see-historic-fishtown-at-leland-mi/) - Leland, MI, is located on the west shore of the Leelanau Peninsula in northwest Michigan. Sandwiched between Main St. and Lake Michigan along the Leland River, a distance of less than 200 yards, is historic Fishtown. See a history of Leland and Fishtown here. Fishtown is one of the last working fishing districts on the
- [St Patrick Catholic Church - Parnell MI](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/03/st-patrick-catholic-church-parnell-mi/) - The steeple of St Patrick Catholic Church, est. in 1844, stands well above the surrounding fields in rural Kent County with a beautiful church and cemetery.
- [St Patrick Catholic Church Interior](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/03/st-patrick-catholic-church-interior/) - The interior of St. Patrick's is so beautiful with its many stained glass windows and ornate altar. Here are some photos.
- [More Info on from St Patrick Church](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/03/more-info-on-from-st-patrick-church/) - In an earlier post, I showed images of the altar and windows from St Patrick Catholic Church. Here, I have a bit of additional info to share.
- [Treat Farm Trail: Exploring Nature's Beauty](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/06/treat-farm-trail-exploring-natures-beauty/) - The Treat Farm Trail is one my favorites in Sleeping Bear Dunes. You walk through a wooded area to the farm, the continue to a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
- [Welcome to the New Mark Yancey Photo](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/06/welcome-to-the-new-mark-yancey-photo/) - Welcome to the new and improved Mark Yancey Photo site. I have moved to a new host and freshened the entire site. Please explore, let me know what you think.
- [Eclipse Timelapse Video](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/04/eclipse-timelapse-video/) - Here is another look at the eclipse from April 8, 2024. I made a timelapse video by taking photos every 2 minutes during the entire eclipse.
- [Solar Eclipse - April 2024](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/04/solar-eclipse-april-2024/) - I was able to observe the solar eclipse in southwest Michigan where it reached 96% of totality. Here is a sequence of photos I captured from beginning to end.
- [Lowell and Fallasburg Michigan](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/03/lowell-and-fallasburg-michigan/) - I passed through Lowell, MI, earlier this week and stopped to take a few photos. The Flat River meets the Grand River in Lowell. I was surprised to see this paddle-wheel boat on the Flat River. The Lowell Show Boat is also available as a party venue. There is a dam on the Flat River
- [Backyard Birds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2024/03/backyard-birds-2/) - It is another beautiful spring-like day and the birds are enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather. Here are a few photos from this week. Our neighbor keeps a feeder I can see from our back door. The goldfinches really enjoy his treats. This cardinal glowed in the sunlight. Cedar waxwings are a beautiful sight
- [Afternoon Flowers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2023/08/afternoon-flowers/) - The zinnias and daisies have been beautiful again this year. They are so colorful and the bees and butterflies love them. I couldn't resist taking a few photos the other day. Our neighbor designed and built this moon gate as an anniversary present for his wife. It is
- [Back to the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2023/07/back-to-the-lake-2/) - It has been a while since we've been on the lake. This morning was a beautiful morning to go. The temps were cool, the winds calm, and the water flat. What more could we ask for. We no more than started down the lakeshore when we found this female mallard. Although we were fairly close,
- [Around the Home Garden](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2023/07/around-the-home-garden/) - We've had some lovely flowers in the garden this year. I hope you enjoy some of the photos from our yard and garden. These ornamental grasses are about a foot high. They make a nice pattern when focusing on just a few blades. Hydrangeas form large balls of blossoms. Ours are white, but others
- [Cool Calm and Foggy](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2023/06/cool-calm-and-foggy/) - It was a chilly morning with no wind and a bit of fog on the lake, a great morning for kayaking. There wasn't much moving around on the lake this morning but some shore birds. I saw something in the distance. I got this photo of an otter across the lake. Not a great photo,
- [Finally a Quiet Morning on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2023/05/finally-a-quiet-morning-on-the-lake/) - We played tourist a bit this last weekend. We drove up Old Mission Peninsula to the lighthouse. We haven't been there is some years. Here's a couple photos of the lighthouse. Old Mission Peninsula Lighthouse from the Waterfront Old Mission Peninsula LighthouseThis lighthouse stands at the 45th parallel, half way between the equator and the
- [Welcome Springtime, 2023](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2023/04/welcome-springtime-2023/) - We just spent a couple days at the lake and WOW was the weather nice. It really feels like spring. There is no more ice in the lake and the you can hear the spring peepers. Turn your volume up and listen to the video below. When we arrived Monday afternoon there were no buds
- [Boardman River Hike](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/10/boardman-river-hike/) - It has been a wet, cloudy weekend, but the fall colors have been spectacular. We were able to get out for a 2+ mile hike late this morning at the Brown Bridge Quiet Area along the Boardman River outside Traverse City. The river was once dammed up, but the dams were removed a few years
- [Fall Colors on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/10/fall-colors-on-the-lake/) - Well, I'm back to Northern Michigan for my posts. Although we are not nearly at peak color locally, there are some areas that are beautiful. Duck Lake happens to be one of those places. We got in the kayaks this morning and enjoyed the color. This pair of mallard ducks were just two of about
- [Alaska - Near Eklutna](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-near-eklutna/) - Rose's cousin, Dawn, showed us around the area between Wasilla, where she lives, and Anchorage, near Eklutna. We visited three areas for some scenic hikes. Before I get to the hikes, I have to show you the views from the highways. These mountains surround you while driving through the area. The snow was fresh from
- [Alaska State Fair](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-state-fair/) - When we finished at St. Nicolas Church, we went to the Alaska State Fair to meet with Rose's cousin. In some ways the fair is much like a midwestern state fair, but in other way quite unique. Much of the fair looks like any other fair. OK, so most state fairs don't have totem poles.
- [St Nicolas Russian Orthodox Church and Cemetery](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/st-nicolas-russian-orthodox-church-and-cemetery/) - We had an early flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage. We rented a car and headed to Eklutna and the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and Cemetery. Unfortunately, the site is closed for the season, but we could still wander around the grounds and cemetery. The graveyard is filled with over 100 colorful spirit houses over the
- [Alaska - Discovery III Riverboat Cruise in Fairbanks](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-discovery-iii-riverboat-cruise-in-fairbanks/) - We left Denali by bus headed to Fairbanks. We stopped in the town of Nenana, AK, the home of the Nenana Ice Classic. This contest has been running for the last 106 years. A large wooden tripod is placed on the ice in the Nenana River and participants try to guess when the ice goes
- [Alaska - Denali National Park](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-denali-national-park/) - Our bus tour into Denali National Park started about 11:00 in the morning. It was scheduled to be a 5 1/2 hour trip, travelling about 45 miles into the park and back out the same way. The road was built in 1930 and went substantially further than we could go this year. There was a
- [Alaska - McKinley Chalet Resort](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-mckinley-chalet-resort/) - After a great train ride from Anchorage, we are just outside the park at the McKinley Chalet Resort. This resort is also owned by Holland America. The resort is set along the Nenana River which we could hear from our room. We did hit the peak fall colors with the yellow aspens and birch.
- [Alaska - Train from Anchorage to Denali - Part 2](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-train-from-anchorage-to-denali-part-2/) - Although seeing Mt. Denali in the sunlight was a highlight of our trip, the other views were also amazing. There was more of the fireweed in the open areas along the tracks. The town of Sherman has a City Hall and a Bookstore. I saw no other indication of a town. The sub-alpine
- [Alaska - Train from Anchorage to Denali - Part 1](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-train-from-anchorage-to-denali-part-1/) - After spending the afternoon and evening in Anchorage, we boarded the train to Denali. What is now the Alaska Railroad started in 1903 in Seward. It only went 50 miles before going bankrupt. Restarted in 1910 the tracks extended to cover 71 miles before a second bankruptcy. In 1914 the US government agreed to fund
- [Alaska - Whittier to Anchorage](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-whittier-to-anchorage/) - Our ship docked in Whittier, AK. There isn't much to Whittier other than docks for cruise ships. Most of the residents all live in the same building! There is an interesting YouTube video that shows the building and some of its residents. Still in Whittier, you can see mountains, glaciers, and clouds. This waterfall is
- [Alaska - College Fjord](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-college-fjord/) - We spent most of the day at sea travelling from Glacier Bay toward College Fjord. We woke up this morning to the sounds of our ship's fog horn along with 5 foot waves. That's enough wave action to make all the passengers walk like drunkards down the hallways. There were white caps on the swimming
- [Alaska - Glacier Bay](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-glacier-bay/) - The morning after leaving Skagway, we headed into Glacier Bay National Park. We picked up a ranger at the entrance of the bay who provided narration for our day in the bay, nearly a full day. We sailed deep into the bay to see two large glaciers, The Grand Pacific Glacier and The Johns Hopkins
- [Skagway -Taiya River Rafting](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/skagway-taiya-river-rafting/) - We found ourselves back at the Taiya River at the end of our hike. Drake, our tour guide, now became our raft pilot. We floated down the river to where we started. Again, we were outfitted with rubber boots and life jackets. After Drake checked that our life jackets were fitted properly, we got into
- [Skagway - Chilkoot Pass Trail](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/skagway-chilkoot-pass-trail/) - As I described in an earlier post, there were two primary trails used to get from Skagway to the gold fields. In the previous post, we followed the trail to White Pass via the White Pass & Yukon Railway. Later that afternoon, we hiked part of the other trail, the Chilkoot Pass Trail. This was
- [Skagway - White Pass & Yukon Railroad](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/skagway-white-pass-yukon-railroad/) - There were two trails from Skagway to the gold fields. The longer, less steep trail went up to White Pass. The White Pass & Yukon Railroad was built up to the pass and beyond. It is a narrow gauge train with rails 36 inches apart. The first rails were laid in 1898 and in less
- [Skagway - Around Town](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/skagway-around-town/) - We arrived in Skagway before daylight and stayed until after dark. So, our first sight this morning was of Skagway. Our ship pulled into the berth that aligned with the main street. This now-retired rotary snow plow train was built in 1898 and used until 1964. It has been restored and is on display.
- [Juneau Tram and Around Town](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/juneau-tram-and-around-town/) - After a quick lunch, we took the Goldbelt Tramway from just about sea level up 1800 feet to Mt. Roberts. I showed the tram from the ship a couple days ago, but here again. It takes about 5 minutes to ride up 1800 feet above Juneau. Here are a couple views from the top.
- [Sea Kayaking in Juneau](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/sea-kayaking-in-juneau/) - Our second stop was in Juneau. Since we enjoy kayaking here at home, we decided to go sea kayaking. There were only 8 of us on this particular trip today. We were taken by bus to the North Douglas Launch Ramp on Fritz Cove to start our adventure. This was not our bus. This was
- [Sailing into Juneau, Alaska](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/sailing-into-juneau-alaska/) - We arrived in Juneau about 10:00 on a sunny, hazy morning. This fishing boat was a few miles outside Juneau. We loved these colorful houses along the shore outside Juneau. Here is our first view of Juneau. Note how the mountains rise up, dwarfing the city. There is a tram that takes you
- [Ketchikan - Creek Street and Around Town](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/ketchikan-creek-street-and-around-town/) - One of the famous (infamous) areas of Ketchikan is Creek Street. Creek Street, a boardwalk along Ketchikan Creek is a former red light district. I love the sign on Dolly's House (green building above) which states "Where both Men and Salmon Came Upstream to Spawn." Dolly's is now a museum. Creek Street is now a
- [Ketchikan Totem Poles](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/ketchikan-totem-poles/) - The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary has a resident totem pole carver. He learned to carve from his uncle. These totem poles were carved from red cedar using traditional methods and tools. It takes several months to complete one. I was surprised to learn that the poles are open in the back and hollow. Red cedar rots
- [Alaska - Ketchikan's Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-ketchikans-alaska-rainforest-sanctuary/) - Holland America Lines offers several excursions for each port where we stop. We chose a hike in the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. Many trees were covered with Old Man's Beard Lichen. It will eventually kill the tree, but this is part of the natural process in the rain forest. The top soil is very shallow, so
- [Alaska - Entering and Visiting Ketchikan](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-entering-and-visiting-ketchikan/) - Our ship sailed into Ketchikan early Tuesday morning with partly sunny skies. There was still a bit of morning color as the fog lifted. The color faded, but the views were still great. Finally, some signs of civilization. This is the view of Ketchikan from the ship. This is the view of
- [Alaska  Day 2 - Cruising the Beautiful Inside Passage](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaska-day-2-cruising-the-beautiful-inside-passage/) - We woke up to the sound of a fog horn from our ship. You had to look down to see anything, but wake of the ship. There was no sky, not even a horizon. Socked in with FogSo, we looked at the day's ship schedule and decided to do a "Mixology" class. We were provided
- [Alaskan Cruise Day 1 - Vancouver](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/09/alaskan-cruise-day-1-vancouver/) - Rose and I finally were able to take our Alaskan cruise. We started planning in 2019 and had the trip postponed twice due to Covid. This was the year. It was a wonderful trip. I will share some photos from the trip, a few at a time, starting in Vancouver and our first day at
- [Galleria dell’Accademia – Part 3 - Plaster Casts and Florentine Gothic](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/galleria-dellaccademia-part-3-plaster-casts-and-florentine-gothic/) - Plaster Casts Just around the corner from David is a gallery of plaster casts called Gipsoteca Bartolini (Hall of Models by Bartolini) . The artworks exhibited here were first exhibited in Lorenzo Bartolini’s studio in Borgo San Frediano (across the River Arno). They were meant to be models for students of art and were moved
- [Flower Close-Ups](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/07/flower-close-ups/) - I was inspired by the flowers in our front garden and pulled out my macro lens. I haven't used this one for a while, so it was fun to experiment with it again. This lens lets me get really close and shows details not normally seen. Some of them, I don't know what they are,
- [An Evening Visitor](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/07/an-evening-visitor/) - We had an evening visitor last night. A young screech owl was sitting on the back of a bench on our porch at the cabin. I was able to sneak out the back door, make my way to the front, and get a few pictures before he/she got tired of being photographed and flew into
- [Birds, Turtles, and Water Lilies](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/06/birds-turtles-and-water-lilies/) - We finally got back on the lake this morning. It is going to be a warm day, so we wanted to get out early. We had beautiful sunshine and a bit of breeze that turned our flat-water start to seeing some white caps by the time we were back. The white water lilies are starting
- [Flat Water](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/06/flat-water/) - We are back at the lake and got out in the kayaks last evening with a friend. It was a wonderful evening to be on the water; no wind, flat water, and loons. As we started, we saw this interesting cloud formation. This shore bird had an evening snack. We have heard a loon earlier
- [Pink Lady's Slippers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/06/pink-ladys-slippers/) - We found a beautiful wild flower on the common property of Orchestra Camp Colony this week, pink lady's slippers. They may have bloomed every year, but this is the first we've seen them. They are a member of the orchard family. We saw three of them in full bloom. These are a beautiful addition to
- [Napoleon Memorial Day Parade and Celebration](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/05/napoleon-memorial-day-parade-and-celebration/) - There is something about a small-town Memorial Day Parade that I enjoy, even more so when the Grand Marshall is my 99 year-old father-in-law. Having grown up in Napoleon, MI, and a member of the Napoleon High School marching band, I participated in many parades. It is good to see that the parades are much
- [Redbud and Dogwood](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/05/redbud-and-dogwood/) - The redbud is in full bloom and is spectacular this year. The dogwood, as usual, is a bit behind the redbud, but is starting to come along. Here are a few photo I took yesterday. There is a place in Richland Township that I head when I hope the redbud and dogwood trees are both
- [The Lake to Ourselves](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/05/the-lake-to-ourselves/) - This morning was the first that we put our kayaks in the lake. It was a still morning and the water was pretty flat, a great morning for the kayaks. We had the lake to ourselves, well, almost. There were no other boats out when we headed out, but there was a sea plane buzzing
- [Updated Website](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/05/updated-website/) - I have updated my website to be more secure. You will also notice it has a new look and some new features. This particular look and layout may be temporary, so I invite you to look around and let me know what you like or don't like about it. You may see some test posts
- [Trip to Sedona - Chimney Rock Hike](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/04/trip-to-sedona-chimney-rock-hike/) - Another prominent landmark is Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock, Sedona, AZThere are a couple trailheads that can be used to hike around Chimney Rock. We tried the Andante Trailhead, but there was no parking available. We headed off to Thunder Mountain Trailhead and found ample parking and a nice hike. There are several interconnecting trails in
- [Trip to Sedona - Cathedral Rock and Crescent Moon Picnic Site](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/04/trip-to-sedona-cathedral-rock-and-crescent-moon-picnic-site/) - The next morning we went in search of the Cathedral Rock. There are two approaches to Cathedral Rock. The more iconic trail, Cathedral Rock Trailhead, is very busy and parking is limited. If you get there too late (early- to mid-morning) the road to the parking lot is closed. The less-traveled trails are on the
- [Trip to Sedona - Afternoon and Evening Sightseeing](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/04/trip-to-sedona-afternoon-and-evening-sightseeing/) - The remainder of our first day in Sedona were spent looking at some of the vista overlooks. There is one near the airport just west of town called Airport Mesa. The view is wonderful. After dinner we noticed that the rain in town was snow on the buttes. Here's a couple images of the
- [A Trip to Sedona - Chapel of the Holy Cross](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/04/a-trip-to-sedona-chapel-of-the-holy-cross/) - Continuing our trip to Sedona, we stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The chapel was built in 18 months at a cost of $300,000, completed in 1956. There is parking below the chapel with a steep walk up a paved roadway. Or, for a small contribution, you can ride in a golf cart.
- [A Trip to Sedona - Bell Rock Trail](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2022/04/a-trip-to-sedona-bell-rock-trail/) - We had the opportunity to visit Sedona, AZ, last month. Although the weather wasn't ideal, we had a great time seeing the sights and doing some hiking. Our first sight was of Bell Rock was from the south trail head. We hiked about 2 miles along the Bell Rock Trail, out and back. Here are
- [A Couple Hikes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/11/a-couple-hikes/) - I took a couple hikes while up at the cabin last week. Here are some of thee photos. First up, the South Long Lake Forest Trail near the south end of Long Lake. This is about 1.6 miles in length and mostly wooded. It is an easy hike with well marked trails. The color was
- [Orchestra Camp Colony in the Fall](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/11/orchestra-camp-colony-in-the-fall/) - I was back up at the cabin last week. The color has really come on strong in the previous week. Here's a few pictures around OCC. Heading down toward the lake is our boardwalk. Looking across the lake makes me wish I hadn't put the kayaks away. It would have been a cold paddle, but
- [Some Fall Color](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/10/some-fall-color/) - We were at the cabin last weekend and took a drive in search of fall color. The color is quite late this year, and may not be very spectacular at this point. We've just now had our first frost of the season, much later than normal. Oh, well. Here are some photos of what we
- [Beautiful Clouds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/10/beautiful-clouds/) - It was a sunny afternoon on the lake. I took about 160 photos and stitched them together into a time lapse video. I hope you enjoy it. Mark
- [Polly's Birthday Paddle](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/09/pollys-birthday-paddle/) - Yesterday was Polly's birthday. I had the pleasure to accompany her for an evening paddle. It was a very calm evening; the water was flat. The large birds were on display. Here is some of what we saw. Here is Polly, just heading out. Polly was the first to spot this eagle. It sat high
- [Morning Kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/09/morning-kayak/) - The sun came out this morning and we got out on the lake. At first the winds were calm and the water flat. We saw a few birds, but it was pretty quiet. There were more kayaks and paddle boards than motor boats. This kingfisher flitted from tree to tree ahead of us. They never
- [A Blue Sunset](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/09/a-blue-sunset/) - We went over to Esch Rd. Beach the other evening, hoping to see a nice sunset. It wasn't spectacular, but I did get some images that I turned into a time lapse video. It is short, but will remind me of our evening on the beach. I hope you all have a great holiday weekend.
- [Quiet on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/08/quiet-on-the-lake-2/) - We went out for a mid-morning paddle. The lake was very quiet. We had a very smooth surface and very little animal activity. So, there's not many animals in today's photos. The water lilies were in full bloom and had great reflections due to the calm water. The only birds we saw were kingfishers. This
- [Summer Flowers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/08/summer-flowers/) - After a couple days of storms and wind, it is nice to see the sun shinning. We have some zinnias and grasses planted in front of the house that were explosions of color this morning. Here are some of the photos. There was a swallowtail butterfly moving from blossom to blossom. I also saw some
- [Flat Waters](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/08/flat-waters/) - It was a beautiful morning to be on the lake. After a few windy days, the lake was very calm. We saw a trio of juvenile green herons this morning. We haven't seen any green herons in a couple years. These were clearly young and without the mature coloration. And, surprisingly, we saw a
- [Around the Cabin](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/07/around-the-cabin/) - Hello, everyone. I've been away from the cabin for a few weeks. Here are some of the photos I took yesterday around the cabin and on the path to the lake. Rose found this Cicada near our cabin. There haven't been very many near us, so I took the opportunity to photograph this one. These
- [Baby Loon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/06/baby-loon/) - I got out in the kayak this morning before the rain. I had heard that we have a baby loon at the south end of the lake and I was hoping to catch a glimpse. Well, I got more than a glimpse. See the photos below. These photos were taken with a long lens and
- [Quiet on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/06/quiet-on-the-lake/) - It has been warm and dry up at the lake. We went out in the kayaks this morning and there was not a lot of activity. However, we did have some great finds. Here are the photos. There are yellow irises growing along the shore at the south end of the lake. Some were past
- [Trilliums](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/05/trilliums-2/) - Another sign of spring - Trilliums! These photos were taken a couple weeks ago, but I'm just getting them posted. I missed the peak, but found these along M-115 between Cadillac and Mesick, one of my favorite sites for trilliums. I guess its also dandelion season, too, and lady bugs. This was
- [Back on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/05/back-on-the-lake-2/) - It was good to be back on the lake this spring. This particular morning, the water was very smooth. The sun was bright. The sun was warm. Here are some photos of the morning. This hawk seemed to have no fear of my paddling close by. There was no wind and the water was very
- [Another Layer of Fresh Snow](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/01/another-layer-of-fresh-snow/) - We got another inch or so of fresh snow last night. The ice from yesterday starting to fall from the trees, replaced by the snow sticking to all the branches of the trees. Here are a few images from this morning. Every bush, every tree branch, every weed is covered with a layer of snow.
- [New Year Day Ice](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2021/01/new-year-day-ice/) - Welcome to 2021! In spite of many things we will be glad to put behind us, 2020 had some really good things I am thankful for. I hope each of you can reflect on some of the good from the previous year. Here in southwest Michigan, the new year brought with it freezing rain followed
- [Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn - Well not Quite](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/12/conjunction-of-jupiter-and-saturn-well-not-quite/) - We headed out to the local park last week in hopes of seeing the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. Unfortunately, we live in southwest Michigan where the clouds build in the evening from being near the lakes. So, just as the sky was getting dark, the clouds moved in. But, so as to not waste
- [More Fall Color](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/11/more-fall-color-3/) - The fall color in northern Michigan has been spectacular this year. I took these photos a few weeks ago, and am finally getting them posted. This first group of photos is at the Grass Lake State Forest Campground located west of Interlochen about 3 miles off the paved road, just off Reynolds Rd. There were
- [Color Tour](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/10/color-tour/) - The color in northern Michigan is near or at the peak, depending on where you are looking. We have taken a couple drives the last couple days to see the color and were not disappointed. Along the way we stopped at a scenic spot in the Florey's Ranch Estates, the Mayfield Pond Park in Mayfield,
- [Dahlia Hill Society of Midland](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/09/dahlia-hill-society-of-miland/) - A couple weeks ago, we visited Midland and the Dahlia Hill Society. WOW! What a display of dahlias. All kinds of dahlias. Amazing colors and textures. I didn't realize that dahlias came in so many forms. I took LOTS of pictures and am just going to present them here in no particular order so you
- [Color, Reflections, and Things that Fly](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/09/color-reflections-and-things-that-fly/) - Finally got back on the lake this morning after a long absence. The lake was very flat making for some interesting reflections and easy kayaking. I'll start with color. Yes, the color is starting to change up here. Not very widespread, yet, but you can see it coming. Although the sky was quite overcast when
- [Calm Waters](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/08/calm-waters/) - We went for an evening paddle yesterday with a good friend. She hadn't been out in a couple weeks and, actually, neither had we. The breeze was dying down and the water was getting calmer. A great evening for a paddle. We were pleased to see the pair of loons out. We chased this
- [TART Trail to Suttons Bay](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/08/tart-trail-to-suttons-bay/) - What a beautiful morning for a bike ride along the TART trail to Suttons Bay! The TART trail starts in Traverse City, but we chose a trail head closer to Suttons Bay, at Fouch Rd, only 11 miles each way. The trail winds through farm land, hay fields, and orchards. It is paved smooth and
- [Perseids Meteor Shower](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/08/perseids-meteor-shower/) - Rose and I went in search of the meteor shower last night. We went to the Interlochen State Park boat launch on Green Lake and sat on the dock. We had moderate success. We saw about 5 in an hour. We were looking southwest, perhaps not the best direction, but that was where the sky
- [Bohemian Lavender Farm](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/08/bohemian-lavender-farm/) - It was a lovely day to visit the Bohemian Lavender Farm just outside Maple City. The farm is off Shimek Rd, down a dirt drive to the barn. It was a lovely setting for lavender. The French lavender was in full bloom. Bees were everywhere, but so busy with the lavender they had no time
- [A Lovely Morning Paddle](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/08/a-lovely-morning-paddle/) - We headed out to the lake last weekend with a couple friends from OCC. Neither had been out yet this year, so it was great they joined us. Here are some of the things we saw. A pair of ducks feeding along the shore. This tern was looking for breakfast. The water lilies are
- [Quiet Morning on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/07/quiet-morning-on-the-lake-2/) - We've been away for a couple weeks. We finally got out on the lake yesterday morning and found it to be very quiet. Gone were all the boats of the holiday weekend, but gone, too, was much wildlife. It was later in the morning than our usual time, so maybe that was it. Still, there
- [Treat Farm Trail - Sleeping Bear Dunes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/07/treat-farm-trail-sleeping-bear-dunes/) - The Treat Farm Trail is not one of the highly publicized trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes, but one of my favorites. The link above takes you to the SBD site describing the trail. At the trail head, there is another farm that is always very neat and tidy. Here are some of the barns and
- [Back to the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/07/back-to-the-lake/) - We made it back to the lake last weekend. It is so good to see all the familiar sights of the lake; the birds, turtles, snakes, water lilies, and all the rest. This post covers three trips to the lake spread over about a week. Click on any image to enlarge it. First up, turtles.
- [Trilliums](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/05/trilliums/) - It is trillium season in northern Michigan. Here are some photos from one of my favorite places for trilliums. This steep bank is full of trilliums every year. Mark
- [Finally on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/05/finally-on-the-lake/) - We were finally able to get our kayaks in the lake. The sun was warm and the water was pretty calm. We got out Monday evening and again Wednesday morning. I've got lots to share. We found a green-winged teal standing on a downed branch. I don't think I've ever seen one up here. They
- [Cross Country Skiing at Sleeping Bear Dunes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2020/02/cross-country-skiing-at-sleeping-bear-dunes/) - It has been a beautiful day in northern Michigan. We had a bit of fresh snow overnight, the temperature is in the upper 20s, and the sun is shining brightly. We went cross country skiing this morning at the Old Indian Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Here's the web link to their site. https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailoldindian.htm. We
- [Sunset and Milky Way](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2019/08/sunset-and-milky-way/) - Last Friday evening was a calm, clear evening. I checked my PhotoPills app, my nighttime photo planning tool, and saw that the Milky Way would be prime, running from south-southwest straight overhead to north-northeast. The moon wouldn't be rising until after midnight. So, I decided to try to capture the Milky Way. Because Traverse City
- [More Lake Photos](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2019/08/more-lake-photos/) - We got out on the lake for an evening kayak the other evening. Here's a few pictures. Although we have seen loons on the lake, we don't often see a loon in flight. One flew in from behind us and was quickly out of sight. A pair of loons was fishing near the south end
- [Highlights from the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2019/08/highlights-from-the-lake/) - It has been a while since I've posted any photos from the lake. Here are some of the highlights from the week or so. Last week I took an evening paddle. I no more than got started and I looked up into the tall pines near us and saw this beautiful bald eagle. It was
- [More Turtles](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2019/07/more-turtles/) - Back on the lake this week. Here's some more turtle photos. I did see other animals, too, but will save those for another post. Mark
- [Backyard Birds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2019/07/backyard-birds/) - We bought a wren house a number of years ago and finally put it up this spring at the new house. It didn't take long before we had a pair of wrens move in and start decorating. I love their musical chatter in the trees. Eventually, there were baby wrens to feed.
- [Birds and Turtles (for Barb)](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2019/06/birds-and-turtles-for-barb/) - We got out on the lake a week ago (sorry I'm slow at posting these) and saw more birds and turtles, no snakes. It was a good morning to see turtles. These were on the point across from OCC. These were at the south end of the lake near the Horton Creek inlet. I think
- [Spring (?) at the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2019/05/spring-at-the-lake/) - We finally got the kayaks on the lake this weekend. The lake has thrown off the blanket of winter, but seems to be slow in waking up to spring. It was still good to be on the lake to see what it offers. We chased this pair of merganser ducks most of the way around
- [At the Bird Feeder](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2019/02/at-the-bird-feeder/) - Our new neighbors have a bird feeder that brings in all kinds of birds and even squirrels. Here's a few photos shot through our back window. I hope you have survived the latest winter storm. We have gone from wind chills of -40 to a temperature of 55 degrees in the last
- [Winter Storm Bruce](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/11/winter-storm-bruce/) - We woke up this morning to 4-5" of wet heavy snow. If nobody had to drive in it, it would be pretty.Well, even then it is still pretty. Here's a few pictures for all my southern/warm weather friends.
- [More Fall Color](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/11/more-fall-color-2/) - We were at OCC a week and a half ago. Although the color is fading, there was still some nice color. Here are some photos taken in the colony. I hope you are enjoying this fall season. Mark
- [Halloween Decorations](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/10/halloween-decorations/) - There are a couple houses in the Parchment area that really know how to do Halloween right. Here are a few photos. I don't think any commentary is needed. Happy Halloween. Mark
- [Fall Color Tour](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/10/fall-color-tour/) - We were up north a week ago and drove down a lot of dirt roads looking at the beautiful fall color. These images came from the area inside the triangle of Interlochen, Thompsonville, and Beulah. The color was fairly widespread and what we saw was beautiful.
- [Another Sleeping Bear Adventure](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/07/another-sleeping-bear-adventure/) - I stopped at a store in Glen Arbor earlier in the week that had a sign "When was the last time you did something for the first time?" That really stuck me. Sometimes we get into a rut, doing the same things over and over again because they don't take us outside our comfort zone.
- [Day at Sleeping Bear](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/07/day-at-sleeping-bear/) - Another beautiful day. We headed off to Sleeping Bear this morning. After the obligatory stop in Empire at the Earring Store (aka Secret Garden), we headed to Pyramid Point for a short hike. The sun was out and so were lots of other people, but it is a great hike to the top to see
- [Eagle in the Morning](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/07/eagle-in-the-morning/) - Another beautiful morning on the lake. Not much activity, though. A couple turtles and shore birds, but pretty quiet. Then I spied this eagle soaring above. Darn! It was too fast and I was too slow to catch him coming at me. But, then it circled back ... just doing lazy loops over my head.
- [A Calm Morning on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/07/a-calm-morning-on-the-lake/) - Thursday morning, July 5. I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday. I am constantly surprised by how quiet Duck Lake can be. After all, it is the week of 4th of July, we have a state park on the lake, and it is an all-sport lake. Yet, at 9:00 in the morning there
- [Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/06/grand-hotel-on-mackinac-island/) - Sorry for the long delay, but here are the remaining photos from our trip to Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel. We got an early season discount that included our lodging, dinner and breakfast, and tours at the fort and art museum. But, before we get there, I have to share a sculpture I saw
- [Photos from Jane Shoup](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/06/photos-from-jane-shoup/) - Jane, our neighbor across the lake, has been taking photos of the loons the last week or so. As some of you know, Mamma Loon had been on the nest at the south end of the lake. Well, it looks like her efforts paid off. This was taken about 6/21. The next day while near
- [More from Mackinac Island](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/05/more-from-mackinac-island/) - Although the ferry ride to the island was quite chilly (we rode on top so we could get the best views), the day was sunny and beautiful on the island. We got off the ferry and walked up Main St. No cars, so transportation is by bicycle or horses. There are some commercial ferries loaded
- [A Trip to Mackinac Island](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/05/a-trip-to-mackinac-island/) - I hate to admit it, but, I had never been to Mackinac Island before this spring. Why? I've no idea other than it never floated to the top of my to-do list. Rose got a great "early-season" deal at the Grand Hotel, so we decided we needed to do it. We had to get up
- [Back on the Lake!](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/05/back-on-the-lake/) - Its been too long. I'm sorry to have been away so long. But, it is finally spring at the lake. These were taken two weeks ago, Mother's Day weekend. I hope these are the beginning of a great summer at the lake. Its kind of a photo-dump, but here ya go. Lots of ducks
- [Churches of Rome Website](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/02/churches-of-rome-website/) - I received a message a while back from Ralph Conde who is working on a website http://www.churches-of-rome.info. He has visited about 80 of the churches in Rome over the last 10 years and has posted descriptions and photos of each. He had seen my blog post from Santa Maria in Transpontina and wanted to use some
- [Sleeping Bear in the Winter](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2018/01/sleeping-bear-in-the-winter/) - Hello. I'm finally back. Sorry for being gone for so long. Today I took a trip from Interlochen to Sleeping Bear Dunes. I've been there in the spring, summer, and fall, but not really much in the winter. However, before I even got out if Interlochen, I crossed the Betsie River that flows from Duck
- [Fall Color Around Leelanau Peninsula](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/10/fall-color-around-leelanau-peninsula/) - We did manage to hit the peak color in the area this last weekend. We did a couple hikes and got some photos to share. The first hike was in the TC Commons. We had never walked in these woods that are so close to all the attractions in the commons and yet feels so
- [Botanic Gardens at TC Commons](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/10/botanic-gardens-at-tc-commons/) - We discovered a real gem at TC Commons last weekend, the Botanic Gardens. We stopped at the visitor center and were offered a free guided tour. So glad we did it. Not only did we see the grounds, but inside the two large barns on the property. The first barn was being set up for
- [Night Sky](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/10/night-sky/) - Both Friday and Saturday evenings looked to be good for star gazing. I headed over to the Green Lake boat launch to see the sunset and, hopefully, the Milky Way. It was well after dark Friday before I got over there, so missed the sunset. However, the stars were very nice. You can just make
- [Christmas Cove Farms](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/10/christmas-cove-farms/) - Rose and I drove to Northport Saturday specifically to find the Christmas Cove Farms. They specialized in heirloom apples, all those apples that aren't grown commercially any more, if they ever were. In addition to the apples, they have a collection of over 10,000 pop bottles that line the walls and lots of metal signs
- [Fall Colors and Fall Loons](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/10/fall-colors-and-fall-loons/) - Finally, we have decent fall color at the lake. Got out in the kayak this morning and were not disappointed. Although not at its peak, the color is very nice. Here are some examples. At the south end of the lake, just to the west of Horton Creek. Point just south of OCC The OCC
- [More Eagles and a Heron](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/09/more-eagles-and-a-heron/) - We were at the lake for the holiday weekend, but didn't get out onto the lake until Tuesday morning. I'm really glad we got out. We were rewarded with not one bald eagle, but two. And, we got very close to a great blue heron. Here are the pics. Just as we headed south from
- [Eclipse Photo Composite](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/08/eclipse-photo-composite/) - Well, this is probably the last of the eclipse photos I'll post. I put together a composite image of 9 photos across the time of the eclipse. You can see a larger view by clicking on the image. Mark
- [Bald Eagle and Red Headed Woodpeckers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/08/bald-eagle-and-red-headed-woodpeckers/) - It was a bright, sunny morning on the lake. We had no more than started heading toward the south end of the lake when we spotted the bald eagle in a tall pine tree along the shore. Unfortunately, it didn't stay put very long, and I was a ways off when it flew. I did
- [Eclipse Time Lapse Video](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/08/eclipse-time-lapse-video/) - I photographed the eclipse yesterday at a near-by park. My goal was to take a photo every minute and make a time lapse video. Well, the clouds interfered with the first few minutes and then intermittently after that. However, I did manage to put something together. I'm sorry it is a bit jittery, but the
- [Initial Eclipse Photos](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/08/initial-eclipse-photos/) - Here in southwest Michigan, we had about 85% coverage for the solar eclipse. No, not the total eclipse that others had, but still a pretty neat experience. I claimed my space at the local park, got my gear set up, and watch the clouds roll in. However, the clouds finally moved on and I only
- [Baby Robins](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/08/baby-robins/) - I've been blessed to have a robin's nest just outside my office window. I have watched the robins build the nest and sit on the eggs. Now, the eggs have hatched and there are three baby robins being fed non-stop by their parents. These photos were taken with a long lens from inside so as
- [More Birds on Duck Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/08/more-birds-on-duck-lake/) - The lake was as smooth as glass Sunday morning. The kayaking was easy. Other than a couple water skiers and a slow pontoon boat, I had the lake to myself. And, as usual, there were several treats waiting for me. I was just getting started and not expecting to see anything so quickly. However, this
- [Home Flower Garden](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/08/home-flower-garden/) - This is the time of year when the flowers in Rose's flower beds are really beautiful. Although I took these photos a couple weeks ago, and things change every day, they are still beautiful. Here are some photos from the garden and yard. Hostas (aka Deer Candy or Deer Salad) have a nice blossom.
- [Birds of Duck Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/08/birds-of-duck-lake/) - It was a perfectly calm morning on the lake. The surface was like glass. In our kayaks we headed over to the point with all the logs in the water to see the turtles sunning themselves. However, there were no turtles. In fact, as we paddled toward the south end of the lake, there were
- [Baby Loon is Growing Fast](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/07/baby-loon-is-growing-fast/) - It was another beautiful morning to be on the lake. Just as I got into the kayak, mamma loon started calling and dancing to distract me from the young one. I just sat in the kayak with the camera capturing the beauty of the show. Here's some of the photos. In this shot, you can
- [Beautifiul Morning on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/07/beautifiul-morning-on-the-lake/) - Another great morning on the lake. It wasn't too choppy and the sun was shining. There were lots of birds around the water this morning. The kingfishers were noisy and in constant motion, so no photos of them. Here are a few of the others. The water lilies were in full bloom,
- [An Evening and Morning Paddle](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/07/an-evening-and-morning-paddle/) - I was out on the lake Sunday evening and again Monday morning. Both times of day are wonderful and have their own attraction. Unfortunately, the water was a bit choppy both times. However, there was plenty to see on the lake. We did catch another look at the loon family. It seems that they are
- [Water Lilies and Kingfisher](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/07/water-lilies-and-kingfisher/) - Another quiet morning on the lake. We heard the loons this morning and caught a glimpse of them at some distance, but not close enough to a photo. It is amazing how the lake changes from day to day. Yesterday morning there were none of the white water lilies that I like so much.
- [The Baby Loon and More](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/06/the-baby-loon-and-more/) - Finally got back up to the lake and in the kayak. It was a pleasure to see the baby loon with Mom and Dad. It seems to be doing just fine. Click on each image for a larger view. Here are a couple more of Mom and Baby. I also saw three young
- [New Duck Lake Resident](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/06/new-duck-lake-resident/) - Let's give a welcome to Duck Lake's newest resident, Baby Loon! This photo was taken by our good friend on the peninsula, Jane Shoup. We have both seen Momma Loon on the nest, but Jane was fortunate enough to catch a shot of the new family. Thanks for sharing, Jane. I'm doing this post
- [Scenes from the Kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/05/scenes-from-the-kayak/) - I've been out a few times in the kayak in Duck Lake. Every year brings things that are familiar and things that are different. This looks like a year with a bumper crop of turtles. I've seen many more this year than last year. Here are a few. This poor guy looks like his shell
- [Lots of Trilliums and other Spring Wild Flowers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/05/lots-of-trilliums-and-other-spring-wild-flowers/) - I was hiking in the Sleeping Bear area of northwest Michigan a couple weeks ago and saw lots of trilliums and other spring flowers. They were wide-spread throughout the park. Here are some of the photos from the trip. There were other wildflowers, too.
- [Meijer's Gardens - Children's Garden](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/05/meijers-gardens-childrens-garden/) - There is one garden at Meijer's Gardens that is for the kids. Yes, there were a lot of kids there, but it was fun for adults, too. One area is meant to get kids to explore their five senses. Hearing Smelling Touching Seeing and Tasting The Human Sundial
- [Meijer Gardens - Japanese Garden](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/05/meijer-gardens-japanese-garden/) - The Japanese Garden is one of the new features since we had last been to Meijer Gardens. The garden was designed by Hoichi Kurisu and the firm Kurisu International and was opened to the public in the spring of 2015. As per the custom of Japanese gardens, visitors are invited to wash their hands before entering.
- [Meijer Gardens – Part 2](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/05/meijer-gardens-part-2/) - Continuing our tour of Meijer Gardens. Fortunately, the web site for Meijer Gardens (http://www.meijergardens.org) has many sculptures identified and I will be using that help to identify the photos I share below. I recommend that you visit their site for further descriptions of these sculptures. Unfortunately, I can not identify all the photos I'm sharing.
- [Meijer Gardens - Part 1](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/05/meijer-gardens-part-1/) - Rose and I visited the Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids about 2 weeks ago. We missed the butterfly exhibit by a couple weeks, but were still impressed with all we saw. It had been many years since we had been there and there are several new sculptures and gardens. I can't do justice in
- [More Scenes from Northwest Michigan](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/05/more-scenes-from-northwest-michigan/) - Yesterday I posted some photos of the trilliums and other wildflowers from the Sleeping Bear area a couple weeks ago. Today I'll share some of the other things from that outing. I had read that there was a covered bridge just north of Lake Ann, but had never seen it. Well, I found it.
- [Spring on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/05/spring-on-the-lake/) - Yesterday afternoon was beautiful up here. Down state it was raining and 45 degrees. Up here the sun was shining, the winds were calm, and the temperature was in the low to mid 60s. What a difference! What an afternoon to be on the lake! There wasn't much activity on the lake. I did see
- [May Flowers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/05/may-flowers/) - Well, we've had our April showers, even into May, so it's time for May flowers. Here's a few examples from near where I live. Our crab apple trees never fail to amaze with their blossoms. However, this year, there are just as many blossoms, but the the leaves came out early and have hidden some of
- [Ducks on Duck Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/05/ducks-on-duck-lake/) - Again, I'm more than a week behind, but I did get out on the lake during our last trip north. There were lots of ducks on the water. Here's a few examples. This is a good time to venture up Horton Creek since the weeds are not growing and the water is
- [So Many Stars](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/04/so-many-stars/) - Last Friday night up at Duck Lake, the sky was very clear and there more stars than I've seen in a long time. I had to get some photographs of them. Here I present them in three formats. The first is a simple photo of the stars. Click on the image to see larger. The
- [Signs of Spring](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/04/signs-of-spring-2/) - I'm a bit behind with my posts, but I wanted to share these signs of spring from a couple weeks ago. I hope you are enjoying spring where you live. Mark
- [Snow in April](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/04/snow-in-april/) - What ever happened to the expression about April showers bringing May flowers? Well, I think Mother Nature got a bit confused today. It is April 6 and the showers we got were snow showers. There were some nice signs of spring yesterday with the Forsythia in full bloom and the daffodils starting to blossom, too. Here's
- [Beautiful Sunrise](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/04/beautiful-sunrise/) - I looked out the window this morning and saw the sky on fire. The clouds were a spectacular red. Here's a few photos before the sky changed. But the color started to fade pretty quickly leaving a mix of reds and blues. And then, as if God switched off the display, the colors faded
- [Seven Bridges](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/03/seven-bridges/) - There is a small nature area on Valley Rd about 3 or 4 miles east of Rapid City, MI, called Seven Bridges. The Rapid River divides into several small streams that flow through the area. There are several bridges across these streams, but I have not found seven of them. However, it is a wonderful
- [Hiking Around the Sleeping Bear Dunes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/03/hiking-around-the-sleeping-bear-dunes/) - Last weekend I visited a few places around the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore in the areas near Empire and Glen Arbor. Even in the winter, this is a beautiful place. The first stop was along the Platte River, just before it empties into Lake Michigan. At the end of Lake Michigan Road is a parking
- [Time Lapse Video of Nighttime Clouds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/03/time-lapse-video-of-nighttime-clouds/) - I went out the other evening, hoping to find clear skies full of stars. The moon was very nearly in the New Moon phase, so I had hopes of perhaps even seeing the Milky Way. Well, that wasn't going to happen due to the clouds. I decided to make the best of the conditions I
- [Back to Winter at the Cabin](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/02/back-to-winter-at-the-cabin/) - After more than a week of unseasonably warm temperatures, winter came back this weekend. We were able to travel north to the cabin and even got in some cross-country skiing. Back home, there is no snow. So, here a few photos of the snow we found this weekend.
- [Snow in the Back Woods](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/02/snow-in-the-back-woods/) - Well, the groundhog has rendered his decision; six more weeks of winter. Around here, that would be a good thing, only 6 more weeks. But, who are you going to trust with your weather forecast, the weatherman, or a groundhog? After a very mild January, we got snow again. It wasn't a lot of snow,
- [Rome - Fellow Pilgrims](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-fellow-pilgrims/) - Over the last 46 posts I have shown some of the wonderful things our group saw while in Italy. We were 9 days on the ground plus 2 days travelling. However, all the places we went were not done in isolation. We were a group of pilgrims, 37 of us in all. We visited sites that
- [Rome - Three Other Beautiful Churches](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-three-other-beautiful-churches/) - We visited other churches in Rome that may not be as well know as the major basilicas, but are absolutely beautiful. In this post, I'll show three of those; Santo Spirito in Sassia, Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola, and Chiesa di San Marcello al Corso. Santo Spirito in Sassia The church stands on the site of
- [Rome - The Pantheon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-the-pantheon/) - The Pantheon from the Greek word Pantheion, (“pan” meaning “all” and “theion” meaning “of or sacred to a god”, thus meaning "[temple] of every god") is a former Roman temple, now a Catholic church on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD).
- [Rome - Santa Maria sopra Minerva](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-santa-maria-sopra-minerva/) - The church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is just behind the Pantheon. Its most distinguishing feature from the outside is a statue of an elephant with an obelisk on its back. More on that later. However, this church contains the remains of Saint Catherine of Siena. Recall from our trip to Siena that St. Catherine's
- [Rome - Basilica San Paolo fuori le Mura](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-basilica-san-paolo-fuori-le-mura/) - Here we are at the 4th and last of the major basilicas in Rome, Basilica San Paolo fuori le Mura, or The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Wall. This was our third basilica of the day, it was getting late (after dark), and we were all getting tired. However tired we were, the sight of
- [Rome - Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-basilica-di-santa-maria-maggiore/) - The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of Saint Mary Major) is the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome and it is because of its size that it receives the title "major". The earliest building on the site was the Liberian Basilica or Santa Maria Liberiana, after Pope Liberius (352–366). This name may have originated from
- [Rome - Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-basilica-di-san-giovanni-in-laterano/) - After our general audience with Pope Francis, we were just getting started. We had a very full afternoon and evening ahead. Next stop, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (The Basilica of Saint John Lateran). There are four major basilicas in Rome; Saint Peter’s, Saint John Lateran, Saint Mary Major, and Saint Paul Outside
- [Rome - Santa Maria in Traspontina](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-santa-maria-in-traspontina/) - We were able to celebrate mass at Santa Maria in Traspontina, just a block away from our hotel, and only about 4 blocks from Vatican City. I was certainly not expecting a local parish church to be as beautiful at this. There is an interesting history of this site. Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503) demolished an
- [Rome - St. Peter's Basilica Interior](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-st-peters-basilica-interior/) - During Nero’s great Christian persecution in 64 A.D., Saint Peter was martyred, crucified, and buried in Caligula’s Circus. After Constantine’s Edict of Milan (313 A.D.) Christians were allowed to construct places of worship. Constantine himself authorized the building of the Basilica of Saint Peter in 324. It was intended to enclose Peter's tomb, the center
- [Siena - Santa Maria Assunta Interior](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-santa-maria-assunta-interior/) - We step inside the church to a grand space filled with beautiful art. Again, the pillars are alternating bands of black and white marble. The ceiling is painted simply, but beautifully. The inlaid marble mosaic floor is one of the most ornate of its kind in Italy, covering the whole floor of the cathedral. This
- [Florence - Santa Maria del Fiore - Interior](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/florence-santa-maria-del-fiore-interior/) - Let's go ahead and wrap up the Duomo of Florence. This cathedral is know for its exterior, not its interior. However, the inside, although somewhat plain, is still very nice. However, it is known for its stained glass windows, three of which are shown below. However, I thought the dome was most beautiful. Other views
- [Rome - Some Scenes from the Street](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-some-scenes-from-the-street/) - Well, we've visited many of the true wonders in Rome. Now, we'll visit some of the other places I passed by along the way. Trevi Fountain In 1629 Pope Urban VIII asked Gian Lorenzo Bernini to sketch possible renovations to an earlier fountain, but the project was abandoned when the pope died. Though Bernini's
- [Vatican City - Audience with Pope Francis](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/vatican-city-audience-with-pope-francis/) - We woke up early Wednesday morning (about 5:30) so we could get to St. Peter's Piazza for the General Audience with Pope Francis. After a quick breakfast, we headed out into the cool, sunny morning. It was a great day to wait for the pope. We approached the colonnade at the edge of the piazza,
- [Rome - Evening Scenes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-evening-scenes/) - The evenings came early in Rome in November, long before time for dinner. On our first evening in Rome, I stepped out of the hotel, walked 2 blocks, and had this view of St. Peter's. I also found this stained glass window, but unfortunately, don't remember where it was other than near St. Peter's. Our
- [Rome - Vatican Museums - Ceilings](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-vatican-museums-ceilings/) - The Vatican museums contain an amazing collection of some of the most beautiful art in the world. However, the museums themselves are also outstanding works of art. This post will focus on the ceilings of the museums. I don't have descriptions for most of the photos, but enjoy the beauty. These next images are from the
- [Rome - Vatican Museums - Statues](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-vatican-museums-statues/) - The Vatican Museums originated as a group of sculptures collected by Pope Julius II (1503-1513). The popes were among the first sovereigns who opened the art collections of their palaces to the public thus promoting knowledge of art history and culture. As seen today, the Vatican Museums are a complex of different pontifical museums and
- [Rome - Piazza Navona](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/piazza-navona/) - The location, size, and shape of Piazza Navona was dictated by the site’s earlier structure, the Stadium of Domitian (dedicated in 86 AD). The Stadium was Rome's first permanent venue for competitive athletics. It was patterned after the Greek model and seated approximately 15,000 - 20,000 – a smaller, more appropriate venue for foot-races than
- [Rome - St Peters and Vatican City Area](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2017/01/rome-st-peters-and-vatican-city-area/) - Although the Colosseum and Piazza Navona are two of the favorite tourist attractions in Rome, the Basilica of St. Peter and Vatican City are the main focus for pilgrims such our group. We were very fortunate that our hotel, the Hotel Columbus, was right on Via della Conciliazione just a couple block from St. Peter's.
- [Rome - Colosseum](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/rome-colosseum/) - The Colosseum is one of the most recognized and visited sites in Rome. The Colosseum is the largest Amphitheatre ever built. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. An estimated 100,000 Jewish prisoners were brought back to Rome after the Great Jewish Revolt in 70 AD which
- [Rome - Travel to Rome and Views near the Colosseum](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/rome-travel-to-rome-and-views-near-the-colosseum/) - We left Siena and headed for Rome. This post will show some images along the way and some views near the Colosseum, our first stop. The countryside was again beautiful between Siena and Rome. We saw several small towns and villas along the way. Our first stop was at the Colosseum. But, before we entered,
- [Siena – Street Scenes 5 and Church Bells](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-street-scenes-5-and-church-bells/) - This will be our final look at Siena. These are some more shots from the street or our hotel window. This was the most unique image of the Madona, a very modern rendition. Some translations might help. elettricita = electricity. OK, so that wasn't so helpful. However, "mostra d'arte, opera di L. Bichi" translates to "art
- [Siena – Street Scenes 4](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-street-scenes-4/) - Siena is such a wonderful town in which to wander, so many things to see. This post will show many sites found by wandering around. The tower of Palazzo Pubblico is called Torre del Mangia. When built it was one of the tallest secular towers in medieval Italy. At 289 feet, it is third tallest after Cremona's
- [Siena - Duomo Museum - Misc](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-duomo-museum-misc/) - Well, we've seen many of the scupltures, a beautiful stained-glass window, and several paintings and icons from this museum. There are several other areas of the museum that were quite interesting, containing art and artifacts not described above. In one room, there were more than a dozen books of music in the form of chants.
- [Siena - Duomo Museum - Icons and Paintings](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-duomo-museum-icons-and-paintings/) - The museum has a large collection of paintings with gold backgrounds, many on wood. Unfortunately, I don't have very much info on these paintings, but share them because they are beautiful. Some have notable cracks and warping due to the instability of the wood over the years. Note that in the image below that the
- [Siena - Duomo Museum - Sculptures and Stained Glass](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-duomo-museum-sculptures-and-stained-glass/) - We had the chance to visit Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, the museum of the cathedral. It contains sculptures, paintings, icons, and many other treasures. As you enter the first gallery, you see a collection of fourteenth-century Sienese sculpture by Giovanni Pisano. The extraordinary marble statues portraying Sibyls, Prophets and Philosophers of antiquity that Pisano sculpted while
- [Siena - Orienteering Race](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-orienteering-race/) - It was Sunday morning. We had been to mass and headed into the main Piazza when we saw some kind of foot race underway. Lots of people were wearing numbered bibs and carrying maps. What? Why were they carrying maps? Shouldn't the route be marked through the city? Then we noticed that runners were
- [Siena and Saint Catherine](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-and-saint-catherine/) - The Saint Catherine of Siena parish in Kalamazoo, MI, is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a parish this year. Fr. Robert Creagan, formerly of this parish, organized and let this pilgrimage to Italy including the tour if Siena. Today we will take a quick look at two locations in Siena that are of great significance
- [Siena - Baptistery and More Street Scenes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-baptistery-and-more-street-scenes/) - Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of Saint John) was built between 1316 and 1325 by Camaino di Crescentino. Recall from a post from Florence that you were not baptized inside the church, but in a separate building. Siena is another great city for food. Here's the local butcher's shop. Here is a "menu of the
- [Siena - Santa Maria Assunta](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-santa-maria-assunta/) - The Cattedrale Metropolitana di Santa Maria Assunta (Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption) was originally designed and completed between 1215 and 1263 on the site of an earlier structure. The exterior and interior are constructed of white and greenish-black marble in alternating stripes, with addition of red marble on the façade. Black and which are
- [Siena - Street Scenes 1](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-street-scenes-1/) - We are moving on to Siena. After a short drive from Florence, we arrived at our hotel, dropped our bags, and started off toward the center of town in the rain. Unfortunately, our time in Siena was accompanied with rain. However, we weren't going to let a little rain slow us down. Not far from
- [Siena - Street Scenes 2](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/siena-street-scenes-2/) - Continuing our walk through Siena, we come upon the Loggia della Mercanzia. Loggia della Mercanzia ( Lodge of the Merchants), a meeting place for Siena’s merchants and money lenders and an early form of stock exchange, was built between 1417 and 1428. The statues on the external loggia pillars depict St. Peter and St. Paul; the other three statues represent
- [Florence - Santa Croce and Street Scenes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/florence-santa-croce-and-street-scenes/) - I've got a few more photos from Florence before we leave town. This is a collection of photos from Piazza di Santa Croce and from the street, scenes that caught my eye, and didn't fit in with anything else. There are a few descriptions, but mostly only photo titles. The Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica
- [Florence - Piazza della Signoria](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/12/florence-piazza-della-signoria/) - Our tour continues to the Piazza della Signoria. All descriptions of the buildings and statues below are from WikiPedia. Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) is the town hall of Florence and commands dominance over the Piazza della Signoria. Construction began in 1299. The tower rises 94 meters (308 feet) and contains a one-handed clock originally built
- [Florence - Battistero di San Giovanni](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/florence-battistero-di-san-giovanni/) - The Battistero di San Giovanni (The Baptistery of St. John) is another masterpiece in marble. "In the early centuries of the Church, baptisteries were often buildings separate from the main body of the church, Those who were not yet baptized were not yet considered “citizens” of the Church, and as such received their Baptisms
- [Florence - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - Exterior](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/florence-cathedral-of-santa-maria-del-fiore-exterior/) - The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (St. Mary of the Flower) is one of Florence's most dominant attractions. The cathedral was begun at the end of the 13th century by Arnolfo di Cambio, and the dome, which dominates the exterior, was added in the 15th century on a design of Filippo Brunelleschi. A statue to each
- [Galleria dell’Accademia – Part 4 - Other Works](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/galleria-dellaccademia-part-4-other-works/) - This final post from the Accademia Galleria will show other works not yet covered. The first was an unexpected find, another of Michelangelo's Pietas. Apparently he sculpted several of these with the most famous housed in St. Peter's basilica in Rome. This version does not have the smooth, finished look of the one in
- [Galleria dell'Accademia - Part 2 - David](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/galleria-dellaccademia-part-2-david/) - At the end of the second gallery stands the statue that everyone wants to see, Michelangelo's David. Michelangelo was only 26 years old in 1501 when he began his work on David. He was asked to sculpt a large-scale David from a block of marble that had been rejected by other artists and had been
- [Florence - Galleria dell'Accademia - Part 1](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/florence-galleria-dellaccademia-part-1/) - The Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze (Gallery of the Academy of Florence) is an art museum in Florence, Italy, and the home of Michelangelo's sculpture David and many other wonderful pieces. When we walked into the first gallery, the first thing we saw was the tall statue, The Rape of the Sabine Women. The Rape of the
- [Streets of Assisi - Part 2](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/streets-of-assisi-part-2/) - Today we have one last look at Assisi. These are just some scenes from the street. I don't have any real commentary on these other than the captions on each photo and to say that you can see so many wonderful things if you are looking for them.
- [Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/basilica-di-san-francesco-dassisi/) - The most prominent church in Assisi is the Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi (Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi). Located on a high hill, it is easily seen from the valley below. The view from the basilica to the valley is also stunning. However, as you approach the basilica through town, this is the facade you
- [Art in the Streets of Assisi](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/art-in-the-streets-of-assisi/) - There are many interesting pieces of art along the streets of Assisi. Here are some of pieces I saw along the way. This light fixture was quite unique. One common theme is the Madonna with Child. All different and all beautiful. Of course, St. Francis is also present. Art is also in the form of
- [Assisi Street Scenes - Part 1](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/assisi-street-scenes-part-1/) - We entered Assisi through the Porta Nova, one of the gates of this walled city. Assisi flourished in Roman times as a walled city. For many centuries the area inside the walls was large enough to contain the population. However, due to the population growth in the previous century, a new wall was built
- [Basilica di Santa Chiara in Assisi](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/basilica-di-santa-chiara-in-assisi/) - Our next stop was the Basilica di Santa Chiara (Basilica of Saint Clare). Facade of Basilica di Santa Chiara The Basilica di Santa Chiara (Basilica of Saint Clare), built between 1257 and 1265, contains the remains of Saint Clare. Her remains were transferred to this basilica in 1260 and buried in the earth
- [Santa Maria degli Angeli](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/santa-maria-degli-angeli/) - Our tour this morning started in the valley below Assisi. Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli (Saint Mary of the Angels) was constructed between 1569 and 1679 and encloses the small wayside chapel known as Our Lady of the Valley of Josaphat or of the Angels. Legend tells us that this chapel was constructed under
- [Italy - View from the Hotel](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/italy-view-from-the-hotel/) - Our hotel wasn't in the heart of old Assisi, but had a lot of Italian charm. The views were wonderful and teased us about the days to come. There was a small garden out back with statues and some great views of the hillside and valley below. This statue seems to have seen better
- [Pilgrimage to Italy - Day 1](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/11/pilgrimage-to-italy/) - We are just back from a wonderful trip to Italy. We were gone 11 days and visited the cities of Assisi, Florence, Siena, and Rome, and saw many beautiful churches, cathedrals, and basilicas. I will share some of the photos I took while in Italy and, hopefully, a bit about the sites we saw. I'll
- [High Rollaway](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/10/high-rollaway/) - I think we hit the peak color in NW Michigan last weekend. Although the color wasn't as vivid as in some years, it was still beautiful. We made a trip to High Rollaway to the overlook of the Manistee River. We hiked the North Country Trail in both directions a short ways, but this is
- [A bit more fall color](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/10/a-bit-more-fall-color/) - Here in the Kalamazoo area, we are still a bit short of peak color. I took a drive west of town Monday with my mom and saw some beautiful trees, but not the wide-spread color that is (hopefully) yet to come. However, here are some photos I took on a short walk near my house.
- [Fall Afternoon on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/10/fall-afternoon-on-the-lake/) - Last weekend, we managed to get back out on the lake in the kayaks late one afternoon. The color isn't full peak, yet, but that's coming soon. In addition to some color, we had a real treat of watching a great blue heron catching and eating fish at the south end of the lake. We
- [Something to Whet your Appetite](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/10/something-to-whet-your-appetite/) - We are starting to get some color in the north Michigan woods. It is just a few trees here and there, nothing wide-spread, yet. It's coming. It will be here soon. But, just to whet the appetite, here are some photos from last weekend's tour through the woods. I hope to get back up there
- [A Beautiful Evening Kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/09/a-beautiful-evening-kayak/) - A couple weeks ago, a small group went out on Duck Lake for an evening paddle. It was a beautiful evening to be on the lake. Here's some photos from out tour of the lake. The water was calm, so reflections were great. Here's Polly headed to the south end of the lake. There were
- [Morning Visitor](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/08/morning-visitor/) - This morning about 8:45, this Bambi walked across my back yard. It entered the woods just behind the yard and stopped. I grabbed the camera, but didn't want to shoot through the screens in the windows. So, I carefully opened the back door, waited, then eased the screen door open and slowly stepped out onto
- [Starry Night](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/08/starry-night-2/) - I went down to the lake about 10:30 tonight to see the stars. WOW! What a night for the stars. It was a perfect evening with the moon having set earlier, no clouds, and mild weather. I was able to see the milky way for the first time in a long time. I sat on
- [Summer Flower Gardens](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/08/summer-flower-gardens/) - With the peak of summer upon us, I needed to photograph some of the summer flowers, butterflies, and birds in the gardens around our house. But first, I'll start with this cardinal that I heard singing in the top of a pine tree. He is the reason I got the camera out in the first
- [Sunset on Green Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/08/sunset-on-green-lake/) - Rose and I decided to go over to Green Lake to watch the sunset on Saturday. We sat on the dock at the boat launch as the sun set. It wasn't the most spectacular sunset we've seen, but it was peaceful, calm, and very relaxing. A couple boats came in after listening to the concert
- [Calm Evening on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/07/calm-evening-on-the-lake/) - I was fortunate enough to do two kayak evenings on the lake with Polly, Barb, Laurie, and Pete. The wind and water were calm. The sunset was beautiful. The full moon came up. Here are some of the photos from these evening cruises. First for some wildlife. It was a real treat to see the four-point
- [Evening Rainbow on Duck Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/07/evening-rainbow-on-duck-lake/) - Rose and I were headed back from an outdoor concert in TC. The rain held off for us, but it looks like Interlochen got a nice shower. When we got to the light at US-31, we saw a rainbow in the sky. (OK, so where else would it be but in the sky?) I rushed
- [Water Lilies Galore](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/07/water-lilies-galore/) - This it the time of year that the water lilies are in full bloom at Duck Lake. I've taken several photos of the lilies over the last several days. Here is a (large) sample. By way of comments, please let me know your favorite(s). I have mine. Mark
- [Kayaks and Herons and Loons, Oh My!](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/07/kayaks-and-herons-and-loons-oh-my/) - We took an evening kayak paddle around Duck Lake last night. As the sun was going down the lake lay down very quiet as the wind died down and the boats took to shore. It was the end of a beautiful day. So relaxing to be on the water at this time of day. Here's
- [Sunny Afternoon at the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/07/sunny-afternoon-at-the-lake/) - A cold front moved through last night, bringing some much needed rain and cleared the air. Although the weather was heavy this morning, it has cleared up and turned into a sunny, cool, windy day. There are white-caps on the lake. Still, this beach chair is waiting for someone to come and enjoy the sun,
- [Day Lily Time Lapse](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/06/day-lily-time-lapse/) - I noted the other morning that the day lilies tended to open in the morning and close in the evening. I wondered if I could capture that opening through a time lapse video. My first attempt was either too late in the morning or these particular blossoms didn't behave that way. However, it was interesting
- [A Night-Time Time Lapse Video Revisited](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/06/a-night-time-time-lapse-video-revisited/) - Back on April 18, I posted a time lapse video with stars moving across the night sky. I've found a wonderfully simple app to turn all those individual images into a single image that captures the star trails. The really interesting thing about this image, created from the same photos used in the video, is
- [A Calm Day on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/06/a-calm-day-on-the-lake/) - After a very windy day on Sunday causing white-caps on the lake, Monday afternoon was dead calm. The lake was perfectly flat. What a difference a day makes. Here are some photos from the kayak. So, it was another beautiful day to be on the lake. Mark
- [Old Mission Winery Tour](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/06/old-mission-winery-tour/) - Rose and I headed up the Old Mission Peninsula a couple weeks ago. We hadn't done any winery tour on that peninsula in a few years, so we wanted to check out a new winery and some old favorites. First stop was a new winery, Mari Vineyards. The tasting room has a couple interesting features,
- [More scenes from the kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/06/more-scenes-from-the-kayak/) - I haven't posted any kayak images in a while, so here is a long collection of them from the last few weeks. Not much commentary, but I've tried to label each image with the contents. I've also seen a pair of otters and a muskrat at the south end of the lake near Horton Creek,
- [Starry Night](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/06/starry-night/) - About a week ago, while up at OCC, I waited until well after sunset, about 10:30, and walked down to the dock to see the stars. I was amazed, not at the stars, but at how light it was. I could still make my way down the dock without the flashlight. I had to wait
- [Barb's Garden](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/05/barbs-garden/) - OK, it could be Ollie's garden, but I really think it's Barb's garden. Barb - You planted such a nice garden and all your plants look great. As I was walking around the colony, I saw how nice everything looked and thought it a shame that you don't get to see your lovely garden in
- [TC Commons Tour](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/05/tc-commons-tour/) - Rose and I did the guided historic tour at TC Commons, formerly the TC State Hospital. Wonderful tour. It is such a great story, both the building of the facility and the renovation that is currently underway. See the gallery of photos here. Mark
- [Duck Lake Clouds - Time Lapse](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/05/duck-lake-clouds-time-lapse/) - Although we woke up to 1/2 inch of snow over the weekend, the days did warm nicely and big puffy clouds formed in the sky. After a quick walk to the lake, I realized that this was a great opportunity to capture another time lapse video. Enjoy. Mark
- [Trilliums and Other Signs of Springs](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/05/trilliums-and-other-signs-of-springs/) - Although these photos are almost two weeks old, I hope you enjoy the signs of spring. The crab apple tree was brilliant again this year. This tree never fails to impress. There will certainly be a bumper crop of crab apples this year, lots of sling shot ammo. This barn door with the vines
- [Sunset at Three Lakes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/05/sunset-at-three-lakes/) - Yesterday was a beautiful day, sunny, clear skies, warm, just what spring should be. After spending a wonderful afternoon and evening with a good friend, I wandered down to Three Lakes to see the sunset. Although the sun had already set, there was some nice color in the sky. There was a lot of activity
- [More Signs of Spring](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/05/more-signs-of-spring-2/) - We've had a mix of warm, sunny days with cold, rainy days. In spite of the typical Michigan spring weather, there are signs that spring is here. The daffodils have come and gone, the tulips are getting close, the flowering crap apples are just starting to blossom. Here's a few photos of the spring-time sights
- [The Sights and Sounds of Spring](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/04/the-sights-and-sounds-of-spring/) - Spring is full of great sights and sounds. The song birds are singing their hearts out for us to enjoy. The loons are calling. the woodpeckers are pecking. The frogs are so loud they sound like birds chirping. And there was the sound of a lonely bagpipe in the woods. But, since I can't share all
- [A Night-Time Time Lapse Video](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/04/a-night-time-time-lapse-video/) - I stayed up late last night and captured another time lapse video. This one was after dark with the stars moving through the sky. These time lapse videos are still a work in progress, so bear with me as I share my progress.
- [Cedar Waxwings](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/04/cedar-waxwings/) - We had a treat outside our window today. This morning we noticed a group of cedar waxwings eating crab apples in the tree just behind our house. They would eat for a while, then something would startle them and they would all fly off. I a few minutes, they'd be back. We had as many
- [First Try at Time Lapse](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/03/first-try-at-time-lapse/) - I have enjoyed watching a variety of time lapse videos on Vimeo. Here is an example of one. I have downloaded some software that helps create these videos. Take a look at my first attempt. So, some technical details. I took a photo of my back woods every 10 seconds for 45 minutes while
- [More Signs of Spring](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/03/more-signs-of-spring/) - We continue to have warmer then usual temperatures here in southwestern Michigan. The normal high is in the mid-40s, but today it will be in the lower 60s. All the snow is gone at my house, even where it was piled nearly 5 feet high along the driveway. The only snow in the area is
- [Crocuses in Bloom](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/03/crocuses-in-bloom/) - Today the temperature hit 70 degrees! It's only the 8th of March! I'm loving it. I went for a jog this afternoon and saw the first crocuses of the year. There is a spot that they always bloom, sometimes pushing up through some remnants of the snow. However, the warm weather has really knocked the
- [My First Gallery Added](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/03/my-first-gallery-added/) - I've just added a Gallery to the web page. Click on Galleries and then on Winter Cabins @ OCC. I hope to be adding more galleries soon, now that I think I have it figured out. I may try alternative formats for the galleries, so let me know what you think. Bonus points for identifying
- [Three Days in the Woods](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/03/727/) - Last time I wrote, I showed the woods behind my house in a heavy fog. Today, I'll show more or less the save view on two other days. Here is the foggy view. Then, the snows came. And the sun came out the next day. So many different views depending on the
- [A Gray Day](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/01/a-gray-day/) - It has been a mild winter here in southwest Michigan so far. What little snow we've had is all but gone after some unseasonably warm temperatures (upper 40s!) and a bit of rain. Where there is a bit of snow we have some fog. I couldn't resist going out and taking a few photos for
- [First Snow, then Sunshine](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/01/first-snow-then-sunshine/) - We've been under a Winter Weather Advisory for the last couple days. We have had very cold temperatures with wind chills near -10 degrees, but not so much snow. What snow we got was very fine. But, this morning the sun came out and it was beautiful. Here are a few pictures from our back
- [Winter has come](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2016/01/winter-has-come/) - We've made a couple trips up to OCC this "winter" and still haven't been able to cross country ski. Well, there may have been enough snow on New Year's Day, but we had some chores to take care of and didn't get out. I made the trip up again this weekend and saw that the
- [Beautiful Sunset](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/12/beautiful-sunset/) - Last Thursday evening I was out for a jog and saw this beautiful color in the sky. We have been having unseasonably warm weather and some very nice sunsets. I did manage to get home and get some photos of the sunset before it faded. This is a panorama taken from the edge of our
- [Interlochen Center for the Arts in Local News](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/10/interlochen-center-for-the-arts-in-local-news/) - MLive, a Michigan local news web site, had an article entitled "Vintage photos show Michigan summer camp life in 1942" posted this morning. It is about the Interlochen Center for the Arts. It has a collection of 40 photos that I'm sure you will enjoy. Please check it out. Mark
- [Signs of Fall](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/10/signs-of-fall/) - Although the fall colors aren't at their peak in southwest Michigan, there are certainly other signs of fall. The days are much cooler and this morning I saw a few snow flurries in the air. Nothing much, but still a sign of things to come. While cleaning up some of the yard and moving some
- [Flowers vs. Weeds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/08/flowers-vs-weeds/) - When I walk around the dirt roads and paths near here I see lots of blooms. Are they flowers or are they weeds? I guess one man's treasure is another man's trash, but to me they are all beautiful. Some are so small you almost miss them if you don't look closely. Others are so
- [Just another morning on the lake (I wish)](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/09/just-another-morning-on-the-lake-i-wish/) - Its been a couple weeks since we have been up to the lake and we wanted to get out in the kayaks. Saturday was threatening rain, Sunday was a bit windy, but no rain in the forecast, so out we went, There were some waves, so I kept my camera in the bag until we
- [Beautiful Morning on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/09/beautiful-morning-on-the-lake/) - It has been three weeks since I've been up to the lake. The colors are starting to show in the trees. The air is cool and the sun is warm. It is a little bit breezy, but so bad as to keep us off the lake. There was a heron just to the left of
- [Great Weekend at the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/05/great-weekend-at-the-lake/) - Here it is, Memorial Day weekend. We have waited for warm weather and the long weekend. Well, we got both this weekend. Sunny skies, warm and dry weather. You couldn't ask for much better than this. Saturday morning started with a kayak ride on the lake. Lots to see, as usual. There were LOTS of
- [More from the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/07/more-from-the-lake/) - Back in the kayak over the last couple days. I wanted to share some more photos. There is always something interesting to see on the lake. Enjoy. Enjoy Mark
- [4th of July Paddle](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/07/4th-of-july-paddle/) - It's the morning of Independence Day, 2015. The sun is up and the wind is calm. Great time to put the kayaks in the water. I've got lots of pictures to share. This was the first of the white water lilies that I have seen this year. I found a bird that I didn't recognize.
- [Quiet Morning on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/08/quiet-morning-on-the-lake/) - Just got back from a morning kayak on Duck Lake. It was a very quiet morning. There wasn't much moving around out there. The waters were pretty calm, just enough of a ripple to provide some nice reflections of the reeds. There were several kingfishers looking for breakfast. There was a pair of green herons
- [Morning on Duck Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/08/morning-on-duck-lake/) - Saturday was another beautiful morning on Duck Lake in a kayak. There was almost no wind and the lake was very flat. There was a paddle-board and a couple other kayaks out there along with a few fishermen. Oh, and there were these as well. We also saw a single loon and a lone otter,
- [In Search of the Full Moon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/07/in-search-of-the-full-moon/) - We had just arrived at the cabin and stopped at Bud's for a quick bite and to listen to Jim Hawley's music. Before we could even order our sandwiches, we were invited to go on a full moon kayak paddle. How could we turn that down? Polly, Barb, Rose, and I headed out just before
- [Morning Kayak - 8 July 2015](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/07/morning-kayak-8-july-2015/) - Another beautiful morning on the lake. As always, the turtles were lined up. I've had ants on a log, but never turtles on a log. There was a tern hunting for breakfast, diving into the water and coming up empty. Here it is soaring. It is well past the full moon, but I couldn't help
- [Great Falls Park along the Potomac](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/05/great-falls-park-along-the-potomac/) - I had business in Potomac, MD, last week and took the opportunity to visit Great Falls Park on both the VA and MD sides. I had no idea that these falls/rapids were there on the Potomac just above Washington, DC. Now I know why they built the C&O Canal along the river. I highly recommend
- [A Beautiful Morning on Duck Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/05/a-beautiful-morning-on-duck-lake/) - It was another of those quiet mornings on the lake, the surface so smooth. A good morning for the water fowl as well. This mallard took off right in front of me. I was fortunate to be ready for the take-off. I also had my first loon sighting of the season, a pair near the
- [Labor Day Weekend](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/09/labor-day-weekend/) - So, is summer over? Or, is this just a day on the calendar like any other? With the weather over the weekend, I'd say summer is here for a while. I got out for a kayak paddle around Duck Lake again on Sunday morning. It was a quiet morning, not much in the way of
- [Christmas Lights](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2010/01/christmas-lights/) - A neighbor of mine always has a great display of Christmas lights. The whole family spends the day after Thanksgiving putting up the lights, from the front lawn to the top of the house. The lights come down just as quickly after Christmas. So, the challenge for me is to find the right evening to
- [Christmas Tree - HDR](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2010/01/christmas-tree-hdr/) - Here's another photo just to whet your appetite. This is a photo of our Christmas tree this year. It was a rather nice tree, if I say so myself. My wife and I shook the snow off many trees before deciding on this one. It was promptly cut, put in the stand positioned in the
- [Christmas Tree - HDR (Revisited)](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2010/01/christmas-tree-hdr-revisited/) - In my last post, I showed an image of our family Christmas tree with a bit of a twist, using HDR techniques to give it an unusual look. In this post, I will show you the original image, and another HDR image that is not quite so over the top. Here is the Christmas tree
- [Snow Man](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2010/01/snow-man/) - It was great to have all the kids home for the holidays. Being empty-nesters most of the time, the noise and activity were music to our ears. One of the things the kids did was to make a snow man. It was really quite a nice snow man. However, after the kids left, and the
- [Ice Caps](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2010/01/ice-caps/) - Took a trip to Northern Michigan for a long weekend and made it to the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula (the little finger of Michigan's lower peninsula). We were hoping to get in some cross country skiing, but there was very little snow in that particular area. So, a walk along the Lake Michigan shore was in
- [Orchestra Camp Colony Blog](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2011/07/orchestra-camp-colony-blog/) - At the urging of some members of the colony that we needed a website or blog, I've decided to try my hand at this. If there is interest from others in contributing to this blog, I can make it open to other colony members for contributions. Also, if someone else has a better idea, send
- [Baby Loons on Duck Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2011/07/baby-loons-on-duck-lake/) - Rose and I were kayaking near the south end of the lake and found a wonderful surprise. We saw Mom and Dad Loon with their twin loon chicks on Saturday, July 2, 2011. We saw them three times over the first part of the week.
- [Cotton Tree](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2012/01/cotton-tree/) - Well, winter is finally here. Although not the first snow of the season, this snow may last a while. The way snow piled up on the branches, it reminds me of cotton balls in the branches.
- [Spring at OCC](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/05/spring-at-occ/) - Here it is, early May. Last time I was here there was still 2 feet of snow on the ground. Not any more. The leaves are starting to come out, flowers are blooming, and today was my first kayaking on the lake for the season. Here are some of the things I saw this
- [Sleeping Bear Dunes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/05/sleeping-bear-dunes/) - Memorial Day Weekend - A great time to head Up North and visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes. We did a couple hikes. The first was the Empire Bluffs trail with is classic views of the Sleeping Bear. We then did the Alligator Hill trail with views of both Lake Michigan and Glen Lake.
- [Memorial Weekend on Duck Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/05/memorial-weekend-on-duck-lake/) - Memorial Weekend was beautiful at OCC. We got out on the lake in the kayaks one morning while the water was smooth and there was no other boat traffic. The wildlife we saw came in pairs. A Pair of Turtles Sunning on a Log Another Pair of Turtles Male and Female Merganzer Ducks Merganzers Swimming
- [Wild Flower & Fence](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/06/wild-flower-fence/) - Just down the road from where I live is a board fence that separates the roadway from a corn field. Just an ordinary board fence. A neighbor keeps the grass mowed between the fence and the road and even plants some flowers. However, it wasn't the flowers that had been planted that caught my attention,
- [Sleeping Bear Panorama](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/06/sleeping-bear-panorama/) - Over Memorial Day weekend, Rose and I took a couple hikes in the Sleeping Bear area. It is an easy drive from OCC. That's just one of the things I like about the Interlochen area; so much so close. Here is one of the photos I took of the area. Click on the picture to
- [Sunrise on Three Lakes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/06/sunrise-on-three-lakes/) - It was a cool, crisp morning today. The sun was just coming up, but shining brightly. Because it was so chilly this morning, only about 40 degrees, the fog was lifting off the lake. The sun was to my back and I couldn't resist stopping to capture this scene. I used a manual exposure and
- [View from the kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/07/view-from-the-kayak/) - Well, I've been up at the lake for a week and haven't posted, so here's some of the things I've seen from the kayak. These wild roses were just into the southern cove. They really have a nice fragrance. I've always liked the water lilies. I love the contrast of the the white petals, the
- [Another Kayak Post](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/07/another-kayak-post/) - Another beautiful morning on Duck Lake. Temperatures in the low to mid 60s, just a very light breeze, calm waters. I saw some interesting things on the lake this morning. It was a great morning to see the fish. The first one above was a school of a couple hundred inch-long minnows. They swam around
- [Weeds vs. Wild Flowers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/07/weeds-vs-wild-flowers/) - Inspired by a blossom just outside my front door, I started looking for other blossoms. My search took me around the yard and down State Park Hwy as far as Vagabond. All these photos were in that small area. Some were very small, some larger, some bright colors, some plain, some were at their peak,
- [Evening Kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/07/evening-kayak/) - I don't usually kayak in the evening, but rather early in the morning. However, it was such a nice evening that I decided to venture out. At first, I was disappointed by all the boat traffic. Far more boats than in the morning. But the traffic got lighter and I started seeing some wildlife. Couldn't
- [Photographic Trifecta](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/08/photographic-trifecta/) - WOW! What a morning Friday was. I was driving to work, going by Three Lakes just outside Richland, and saw a very nice sunrise. So, I had to stop and take a picture of it. The lake was calm and the sky was beautiful. I took several more photos , when I turned around to
- [Lily Pads](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/08/lily-pads/) - Another great morning in the kayak. OK, the wind was a little brisk and the water was a little rough, but it was still a great morning to be out. Has anyone noticed that we have a baby loon out there? I saw the three loons in the middle of the lake, but too far
- [Guest Photographer - Jane Shoup](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/08/guest-photographer-jane-shoup/) - We are all in for a treat today. It is a long post, but I don't think you will be disappointed. Today's post is dedicated to the images of another photographer on Duck Lake, Jane Shoup. Jane and her husband Ron are on the peninsula of Duck Lake. Ron called me yesterday to tell me
- [Another view from the kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/08/another-view-from-the-kayak/) - Today was one of those beautiful days in northern Michigan. Cool and dry, just a light breeze. Its what I call Up North Weather. Although the lake was quite rough last night, I went out anyway. I did get to see Mamma and Baby Loon, but ended up taking more photos of the gulls from
- [A much calmer day](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/08/a-much-calmer-day/) - I was back out in the kayak this morning. The winds had died down and the water was flat, like a mirror. Beautiful. Again, I saw Mom and Baby at the south end of the lake. They were off in the distance, but Mom must have considered me a threat in my red kayak. She
- [Another Guest Blog](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/08/another-guest-blog/) - This must be a record, three posts on the same day, so be sure to scroll all the way down to catch all of them. Thank you all for the wonderful comments I got on Jane Shoup's photo I posted here earlier in the week. Jane, and her friend Angie Bruntlett, have sent me a
- [Solitude](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/08/solitude/) - The end of a busy work-week. The end of a beautiful day. Let's go out on the lake in the kayaks. As Rose says, "Every minute you spend on the lake in a kayak is a minute added to your life." This evening made it seem doubly so. Enjoy the weekend. Mark
- [Work Truck](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/08/work-truck/) - This truck was parked outside Wildflower, a garden store in Glen Arbor, MI. It is a reminder of a slower time in this very busy tourist area.
- [Virgin Mary and St. Francis, Pray for us](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/08/virgin-mary-and-st-francis-pray-for-us/) - Walking along the Fishtown docks (Leland, MI) and I saw Blessed Virgin Mary in front of this small house along the channel. It wasn't until I looked closely at the photograph that I spotted St. Francis as well. Virgin Mary and St. Francis, pray for us and all those that pass by this place, either
- [Gull Lake in the Fall](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/11/gull-lake-in-the-fall/) - It is finally fall. And, we finally have a beautiful sunny day so that we can enjoy the fall colors. On my way to church this morning I drove by the south end of Gull Lake. The early morning sun brightly lit the trees around the lake. The water and sky were a beautiful shade
- [Full Moon over the Cabin](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/11/full-moon-over-the-cabin/) - We arrived back at the cabin after about two months away. Fall is certainly here now. The snow what blanketed the ground a few days ago is melted. Tonight is, or is nearly, the full moon. Here is an image of the moon over our cabin. This is a composite image of exposures ranging from
- [Dusting of Snow](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/12/dusting-of-snow/) - Woke up to a dusting of snow this morning. This is just a taste of what's to come, so we should get out there and welcome the change in seasons. The grass is still sticking through the snow, but there is a "powdered sugar" coating on most everything. Very light and fluffy. Even all the
- [Ice Storm](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2013/12/ice-storm/) - They said it was coming. Maybe it won't be as bad as they say. Well, it did come, and it could have been a lot worse. We didn't loose power, so we were very lucky in that respect. On the plus side, there were some great photo opportunities. Click on the images for a larger
- [It may be late March, but it isn't Spring!](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/03/it-may-be-late-march-but-it-isnt-spring/) - Well, the calendar may say Spring, but it doesn't take long to figure out that winter still has a strong grip on this part of the state. However, there are still many photo opportunities in the area. This was taken Saturday morning from M-137 in Interlochen. I tried to walk down to the water's edge,
- [More Winter Scenes from OCC](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/03/more-winter-scenes-from-occ/) - Sunday morning came and the sun was a wonderful sight. Blue skies and shadows. Still, Spring will be most welcome this year.
- [Signs of Spring](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/05/signs-of-spring/) - It looks like Spring has come to Orchestra Camp Colony. Driving up on Friday afternoon the woods were spectacular with trilliums. Although it was a chilly morning, the sun did come out and we hauled the kayaks down to the lake and paddled around the south end of the lake. The water level is
- [Early Morning Fog](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/05/early-morning-fog/) - Driving to work yesterday morning I passed Three Lakes in Richland. The sun was just up into the clouds a bit and there was some nice color, so I had to stop and see what there was to see. The clouds were nicely colored by the sun as it was rising over the eastern lake.
- [Trilliums (late post)](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/05/trilliums-late-post/) - I took these photos of trilliums a couple weeks ago and am just getting around to post them. As I stated in an earlier post, they were really spectacular this year. I've never seen them so thick and wide-spread. I posted a couple of these earlier, but here is a more complete set. #1
- [View at the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/06/view-at-the-lake/) - It was an overcast morning as I drove to work today. I stopped at Three Lakes to see what I might find. I wasn't disappointed. There was a pair of Sandhill Cranes with at least one young one. There were also other birds, red-winged black birds and others I can't identify. Does anyone know
- [Heron in Flight](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/06/heron-in-flight/) - Finally back to the lake after too long an absence. First thing this morning we made our way to the lake to kayak. It was a beautiful morning on the lake. We saw turtles, a variety of birds, including this heron. As beautiful at herons are standing at the edge of the lake, they
- [Another Guests Post](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/06/another-guests-post/) - I just had to share this wonderful image from Jane Shoup. She took this photo of Duck Lake. Thanks, Jane, for sharing with us.
- [The Morning on the Lake was For the Birds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/07/the-morning-on-the-lake-was-for-the-birds/) - A beautiful morning on the lake in the kayak. No wind, bright sunshine, cool temperatures, and even the jet skis were being polite. I didn't see many turtles today, but I made up for that with the variety of birds. I hope you enjoy the photos. This little guy kept flitting out in front me.
- [And the Evening was Just as Nice](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/07/and-the-evening-was-just-as-nice/) - Here are some of the sights from an evening kayak. Another beautiful evening on the lake. Mark
- [Hawks Have Moved In](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/07/hawks-have-move-in/) - Our yard has recently become a playground for several hawks. We have 3 or 4 of these large birds living in our trees, swooping from tree to tree, terrorizing the other birds and small animals. They are beautiful, though. Does any one know what kind they are? Mark
- [A late start](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/08/a-late-start/) - Got out on the lake a bit later than usual today. I also haven't posted the photos I took last week, but I guess I'm running late all around. Anybody know what these are?
- [Fall Color](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/10/fall-color/) - The colors this year are truly wonderful, the best I've seen in years. I hope these photos give you a sense of the scenery near OCC. These were taken last weekend, so I'm a bit tardy in posting. Click on any image to enlarge. First, a quick look around the lake. These were taken from
- [More Fall Color](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/10/more-fall-color/) - It had been two weeks since we had been to the cabin. The color has been absolutely magnificent this year. Two weeks ago we found that several inland areas had the best color. (See the previous post.) That color had faded to mostly dark yellows and browns, so we headed toward the lake shore and
- [Winter Morning](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2014/11/winter-morning/) - It has been far too long since we've been up to Duck Lake. Last time was to see some of the spectacular fall color. Now, it is winter. There is about 6" of snow on the ground and it hangs on every tree. There is a rim of ice on the quiet bays of the
- [Spring Comes to OCC](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/04/spring-comes-to-occ/) - It looks like spring has finally come to OCC. The ice is off the lake. OK, so there is still snow in the shady areas on the shore. But there were blue skies and sun, but the leaves will take a while. We even got the kayaks out onto the lake. It was a bit
- [Beautiful Spring Morning in the Kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/05/beautiful-spring-morning-in-the-kayak/) - It has been three weeks since we've been up to OCC, but finally got there this weekend. We couldn't have asked for better weather. Saturday morning we got back out in the kayaks and had very smooth water. There were lots of birds and turtles to watch. We only saw one loon and I managed to
- [Another Day in the Kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/05/another-day-in-the-kayak/) - On Sunday, I got back out in the kayak. The water wasn't quite as smooth as the day before, but the birds were just as beautiful. Here are some more for you to enjoy. Click on any image to enlarge. Happy Spring! Mark
- [Trillium](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/05/trillium/) - The trilliums are in bloom in northern Michigan. Actually, they are a bit past their prime, but still so nice to see. These were found along M-115 near Mesick. (Click to enlarge)
- [Saturday Morning Kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/05/saturday-morning-kayak/) - Another great morning to be in the kayak. Yesterday was overcast, but the waters were calm. Here are a few photos. (Click to enlarge)
- [Trip up Leelanau Peninsula](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/05/trip-up-leelanau-peninsula/) - I set off in search of cherry blossoms yesterday afternoon. I found them, and so much more. Just north of Cedar there were an old house and barns, next to Holy Rosary Church. Just a bit further north, I found the cherries. They were beautiful. It was hard to get a broad perspective, so I
- [Venus and Jupiter](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/07/venus-and-jupiter/) - View from the kayak while waiting for the full moon. There were other things to see.
- [Fireworks](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/07/fireworks/) - Rose and I went to Beulah to the fireworks last night. Here are some photos.
- [Northwood on the Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/07/northwood-on-the-lake/) - Don Thompson, a neighbor of us in OCC, has been working with our own Albert Jordon to document the history of Northwood on the Lake, the place Albert calls home. Don is putting together a wonderful web site with photos and stories of each of the three owners, Barre Hill, Bill Graheck, and Albert Jordan. I encourage
- [Another Lovely Evening Kayak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/07/another-lovely-evening-kayak/) - Last night was some of the nicest paddling I've done in a while. The water was smooth and the company good. Five of us formed a flotilla that headed off to the south end of the lake. It was a beautiful evening. Mark
- [Guest Blog Post - Jane Shoup](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/07/guest-blog-post-jane-shoup/) - Some of you may remember the photos from friend and neighbor on Duck Lake, Jane Shoup, from previous summers. Jane has shared some of her photos from this summer for your viewing. Probably the best news is that Jane has seen the loon on the nest at the south end of the lake. We agreed
- [Otters!](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/07/otters/) - We were up at the lake last weekend and did get out on the lake. Among the usual sightings, we sat 4 otters at the south end of the lake. What a treat. I think I had seen them a month ago or so, but I couldn't be sure as they were swimming underwater. This
- [Herons](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/08/herons/) - Another great kayak paddle this morning. Not a lot of action on the lake, but I did see a couple herons, one just around the first point south of OCC, and the other at the very southern bay at the inlet. There were, as usual, a few turtles as well, but not so many. Enjoy
- [Flowers vs. Weeds - Some more identifications](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/08/flowers-vs-weeds-some-more-identifications/) - Thanks to Sandy for the ID of the Woodland Sunflower. I then bought the book "Wildflowers of Michigan - Field Guide" by Stan Tekiela to ID some others. The updated IDs are listed below each flower where available. Again, if you have a different name, let me know. Mark When I walk around the dirt
- [A Bit of Fall Color](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/10/a-bit-of-fall-color/) - We made it back to the north woods this weekend. I spent yesterday morning in search of fall color. Although there is some very nice color, it isn't widespread, just a few trees here and there. Even without large expanses of color, I had a great time wandering around the dirt roads and small lakes
- [Color on Duck Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2015/10/color-on-duck-lake/) - Although I could hear the wind in the trees, I had to go out in the kayak for just a little bit to see what color was along the lake shore. I wasn't expecting great reflections due to the wind, but the colors speak for themselves. And, yes, the colors were really that vibrant. The
- [Welcome!](https://markyanceyphoto.com/2010/01/welcome/) - Welcome to Mark Yancey Photo blog. I will be discussing various aspects of my photography including nature, flowers, sports, and macro. I will also be discussing post-capture techniques with Photoshop or the use of HDR. We'll get to the details in the next few posts. Until then, you can take a look at my web

## Pages

- [Mark Yancey Photo - Seeing Beauty in the Everyday World](https://markyanceyphoto.com/) - Welcome to my photo blog. I try to capture the Beauty in the everyday world around us. Most photos are from my home state of Michigan, but include travel, too.
- [Pilgrimage to Poland - 2025](https://markyanceyphoto.com/pilgrimage-to-poland-2025/) - We were on a pilgrimage to Poland in October, 2025. This page lists all the blog posts from that trip.
- [Galleries to Travel Photos](https://markyanceyphoto.com/galleries-3/) - When I travel, I always carry a camera to document the trip. Here are links to some of the travel galleries. I will add additional galleries as I have them. Pilgrimage to Italy - This is a collection of blog posts I made with photos from our pilgrimage to Italy. Sedona, AZ - A collection
- [Alaskan Cruise and Land Tour with Holland America Lines](https://markyanceyphoto.com/alaskan-cruise-and-land-tour/) - In August of 2022, we took a wonderful trip to Alaska. We flew to Vancouver, boarded the HAL Noordam and cruised the Inside Passage stopping in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. We did one or two excursions at each port. Continuing north, we headed into Glacier Bay and College Fjord. We disembarked in Whittier and took
- [Orchestra Camp Colony History](https://markyanceyphoto.com/orchestra-camp-colony-history/) - Welcome to beautiful, historic Orchestra Camp Colony. Established in 1930, the Colony legacy is rich with traditions of music, canoeing, sailing, environmental stewardship, bird watching, fishing, camaraderie, and fun. Established by Dr. Maddy, the co-founder of what is today Interlochen Center for the Arts, the Colony enjoys a shared common conservation park area with 1453
- [Sedona, AZ](https://markyanceyphoto.com/sedona-az/) - Here are the photo blog posts from our overnight trip to Sedona, AZ. We couldn't see everything, but did go on several nice hikes and saw many highlights.
- [Pilgrimage to Italy - 2016](https://markyanceyphoto.com/pilgrimage-to-italy-2016/) - This page contains links to all the photo blog posts from our 10-day pilgrimage to Italy. We visited Assisi, Florence, Sienna, and Rome. Come explore with us.
- [Contact](https://markyanceyphoto.com/contact/) - I would love to hear from you. Please contact me with any questions or comments at mark@markyanceyphoto.com.
- [About](https://markyanceyphoto.com/about/) - I am a nature and wildlife photographer in Michigan. My photo blog contains many of my favorite images from Michigan and other places as I travel.
- [Yesterday's Kayaking](https://markyanceyphoto.com/yesterdays-kayaking/) - We got on the lake in our kayaks again yesterday, but rather than going out early (temps in the 30s) or late (winds pick up) as we usually do, we went out at high noon. The water was still pretty calm except for the water skier, but that wasn't too bad. Here's a few photos
- [TC Commons Tour](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tc-commons-tour/) - Rose and I took the guided Historic Tour of The Village campus, formerly the Traverse City State Hospital grounds. We saw several buildings that have not yet been renovated and the tunnels that connect the various buildings. Highly recommended! Very interesting tour, but not for someone with claustrophobia (in the tunnels). Click on the images below
- [Winter Cabins @ OCC](https://markyanceyphoto.com/winter-cabins-occ/) - Here are some photos of the OCC cabins during the winter. Not everyone gets to see them during this time of year, so I thought I'd share them with you. Click on any image for a larger view and click on the arrows to move through all the images.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://markyanceyphoto.com/category/uncategorized/)
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- [Southwest Michigan](https://markyanceyphoto.com/category/southwest-michigan/)
- [Travel](https://markyanceyphoto.com/category/travel/)

## Tags

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- [Buds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/buds/)
- [Time Lapse](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/time-lapse/)
- [Cedar Waxwings](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/cedar-waxwings/)
- [Grackles](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/grackles/)
- [Martins](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/martins/)
- [Forcythia](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/forcythia/)
- [Flowering Quince](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/flowering-quince/)
- [Grape Hyacinth](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/grape-hyacinth/)
- [Tulips](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/tulips/)
- [Japanese Maple](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/japanese-maple/)
- [Dandelions](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/dandelions/)
- [Clouds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/clouds/)
- [TC Commons](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/tc-commons/)
- [Bleeding hearts](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bleeding-hearts/)
- [Ferns](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/ferns/)
- [Mushrooms](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mushrooms/)
- [Stars](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/stars/)
- [Sandpiper](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sandpiper/)
- [Tree Swallows](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/tree-swallows/)
- [Grosbeak](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/grosbeak/)
- [Old Mission Peninsula](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/old-mission-peninsula/)
- [Wineries](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/wineries/)
- [Vineyards](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/vineyards/)
- [Dragon Fly](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/dragon-fly/)
- [Fish](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/fish/)
- [Star Trails](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/star-trails/)
- [Day Lilies](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/day-lilies/)
- [Sun](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sun/)
- [Chair](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/chair/)
- [Kayaks](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/kayaks/)
- [Downy Woodpeckers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/downy-woodpeckers/)
- [Great Blue Heron](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/great-blue-heron/)
- [Mouse](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mouse/)
- [Damsel Flies](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/damsel-flies/)
- [Green Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/green-lake/)
- [Hostas](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/hostas/)
- [Black-Eyed-Susans](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/black-eyed-susans/)
- [Tomato Blossoms](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/tomato-blossoms/)
- [Zinnias](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/zinnias/)
- [Cardinal](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/cardinal/)
- [Butterfly](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/butterfly/)
- [Milky Way](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/milky-way/)
- [Moon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/moon/)
- [Manistee River](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/manistee-river/)
- [Corn](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/corn/)
- [Sky](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sky/)
- [Italy](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/italy/)
- [Assisi](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/assisi/)
- [Shrines](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/shrines/)
- [Santa Maria degli Angeli](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/santa-maria-degli-angeli/)
- [Basilica di Santa Chiara](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/basilica-di-santa-chiara/)
- [Art](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/art/)
- [Inscriptions](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/inscriptions/)
- [Basilica of St. Francis](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/basilica-of-st-francis/)
- [Street](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/street/)
- [Florence](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/florence/)
- [Michelangelo](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/michelangelo/)
- [Slaves](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/slaves/)
- [Sabine](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sabine/)
- [Academy Gallery](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/academy-gallery/)
- [David](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/david/)
- [Plaster Casts](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/plaster-casts/)
- [Gothic](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/gothic/)
- [Santa Maria del Fiore](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/santa-maria-del-fiore/)
- [Church](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/church/)
- [Stained Glass Windows](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/stained-glass-windows/)
- [Baptistery](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/baptistery/)
- [Piazza della Signoria](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/piazza-della-signoria/)
- [Santa Croce](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/santa-croce/)
- [Siena](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/siena/)
- [Piazza del Campo](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/piazza-del-campo/)
- [Duomo](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/duomo/)
- [St. Catherine](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-catherine/)
- [Orienteering](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/orienteering/)
- [Race](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/race/)
- [Museum](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/museum/)
- [Sculpture](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sculpture/)
- [Paintings](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/paintings/)
- [Bells](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bells/)
- [Rome](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/rome/)
- [Colosseum](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/colosseum/)
- [Piazza Navona](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/piazza-navona/)
- [Fountains](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/fountains/)
- [St Peters](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-peters/)
- [Vatican City](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/vatican-city/)
- [Ceilings](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/ceilings/)
- [Saint Peter's](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/saint-peters/)
- [Alter](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/alter/)
- [Castel Sant'Angelo](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/castel-santangelo/)
- [Bridges](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bridges/)
- [Papal Audience](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/papal-audience/)
- [Pope Francis](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/pope-francis/)
- [Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/basilica-di-san-giovanni-in-laterano/)
- [Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/basilica-di-santa-maria-maggiore/)
- [Basilica San Paolo fuori le Mura](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/basilica-san-paolo-fuori-le-mura/)
- [Santa Maria sopra Minerva](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/santa-maria-sopra-minerva/)
- [Santo Spirito in Sassia](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/santo-spirito-in-sassia/)
- [Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/chiesa-di-sant-ignazio-di-loyola/)
- [Chiesa di San Marcello al Corso](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/chiesa-di-san-marcello-al-corso/)
- [Pantheon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/pantheon/)
- [Trevi Fountain](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/trevi-fountain/)
- [Roman Forum](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/roman-forum/)
- [National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/national-monument-to-victor-emmanuel-ii/)
- [Pilgrims](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/pilgrims/)
- [Trees](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/trees/)
- [Frost](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/frost/)
- [Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/lake/)
- [Icicles](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/icicles/)
- [Hiking](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/hiking/)
- [Platte River](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/platte-river/)
- [Lake Michigan](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/lake-michigan/)
- [Farms](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/farms/)
- [Barns](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/barns/)
- [River](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/river/)
- [Rapids](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/rapids/)
- [Forsythia](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/forsythia/)
- [Daffodils](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/daffodils/)
- [Leaves](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/leaves/)
- [Star Magnolia](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/star-magnolia/)
- [Beaver Dam](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/beaver-dam/)
- [Redbud](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/redbud/)
- [Dogwood](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/dogwood/)
- [Crab Apple Blossoms](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/crab-apple-blossoms/)
- [Marsh Marigolds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/marsh-marigolds/)
- [Bellwort](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bellwort/)
- [Jack in the Pulpit](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/jack-in-the-pulpit/)
- [Covered Bridge](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/covered-bridge/)
- [Ponds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/ponds/)
- [Gardens](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/gardens/)
- [Eastern Kingbirds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/eastern-kingbirds/)
- [Baltimore Orioles](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/baltimore-orioles/)
- [Tern](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/tern/)
- [Sparrow](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sparrow/)
- [Bee](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bee/)
- [Robins](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/robins/)
- [Flicker](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/flicker/)
- [Monarda](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/monarda/)
- [Asters](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/asters/)
- [Clover](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/clover/)
- [Burdock](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/burdock/)
- [Green Heron](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/green-heron/)
- [Canada Geese](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/canada-geese/)
- [Solar Eclipse](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/solar-eclipse/)
- [Red Headed Woodpeckers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/red-headed-woodpeckers/)
- [Apples](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/apples/)
- [Beach](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/beach/)
- [Santa Maria in Traspontina](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/santa-maria-in-traspontina/)
- [Loon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/loon/)
- [Mackinac Island](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mackinac-island/)
- [Grand Hotel](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/grand-hotel/)
- [Puma](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/puma/)
- [Cougar](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/cougar/)
- [Monarch Butterflies](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/monarch-butterflies/)
- [Iron Fish Distillery](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/iron-fish-distillery/)
- [Halloween](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/halloween/)
- [Squirrels](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/squirrels/)
- [Snake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/snake/)
- [Wrens](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/wrens/)
- [Spider Web](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/spider-web/)
- [Cross Country Skiing](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/cross-country-skiing/)
- [Old Indian Trail](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/old-indian-trail/)
- [Green-Winged Teal](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/green-winged-teal/)
- [Treat Farm Trail](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/treat-farm-trail/)
- [Lavender Farm](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/lavender-farm/)
- [Perseid Meteors](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/perseid-meteors/)
- [Sun Flowers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sun-flowers/)
- [Bicycles](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bicycles/)
- [Reeds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/reeds/)
- [Dahlias](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/dahlias/)
- [Salmon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/salmon/)
- [Lady Bugs](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/lady-bugs/)
- [Iris](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/iris/)
- [dragon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/dragon/)
- [turtle](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/turtle/)
- [Cicadas](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/cicadas/)
- [Roots](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/roots/)
- [Winter Green](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/winter-green/)
- [Moss](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/moss/)
- [Water Skier](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/water-skier/)
- [Frog](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/frog/)
- [Sail Boat](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sail-boat/)
- [Squash](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/squash/)
- [Potatoes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/potatoes/)
- [Peppers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/peppers/)
- [High Rollaway](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/high-rollaway/)
- [South Long Lake Forest Trail](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/south-long-lake-forest-trail/)
- [Whaleback Nature Area](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/whaleback-nature-area/)
- [Maple City](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/maple-city/)
- [Sedona](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sedona/)
- [AZ](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/az/)
- [Bell Rock](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bell-rock/)
- [Courthouse Butte](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/courthouse-butte/)
- [Chapel of the Holy Cross](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/chapel-of-the-holy-cross/)
- [Crucifix](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/crucifix/)
- [Vistas](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/vistas/)
- [Cathedral Rock](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/cathedral-rock/)
- [Chimney Rock](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/chimney-rock/)
- [Update](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/update/)
- [River Otter](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/river-otter/)
- [Phlox](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/phlox/)
- [Memorial Day](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/memorial-day/)
- [Parade](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/parade/)
- [Napoleon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/napoleon/)
- [MI](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mi/)
- [Pink Lady's Slippers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/pink-ladys-slippers/)
- [Screech Owls](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/screech-owls/)
- [Close-ups](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/close-ups/)
- [Hydrangeas](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/hydrangeas/)
- [Coneflowers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/coneflowers/)
- [Traverse City Botanical Gardens](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/traverse-city-botanical-gardens/)
- [Alaska](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/alaska/)
- [Vancouver](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/vancouver/)
- [Cruise](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/cruise/)
- [Holland America](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/holland-america/)
- [Noordam](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/noordam/)
- [Scenery](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/scenery/)
- [Whales](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/whales/)
- [Ketchikan](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/ketchikan/)
- [Mountains](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mountains/)
- [Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/alaska-rainforest-sanctuary/)
- [Bears](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bears/)
- [Totem Poles](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/totem-poles/)
- [Creek Street](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/creek-street/)
- [Juneau](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/juneau/)
- [Kayaking](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/kayaking/)
- [Mendenhall Glacier](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mendenhall-glacier/)
- [Tram](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/tram/)
- [Skagway](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/skagway/)
- [Aquileans](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/aquileans/)
- [Arctic Brotherhood](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/arctic-brotherhood/)
- [Red Onion Saloon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/red-onion-saloon/)
- [Golden North Hotel](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/golden-north-hotel/)
- [White Pass & Yukon Railway](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/white-pass-yukon-railway/)
- [Chilkoot Trail](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/chilkoot-trail/)
- [Hike](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/hike/)
- [Lichen](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/lichen/)
- [Taiya River](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/taiya-river/)
- [Raft](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/raft/)
- [Holland Ameria](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/holland-ameria/)
- [Glacier Bay](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/glacier-bay/)
- [Glaciers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/glaciers/)
- [Sea Otters](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sea-otters/)
- [Sea Lions](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sea-lions/)
- [College Fjord](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/college-fjord/)
- [Train](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/train/)
- [Turnagain Arm](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/turnagain-arm/)
- [Denali](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/denali/)
- [Alaska Railway](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/alaska-railway/)
- [Alaska Railroad](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/alaska-railroad/)
- [Meadows](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/meadows/)
- [Fireweed](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/fireweed/)
- [McKinley Chalet Resort](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mckinley-chalet-resort/)
- [Nenana River](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/nenana-river/)
- [Denali National Park](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/denali-national-park/)
- [Mt. Denali](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mt-denali/)
- [Fall Colors](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/fall-colors/)
- [Grizzly Bear](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/grizzly-bear/)
- [Caribou](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/caribou/)
- [Ground Squirrels](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/ground-squirrels/)
- [Teklanika River](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/teklanika-river/)
- [Riverboat Discovery](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/riverboat-discovery/)
- [Fairbanks](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/fairbanks/)
- [Nenana Ice Classic](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/nenana-ice-classic/)
- [Sea Planes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sea-planes/)
- [Chena River](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/chena-river/)
- [Trail Breaker Kennel](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/trail-breaker-kennel/)
- [Reindeer](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/reindeer/)
- [Fish Wheel](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/fish-wheel/)
- [Chena Indian Village](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/chena-indian-village/)
- [Spirit Houses](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/spirit-houses/)
- [Russian Orthodox Church](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/russian-orthodox-church/)
- [St. Nicolas](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-nicolas/)
- [Eklutna](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/eklutna/)
- [Cemetery](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/cemetery/)
- [Alaska State Fair](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/alaska-state-fair/)
- [Pumpkins](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/pumpkins/)
- [Eklutna Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/eklutna-lake/)
- [Reflections Lake](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/reflections-lake/)
- [Thunderbird Falls](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/thunderbird-falls/)
- [Boardman River](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/boardman-river/)
- [Brown Bridge Quiet Area](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/brown-bridge-quiet-area/)
- [Lighthouse](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/lighthouse/)
- [Daisies](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/daisies/)
- [Japanese Maples](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/japanese-maples/)
- [Grasses](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/grasses/)
- [Rose Campion](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/rose-campion/)
- [Moon Gate](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/moon-gate/)
- [Bluebirds](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bluebirds/)
- [Goldfinch](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/goldfinch/)
- [Lowell MI](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/lowell-mi/)
- [Fallasburg MI](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/fallasburg-mi/)
- [St Patrick Catholic Church](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-patrick-catholic-church/)
- [Altar](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/altar/)
- [Columbine](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/columbine/)
- [Jack-in-the-Pulpit](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/jack-in-the-pulpit-2/)
- [Farm House](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/farm-house/)
- [Bladder Campion](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bladder-campion/)
- [Orchard Grass](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/orchard-grass/)
- [Chinese Silver Grass](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/chinese-silver-grass/)
- [Canada Violet](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/canada-violet/)
- [Lily of the Valley](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/lily-of-the-valley/)
- [Lelannd](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/lelannd/)
- [Historic Barns Park](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/historic-barns-park/)
- [Koeze Stable Garden](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/koeze-stable-garden/)
- [Microclimate](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/microclimate/)
- [Inspiration Point](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/inspiration-point/)
- [Arcadia](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/arcadia/)
- [Scenic View](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/scenic-view/)
- [Baldy Dune](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/baldy-dune/)
- [Wood Lily](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/wood-lily/)
- [Wild Leeks](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/wild-leeks/)
- [Tufted Vetch](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/tufted-vetch/)
- [Hoary Alyssunm](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/hoary-alyssunm/)
- [Hairy Puccoon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/hairy-puccoon/)
- [Milk Weed](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/milk-weed/)
- [Bellflowers](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/bellflowers/)
- [Coreopsis](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/coreopsis/)
- [Thistle](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/thistle/)
- [Dandelion](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/dandelion/)
- [Spiderwort](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/spiderwort/)
- [Keystone Rapids Trail](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/keystone-rapids-trail/)
- [Interlochen Center for the Arts](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/interlochen-center-for-the-arts/)
- [ICA](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/ica/)
- [Impatiens](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/impatiens/)
- [Timelapse](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/timelapse/)
- [Lower Woodcock Nature Preserve](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/lower-woodcock-nature-preserve/)
- [Esch Road Beach](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/esch-road-beach/)
- [Fort Custer](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/fort-custer/)
- [Flags](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/flags/)
- [Gull Prairie Preserve](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/gull-prairie-preserve/)
- [Butterflies](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/butterflies/)
- [Butterfly Garden](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/butterfly-garden/)
- [Meijer Gardens](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/meijer-gardens/)
- [Japanese Garden](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/japanese-garden/)
- [St. James Church](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-james-church/)
- [Warsaw](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/warsaw/)
- [Poland](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/poland/)
- [St. Faustina](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-faustina/)
- [Divine Mercy](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/divine-mercy/)
- [Stained Glass](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/stained-glass/)
- [Marshall Joseph Pilsudski](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/marshall-joseph-pilsudski/)
- [Frederick Chopin](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/frederick-chopin/)
- [Royal Route](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/royal-route/)
- [Monuments](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/monuments/)
- [Heros of Warsaw](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/heros-of-warsaw/)
- [Warsaw Uprising](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/warsaw-uprising/)
- [Jan Karski](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/jan-karski/)
- [Ghetto Heroes](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/ghetto-heroes/)
- [Fallen and Murdered in the East](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/fallen-and-murdered-in-the-east/)
- [Palm Tree](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/palm-tree/)
- [Sigismund's Column](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sigismunds-column/)
- [Royal Castle](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/royal-castle/)
- [Sculptures](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sculptures/)
- [Statues](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/statues/)
- [Mermaid](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mermaid/)
- [Organ Grinder](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/organ-grinder/)
- [St. John the Baptist Archcathredal](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-john-the-baptist-archcathredal/)
- [UNESCO](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/unesco/)
- [Pilgrimage](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/pilgrimage/)
- [Niepokalanów](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/niepokalanow/)
- [St. Maximilian Kolbe](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-maximilian-kolbe/)
- [Basilica of the Virgin Mary](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/basilica-of-the-virgin-mary/)
- [Malbork Castle](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/malbork-castle/)
- [Marienburg](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/marienburg/)
- [Teutonic Knights](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/teutonic-knights/)
- [Architecture](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/architecture/)
- [Murals](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/murals/)
- [Painting](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/painting/)
- [Pelicans](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/pelicans/)
- [St John the Baptist Church](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-john-the-baptist-church/)
- [Mosaics](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mosaics/)
- [Sopot](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sopot/)
- [Spa](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/spa/)
- [Health Spa](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/health-spa/)
- [Pier](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/pier/)
- [Wooden Pier](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/wooden-pier/)
- [Resort](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/resort/)
- [Gdansk](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/gdansk/)
- [Royal Chapel](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/royal-chapel/)
- [St. Mary's Church](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-marys-church/)
- [Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/basilica-of-the-assumption-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/)
- [Altars](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/altars/)
- [Old-Town](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/old-town/)
- [Old Town](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/old-town-2/)
- [Fountain](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/fountain/)
- [Pilgrima](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/pilgrima/)
- [Torun](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/torun/)
- [Churches](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/churches/)
- [Gingerbread](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/gingerbread/)
- [Copernicus](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/copernicus/)
- [Legends](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/legends/)
- [Helena Koloska](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/helena-koloska/)
- [St. Casimir's Church](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-casimirs-church/)
- [Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/congregation-of-the-sisters-of-our-lady-of-mercy/)
- [Our Lady of Czestochowa](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/our-lady-of-czestochowa/)
- [Black Madonna](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/black-madonna/)
- [Icon](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/icon/)
- [Jasna Gora](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/jasna-gora/)
- [Auschwitz](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/auschwitz/)
- [Birkenau](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/birkenau/)
- [Concentration Camp](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/concentration-camp/)
- [Wieliczka Salt Mine](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/wieliczka-salt-mine/)
- [Salt](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/salt/)
- [Mine](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/mine/)
- [Krakow](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/krakow/)
- [St. Mary's Basilica](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/st-marys-basilica/)
- [Veit Stoss Altar](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/veit-stoss-altar/)
- [Organ](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/organ/)
- [Wawel Hill](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/wawel-hill/)
- [Castle](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/castle/)
- [Jewish Quarter](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/jewish-quarter/)
- [Kalwaria Zebrzydowska](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/kalwaria-zebrzydowska/)
- [Our Lady of the Angels Basilica](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/our-lady-of-the-angels-basilica/)
- [Our Lady of Calvary](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/our-lady-of-calvary/)
- [John Paul II](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/john-paul-ii/)
- [Wadowice](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/wadowice/)
- [Pope John Paul II](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/pope-john-paul-ii/)
- [Minor Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/minor-basilica-of-the-presentation-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/)
- [Icons](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/icons/)
- [Order of the Knights of Pope John Paul II](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/order-of-the-knights-of-pope-john-paul-ii/)
- [Relics](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/relics/)
- [Sanctuary of Divine Mercy](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/sanctuary-of-divine-mercy/)
- [Chapel of the Miraculous Image of the Merciful Jesus](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/chapel-of-the-miraculous-image-of-the-merciful-jesus/)
- [Folk Music](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/folk-music/)
- [Folk Dancing](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/folk-dancing/)
- [Group Photos](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/group-photos/)
- [Spotted Sandpiper](https://markyanceyphoto.com/tag/spotted-sandpiper/)