The U.P, a blizzard and snowshoes.. 4/19/13

Today is April 19th 2013. 

This is how I spent my afternoon.

I am probably one of the few people in the U.P that was excited to have blizzard today. I did not have many chances to snowshoe this winter because I was busy or was out of town. So, today may have been my last opportunity to play in the snow. (hopefully spring/summer is coming) 

Once I put my winter gear on, I grabbed the snowshoes and headed outside! I did not travel far, mostly because I had 26 acres to explore. I am very lucky to have grown up in this area, and to have a backyard like this. 

My brothers dog Sosa joined me and here are some photos from our adventure! This is what it looks like on Lake Linden Hill, in Calumet Michigan! 

Walking in the woods.

Old school snowshoes. My favorite:) 

Just getting started on our adventure. 

Sosa playing in the snow. Watching for anything that moves. 

I fell playing with Sosa. 

Our trail. 

Dolphin Tale - Clearwater Florida

Today I visited Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida. At this rescue place, they rehabilitate and release injured marine animals into the wild. This place is most famous for one dolphin named Winter. Winter's tail was caught up in a crab net and she was found on a beach. The aquarium took Winter back to their facility and her tail eventually came off. Winter survived and her story of living with a prosthetic tail became famous by the movie Dolphin Tale. 

I watched this movie with my best friend a few years ago and was inspired by this true story. Today I excited to see this amazing dolphin and learn more of her courageous story to survive! Here are some photos from my trip to the aquarium and some of the things used in the movie. If you saw the movie, see if you recognize things:)

For more information about Winter, and the movie check out the aquariums website! 

http://www.seewinter.com/

Sign explaining the scene of Save Winter Day Festival filmed on site at the aquarium. 

A show with Panama and Winter. Panama is clapping her fins for a little girl. 

A sea turtle that lost one of its legs because of nets. 

Winter playing in the pool with her hula hoop and ball. 

Winter twirling around:) 

Panama swimming in the pool. 

I got to pet sting rays! It was very exciting!

Inside the Clearwater Marine Aquarium - where Winter lives. 

The cast from Dolphin Tale's chairs. 

Prop used in the movie

Winter's prosthetic tails used in real life and in the movie. 

Prop from the movie. 

Prop from the movie. 

Prop from the movie. 

Leland - Fishtown - Michigan

Leland Michigan - Fishtown

While visiting my friends in Fife Lake this past week, I spent Thursday visiting the beaches and small towns along Lake Michigan.  One of the first stops on our day adventure was in Leland. I never heard of this town before Thursday morning.

 Once I stepped out of the car, and entered this small little fishtown, I fell in love! While my friends were busy shopping in the little gift stores, I was trying to take as many pictures as possible. I couldn't get enough of the boardwalk area! There were so many photo opportunities! I could have spent all day there. I loved the old fish shacks that are still on the boardwalk from the late 1880s! This area is perfect for shooting black and white photography! :) I will be visiting again soon! 

Below are a few photos from my short time visiting... Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them! 

Sleepy Bear Sand Dunes - Michigan

Last week, while visiting my friends in Lower Michigan, I went to the Sleep Bear Sand Dunes on Lake Michigan for the first time. I couldn't believe how beautiful they were! The colors were amazing!! The sky was blue, Lake Michigan was clear and the sand was perfect!! 

These are a few photos from our day adventure to the Sand Dunes. Enjoy:)

Before heading to the Sand Dunes, we picked up a few sandwiches from Leland to eat on this beach. After we ate lunch we skipped a few rocks on the lake and then headed to the sand dunes!

My friends and I decided to drive around the park and stopped at the various look out spots along the way. 

I love covered bridges! - Photo taken while my friend was driving. I had body and camera hanging outside the backseat window to get this shot. 

Sand Dunes!! and Lake Michigan! 

It was a hot day, and there were many people on the dunes. Not many people ventured to the bottom. It was steep and too hot to climb up. 

Peaceful and beautiful! 

A sandy pathway

Amazing view! 

The beach we stopped at and ate lunch. 

I went down the dunes a little bit, but gave up because it was too hot to climb back up.