Summer?

Seriously.  Of course work had something to do with it, but it’s the opening day of bird season already!

Since I’m short on time sitting in a hotel room in the Florida Keys and avoiding much more important web related activities; here is a short photo summary of the 3.5 weeks I had of a U.P. summer.  Short as it was, I enjoyed every last breath of fresh air and each opportunity to sleep in a tent, play my guitar and spend priceless time with friends.

Returning back to the U.P. in August, I was hard pressed to think I could swing in UPO2011, let alone find time to camp with friends.  I got lucky and was able to stay home for a couple extra weeks.  Didn’t waste a tick of time either- getting outside and on the water, fishing on the mind and good weather to boot.

Dana Lake Morning

We spent a good weekend at one of my favorite spots, and the weather couldn’t have been better.  Catching craw-dads (err.. crayfish…) for the sole purpose of frightening 3 little girls was the call of the day.  They weren’t, however, too darn scared.   Mornings here must be what perfect was planned after.  Fog rolling around, up and across the water, sunshine and it’s warm early.   TJ had a bright idea to treat us to a night cap with some Jim in it.  Still, without fail and striking a new term to define being a badass (I’ll explain that some other time), George visited my screen door too damned early, eager to fish. George was having a moment, and in short order was making waves..  or was he??

George debating whether to fish or return to the tent!

Of course what sharing of photos would be complete without a sunset?  While trying not to cause a ruckus during one of Alyssa Summers’ Yoga classes (hey, I was there to take pics), I snagged this shot looking west just as the class was ending.

Sunset during a Munising Yoga Session

I think the month I was home set the record for ‘random invites’.  TJ was called up for a maintenance trip out to the North Light on Grand Island, and while there I didn’t mind taking photos of the 1974 FJ40 they use.  Bought new in Marquette (in 1974 for anyone who missed the obvious), the 40K miles on the rig are 99% island made.  The story of the family and their time on the island isn’t even blog material, it’s full-on book material.  Maybe one day I’ll get to talk with them more.  I was a bit overwhelmed by the background and history, and was only there for 2 hours.

Grand Island North Light FJ40

Adding to random invites, my crazy ass cousin invited me along to fish for salmon that were (oh, how did he put it).. “leaping from the lake, eating everything in sight, practically jumping in boats!!!”…  Ok, not quite the quote, but that’s how he sold me on the trip. Had nothing to do with the idea of an epic sunrise, flat Lake Michigan waters and being on a boat with good friends   I’ll admit to having the closest fish pole next to me receive the only bite of the day, but it was too damn early to catch fish and it simply got away.  (end of story, Brad).  The sunrise and the lighthouse made for the perfect summer morning photo (in my opinion, or course)

Manistique Lighthouse @ Sunrise

I’m tellin’ ya.. there’s something about watching the sun come up and watching the sun set in the same day that invites optimism into your day and allows it to run on 93 octane. (even if you’re a mouth-breather).  I’m not a morning guy but each and every time I am up early I enjoy the hell out of it.  Reckon I’ll do that a bit more & more.

High Rock Bay Sunrise during UPO2011

The UPO2011 trip was fantastic (oh come on, you know you liked it too…) and went by way too fast. I know we have some changes coming down the line, red tape has found us and our resolve will likely need some support for 2012.  I hope the good times of the last 4 years can continue to be shared with old and new friends.   I met some new friends this year, talented friends, and am looking forward to.. well, whatever we end up doing together.  Time will tell.

Joe in the CJ on Gay Beach during UPO2011

Often, one image will remind me of so many things.  This is that image.  My good friend Steve and his son Kevin were gracious enough to invite me to tag along with life-long friends for a pontoon waddle along the PRNL.  This picture captured that day for me, and makes me appreciate meeting a mentor and photographic optimist, the type of friend that you don’t get to meet but few in a lifetime.

A Cliff & A Cove

I can’t think of any other way to put it other than the best time I’ve had on Lake Superior since the days fishing with my Grandfather. Making memories and bringing good ones back… something about that that words can’t cover.

Doesn’t seem like much of a summer to look at but a half a dozen images.  I tell you what, it was good.  I appreciate my friends.  There was thought about including many of the good times with friends in this blog, but I’m not going to do that.  We had a lot of good fun, and you know who you are.  I think of the time spent on Facebook or idle on my butt and imagine that even more good fun could be had if I got back to the basics.  There’s a plan.

Not even 4 weeks of summer… but it was freaking awesome.   I gotta get back to work.

Take a picture,

Tom