Central Ohio Nature“Going Home”
Sometimes, if we’re lucky, thoughts off our past bring back memories of a special place that may have been part of the lazy warm summer days of our childhood. Such thoughts often awaken a desire to return. But as we all are too well aware there is a danger in trying to go back, things change, and not always for the better.
When I was a young my family spent one or two weeks each summer in northern Michigan. Quite often it was in an area along Lake Huron near Oscoda. As folks would say in Detroit at that time, we went “Up North” for vacation. During those vacations, family drives along the Au Sable River captured my imagination as well as did the fishing trips with my dad to several of the clear, and still relatively undeveloped, lakes in the area.
Time went by with many wonderful bicycling and hiking trips over the years. But the urge to return steadily grew, so several years ago I did return to fish, as well as explore, the areas near to where my family had vacationed. Places like the Rifle River Recreation Area and the Au Sable River and the ponds that are part of that river system.
Recent camping/paddling trips to this area with my wife and fishing trips with friends have revealed an area more magical than I ever imagined as a child. Seemingly endless clear water, Bald Eagles soaring overhead, the song of the Whip-poor-will or the call of a Barred Owl or Loon at night, and great catch and release fishing for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass just to name a few of the things that keep drawing me back.
This year’s experience, our seventh annual fishing trip, was shared and enjoyed by myself and three friends who also enjoy kayak fishing, exploring beautiful lakes, as well as paddling beautiful rivers.
Reflecting on this year’s trip, my wish is that everyone have such a beautiful place. A place, that when returned to, invokes a feeling of “Going Home”.
Checking gear at the campsite, Rifle River Recreation Area
Devoe Lake, Rifle River Recreation Area
Joe-pye Weed, Devoe Lake, Rifle River Recreation Area
Gliding across the lake, Rifle River Recreation Area.
A hint of autumn, Rifle River Recreation Area.
Trumpeter Swan, Rifle River Recreation Area.
Study 2
Study 3
Grass-of-Parnassus, Rifle River Recreation Area
Jeff catches a nice bass, Rifle River Recreation Area
A nice Smallmouth is caught and released below Loud Pond Dam on the Au Sable River.
Reeds, Rifle River Recreation Area
Morning Fog, Devoe Lake, Rifle River Recreation Area.
Colorful Fungus (Lobster Mushroom?), Rifle River Recreation Area
Reflections, Devoe Lake, Rifle River Recreation Area.
Along the Au Sable River below Alcona Dam
Heading in, Devoe Lake, Rifle River Recreation Area.
Au Sable River below Alcona Dam
Sky over the lake, Rifle River Recreation Area
Au Sable River below Alcona Dam
Lake through the trees, Rifle River Recreation Area
Taking a break, Rifle River Recreation Area
Keith on the Au Sable River.
Nice Largemouth bass, caught and released, Rifle River Recreation Area.
Loons, Rifle River Recreation Area.
Loons looking for dinner, Rifle River Recreation Area
Immature Loon, first year, Rifle River Recreation Area.
Adult Loon, Rifle River Recreation Area
Floating the Au Sable River below Alcona Dam.
Common Mergansers along the Au Sable River.
Jim on the Au Sable River.
Sunset, Rifle River Recreation Area.
Send a few of those to the guys in the office…..
How could one (like me,) not be envious! Beautiful imagery and images. You and your friends are very fortunate. M -:)
Michigan is a beautiful state that I wouldn’t mind visiting someday. Great fishing too, apparently!
The mystery flower looks like grass of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris.)
I agree, thanks for your input.
Bob, you know, for a newly retired person, you seem to be developing an ideal life. I would love to have lived a life of being outdoors and being grounded in the quiet, naturally noisy, remarkable realm of nature. I do not rue my life, but from yours I see a pure, mysterious, and in my mind, a romanticized experience. I am enriched by your thoughts and photographs.
Sandy
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Thanks Sandy!
I’m glad that you enjoyed your visit here. I’m familiar with the area where you stayed, but I usually go a little farther north towards Alpena, or inland to the Pigeon River Country. If you’re looking for unspoiled, you can’t beat the PRC in the lower peninsula.
The Pigeon River area is on my list.
Love that canoe!