Lake Michigan
Yikes! This is NOT a photo of some remote planet! It’s the Lake Michigan shoreline at the Gillson Park Beach in Wilmette…just across the street from the Baha’i Temple. This is just how it looked yesterday. Rugged and remote.
I was driving along Sheridan Road and noticed that the sun was shining through the thick clouds in spots, forming a bit of a spotlight in places along the ground. So, I pulled off the street and into Gillson Park to see how that dramatic lighting was “working” in there. When I got to the parking spots along the beach, I thought it might be interesting to get out and see how things looked along the water. So, I grabbed my camera and the 50mm lens and went for a peak.
Where’s the water? The sand? The people? And what is all that white stuff piled up all over the place?
I didn’t have much time to spend, so I moved around quickly, observing amazing, stunning scenes and taking a few photos. As I trod along, I got so enthusiastic that I “forgot” to look where I was walking and ended up on top of a small ice mound (not one of the big ones in the back of the scene–I was kinda afraid to go back near those!). Trying to be careful and to avoid slipping, I stepped off it and into a snow pile that went up to my waist! Go a bit wet and had a good laugh. And got some interesting photos (and a good story!) I managed to protect my camera…of course!
Here’s another view (above)….gorgeous colors. And so tranquil. Panorama.
Couldn’t resist a muted and tinted image treatment (above)….seems to work for me!
I think I’ve spent more time at the various Chicago area beaches this winter than I did during the summer!!
Go take a look if you get a chance. Really beautiful and so peaceful.
– Stephen M. Levin
Was thinking of you last Saturday am., went walking along Glencoe beach with group. Ice sculptures and snow mounds make it look like somewhere far away, not Lake Michigan. Enjoy your phoyis
One of these days we’re gonna run into each other!!
Glad you like…
Can you shoot too many beach pictures? Never! I’m still appreciating how the beach is in constant change through all of the seasons. Today’s stupid thought: the pictures look very different on my computer and “smart” phone. Why? Next q: do you think the mounded snow is from plowing? I do.
We have to realize that the Chicago beaches aren’t to be taken for granted. They are special assets that we should appreciate.
Don’t know the specific answer to your computer/smart phone viewing issue. That shouldn’t be… However, images do “look” different at different sizes.
I actually think the mounds are “natural.” I thought of that while I was there and wondered why anyone would plow there. Instead, I imagined it could be from water mist and snow drifts. That’s just my guess…I wonder who has the answer!
I love these photos of the beach. Especially because I would never in a million years guess that these were the beaches of my youth. Looks like the Artic. Although the beaches were my hang out every summer that I was old enough to walk to the bus station with a girlfriend and spend a summer day at the beach, I don’t remember ever seeing Lake Michigan up close and personal in the winter months. These are really great. Thanks for sharing them.
Yes. Those are the beaches of my youth, too! Same/similar memories, for obvious reasons! And I also don’t remember going there in the winter months. But, I now always notice and think the Lake looks beautiful as one drives up along LSD in the winter. Though not as “exotic” and otherworldly as this area! Kinda eerie, actually.
Glad you like ’em!
Glad you made it out of the snowbank and home without needing to call me or 911 for a rescue.
This is the way you like to experience the beach – you don’t like the sand in your shoes, so frozen tundra is much better for you. Nice shots – please be careful!
Yep…you’re right (as usual!). But I did get a bootful of ice and snow instead of sand this time. Yuck!
Glad you like the shots!
Looks like sand dunes! Very cool. Literally..
Yes, John. Actually, quite amazing. And so close to home. Sometimes we tend to take those places nearby for granted.
The lighting and sky added a lot of character…as you know.
Thanks!