I have titled this page Sacred Spaces, Sacred Places, as that is how I feel about many places in the outdoors. I feel that special sense of the sacred when I am in northern Michigan; many of my pictures are my effort to convey this.
Bark-Wrapped Tree
This pair of pictures is two different views of the same tree stump. I saw this in early February as I walked through the Bay View Woods.
Spalted Wood
Two sides of the same tree. I love spalted wood, and here it is in its natural state. I saw this on a walk through the Bay View Woods.
Woods/Seasons
This is an entryway into the Bay View Woods. The top photo was taken in early February 2012, while the bottom picture is from the summer of 2011. Although so different according to the season, it's nonetheless a beautiful place.
Patchwork Tree
Of course this is in the Bay View Woods. I was struck by the beauty of the soaring evergreen tree in the center, as well as the towering trees all around. The tree in the center was photographed in three sections, and I like the patchwork effect of putting it together without any blending tricks. I set the background picture in black & white to serve as a contrast to the central tree.
Trillium
Spring brings out the trillium in the northern woods. These white flowers have three petals and three green leaves, and grow in shaded areas. They are so striking when seen as a carpet in the woods.
Trillium with One Pink
Trillium flowers are generally white, but you will occasionally spot a blush pink one. They all emerge in early May, so make sure to get out then to see them. Up north, the trillium are a welcome herald that Spring has arrived.