Hats

Women in hats seem to elevate an ordinary event to something elegant and special.

Step back in time

This is the only hand cranked chain ferry left in the United States. It crosses the Kalamazoo River at Wick's Park and when you get to the other side of the river it is a modest walk to the beach or you can try climbing the steps of Mount Baldy for some spectacular views of Saugatuck and Lake Michigan.

Oil Spill :(

Well, there has been a large oil spill on a creek that flows into the Kalamazoo River which flows past Saugatuck and empties into Lake Michigan. The current estimates are that 1 million gallons of oil leaked from a broken pipe and is about 80 miles from Lake Michigan. Hopefully, Enbridge (the Calgary based energy company) who owns and maintains this pipeline will be able to contain this spill before if gets to Lake Michigan.

Livin' large

The name of their boat says it all, don't you think? Some people know how to have a good time - they pulled up to Wick's Park to enjoy the live music and their dinner. You can see the chain ferry crossing the river in the background. Have I mentioned what a great summer we are having here in Michigan?

Local flora and fauna

This picture was taken at the West Shore Golf Club in Douglas. Most evenings you can find several deer (as well as turkeys, fox, raccoons, etc) enjoying a stroll on the links.

Music in Wick's Park

It was another great evening in Wick's park. There were a lot of people who came to hear the music this week. I'm not sure if it is the rotten economy bringing so many people to town for a free evening of music or the great setting and gorgeous weather.

Curb appeal

Love how the picket gate, brick pavers and boxwood hedge draw you into the front door of this home.

Life imitates art or art imitates life??

I was out for a walk with my family and my son Bryce, being the good sport he is, posed with the polar bear for me.

Walk this way

What a great front entry to a home. You can tell the owners know how to make their guests' and themselves feel welcome.

Fun in Wick's Park

A group of kids and one lone adult having some fun on a summer evening.

A short history lesson

Take me to my family

This is a highly trained hunting dog. As you can see, the dog in this shot is intently focused on . . . . . his family - as they finished their ice cream.

The Village Puppeteers

Once in a while, when you walk down the streets of Saugatuck, you see some strange creatures! This is one of the creations from the Village Puppeteers who perform frequently in the area and also do puppet workshops for families to make their own puppet. What a great way to spend time with your family

How a turtle chills out

Even turtles need to relax once in a while.

Massage by Steve, Therapy by Della

This is Steve, who does massage therapy in Saugatuck. Most summer evenings you can find him set up in front of Cheryl's (132 Mason St. - right next to my favorite ice cream shop, Charlie's) with his side kick, Della. Della is a registered therapy dog that Steve rescued from the side of the road several years ago. They make a great team.

Sand, Sand, Sand

West Michigan has some of the best beaches in the world. I love the tracks that the seagulls leave as they cruise around the beach looking for handouts.

Summer evening

There are some gorgeous gardens in Saugatuck. This store on the corner of Water and Mason has one of my favorite gardens.

A fine alley

Who wouldn't enjoy a stroll down this alley?

Cat on a . . . rooftop porch

One of Saugatuck's local residents enjoying some fresh air.

The BEST place for ice cream in Saugatuck (at least in my opinion:).

Oval Beach

Early evening at Oval Beach on Lake Michigan - doesn't get much better than this.

Nicki and her dog Maizie visiting with some friends before the parade on the 4th of July. Maizie is definitely ready for the show!

During the summer months, Wick's Park is the place to be on Wednesday evenings from 7-9PM. Bring a blanket, a picnic and your friends for a great mid-week break.

It's been really hot in Saugatuck for the past several days - too hot to do much of anything during the day. This picture was taken in the evening and it seemed to me this cat was just beginning to move around after a long and sweltering day.

Mount Baldhead

If you are wanting to feel the burn in your legs (and lungs) head on up the 282 steps!! The view from the top is worth it - and you can hike the trails back down for a less strenuous trip down the dune. You can find these stairs across from the Saugatuck Chain Ferry landing.

Lady Liberty

Saugatuck has several parades throughout the year, including the 4th of July. The harbor of New York City might have the original Lady Liberty but I think we have a mighty fine version. Rumor has it this fine lady is approaching her 9th decade - we should all be so lucky to live (and look!!) like this.


The day was HOT and there wasn't a cloud in the sky - perfect parade weather. The man on the bike was spritzing off the crowds - hopefully with water.

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!!

Cartoon Artist

These pictures are taken in Holland, Michigan which it just north of Saugatuck. Every Thursday evening in the summer, street performers take over on the main drag in downtown. I will occasionally post pictures of the performers and the people taking in the entertainment. The top photo is of 3 sisters who are posing for a cartoon artist. His completed piece is the final shot. What do you think of the finished work?

End of the day

This is the view from Water street looking out to the marina & Kalamazoo River and on the left is my husband's favorite place to go on Sunday afternoon - The Butler Deck - for an adult beverage, some music and of course, people watching.

Theme Day for July - Reflection

A peaceful and quiet start to July.