I am constantly amazed when I hear comments about our sunset and seeing that people plan their evening around watching a Lake Michigan sunset  Living where we do, it is really easy to take some of the area beauty for granted.  This past spring season, and now into summer, we have  had some of the most spectacular sunsets that I remember.  I have been finding myself planning my evening around the sunset, too.  They really have been something you don’t want to miss.  I am so lucky – these are some of the sunset views I have had from my top deck, looking out over Lake Michigan.

Leland is beautiful in the winter – in definite contrast to summer, it is very laid back and relaxing.
photo by Molly

It’s getting closer to the re-lighting of the South Manitou Island lighthouse in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  After being dark for 50 years, the lighthouse will soon be lighting the way through the Manitou Passage again.  Thanks to the efforts and fundraising of several groups, an exact copy of the original Fresnel Lens that went out in 1958 has been installed.

The lighthouse was constructed in 1839 as it’s importance was recognized as marking a safe haven in the 300 miles from the Mackinaw Straits to Chicago.   For more information on this lighthouse and South Manitou Island check out Great Lakes Education , Grace Dickenson Johnson’s memories of life on the island, Lighthouse Friends,  Leelanau.com, and Terry Pepper for alot of historical info.

photo by David Hooper.  For more of his photos check out his photostream at Flickr .