There is a certain kind of road I can never resist. A tunnel of dark green over a gravel road, sun splashing through the leaves here and there, and at the end, the sparkling blue eye . . . . Even when I have other things to do, I am compelled to take a little frolicking detour to the Torch Bay Nature Preserve.
The beach isn’t as sandy as the beach at Barnes Park, but the water is just as sparkly and blue. There are interesting rocks. An assortment of wildflowers. Pleasant trails. And on Tuesday afternoon we shared the place with at most ten other people and one other dog. We did not feel crowded.
My favorite trees grow there: fluffy white pines with their bundles of five needles, fragrant balsam fir, practical white cedar. When you are at Torch Bay Nature Preserve, you know you are in northern latitudes.
When the goldenrod is blooming riotously, you know that summer is winding down, and you’d better savor every morsel. We’re going to have Summer this week. Make the most of it. Take a book, take a sandwich, take a spaniel and a terrier, take a blanket, take a nap. It’s all good. And it belongs to you.
Torch Lake Views 
giiid
September 3, 2009
What a pleasure to see…and once again surprising to see the similarity to the nature here. The tunnel realy is irresistible!
Gerry
September 3, 2009
Thank you Birgitte. I’m struck by the similarities, too, when I visit Denmark through your blog. I think one of the reasons so many Scandinavians settled in this region is that it reminded them of home. I would dearly love to visit that part of the world. So much world, so little time. At least I can peek through the window of your blog!
flandrumhill
September 3, 2009
Gerry, your photos are all so beautiful. Not that white pine needles aren’t photogenic to start off with, but they are lovely. I think the way you’ve arranged them enhances the lot even more.
I didn’t think those beach peas grew along the Great Lakes. Once school starts and the tourists go home, it’s nice if there are a few days left of summer for the locals to enjoy at the beach.
Gerry
September 3, 2009
Good morning Amy! Thank you. I thought the white pine was especially nice myself. I am on a mission to get everyone in the Township to take a little time to enjoy Golden September. It’s really the best time of the year for those of us who work hard during the summer. We’re glad for the rush–it holds us through the winter–but we’re glad when it winds down, too.
loreen niewenhuis
September 3, 2009
Nice piece and photos! Say hello to Miss Sadie and the Cowboy for me.
Gerry
September 3, 2009
Thanks Loreen! The Disreputable Duo send a cheery greeting back your way. We’re looking forward to reading all about your big finish in Chicago on the 26th. Would that we could join you for the celebratory cruise, but instead we will dispute over who gets to wear the Lake Trek Hat on Facebook that day.
p.j. grath
September 3, 2009
Yes, the goldenrod has supplied the color earlier ours thanks to the St. Johnswort. The weather is PERFECT, and it’s the beginning of the slow, sweet time of year. Amy-Lynn and I were both looking at grasses this week, and you and I, Gerry, had beach rocks in our sights. I haven’t posted my photos yet but was very pleased with myself for discovering that collecting stones with a camera didn’t weigh my pockets down as heavily as if I’d tried to take them all back to the car.
Gerry
September 3, 2009
I’ve noticed a certain lightness of being myself. Although every now and then I just have to pick one up.