Meander north along US-31 through Torch Lake Township, which is pretty much the only way you can make the trip, and you will find the entrance to Blue Heaven right across the highway from the entrance to Eden Shores. Those 1920s real estate developers were wily. But maybe they had it right.
It’s surprising how often I have to pull over to admire the sky over Blue Heaven. I drink my fill and turn toward home, thinking that I am wise to live in a landscape that delights me. Then real life happens—one of the dogs barfs up grass and lordknowswhat, or I have to fill my propane tank, or the Township Board commits inscrutability—and the romance of it all fades into the background. Still . . . I’ve stocked my memory banks with images that I love. I can always haul one out when I really need it.
Torch Lake Views 
Scott Thomas Photography
August 25, 2010
How do you plug in your memory bank to the computer? That is one technology I really wish could happen. Who’d need a camera? 🙂
Is this the Sturgeon moon, Gerry?
Gerry
August 25, 2010
I believe my memory banks operate on wind energy, the sound of water, and the fragrance of pines. Or something else, who knows. Stuff gets in there and it comes out in strange combinations at odd times.
Facts drift in and flee, which is why I write so much down, and take so many “documentary” photos rather than “art” photos. More important things find their way in of their own accord, and sort themselves out according to a mysterious filing system that I hope to master before I die. I do not believe that the concept of a Sturgeon Moon is filed in there anywhere, but obviously I could be wrong. Muskie Moon I could believe, but I can’t locate that either. You see how I am.
Scott Thomas Photography
August 25, 2010
Here’s some info on the moon named for a fish. 🙂
Farmers Almanac: The full sturgeon moon
Karma
August 26, 2010
I could really use some moon shooting tips, Scott! (Not that type of moon, Scott, naked sunbather liker!)
P.j. grath
August 25, 2010
That is an image worth inscribing in memory, Gerry.
Gerry
August 25, 2010
Thank you, PJ. It was a much lovelier thing to see, but at least this reminds me. One night at the market Angie said “C’mere–look at this!” and it was the most perfect sliver of a moon hanging just so in a clear sky . . . what is it, d’you suppose, about the moon? We humans love it, that’s for sure.
Beth Toner
August 26, 2010
We had a beautiful moon here last night, too — the skies were just clearing, and the sunset bright red… *sigh* But alas, the moon was not rising over Torch Lake for us. soon enough, though, soon enough.
Gerry
August 26, 2010
I will hold that thought!
Karma
August 26, 2010
You are truly lucky to live in a place you love, Gerry. I love my hometown, and it has been a great place to raise my kids, but I can’t help but believe that when my time comes, I will move to a place that truly makes my soul happy; a place where I can smell the ocean from my house.
Gerry
August 26, 2010
Luck, I like to say, has nothing to do with it. I made a choice to live here, and I remind myself of that every time I cuss the sloooow internet or the propane bill . . . I agree that it is necessary to have a body of water nearby. Oceans are a very nice substitute for the Great Lakes. 🙂
giiid
August 26, 2010
Where is your “like” button,- I need to push it! One time for the nice photo, -I can imagine the quiet and probably fresh moment it was taken,- and one time for the interesting discussion about moon names. I haven´t thought about that subject before, but now I know that our moon is named “harvest moon” this month. Oh, I want to push the like button once more for your memory bank. I´m enjoying how you generously share the gold with your readers 🙂
Gerry
August 26, 2010
I got rid of the “like” button because it annoyed me. (Cowboy? Are you listening to this?) And look what happened – instead of a “like” uptick I get a nice comment! I love comments!
Anna
August 26, 2010
I smiled reading this as I understand. Indeed… dog barfing and needing to fill the propane tank. What a lovely capture… spell binding. 🙂 And what a lovely name: Blue Heaven. Yes, I live where the landscape delights me and touches me too.
Gerry
August 26, 2010
Hello, Anna! I’m not surprised that you can relate . . .
It’s easy to see that you love your Kansas prairie as deeply as I love my lakes and drumlins.
isathreadsoflife
August 28, 2010
Good evening Gerry, my sun has just disappeared behind the forest and the moon is nowhere to be seen yet. So, instead I am sitting in front of your exquisite picture, Moon over Blue Heaven, the title of a painting by Hopper ? or a story you could well write 😉 I simply love your image and feel glad you can remember it, look at it when needed. Thanks for sharing.
Gerry
August 28, 2010
You’re welcome, Isa. I’m so glad you enjoyed the moon.
I think if it were a Hopper painting it would be “Moon over the Blue Heaven Cafe.”
isathreadsoflife
August 29, 2010
Yes indeed Gerry.. “Moon over the Blue Heaven Café”. There is a large exhibition of Hopper’s paintings in Lausanne/Switzerland at the moment and I will do my best to go and see it.
Gerry
August 29, 2010
That will be a fine exhibit to see, Isa. It will be interesting to read your take on it.