Category Archives: Lake Michigan

Vol XV #286 – Another gray January Day

Another calm and cloudy beginning.  The temperature rose to around 43 degrees this afternoon with some drizzle, not the kind of winter day you want.  Sunday is forecasted to be cold and snowy.  Last year on this date we had 61.2 inches in Maple City and two years ago 121 inches in Suttons bay.  But then again, three years ago… Read more »

Vol XV #285 – A Black & White Beginning With a Touch of Orange

A calm and cloudy beginning.  The forecasts include everything, rain, sleet and possible snow.  So far nothing.  The morning darkness starts to brighten up mid February when the sun rises at 7:45.  I like to begin our journey around 8.  The Leland Report/Leif Spork Snow Gauge contest is closed. We had a total of 47 entries. We will report the final… Read more »

Vol XV #284 – A Picture Postcard Afternoon

The morning arrived with a nice sunrise.  I thought there might be a nice picture opportunity at Fudgy Beach and as I crossed over the Carp River I said this is it.  Never got to Fudgy Beach, instead I made my way to South Fishtown.  Noon and the sun provided a picture postcard shot of North Beach.  Tomorrow afternoon… possible rain or snow…. Read more »

Vol XV #283 – It Could Be A Nice Day I’d Say

This afternoon we will be in the Big City By the Bay, so the Leland Report is being posted early.  Back in 2001 when I started the LR, it was usually was posted in the am as it was a good morning email to my family.  Hard to believe that 15 years will have passed since March 30 2001.  I have been interviewed… Read more »

Vol XV #282 – Meggen’s Monday

  It was one of those instances of glancing back over my shoulder after having photographed the waves breaking near the old Life Saving Station in the park. A thin line of pink hovered over the Manitou Passage. As I returned to the water’s edge and looked toward the point, the sun had turned South Manitou Island’s snow-covered dunes pink as… Read more »

Vol XV #280 – A Very Bicentennial Sunset

This is one of the reasons we drive as far as we do to come up here. I followed Meggen and Joel Petersen down to Good Harbor Bay in search of the elusive “ice boulders” and even though we couldn’t find any, we were not disappointed because the sky exploded in a palette of orange and red. As I was taking… Read more »

Vol XV #277 – The Day Before the Last Day of the Year

I couldn’t make it to my usual destination, South Fishtown, because of the depth of snow… so I ventured over to South Beach.  I walked in the footprints of previous visitors.  That’s probably the way I will travel on foot for the rest of the winter, walking in other peoples footprints. The Leelanau County Road Commission gets our applause for the great job… Read more »

Vol XV #275 – Meggen’s Monday

Reflecting on a mild sunset in late December, accompanied by the kind of wind chill that makes your eyes water. According to the weatherman, this afternoon we’re supposed to see snow. This morning I startled the herd above. Below are a few photos of the model trains set up for the holidays by the Northern Michigan Railroad Club: several rooms full… Read more »

Vol XV #270 – Annual Toy Store Story

The Leland Reports first visit to the Toy Store was on this date in 2001 and has been revisited each year since.  I believe it’s important to remember those who have made our Leland experience special and Linda, the Toy Store Lady” did indeed.  The weather people are forecasting rain and winds gusting to 50 mph tonight and early tomorrow.  I’m… Read more »