7 Pages are shown on the Main Page.

7 pages are shown on the Main Page. To see additional posts, click on the link "Older Posts" at the bottom of the main page. For videos go to https://www.youtube.com/@normanretzke4377/videos click "skip" to avoid ads


G has a "swell" time kayaking

G has a "swell" time kayaking
G has a "swell" time on Lake Michigan in an inflatable canoe

Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico

Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico
Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico

Warren Dunes Sunset

Warren Dunes Sunset
Warren Dunes Sunset
Showing posts with label Monarch Butterfly Migration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monarch Butterfly Migration. Show all posts

Monday, September 23, 2019

The monarch butterfly migration is underway




Bookmark and Share



While walking the eastern shore of Lake Michigan we have been treated to an incredible profusion of Monarch butterflies, all travelling southward in their annual migration to Mexico. Exhausted, some rest on the beach and we have to be careful where we step.











Original material:  https://roadtrek210.blogspot.com/

Copyright (C) 2019 Norman Retzke "All Rights Reserved"

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Fall, Monarchs and Nature



Bookmark and Share



We're currently on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The great annual Monarch butterfly migration continues. We enjoy watching the flutter by as we walk the shoreline. Some get perilously close to the water. Nature prevails. As I write this a nuthatch is working its way down the pine, about 5 feet away. With fall, there is some urgency as temperatures cool.








Some Monarchs don't make it


Tuesday, October 4, 2016

The great Monarch butterfly migration




Bookmark and Share


The Monarch butterfly migration is underway. The swallows departed several weeks ago and they are being followed by the butterflies.

Getting photos of the Monarch's isn't easy. They don't travel when it is raining. They don't travel when the wind is blowing in the wrong direction. These cold blooded, fragile creatures persevere. So when the wind shifts and the air warms, they travel by us in a steady stream.

The storms left the area early this morning and by noon the butterflies were travelling. By sunset there was a steady stream, fluttering by and buffeted by the wind currents.










Monday, August 31, 2015

Monarch Butterfly Migration, Rain, Sunsets and Campfires



Bookmark and Share




It's that time of year and the annual Monarch butterfly migration is underway. The evenings are becoming cooler as the sun moves northward in the sky.



We've experiences wetter weather this August. But on our trek we've had a lot of wonderful sun, too. Warm water temperatures (70F). cool evening breezes and lovely evenings and sunsets.


When it rains we don appropriate clothes and hike a few miles into the woods or state parks. I prefer hiking boots, jeans and a lightweight Marmot rain coat with a wide brimmed hat. But we take what we have and what works. Then as a group, off we go!


When the rain stops the sand drains quickly and we dance and laugh. 


With the rejuvenating rain mushrooms come up.


Returning to our campsite we prepare dinner. After dinner and as dusk approaches I light a campfire, and when darkness falls we sip tea and tell stories.






Friday, May 15, 2015

Warren Dunes May 2015


Bookmark and Share



This year, we plan on spending some time along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. To that end, we visited the Warren Dunes last week. Of course, where we go this summer will be determined in part by the time available. Currently the schedule is busy.


The dunes is a fun spot. It's popular with hikers, bathers and youth groups. According to the Michigan DNR "The rugged dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake and offers spectacular views and excellent for hang gliding. The park has three miles of shoreline, six miles of hiking trails and is open year-round."  Entry via motor vehicle requires a "Recreation Passport" which is $9 daily and $31 annually for non-Michigan vehicles. 

In the Spring there are the swallows. During the fall, there is the migration of Monarch butterflies. Here are two videos. One was made a week ago, the other last fall. 


<