In early February of this year, I decided to head to Petoskey State Park to do a little winter exploration. Most of the park’s road are not plowed, so there are limitations on how far you can go by car. I parked by the entrance to the Dunes sites, walked around the closed yellow gate and into the campground.
There were many footprints in the snow made by people and dogs, but I didn’t see either. Picnic tables and fire pits sat alone at each tree bordered site, silently waiting for warmer weather and the throngs of people and camping equipment that would follow. For now, it was too cold for them.
I pulled my hat down as I made my way toward the path to the beach. I’d walked through the park and hiked its trails when it was empty in a previous Spring, but I’d never been there when it was snow covered. It was quieter, without birds and squirrels rustling in trees and through leaves, but it was also liberating—there was freedom knowing that I didn’t have to be locked away in our house during the winter, and could continue to explore and take pictures.
The path led to a small rise overlooking the beach near playground equipment partially buried by the sand. The beach was predominately clear, but other areas like the parking lot and dunes remained mostly covered by a few inches of sand infused snow. There was a thick ribbon of snow and ice that created temporary hills along the shoreline, and a group of kids climbed up it to toss snowballs into the bay.
The sunset that evening was beautiful, brushed first by pastel pinks and purples and then ignited into oranges and reds. I’d brought my camera along for such an opportunity, and I had a great time trying different angles and photography techniques—it was exciting, invigorating, fun!
I was a bit cold when I got back to my car, but I knew I wanted to do it again. I’ve gone back several more times, and each time the sky was different—sometimes tinted blue and purple, other times more earthy with browns and oranges. I now watch the sky as dusk approaches to ascertain if that evening might offer a good sunset. There are hits and misses when sunset hunting, but being out there is reward enough.