James Marvin Phelps Photography

Flashback Friday
Scott Falls
Au Train Township
Michigan

Nestled along Michigan’s scenic highway M-28, near the quaint town of Au Train, lies the enchanting Scott Falls. This hidden gem cascades gracefully, tumbling 10 feet down a sandstone cliff into a crystal-clear pool below. With its gentle roar and picturesque setting, Scott Falls offers a tranquil retreat and a perfect roadside escape for those passing through Alger County.

Throwback Thursday
Liquid Thunder
Grand Marais Harbor Light
Lake Superior
Grand Marais, Michigan

The raw power of Lake Superior waves crashing into the Grand Marais Harbor Light, transforming the calm of the shoreline into a stormy theater. Each wave, rolling with deep intensity, gathers strength across the lake’s vast surface, gaining height and speed. As they hurl themselves against the pier, they burst into a misty plume, swirling around the lighthouse. It’s a captivating display of nature’s might, as spray and foam leap into the air, reminding anyone watching of Lake Superior’s vast and untamed strength.

Wildlife Wednesday
Elk Bull
Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona

Wildlife Wednesday
Elk Bull
Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona

Agate Falls
Ontonagon River
Ontonagon County
Michigan

Agate Falls plunges 39 feet down the rugged landscape of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River carves its way from the Bond Falls Flowage toward the vast expanse of Lake Superior. Along its journey, the river drops an astonishing 875 feet, with Agate Falls marking one of the most dramatic descents. Here, the river cascades over a resilient sandstone shelf, a natural stage where the power of water meets ancient rock—a scene that captures the wild beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

AgateFalls
Ontonagon River
Ontonagon County
Michigan

Agate Falls plunges 39 feet down the rugged landscape of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River carves its way from the Bond Falls Flowage toward the vast expanse of Lake Superior. Along its journey, the river drops an astonishing 875 feet, with Agate Falls marking one of the most dramatic descents. Here, the river cascades over a resilient sandstone shelf, a natural stage where the power of water meets ancient rock—a scene that captures the wild beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Bond Falls
Ontonagon River
Ontonagon County
Michigan

Bond Falls Scenic Site in Michigan is nestled in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The falls, cascading over a series of ancient volcanic rock ledges, create a spectacular display of rushing water and mist, especially after heavy rainfall. Surrounded by lush forests, the falls are framed by vibrant green in the summer and stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow in the autumn. The gentle roar of the water, combined with the fresh forest air, makes Bond Falls a must-see spot for photographers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful yet inspiring experience.

Bond Falls
Ontonagon River
Ontonagon County
Michigan

Bond Falls Scenic Site in Michigan is nestled in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The falls, cascading over a series of ancient volcanic rock ledges, create a spectacular display of rushing water and mist, especially after heavy rainfall. Surrounded by lush forests, the falls are framed by vibrant green in the summer and stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow in the autumn. The gentle roar of the water, combined with the fresh forest air, makes Bond Falls a must-see spot for photographers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful yet inspiring experience.

Canyon Gorge Trail
Canyon Falls Roadside Park
Sturgeon River
L’Anse, Michigan

Canyon Falls Roadside Park in Michigan, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Upper Peninsula," is a hidden gem that offers visitors a scenic blend of rugged natural beauty. Located along US-41 near L'Anse, this park invites travelers to take a peaceful detour into the heart of Michigan’s forested landscape. A winding trail along the Sturgeon River leads to the impressive Canyon Falls, where the river plunges into a deep gorge lined with layers of ancient rock. The falls and rapids create a dramatic yet serene atmosphere. With the sound of rushing water and the canopy of towering trees overhead, Canyon Falls Roadside Park is an inviting stop for anyone seeking a taste of Michigan's wild, untouched beauty.

Canyon Gorge Trail
Canyon Falls Roadside Park
Sturgeon River
L’Anse, Michigan

Canyon Falls Roadside Park in Michigan, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Upper Peninsula," is a hidden gem that offers visitors a scenic blend of rugged natural beauty. Located along US-41 near L'Anse, this park invites travelers to take a peaceful detour into the heart of Michigan’s forested landscape. A winding trail along the Sturgeon River leads to the impressive Canyon Falls, where the river plunges into a deep gorge lined with layers of ancient rock. The falls and rapids create a dramatic yet serene atmosphere. With the sound of rushing water and the canopy of towering trees overhead, Canyon Falls Roadside Park is an inviting stop for anyone seeking a taste of Michigan's wild, untouched beauty.

Throwback Thursday
Autumn Cascade
Horseshoe Falls
Munising, Michigan

The beauty of Horseshoe Falls goes beyond its visual appeal; the area also holds a sense of timelessness and wonder. As you walk along the shaded paths leading to the falls, you can sense the deep connection between the land and its history, with Native American legends adding to its mystique. The fresh scent of pine in the air makes this a truly immersive experience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where nature’s beauty is at its most serene and inviting.

Throwback Thursday
Autumn Cascade
Horseshoe Falls
Munising, Michigan

The beauty of Horseshoe Falls goes beyond its visual appeal; the area also holds a sense of timelessness and wonder. As you walk along the shaded paths leading to the falls, you can sense the deep connection between the land and its history, with Native American legends adding to its mystique. The fresh scent of pine in the air makes this a truly immersive experience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where nature’s beauty is at its most serene and inviting.

Wednesday Memories

Autumns Peak
Lake of the Clouds
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Michigan

Lake of the Clouds in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, autumn transforms the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of color. Vibrant reds, golden yellows, and rich oranges paint the hillsides in bold strokes. As you stand on the overlook, the soft rustle of leaves adds a peaceful soundtrack to the scene. In the distance, the Porcupine Mountains rise, their rugged peaks softened by the glow of the fall foliage, creating a sense of timeless beauty that feels almost untouched.

Wednesday Memories

Autumns Peak
Lake of the Clouds
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Michigan

Lake of the Clouds in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, autumn transforms the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of color. Vibrant reds, golden yellows, and rich oranges paint the hillsides in bold strokes. As you stand on the overlook, the soft rustle of leaves adds a peaceful soundtrack to the scene. In the distance, the Porcupine Mountains rise, their rugged peaks softened by the glow of the fall foliage, creating a sense of timeless beauty that feels almost untouched.

The vibrant fall colors were on full display yesterday in Bothell.

Autumn Colors
Bothell, Washington
October 2024

Autumn Canopy
Highway 211
Canyonlands National Park
San Juan County
Utah

Autumn Canopy
Highway 211
Canyonlands National Park
San Juan County
Utah

Nevada Sailing Stones
Bonnie Claire Playa
Nye County
Nevada

The sailing stones of Bonnie Claire Playa in Nevada are a natural phenomenon that has captivated observers for years. Scientists believe the movement is caused by a rare combination of rain, freezing temperatures, and wind, which creates a slick layer of ice that allows the stones to drift across the surface. Yet, standing in the vast, barren expanse of Bonnie Claire it’s easy to feel like something almost otherworldly is taking place—like the stones are alive, silently wandering in the desert under the open sky.

Throwback Thursday

Merge
The Racetrack
Death Valley National Park
California

Death Valley’s Racetrack Playa is a mysterious and eerie landscape. Situated in one of the most remote areas of the desert, this dry lakebed is known for its "sailing stones," large rocks that seemingly move on their own across the cracked, parched earth. The stones leave long, winding trails behind them, as if pushed by some unseen force. For decades, people speculated that the rocks were propelled by everything from magnetic fields to alien intervention. It wasn’t until recently that researchers confirmed the phenomenon occurs during rare winter events, when a thin layer of ice forms on the playa. As the ice melts and breaks, the rocks are nudged forward by wind, creating the illusion of these lifeless stones sailing across the barren landscape.

What makes the Racetrack even more captivating is the stark, otherworldly beauty that surrounds it. The playa is framed by jagged mountains, and the sheer emptiness of the dry lakebed contrasts sharply with the stones’ erratic paths. It’s where nature’s hidden forces subtly reveal themselves, leaving an indelible sense of awe and wonder.

Throwback Thursday

Merge
The Racetrack
Death Valley National Park
California

Death Valley’s Racetrack Playa is a mysterious and eerie landscape. Situated in one of the most remote areas of the desert, this dry lakebed is known for its "sailing stones," large rocks that seemingly move on their own across the cracked, parched earth. The stones leave long, winding trails behind them, as if pushed by some unseen force. For decades, people speculated that the rocks were propelled by everything from magnetic fields to alien intervention. It wasn’t until recently that researchers confirmed the phenomenon occurs during rare winter events, when a thin layer of ice forms on the playa. As the ice melts and breaks, the rocks are nudged forward by wind, creating the illusion of these lifeless stones sailing across the barren landscape.

What makes the Racetrack even more captivating is the stark, otherworldly beauty that surrounds it. The playa is framed by jagged mountains, and the sheer emptiness of the dry lakebed contrasts sharply with the stones’ erratic paths. It’s where nature’s hidden forces subtly reveal themselves, leaving an indelible sense of awe and wonder.

Our move to the Seattle area is nearly complete! We've settled into our new home and are starting to make it our own. The best part? We're just two miles away from family and our precious granddaughter! While we'll always treasure our time in Nevada, we look forward to frequent visits back.