Half of the Menominee Light is in Wisconsin while the other half is in Michigan.
The Menominee North Pier Lighthouse stands tall and proud at the entrance of the Menominee River, where it joins Lake Michigan. Located on the border between Wisconsin and Michigan, this historic beacon has been guiding sailors since 1877. As you approach the lighthouse, you can’t help but be captivated by its striking red brick construction and classic white concrete base.
Menominee North Pier Lighthouse
(More photos coming soon)
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Menominee North Pier Lighthouse is its unique dual-state status. Half of the lighthouse sits in Wisconsin while the other half rests in Michigan. This unusual division serves as a gentle reminder that borders needn’t divide us; they can simply enhance our appreciation for shared history and natural beauty.
Standing atop this majestic structure (open seasonally) offers breathtaking panoramic views of both states, with Lake Michigan stretching out endlessly before your eyes. As waves crash against the pier below, you may even catch a glimpse of freighters gracefully making their way through these Great Lakes waters – a true testament to mankind’s ability to work harmoniously with nature.
Visiting Menominee North Pier Lighthouse allows you to step back in time while experiencing an enchanting blend of history and scenic wonderment. Close your eyes and imagine being transported back to a simpler era when sailors relied on these beacons to guide them home safely. With each visit, this remarkable symbol reminds us not only of our rich maritime heritage but also our interconnectedness as fellow adventurers sailing upon Life’s great waters.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, this Coastal Carolina city has something to offer everyone.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach provides visitors with some of the most stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its white sand beaches remain as one of the largest beachfronts in South Carolina, and are perfect for taking leisurely strolls or playing a game of beach volleyball. The dunes that line Myrtle Beach are also a sight to behold. These dunes provide an excellent backdrop for stunning photos and videos, and many people take advantage of this by capturing their memories here. The City of Myrtle beach has even created Selfie Stations on the boardwalk.
The early evening beach in Myrtle Beach as seen from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Furthermore, its deep blue waters offer plenty of opportunities for those who wish to go fishing or take part in other aquatic activities such as kayaking or swimming. Finally, its wide-open skies make it ideal for stargazing at night or just simply admiring during the day. From sunrises to sunsets, every hour spent in Myrtle Beach is sure to create lifelong memories that will never be forgotten!
Sand: Feel the Heat
Sand is a substance that’s ever-changing and constantly shifting. The sand on Myrtle Beach can range from soft white powder to course, black granules. It’s the perfect place for beach lovers to feel the heat of the sun and take in all the beauty that nature has to offer.
The ocean breeze provides relief from the blazing hot temperatures, while vast dunes of sparkling sand stretch for miles along this popular destination beach. Visitors can sit back and relax as they bask in the warmth of the sunshine reflecting off each grainy hill. Whether it’s building castles with friends or taking a stroll down one of their many boardwalks, there are endless opportunities to explore and play in this sandy paradise.
From sunbathing on the shoreline to collecting seashells while wading through shallow waters, Myrtle Beach offers a wide variety of activities for its visitors to enjoy under an open sky. Each step taken brings a new layer of coastal charm as guests feel their feet sink into its cushy grains beneath them. No matter how long you’re there, a trip to Myrtle Beach will always leave you with memories that will last forever!
Dunes: Variety of Formations
Dunes are mounds of sand formed by the wind. They are a common feature along coastal areas and can vary greatly in size, shape, and color. Depending on the location, the dune formation is determined by factors such as wind direction, wave action, beach slope and vegetation cover. The most common type of dune found along Myrtle Beach is a crescent-shaped ridge that forms when wind blows in one dominant direction. These crescent-shaped dunes form in two-dimensional arcs with their crests pointing downwind towards the ocean. Large swaths of grassy vegetation known as marram grass also help hold these crescents together and protect them from erosion caused by strong winds. In certain areas, more complex three-dimensional ridges called transverse or parabolic dunes may form due to shifting winds that blow from various directions over time. These ridges are characterized by sharp crests and steep sides which grow perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction before turning parallel with it again near their base where they meet up with the beach surface.
Birds of a Feather Stay Out Together
Ocean: Endless Possibilities
The ocean is a powerful force that has shaped the world for centuries. Its pristine waters offer endless possibilities for exploration, relaxation, and recreation. From swimming in its depths to sailing its vast expanse, the ocean offers something for everyone.
Myrtle Beach is no different when it comes to enjoying the wonders of the open water. With miles of sandy beach and gentle waves lapping against shorelines, Myrtle Beach provides a beautiful setting for those looking to explore what lies beneath or lounge on the sand dunes that line the shore. The sky at Myrtle Beach often turns into a stunning display of colors with sunsets dancing across the horizon while seabirds soar high above. For those looking to take their experience even further, paddling out onto crystal clear waters allows one to witness marine life in their natural habitat as well as take breathtaking photographs of their journey.
Ultimately, while there are countless ways to enjoy an ocean vacation, one thing remains constant; each day offers new possibilities that can be enjoyed by all who visit Myrtle Beach and step foot onto its majestic shores. Whether it’s taking part in watersports or simply feeling sand between your toes as you walk along the beachfront – anything is possible when visiting this beautiful place by sea!
Sky: Magnificent Views
The sky in Myrtle Beach is a sight to behold. When the sun rises, it illuminates the vibrant blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. As you look out over the horizon, you can see the majestic sand dunes that line one side of the beach. The changing hues of pink and orange blend together to create a truly remarkable painting in the sky. In addition to this breathtaking view, there are many other opportunities to marvel at nature’s beauty when admiring Myrtle Beach’s skies. On some days, you may even be lucky enough to witness stunning displays of colorful cloud formations such as wisps or rainbows! With clear skies most days out of the year, it’s no wonder why so many people come from all over just to bask in its glorious magnificence. There’s no better way to enjoy a relaxing day than by taking in Myrtle Beach’s magnificent views from above!
A typical sunrise scene on the beach in Myrtle Beach.
Activities: Fun for Everyone
No matter what your age or interests, Myrtle Beach offers activities for everyone. From sandcastle building to sunbathing, there’s something for everyone. The beach provides an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing. There are also miles of dunes that offer a great opportunity to explore the beauty of nature. For more adventurous visitors, there are plenty of opportunities to take part in thrilling water sports such as parasailing and jet skiing. Of course you can’t forget about the breathtaking ocean views and spectacular sunsets over the horizon. Visitors can enjoy all these sights while they relax on beach chairs or go on a romantic walk along the shoreline at sunset. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Myrtle Beach, there is something fun for everyone!
When it comes to accommodations, comfort and convenience are two key factors for a successful beach vacation. At Myrtle Beach, visitors can expect both of these qualities in one package. The area has an array of vacation rental homes and condos that offer direct access to the beachfront and provide great views of the ocean, sand dunes, and sky. These homes come equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay such as air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchens and plenty of space. Many rentals also include balconies or patios with spectacular ocean views so guests can enjoy some time outdoors without having to leave their home away from home.
Condominium and hotels on the beach in Myrtle Beach at the north end of the boardwalk.
In addition to vacation homes, there are a variety of hotels and resorts located throughout Myrtle Beach that provide exceptional accommodations for all types of travelers. Many hotels come with modern facilities such as fitness centers or pools while others boast on-site restaurants offering delicious cuisine any time day or night. With so many options available in Myrtle Beach, visitors are sure to find something perfect for them when it comes to comfort and convenience during their stay at the beach.
A great place to begin searching and comparing accommodations is the BOOKING.COM website.
The Skywheel on the beach in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Conclusion:
A Perfect Getaway, “Welcome to Myrtle Beach!” Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, this coastal city has something to offer everyone. With its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and vast ocean, Myrtle Beach is the perfect destination to enjoy the best of what nature has to offer. From watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean to exploring its wild sand dunes and shoreline, Myrtle Beach provides a unique experience that will stay with you forever.
Of course, Myrtle Beach photographs above are available as prints, framed or on canvas and also on a variety of home decor items. Use one of the links below to begin shopping…
Nearly everyone loves sunflowers, the most popular flowers of summer.
The sunflower stands tall to meet the rays of the midday sun – it stands tall and reaches high into the sky. Golden hues of sunshine are reflected in the petals, making this wonderful yellow bloom among the most popular flowers of summer.
A field of bright yellow sunflowers is one of summer’s most popular sights and with good reason. These cheerful, cheerful flowers are easy to grow, requiring only a sunny spot to thrive. Sunflowers are also easy to customize for any occasion: add stakes or wire for height, use in bouquets, or leave them out as the centerpiece on your kitchen table. Did you know the the flower petals within a sunflower’s cluster are usually in a a spiral pattern?
Even the bees love sunflowers – for their sweet nectar.
Sunflowers are usually yellow or orange. They can also be red or white, but yellow is the most common color for sunflowers. The petals on each flower all face one direction, making the sunflower look like a bright disc when it faces the sun. Sunflowers are native to North America and were first cultivated by Native Americans.
What’s not to love about sunflowers? They’re bright and cheerful, they grow in fields and on farms, and they are the most popular flowers of summer.
In fact, sunflowers have been grown for thousands of years—and they weren’t even originally intended to be flowers! They were actually used as a food source by Native Americans. The seeds were ground into flour or roasted like popcorn. Every 100 pounds of sunflower seeds yields about 40 pounds of oil, 35 pounds of high-protein meal and 20 to 25 pounds of other by-products.
Sunflowers are native to North America, but now grow all over the world. They have become an important part of many cultures around the globe, including China, Africa and South America. When Europeans got their hands on the plant it quickly became one of their favorite things to grow in their gardens.
Heliotropism – a plant’s propensity to face, and follow, the sun…
A young sunflower has a supple stem that responds to the sun. The flower will follow the sun from its rising in the east to setting in the west. Over night the stem will tend to grow more on the west side – from the “afternoon sun” and will make the head swivel back toward the east. This repeats every day for a part of the plant’s growth cycle. But as the plant matures and the head becomes laden with seeds and quite heavy, it can no longer swivel during the day. Therefore the older, larger and mature sunflowers tend to face east – toward the rising sun – and stay that way until the harvest.
Use the links below to browse or shop more of Bill’s photographs of Sunflowers and other Flora .
A Great Blue Heron hides among the marsh grasses fishing for a meal.
Fishing is a way of life in Murrells Inlet, and not just for those make their living at it. Fishing, both within the creek and in the ocean is a part of the history, a bond with the place and even among the inhabitants – both the humans and the lesser beasts and critters.
Marsh Grasses and a Great Blue Heron at Murrells Inlet in South Carolina
As the fishing depends on the fish, so the fish depend on the marsh and the entire ecosystem. This symbiotic relationship gives rise to some beautiful and unique scenery – that often looks as good in black and white as it does in full color.
Lurking in the March at Murrells Inlet in Black and White
From the time of its formation about 6,000 years ago, the Murrells Inlet saltmarsh has been a source of food for local inhabitants. Native Americans depended on the marsh for the seasonal provision of clams, oysters, and fish, a tradition which persisted through colonial and plantation times, and continues today. In the 20th century, recreational and commercial fishing broadened and increased local dependence upon the marsh.
Click the links below to see the wall art substrates available for these photographs.
Saltmarshes like Murrells Inlet provide a rich and sheltered habitat for fish, from baitfish like Mummichog and striped mullet on up to gamefish of the nearshore ocean, such as grouper. (Just naming two of many examples here.) This is because of the abundance and variety of food available within the marsh, and the relative absence of large predators (that Blue Heron notwithstanding). Scientists have found that more than 75 percent of nearshore ocean fish use the marsh at some stage of their life-cycle, for spawning, for juvenile growth and/or for a seasonal food source.
From an environmental standpoint, maintaining a healthy marsh is essential to maintaining a healthy ocean fishery. The long view values not only the fish, but the marsh that made the fish and, of course our friend, that long-legged fishing bird, lurking in the marsh.
