On a walk after the evening skies cleared, I took a hike down the Lake Superior Trail here in the Porcupine Mountains. Nice that the air was quiet and cold enough to keep the black flies from emerging. My solitude was complete ­ there were no cars parked at the trail head. Only a few birds were calling; some robins, woodpeckers and veeries. Even though the trail has wide vistas of Lake Superior in many places, it was the small things that caught my eye.

This photo is of new columbine leaves cradling raindrops. I'm fascinated by the way the droplets are natural fisheye lenses. If you look closely enough, you can even see me in the picture.

How peaceful & tranquil this picture made me feel as soon as I looked at it this morning, what a beautiful way to start the day !

Beautiful..

Standing back 6 feet from my monitor it looks like a purple owl. It's a fantastic shot.

Dan this is gorgeous! Thank you.

If I didn't have the Redwings on my screen right now, this would be. I guess I'll have to get after the play off's, when this is a WOW.

Beautiful, just beautiful.

I can see two(almost three) of you, Dan.
And your finger looks like a miniature mirror image of the Keweenaw.
I love columbine.
Great Shot!

Hey Tbel,MN I too am a Red Wings fan BUT this is more GOD given than than the RED WINGS could ever offer!!!!!!

Well, Dan....No doubt about it...my new wallpaper! How beautiful....diamonds on lavender leaves! Thank you!

Dan,

Thanks AGAIN for the wonderful reminder that all of our land is God's country. While we are way past this stage of spring here in California, I'm so happy to be able to experience the Copper Country version vicariously through your camera lens. How 'bout a shot of some trailing arbutus...? And, Charlie, can you add in a little "smell-o-vision" so I can have a reminder of the "cleanest, most vitalizing air on earth"?

I'd like to know if the lilacs are coming in yet. I was fortunate to have a double dose every year, as the lilacs bloomed "in town" the last few weeks of school. Just as they were dying out there when school ended for the year, we moved to Copper Harbor to catch the lilacs just coming to bloom there, too. I don't get to the Copper Country this time of year anymore. I sure miss that smell!! Most people I know here in So. Cal. have never seen (or smelled) real lilacs - poor depraved souls!

the lilacs are not out yet in this part of gods place..we just came back from indiana and the lilacs were beautiful.we will wait our turn here tho.

The lilacs here in Cornell are just SO teensy yet. I have one daffodil blooming. Don't know what happened but there were three of 'em last year. Mowed some grass here yesterday so naturally it's raining now. (Just took my snowfence down tonight) :o) Hey, Dan, that picture is really a gem! Just beautimous! Couldn't get online again last night, Grrr. :-( But I was patient.

Another example of Micigan's beauty. What a great shot.Who would want to live any place else? Can't imagine. mjc

Dan, A GREAT shot as usual! Definitely a WOW!
You are an inspiration to all photographers!

I have columbine's in my garden,though they are not open yet, but they are beautiful...one of my favorite flowers...Thank you for a preview of what I have to look forward to.

i absolutely love this