Finding Solace Amongst the Waves of Lake Michigan

02/26/23 • 30 min

Recorded with the Sonorous Objects SO.1 microphones and the Zoom F3 Field Recorder, this episode is all about how I find solace and peace by spending time in, on and around Lake Michigan. What makes this recording special, for me, is the muted tones of the lake when the ice has formed. It sounds completely unique and unlike any other time of the year. It is special, especially with the sporadic ice balls that form along the shore when the conditions are right.

These spherical ice formations, ranging from a few inches to over a foot in diameter, are stunning to watch as they roll and bob on the lake’s surface. Although they may look like snowballs, they’re actually formed by layers of ice accumulating around a small nucleus of ice.

February has been a tough month. Despite being the shortest month of the year, it’s packed a gut punch. On February 10, my father-in-law Gary Miller passed away after battling various cancers for years. He died one day before his 75th birthday, leaving behind his wife and two daughters. Although his passing has brought an inevitable change for everyone impacted, I’m encouraged by the resilience of my wife, Rhonda, her sister, and her mom.

A few days later, a mass shooting occurred on the campus of Michigan State University. A deranged individual felt it was necessary to kill three students and injure another three before taking his own life. Although I have many thoughts about this senseless act, it’s difficult for me to move past the anger I feel when I think about it.

When I feel trapped or need time for reflection, I head towards water. Oceans, lakes, rivers and streams have drawn me in for as long as I can remember. The sound of waves crashing on the shore, the breeze blowing across my face, and the colors of nature surrounding me always bring me peace and comfort. Today, I found solace at one of my favorite spots along Lake Michigan.

When I look out at the vastness of Lake Michigan, I’m reminded of its incredible power. This precious body of water has endured for over a billion years, with an ever-changing landscape and surrounding terrain that serve as a source of healing for me. It reminds me that even when things are tough, we can still find hope and joy in the world.

In 2012, I recorded Lake Michigan for the first time, and it seems fitting that I continue to find inspiration, healing, and solace by recording this precious body of water again and again and again.

Recording Details:

Date and Time: 2/24/2023 | 04:30 PM
Location: Peterson Road Beach, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Landscape/Feature: Lake Michigan, Snow, Ice Balls, Waves
Conditions: 10-19 degrees F (-12C to -7C), light winds, partly sunny
Recording Device: Zoom F3 Field Recorder
Microphone(s): Sonorous Objects SO.1 Microphones

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In 2012, I recorded Lake Michigan for the first time, and it seems fitting that I continue to find inspiration, healing, and solace by recording this precious body of water again and again and again.

Recording Details:

Date and Time: 2/24/2023 | 04:30 PM
Location: Peterson Road Beach, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Landscape/Feature: Lake Michigan, Snow, Ice Balls, Waves
Conditions: 10-19 degrees F (-12C to -7C), light winds, partly sunny
Recording Device: Zoom F3 Field Recorder
Microphone(s): Sonorous Objects SO.1 Microphones

Support the show

Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

Previous Episode

The 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count

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Disclaimer: I didn’t record this episode deep in the forest or on a deserted stretch of beach. I spent the weekend in my backyard, taking part in the 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count. Temperatures ranged from the mid-20s (F) into the high-40s over the weekend. The wind was BRUTAL, with gusts hitting 30 miles per hour. This is not a clean recording, but it accurately reflects the conditions in which I found myself during this event.

As a birding enthusiast and a self-proclaimed citizen scientist, I am taking part in the 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a global event that encourages people to observe and count the birds in their backyard, local park, or any other location for at least 15 minutes on one or more days during the event. The event for 2023 began on Friday (2/17) and ends tomorrow (2/20). Despite insane wind and less-than-ideal birding conditions, I identified 14 different bird species during the event, including some of my favorite songbirds and a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers.

Participating in the GBBC was not only fun and rewarding, but it also had important scientific value. By counting birds and reporting my sightings online, I contributed to one of the largest bird surveys in the world and helped scientists track changes in bird populations and their distribution over time. Even though my observations were from a small area, it’s still valuable data that can help identify hotspots of bird diversity and monitor the spread of invasive species.

The following are the bird species I identified during the event:

Mourning Dove
Bald Eagle
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Cedar Waxwing
Northern Cardinal
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Common Raven

I hope you will consider joining me next February for the next bird count. Let me know how many birds you are able to identify in this recording!

Recording Details:

Date and Time: 2/19/2023 | 07:15AM
Location: My Backyard on Spider Lake | Traverse City, Michigan
Landscape/Feature: Backyard with Cedar, Pine, Maple and Oak trees on Spider Lake
Conditions: 20F to 45F, Extreme Wind, Sunny
Recording Device: Zoom F6 Field Recorder
Microphone(s): Sonorous Objects SO.1 Microphones
Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe Audition

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Next Episode

What Lies Beneath: Hydrophone Recording of the Boardman River

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Greetings one and all. We have returned from a brief hiatus after the passing of Rhonda’s Dad to venture out to the Boardman River for a hydrophone recording. Hydrowhat? A hydrophone is a specialized microphone used to capture the hidden sounds of aquatic environment that happen beneath the surface of the water. Unlike traditional microphones that are designed to pick up sound waves traveling through the air, hydrophones are engineered to detect sound waves transmitted through the water. These fascinating devices work by converting changes in underwater pressure caused by sound waves into electrical signals.

The Boardman River begins near Kalkaska, Michigan and meanders around 28 miles through Traverse City until it empties into the Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. This river is a prime example of a blue ribbon river, offering an exceptional fishing experience for anglers and a pristine habitat for its aquatic residents. One of the key factors that contribute to its blue ribbon status is the health population of brook trout. These trout thrive in the crystal clear waters and diverse ecosystem, which provides the perfect conditions for their growth and reproduction. The blue ribbon designation not only reflects the rivers outstanding water quality and well-managed surroundings ut also highlights the importance of preserving and maintaining such habitats for future generations.

Recorded just a stone’s throw from the Scheck’s Place Trail Camp with the Zoom F6 Field Recorder and the Aquarian H2A Hydrophone, this episode is a nice look at what lies beneath the river in late winter/early spring. The Trail Camp is maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is used by equestrians seeking to traverse the Shore to Shore Riding Trail. The Shore to Shore Trail is over 220 miles long and connects Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. Primarily used by horseback riders, the trail is also open to hikers and cross-country skiers.

I was surprised to see two hearty kayakers on the river today. They stopped at the horse watering hole to take a break as I was packing up my gear. We were all surprised to see someone else on the river and had a great conversation. They had been on the river for about 2 hours and had another hour or so before they concluded their journey at the old Brown Bridge Dam. While they were definitely getting a jump on the kayaking season, their presence signals a gentle swing towards spring and is a very welcome sign.

Recording Details: