Mike Houge

Mid-summer flowers:

This years abnormal weather has really effected the local flowers but we still have a few die-hards that are able to not only survive but bloom as well. The above image is of some mini-hollyhocks with the setting sun shining on a yellow lily in the back.

For some reason, I really like the black-eyed susans and always have fun capturing them each summer. Some of my favorite images I've taken are of the susans.

Of course- what would summer be with out the popular cone flower. I've added a little water color effect for this one. Well- just a quick stop today- as always- have a great week and thanks for stopping by.

The Lady:

I've been going up north long enough to have some favorite spots and the home of these lady slippers is one of them. This year finding these little beauties was tough and I walked by this one at least three times before I spotted it.

This single flower was perched on a hillside above a roaring stream, so I had to hang onto a small tree as I captured its beauty. The yellow in the background are bluebeads which I tried to capture for a little extra color.

Every year it's the same story, I forget just what to look for when the spring flowers start. It's like your eyes have to spend some time in the woods or prairie before they adapt to the location. I remember one year I was in a spot that should have lots of Jack-In-The-Pulpets and I just couldn't find them. I finally just stopped and stood still for a few moments- and there they were- hiding in plain view.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

Foggy day at Two Harbors:

The above image is of a 1000 foot ore ship slowly emerging from the fog at Two Harbors, MN on Lake Superior. I had heard the fog horn go off while I was in the art gallery a few blocks away and raced to the harbor just in time to watch the behemoth pull in.

If you haven't experienced this - it's really hard to put into words- but it is awesome. My wife, Pam and I watched the ship until it had pulled around and into the docks. I suspect the ship was unloading ore- as it's riding rather low in the water.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great week.