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Bloody creek?? What's happening to the water and should I be worried?

7/25/2019

2015 The deep blue is reflecting the sky but is actually the rust brown creek flowing toward Lake Michigan.

While the color of Lake Michigan can range from grey to green to blue as it reflects the color of the sky, one color it generally isn't known for is being rust brown...that is unless there is a source of water flowing into the lake that has tannins.

"Heaven's" adjacent creek does just that. Depending on the time of year, "bloody creek" as it is locally known, spills brown colored water into Lake Michigan from a nearby wetland that is composed of decaying trees and plant material.

Because this brown color can be a bit off putting, I have had concerned families ask if it's safe to swim and play in. The short answer is....YES!...and in fact may even be good for your skin! **

If you'd like to learn more about tannins...what makes the water brown...and where they come from click HERE to read the US Forest Service has to say about what tannins are and where they come from.

**Tannins also play a role in medicine and human health. Remember that tannins are astringents that tighten pores and draw out liquids. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a source of tannin used in a number of skin care products. Although not as popular today, witch hazel can still be bought in bottles at some drug stores. Witch hazel has been used to treat bee stings, skin abrasions, and poison oak and ivy. Witch hazel tannins are also used in mouthwashes, eyewashes and for some bowel conditions.

2019 - Tannin waters meeting Lake Michigan.

2019 - grandkids playing in tannins from bloody creek. Best thing about a creek near Lake Michigan is it's fun for the little ones!

2009 - Bloody creek helping create a sandbar at the point it meets Lake Michigan.

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Bookdirect...and stop paying 3rd party fees

5/30/2019

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Read...how to bookdirect

Conversation...whether by phone, in person, via social media...is always most effective when done directly. 3rd party connectors like linkedin are FABULOUS because after the connection is made, we are in control.

What I am challenging you to think about is how 3rd party connectors (airbnb, expedia/homeaway/vrbo) are now trying to CONTROL the conversation to the detriment of guests and owners alike.

I have been booking my vacation home directly since 2004 and up until a few years ago was pleased with my 3rd party connector, VRBO. I paid them an annual subscription fee for all of my 4 listings and then the ball was in my court.

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2019 Lake Michigan water levels

5/29/2019

Whether you are a potential guest, first timer visitor or have stayed with us before, the big question is
"What's the beach like?"
Well, as of May 2019 I am happy to report we still have one! High water levels on Lake Michigan have brought the shoreline closer to the protective bluff we have in front of our home and all that wonderful sand is still in there....just under the water making it shallow for a long way out into the lake.

All the pictures on this blog were taken in front of Eagle Shores facing North and are from 2009 thru 2019.
Notice how much closer the house is to the beach. We've lost about 75' of beach
which is now under water.

Hover over the picture
to see the year it was taken.

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August 07th, 2018

8/7/2018

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History of Lake Bluff Audubon Property

Photo Credit: Focus on Tr avel Blog

Looking for a nice walk and a different view of the lake? Consider stopping by the Lake Bluff Audubon property located a short distance as you head to town from one of our vacation homes.

This lovely spot once called Lake Bluff Farm, offers a couple of different paths: one to the lake and the other across the street through towering trees. Click here for a history of this special spot.

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Lake Michigan Water Levels

4/10/2017

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Lake Michigan Water Levels - how much shoreline is there?

April 2017 in front of Sunset Shores looking south

April 2017 in front of Eagle Shores looking North

Everyone loves the beach especially when it's sandy, walkable and easy to access. Fortunately our Manistee locations offer all 3 plus the sugar sand sings! For Eagle Shores it's an easy slope down and for Sunset Shores only 14 stair steps off the deck.

Because Lake Michigan's shoreline is always moving and changing and I want you to know how much beach to expect, I will post photos as often as possible. To learn more about Lake Michigan Water levels, click here.

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Bloody creek?? What's happening to the water and should I be worried?

Bookdirect...and stop paying 3rd party fees

2019 Lake Michigan water levels

August 07th, 2018

History of Lake Bluff Audubon Property

Lake Michigan Water Levels

​Lake Michigan Water Levels - how much shoreline is there?

Lake Michigan Water Levels - how much shoreline is there?