A Blustery Day on Empire Bluff
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Summary:
Welcome to episode 27 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. Winter in Michigan presents a unique set of challenges with field recording. My new mantra is, “If it’s blowing wind, then it must be <insert day of week>.” This week was no exception and we, once again, brave the elements in pursuit of those sweet, sweet sounds of nature. I have wanted to hike the Empire Bluff Trail at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore all year and with 2023 quickly approaching, I knew I had to get my butt in gear.
The Empire Bluff trail isn’t terribly long, but presents some of the most iconic and scenic views at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Overlooking Lake Michigan, the trail offers sweeping views of South Manitou Island, massive sand dunes and the stunning South Bar Lake with its narrow spit of land separating it from Lake Michigan. On the day of this recording, I had the entire trail almost to myself, sharing it was a pair of hikers and two Bald Eagles.
This weathered sign awaits you in the Trailhead Parking Lot. Beware of ice!
1000’ above Lake Michigan offers majestic and sweeping views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and South Manitou Island
While a short(ish) hike, the Empire Bluffs Trail is a great way to find the best of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
This recording features massive wind (welcome to Winter in northern Michigan) blowing through the woods and down the bluff to where I was standing. The wind goes from a whisper to a howl to a roar in several minutes. Creaking trees, airborne ferns and sand pebbles shimmer across the soundscape as the wind shifts direction. It is a stunning show of force that, once again, reminds us of the power of nature.
The Rest of the Story:
This was actually my second attempt at recording at Empire Bluffs this week. On the first day, I confidently jumped out of my truck and immediately landed flat on my back in the parking lot, wondering what happened. A thin sheet of ice awaited me and I imagine it must have been a comical sight to both legs go up in the air as I crashed down to earth. It happened so fast and so violently that I laid on the ground for a minute, just trying to figure out if I was being ambushed or an earthquake was happening. Pulling myself back into the truck, I decided today was not the day to tackle the icy trail.
The second attempt went much better. While still icy, I knew what to expect this time and avoided falling. The hike itself is a heart pumper for the first third and then settles down into a nice meander through a mix of hardwoods and pines. Several views of Lake Michigan are available and are the perfect spots to stop for a breather and an appreciation for our beautiful backyard. The wind was howling, and it was a sight to behold. With the wind blowing from the East, the water on Lake Michigan shows off a dazzling array of frenetic swirls that are reminiscent of the world’s best ballet dancers at the top of their craft.
Recording Details:
Date and Time: 11/30/2022 | 4:30 PM
Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore
Landscape/Feature: Empire Bluff Trail overlooking Lake Michigan
Conditions: Extreme wind, Cloudy, Blustery, Cold, Ice
Recording Device: Zoom F3
Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025
Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe Audition
