Why Leelanau?  Because there is a unique and special beauty here unlike any other place. This photo was taken at Lime Lake (near Maple City.)  My family has been vacationing there for 25 years and I find myself taking more or less that same shot just about every year!

– Lisa Wilsher, New York, NY

This fox was on my deck already when I noticed him;  it's in a quiet sunny corner off an upper level of the house.  I watched him for over half an hour.  He yawned, stretched, grew observably sleepy, he rolled over and slept, he got up and explored, sat down again, laid down, then got up and sat quietly observing the wide woods before him.  It was magical, and I felt so fortunate.  I am hoping he/she has a den close by and that the whole family comes around often.  We have seen foxes around all this winter.

Living in Leelanau is a special privilege for many reasons, but one high on my list is the abundance of wildlife around us.  There is still enough healthy environment here, and people who care about it, for a compatible and rich co-existence with nature in this beautiful little peninsula.  Some would even say there is a special kind of energy around us here, and if we open our eyes and take the time to look, it becomes obviously true.  –A sort of "Namaste" with Nature.

– Kathie Snedeker, Northport

Lady Slipper photo taken at Houdek Dunes Natural Area.

– Phil Stinson, Northwille, MI

Why Leelanau?  Because on any evening, only minutes away, there is always the potential for an awe inspiring sight like this. Be patient, linger awhile, part of the beauty is in watching the colors develop after the sun has dipped below the horizon.  John Denver sang, "You fill up my senses….."  That's what Leelanau does for me.

– Cara Lee Paige, Kalamazoo & Northport, MI

 The canoe trip down Crystal River is one of my favorite things in Leelanau. So here are some pictures from a family trip in July 2004 of Rebecca and Rob Pritchard (my daughter and son in law).

– Anne Slater, Ardmore, PA