Lovely lotuses.

Posted on August 4, 2018 by Linda Schaub

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This morning I meandered around Lake Erie Metropark and its marshland area.  You might recall my post four weeks ago today, when I described the three-mile long rocky shoreline, lotuses and marshland areas … and my sunburn.  If that doesn’t jog your memory, perhaps you remember the wacky-looking heron with the cowlick, whose mouth was wide open like it was singing?

Lake Erie Metropark was not originally on today’s agenda.  Earlier in the week, when the weather folks predicted a sunny Saturday, I intended to head to Hines Park, a venue where the park is closed to traffic every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., which allows walkers and bicyclists to enjoy this massive park unencumbered by vehicles.  But, Hines Park is prone to flooding and our torrential rains earlier this week closed the park for several days, so I tabled that idea.  Elizabeth Park was my second option, but they have their annual Jazz on the River fest all weekend, and I figured the set-up for this event might take away from the ambiance of the park, so I crossed it off my list.

Having recently invested in a Huron-Clinton Metroparks pass, I decided I might as well make some use of it, so off I went, on day two of a four-day heat wave.  It was already 71 degrees and 81% humidity when I left the house – whew!  This park is a half-hour drive for me and when I arrived, there was still a touch of fog on the horizon.  It was not as picture-perfect as last time, that’s for sure.  The water was completely calm with a mere 5 mph breeze, so it was already hot and sticky by the water’s edge.

For this outing, I began my trek at the south end of the Park, and walked the entire shoreline back to the bridge that crosses into the marshland area, and then back.  I scanned the water for any freighters, hoping to catch sight of one, but, at that time, there was just one lowly sailboat struggling to go anywhere on this windless morn.

boat in fog.jpg

The rocky shoreline was so scenic, despite the haze that permeated the park.

rocky shoreline in fog

rocky shoreline.jpg

I wanted to check out the water lotuses because Lake Erie Metropark is renowned for these tropical flowers that are considered rare for this state.  They are the largest and most accessible lotus beds in Michigan.  On my last trip here, I incorrectly referred to these pond flowers as “water lilies” and have since discovered they are “American lotuses” – I thought the terms were interchangeable, but the leaves of a water lily float on the water’s surface, as does the lily.  The lotus flower rises above the leaves.  These lotuses were in abundance, hundreds of them, and they were thriving in the moist tropical-like air, and, they looked a lot better than Yours Truly who was already wilted just two miles into her journey.

To get up close to the lotuses, I trekked along the shoreline, right up by the rocks.  My feet were sopping wet from the dewy grass and I tried to get into some shady areas to avoid coming home looking like a lobster.

I took several pictures of the group of lotuses from afar so you can see how the lotus bed occupies a large portion of the park’s Lake Erie shoreline.

lotuses from afar.jpg

lotuses closer

By the time I was up close to these tropical beauties, I marveled how they had grown since I was here on July 7th.  The lotus leaves were large the last time, but today they were humungous.

lotuses really close.jpg

Last time there were only buds and no blooms open.  This is because the American Lotus blooms from mid-July to late August.  Today many of the lotus blooms were open and reaching up toward the sky.

The rocky shoreline ends abruptly, so you then must follow a paved path.  Bulrushes and other types of reeds, on either side of that path, are so dense, you cannot see through them.  Soon, you find yourself at the wooden bridge that crosses over a marsh.

On one side of the bridge is another view of the lotuses and Sturgeon Bar Island.

lotuses from bridge

On the opposite side of the bridge, dozens of swallows swoop and dive from in and around the wooden walkway, through the reeds and over the water.  There were bugs buzzing around and the swallows attempted to catch them in mid-air. If you look closely, you can see all the white bugs buzzing around the marsh.

bugs everywhere

I think those swallows had better luck catching bugs than I had capturing their images as they did their diving dance before me.

swallows diving

You can see all the algae in the marsh and these ducks were paddling through the muck and mire and thick seaweed – they almost blend right in, don’t they?

ducks blend in

There are a couple of wooden benches on this bridge; they looked inviting, but I knew if I sat down, I would not want to get up again, so I turned around to head back to my starting point at the other end of the park.  Although it was only about 10:00 a.m., the sun was beating down mercilessly and those powerful rays bouncing off the water made it seem hotter.  As a result of the heat and humidity, soon my trek began to turn into a trudge, and I stopped every so often to enjoy the shade of a large tree along the way.

The ducks were cool as a cucumber, as a group of them paddled along the water’s edge, oblivious to the heat, and occasionally stopping to dive head first into the water, or nibble on the reeds that grow along the shore.  The others were keen on preening or having a little nap.

ducks maybe.jpg

I liked this duck with his special perch, set apart from the others.

duck on perch1.jpg

I finally made it to the car and flopped down onto the seat, dribbles of sweat running down my face and the back of my neck – ugh!  I switched the A/C to 60 degrees to cool off and glanced at myself in the rear view mirror, where I saw wet and wispy tendrils clinging to my face which was reddish from the heat.  I glanced at the pedometer – well almost six miles, in this stinkin’ heat – so no wonder I felt like a limp rag.  Gradually, I cooled off and started the car, because it was time for one more place … Pointe Mouillee State Game Area.

point m sign

I knew this was a stone’s throw away from Lake Erie Metropark, so I headed down a narrow dirt and gravel-covered road, so narrow that only one car could cross at a time on the many bridges you traverse to arrive there.  It seemed as if I drove forever, until I finally got to my destination, where it was deserted and really didn’t hold much appeal, this time of year anyway.  But, I wanted to check Pointe Mouillee out as it is a primo spot for migratory waterfowl come Fall.  They have a two-day “Waterfowl Festival” every September, so perhaps it will be a hoppin’ place then, but today it was quite desolate.  I saw no birds except a few seagulls that had settled onto the surface of the water and a hungry sparrow that pecked at a wrapper – it was hopeful there was something inside that “Hershey’s Gold” package, but it was empty, so it flew off.

As I stood gazing at the Fermi 2 Nuclear Plant huffing and puffing away in the distance, a pleasure boat suddenly whizzed by.  I wondered where it came from – out of nowhere it seemed.

boater.jpg

Well, I was alone again, and walked over to the murky-looking water, with its seaweed and algae and hundreds more lotuses … a few in bloom, but not as large and beautiful as the specimens at Lake Erie Metropark.  You can see just how large the leaves are in this photo.

lilypads and algae.jpg

Finally, hungry and thirsty, I was ready to head home, six miles on the pedometer and a blog post bubbling around in my brain.

About Linda Schaub

This is my first blog and I enjoy writing each post immensely. I started a walking regimen in 2011 and in 2013 I decided to create a blog as a means of memorializing the people, places and things seen on my daily walks. I have always enjoyed people watching, so my blog is peppered with folks I meet or reflections of characters I have known through the years. Often something piques my interest, or evokes a pleasant memory from my memory bank, so this becomes a “slice o’ life” blog post. I respect and appreciate nature and my interactions with Mother Nature’s gifts is also a common theme. Sometimes the most-ordinary items become fodder for points to ponder over and touch upon. I retired in March 2024 after a career in the legal field. I was a legal secretary for almost 45 years, primarily working in downtown Detroit, then working from my home. I graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Mass Communications (print journalism) in 1978, though I’ve never worked in that field. I would like to think this blog is the writer in me finally emerging!! Walking and writing have met, shaken hands and the creative juices are flowing in Walkin’, Writin’, Wit & Whimsy. I hope you think so too. - Linda Schaub
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61 Responses to Lovely lotuses.

  1. John says:
    August 4, 2018 at 9:20 pm

    Great post! I just coming home from a out night with my buddy I not seen for many of years. Your picture is summer like!😊

    Liked by 1 person

    • lindasschaub says:
      August 4, 2018 at 9:26 pm

      I saw your picture in my notifications and said – it is 2:30 in the morning there! What a night owl you are! That is a good reason to be out that late. I am glad you liked the pictures John. Unfortunately it was quite hazy and there was nothing but a blur on the horizon. It feels summer like here – in the high 80s today and tomorrow we may break a record … the old record is 95 and we are now going to 94 and real feel of 100. I’m thinking Fall looks good around now.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog says:
    August 4, 2018 at 9:39 pm

    Those are very impressive lilies, Linda! Swallows are so great to watch! I love how they are so aerodynamically skilfull and precise in the air, turning on a dime in midair! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • lindasschaub says:
      August 4, 2018 at 9:48 pm

      Glad you have your internet back Tom. Yes, aren’t they beautiful? They have two parks in Michigan with these beds and this is one of them. The blooms rise right up into the air. I think I will go back later in the month when they may all be in bloom – that will make a beautiful picture. It was overcast and hazy today, so my photos were not as crisp and clear as last time here. The swallows – they were diving so quickly that it was impossible to take a photo a close-up. I came home with dozens of “duds” … all missed shots, so I just pointed the camera into the air to get them there as they criss-crossed the sky. I don’t know what the white bugs were. There was a swarm of them and the swallows were darting everywhere trying to catch them.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog says:
        August 4, 2018 at 10:21 pm

        I’ll bet that the white bugs were Mayflies. That live only one day, and they usually all emerge from the water on the same day. One day, this year, our house was covered with them – since we live on the river – but i was so busy that i did not get a chance to photograph them! Next year maybe! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      • lindasschaub says:
        August 4, 2018 at 10:36 pm

        That could be … they were so quick flitting around that I couldn’t see what they were. The swallows had been swooping around to begin with, then the bugs appeared and there were swallows coming out of the woodwork. I wish the pictures of them were closer. When I worked at the diner, the diner was painted all white with black awnings. In the Summer, the mayflies would be attracted to the white building and the lights around the diner – they were open 24 hours a day. They’d be clinging everywhere when I got to work in the morning at 6:45 a.m. to start my shift. At least that only happened for a short time period.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. AJ says:
    August 4, 2018 at 9:53 pm

    Wow those lotuses are huge!!! Good job on the six miles

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Anne Mehrling says:
    August 4, 2018 at 11:37 pm

    I was very impressed with your walk in the wilting heat and the huge lotus leaves and flowers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • lindasschaub says:
      August 5, 2018 at 6:41 am

      Hi Anne – It will be the same type of day today, only soaring to 94; we may tie the old record of 95 today. The weather has been erratic all Summer, … really since the beginning of the year. The lotuses were very beautiful and I think I’d like to return later in the month to see if they are all in bloom there … they were holding up better than me. 🙂

      Like

  5. Mackenzie says:
    August 5, 2018 at 12:35 am

    so beautiful!! makes me home sick

    Liked by 1 person

    • lindasschaub says:
      August 5, 2018 at 6:44 am

      Mackenzie – I started to ask if you were from Michigan and that’s why you miss it, then I hopped onto your site instead – I have just followed you and will go back later and read your most-recent posts on Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City and your other travels. Your pictures are very beautiful, including your wedding pictures on the first page. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      • Mackenzie says:
        August 6, 2018 at 12:30 am

        Awwww!!!! yes, it is my second home for sure. Ohio is where I grew up too- so Lake Eerie is wonderfully familiar ❤ Thank you for your kind words! I so appreciate you taking the moments to stop by.

        Liked by 1 person

      • lindasschaub says:
        August 6, 2018 at 12:41 am

        You’re welcome Mackenzie – I just finished another post about Lake Erie about an hour ago – I am really late finishing up here and will pay the price tomorrow. 🙂 I’ve not even embarked on Reader and that might have to wait until tomorrow.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Mackenzie says:
        August 6, 2018 at 9:39 pm

        Aw hope you got some rest!!

        Liked by 1 person

      • lindasschaub says:
        August 7, 2018 at 6:54 am

        We’ve had some stormy weather here Monday Mackenzie … I work from home, and my boss has been in a big hearing and they had a day off yesterday, so I was trying to get stuff done before the storms moved in. Three storms yesterday and all on the severe side … one messed up Belle Isle pretty badly by taking down some trees and wind damage. I shut down and unplugged my computer … we are having severe weather again this afternoon. All this heat had brought the storms on. I’m behind in Reader and hope to catch up later – hopefully you didn’t have awful weather during your visit in Michigan.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Mackenzie says:
        August 8, 2018 at 1:11 pm

        Oh my- that is so scary!!! I pray that you are safe. Keep us posted please!!! I didn’t have any while there, but have heard it was going to be rolling in 😦

        Liked by 1 person

      • lindasschaub says:
        August 8, 2018 at 9:55 pm

        We were supposed to have one tonight, thunderstorms every day this week. Still waiting on it and did a blog post and luckily finished it but still no rain/storm (I’m not complaining as I don’t like storms.) Glad the bad weather waited until you were done with your celebration and weekend of wandering around Traverse City.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. susieshy45 says:
    August 5, 2018 at 7:25 am

    I love the lotuses- I didn’t know the difference between water lilies and lotuses till you told me, though I come from a place where we see them all the while. I learn something new all the time from your blog, thank you.
    Your description of your heat makes me feel sweaty just by reading your post. Thinking of you making your way through the bulrushes made me admire you for your guts- I would be afraid of water snakes.
    You know so much about the geography of your area, especially the nuclear plant (?). Lake Erie is beautiful.
    Susie

    Liked by 1 person

    • lindasschaub says:
      August 6, 2018 at 12:36 am

      Susie – I learned today as we cruised past the lotus bed that these lotuses are nothing like the usual groups of them. Apparently the cold Winter, chilly Spring and a wind event messed up the lotuses, so they are smaller this year. (I thought they were large.) I also learned today that the lotuses are protected and if you take one or try to take seeds from a lotus pod, that you can be fined because of them being rare and protected. I thought that was very interesting. I never thought of the water snakes – OMG. I know when I go to the River at Ecorse Park where I first saw the eagles, that a gentleman there who lives across the street, has told me that he and his wife go fishing at different times and they have seen water snakes coming from Mud Island (a small island across from Ecorse Park). I must get down there to see it as there is a boardwalk and I don’t think they could climb up onto the boardwalk and slither along. This same man told me that the deer cross the water from the small island as well and all you can see is their head and their antlers sticking out of the water. Hope I see that this year.

      Liked by 1 person

      • susieshy45 says:
        August 6, 2018 at 12:41 am

        Wow ! So much to see and do and such a short life to it in. It only goes to show if we choose to see and experience new things, a lot of doors will open up. It is our choice.

        Liked by 1 person

      • lindasschaub says:
        August 6, 2018 at 12:44 am

        I agree Susie – I am not usually a gadabout, but it is good to explore and try new things.
        However, suddenly it is 12:45 a.m. and where did the weekend go? I have to save Reader for tomorrow and I know I should have picked a Saturday cruise date I think.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. ruthsoaper says:
    August 5, 2018 at 8:57 am

    I really admire you for going on to the second location despite the miserable conditions. Stay hydrated and thanks for sharing your stories and photos. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • lindasschaub says:
      August 6, 2018 at 12:26 am

      Thanks Ruth – I am glad you are enjoying them. Today was a really long day. I generally walk in the morning but today I opted for a river cruise on the E/V Clinton at 2:00 p.m. If I’d have known it would be 93 today (real feel of 100) I’d have booked it for another day – I was just happy it didn’t rain as there was no refund. But the heat and humidity – wow.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. sharonchyy says:
    August 5, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    Beauty of nature🌺Very interesting post!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Kate Crimmins says:
    August 5, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    Beautiful pictures!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Ann Marie stevens says:
    August 5, 2018 at 9:54 pm

    Miss Linda…………………………………..cool………………you made it back to Erie Metro and to my favorite for fishing is the Point Mouillee……………..it just was too hot..

    Liked by 1 person

    • lindasschaub says:
      August 6, 2018 at 12:01 am

      Oh yes, this heat is horrible Ann Marie. I thought it might be cooler on the water today, but not really, especially when we stopped. I have to write you an e-mail about Gibralter as I saw Gibralter Road today as I passed and thought of you fishing there sometimes.

      Like

  11. thesecretblind says:
    August 8, 2018 at 12:43 pm

    Your Lotus hunt sounded like a rewarding day out (apart from the heat of course). Well done for walking so far and capturing so many beautiful things.

    Liked by 1 person

    • lindasschaub says:
      August 8, 2018 at 9:54 pm

      Thanks Zena – I hope to go back to that Park again as they have alot of nature activities, nice walks that are geared for learning about nature and the birds and flowers that are in that part of the Park. It is quite a large park. Plus it is a place where a lot of migratory birds stop … water fowl and eagles and hawks, so I hope to see some of them come Fall. Hopefully the weather cooperates.

      Like

  12. indianeskitchen says:
    August 8, 2018 at 3:57 pm

    Nice post with beautiful photos as usual. I love all the water Lilies!

    Liked by 1 person

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