Sandy

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Michigan, on a chilly windswept day in late June. Pewter skies, green-grey water, tawny sand. Green plants where they can keep a foothold.

A 750 foot mammoth dune rules on this part of the lake. A couple of tiny dots are people struggling up.

The slot of clear horizon kept its distance all evening. Too bone-chilled to hang around for sunset, we probably missed a brief but dramatic glow.

Only the mighty-rooted need apply (here, upside down after the cut collapsed) 

Beach pea,  Lathyrus japonicus

A beech - maple forest has conquered the sand further inland. 

Big and little inland lakes. 

Grand Traverse Bay, further north, is full of silvery sand below clear waters.