Sounds of Sleeping Bear Dunes: The Calm Before The Storm

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May the closeness of friends and the comfort of home renew your spirits this holiday season. 

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Summary:

Welcome to episode 28 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. As 2022 winds down, Mother Nature is going to remind us she is all powerful and wants to add some excitement to the season’s holidays. We have a major winter storm heading our way and if the weather predictors are right; we are going to end the year with a doozy of a blizzard. With this in mind, I wanted to record what I am calling the ‘calm before the storm. It was a cold yet mild day here in northern Michigan and I, once again, found myself along one of my favorite beaches along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 

We are the Peterson Road Beach, which is near Honor, Michigan and very close to the Platte River Campground. This recording features gentle waves and a very light wind. While it was a mild day in terms of wind, the temperatures dropped throughout the day and the skies got very dark. My watch notified me of blizzard and extreme weather warnings the entire time I was recording, and my wife even called to make sure I hadn’t fallen off a bluff or into a ravine. Severe weather warnings, I’ve noticed, bring a hint of concern *and* excitement to everyone affected. While the storm is still a day away, instinct creeps in and everyone does their best to prepare and, well, wait. 

The Rest of the Story:

The truth of the matter is that while it was extremely cold along the lakeshore, I was in no real danger during the recording. Dressed for the weather, I knew I’d be able to get back home before any major snow or drop in the temperature. My truck can get through snow and I always bring extra clothing, water and a personal emergency beacon that will notify family and first responders via satellite if I need help. 

The storm is definitely on its way and I plan on getting out to record as long as long as I can get down our tiny two-track and out onto a main road. If we don’t get plowed out for a few days, then I’ll explore and record right in the backyard. It could be a long few days of being housebound and I’m okay with that. The fireplace will roar, hot cocoa will be at the ready and a long backlog of Hallmark Xmas movies will entertain us for days.  

Recording Details:

• Date and Time: 12/21/2022 | 3:30 PM
• Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore
• Landscape/Feature: Peterson Road Beach
• Conditions: Extreme Cold, Light Wind, Very Cloudy
• Recording Device: Zoom F3
• Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025
• Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe Audition

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