Sand, Stars, Wind, & Water: Field Notes from Up North

by Tim Mulherin

In 2011, Good Morning America viewers voted Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore the “Most Beautiful Place in America.” Long before that recognition occurred, Tim Mulherin, author of "Sand, Stars, Wind, and Water: Field Notes from Up North," had been exploring the region – including Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties and other points north – as a frequent visitor. His writing tells of his love of the area and its people, and serves as an encouragement to visitors to respect this national treasure.

As well, the book is a meditation on an enduring decades-long friendship that developed through countless outdoor diversions: hiking and cross-country skiing on woodland trails, dune climbing, trout fishing, sailing across Lake Michigan to camp on South Manitou and Garden islands, kayaking crystalline waters of local lakes and rivers, driving scenic M-22, and savoring downtime on Lake Michigan beaches. It’s also a commentary on invasive species – both aquatic and human.

Anyone who has visited this special place – or plans to – as well as local natives and transplants will find Mulherin’s writing a thoughtful and amusing representation of what being “Up North” is really all about.

266 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2021

Reviews

[Marieta Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a "Fudgie" as he calls us, I appreciated what Tim said about us, but am still glad my husband and I experienced Michigan (both the UP and the Lower) last summer in the way that visitors do on an extended vacation. Having never visited Michigan previously, except for a quick drive through the southern part of the state, we saw that Michigan has a lot to offer and it would be easy for someone to "get hooked" on using any of the areas around the lakes as a vacation retreat or a seasonal home.

I appreciated reading about Tim's experiences with family and his best friend, Craig.

Thank you, Tim, for introducing a non-fishing, not-hunting, non-boating reader to your trials and tribulations.

I picked up this book at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore bookstore and am glad I did.

[Janet Mulherin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great read for all readers wanting to know more about beautiful northern Michigan! From someone who truly loves the area.

[Libby Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well done and interesting but 90% about the Traverse city region.

[John Goebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreaming of a northwest Michigan trip soon! Great writer. Hope he publishes more.