Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Out in the Countryside

A long ride from Ann Arbor to Watkins Lake was a beautiful way to spend several hours. It's a very small lake that offers a resting place for wildfowl that are migrating through the area. Part of the area is a wildlife preserve, part is a state park, and part is farmland. We ate a picnic lunch in the car as it was a bit too chilly to eat outside, but the weather in general was very pleasant. We've made the same trip a number of times during waterfowl migration season.





"Even good dogs must be on a leash" says the Michigan DNR.

On the way to Watkins lake we stopped at Fusilier's Farm Market, where we have often bought a variety of produce. As the inside of the market is very open to the outdoors, and we were the only customers, we could feel safe in our masks.


Before visiting the lake we bought peppers, lettuce, and a few other vegetables. We noticed that they sell beef from their own cattle and that of a nearby farm, as well as fresh eggs. We waited to buy meat until we were on the way home, to ensure that the beef would stay frozen. The eggs were so fresh that the woman tending the market had to go across from the shop to the farmhouse to rinse them off: they had been gathered in the morning. She told us about the temperament of the hens, which are very vicious to one another, and will kill an injured hen in the flock if not prevented from doing so. However, they are quite docile to her when she gathers their eggs, she says.


Behind the tables of produce, you can see the freezer case for beef.

Only USDA slaughter houses are allowed to process beef sold to the public: the Fusilier family's trips to the slaughter house only happen rarely, so the beef is frozen. Our self-imposed embargo on beef applies to industrial meat-processing facilities: the woman we were talking to is responsible for the beef in her store, and we don't have any problem buying it. We happily bought several packages of beef, which will last us a while.



As we drove we enjoyed looking at the rolling hills, the many-colored fall trees, and fields of dried-up corn stalks, harvested grains, and a variety of other fall scenes. Crows were pecking for food in one stubble field, and many hawks and vultures were circling overhead, catching small updrafts on a very still day. All beautiful. We enjoyed seeing horses and cows on various farms as well.




All photos ©2020 by mae and len sander.

18 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

Lovely and beautiful countryside...I have never been to a farm market.

Beth said...

What a lovely post! All those gorgeous fall colours ... it really is the prettiest time of the year.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Really pretty. We have a nearby butcher who deals in meat raised by small farmers (well, they're not short in stature, but you know what I mean!). It's excellent.

Anne in the kitchen said...

Your photos are beautiful!
I love a farm market like that. There are. couple of them not to far from me and I try to go there a few times a yer.

LA Paylor said...

(just a joke)my poodle said, leashes? what about my riiiiiiiiiiiights?

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning, you live in a beautiful area, how awesome to be close to the migration to observe-very cool-I would really enjoy that. nice to have farmers markets close by as well Happy Wednesday

My name is Erika. said...

Looks like a fabulous day out. The lake and bird would make interesting viewing and that farm stand looks amazing!

Tandy | Lavender and Lime (http://tandysinclair.com) said...

I'm not sure I would trust the hens! That's great you had such a lovely day trip and managed to buy some farm beef direct from source. May it provide you with many nourishing meals.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

What a pretty lake view .., perfect place for peace and serenity, so much needed these days. We used to like to find a restaurant to try on our way home from day trios. Nowadays, , we look for Farm Markets! You found a good one after your trip!

Iris Flavia said...

Beautiful and yummy pics. We were on the market last Saturday and the tomatoes really are yummier than from the supermarket.

Divers and Sundry said...

This looks like a delightful trip. Picnics and open markets and parks are outings I can get on board with :)

Anu said...

Hello. Beautiful views and wonderful photos.
Take care.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Mae,

The park and lake look nice, pretty fall colors and it is great to see the waterfowl. Great captures of the Geese, ducks and Cormorants. I love the horses and cows and the barn scenes. The farm market sounds great, it is nice to buy the meat, fresh fruits and veggies. Beautiful photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day. Happy weekend to you! PS, thank you for the comment and visit too.

s.c said...

A beautiful collection of photos of life in the country beautiful.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What beautiful scenes. I love that you took the open door with the pumpkins outside...what a great photo! Sure looks beautiful in your neck of the woods! Enjoy your weekend!

Rain said...

Look at the horns on that bull! What a lovely farmer's market, I love seeing lots of pumpkins all stacked up next to each other! Interesting and kind of scary about the hens being so vicious!

Yvonne said...

Beautiful farm country. Sometimes the little stores along less traveled roads can be so interesting.

NatureFootstep said...

beautiful wildlife :)