Moody Lake Michigan Day at Leelanau State Park Artwork

Nature Is My Jam

If you’re like me, then you love the sounds of nature. From the dawn chorus of birds that rings in the start of another day to the howl of coyotes in the dark of night, these sounds ignite curiosity, excitement and a deep appreciation for our planet. You’re listening to Nature is my Jam, a show that explores the rich kaleidoscope of nature sounds and the art of capturing pristine audio in remote wilderness locations. Hello. I’m Darrin and I document the hidden corners of the world through sound, filmmaking, and photography. Each week, I will take you along with me as I create natural soundscapes. We will discuss how I record these sounds, but the star of each show will be nature itself. A high-quality audio immersion providing a brief respite from your hectic day. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode and I look forward to continuing this conversation with you soon.

All Episodes

Nature Is My Jam

Moody Lake Michigan Day at Leelanau State Park

January 19, 2023 • Darrin Wassom • Season 2 • Episode 3

I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live.

Captain’s Log, Stardate 100646.84. It has been weeks since the sun has appeared on this planet. A constant mist has enveloped this region, identified as northern Michigan, since the dawn of a new earth year. Contact made today with earthlings that appear to be in distress because of warm temperatures and a lack of something they call Vitamin D. Of all the earthlings encountered in Alpha Quadrant, the northerner is, perhaps, the strangest.

Summary:

My goal to record the Red Fox again this week did not go well. The constant wind and misting rain have played hell with my recording equipment and my patience. Two nights of failed recordings and hours spent alone in a field with rain running down my neck convinced me to give up on the Red Fox this week. I bailed on Sleeping Bear Dunes and made my way to Northport to visit the Leelanau State Park. I like the rocky beach at this park, which is unlike the sandy stretches of Sleeping Bear. There is also a cool lighthouse and the ability to watch Great Lakes Freighters as they make their way to the Upper Peninsula through the Manitou Straits.

I didn’t intend to record the wave action, but the wind was just right to capture some interesting sounds as the waves crashed into large rocks near the shore. The water levels are down so I could get further out than what is possible to get close to some large boulders….. that are slick (I know this but sometimes I’m an idiot). I realized, too late, that my feet were slipping and it dumped me into the lake. I’d love to say it was part of a planned Polar Plunge, but I’d be lying. Luckily, I had extra clothes in the truck, so could change and keep recording. The only thing I didn’t have was another pair of boots, but I found that if I kept moving that my feet didn’t get too cold.

I was going to apologize for recording more lake and wave activity, but I’m not sure it is necessary. Every water feature is unique and offers an interesting soundscape. Being surrounded by the Great Lakes is special and something I shouldn’t take for granted. I want to bring you diverse recordings and interesting soundscapes every week, but I have to take the sounds that are given to me.

Recording Details: