Date Published: 10-15-2026
Publisher: Mission Point Press
idea that it’s not the quality of the equipment that matters most, but
the attention to the moment with the equipment available. Using a mobile phone
rather than a high-end camera, Jon captures many moments of inspiration as he
explores the stunning waters of Michigan’s “Little Finger.”
notice the light on the water, the natural surroundings, and the stillness
between paddle strokes. These images are not about perfection. They are about
moments of wonder on the waters of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula.
About the Author
Jon is a retired teacher, having taught social studies at Traverse City
Central High School for 38 years. Jon was the offensive coordinator for the
Trojans’ first state championship football team in 1978 and later was
named the boys’ varsity head coach, a position he held for 22 years. His
teams had a 341–161 record and won 12 district and 2 regional titles.
Jon grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan. There he had a small boat and motor that
he kept on the Grand River and would use to explore the river and its many
bayous. He graduated from Hope College and played quarterback for the Flying
Dutchmen for four years and played basketball for two years. Jon enjoys the
variety of all four seasons at Cedar Lake. When he isn’t kayaking, he
enjoys “working” at the scoring table for Trojans basketball games
and in the press box at Thirlby Field for Trojans or Traverse City West Titan
football games, reading, feeding and watching birds, and following the
activities of his three active grandchildren. Among his proudest
accomplishments is that he was able to write two books about kayaking. He is
sure that this is also surprising to anyone who knew Jon in Grand Haven or at
Hope College!
https://mybook.to/KayakingMomentsofZen
