Nonfiction; Sports, Recreation, photography
Date Published: 10-15-2026
Publisher: Mission Point Press
In a search for simplicity and serenity, Jon R. Constant explores the
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.”
Kayaking becomes a way to slow down, to be fully present enough to
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.
Excerpt
“It is wonderful living in a state that has two major peninsulas–the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula. It is even better to explore the waters and shores of a beautiful smaller peninsula.
If you seek a pleasant peninsula in Michigan, then look no further than the Leelanau Peninsula!
There is a certain quiet that exists on the water. It is not the absence of all sound, but the absence of the sounds of everyday life, and the absence of anything toxic in your life.
When you settle into a kayak, your world shifts. Movement slows down. Attention sharpens. Small things come into focus. The way the light reflects on the water.
The rhythm of each stroke of the paddle. The notion of being in another place that is closer to Nature. The feeling of being one with your surroundings. The feeling of being totally present.
This book was created in those moments. I believe that they were there not to be captured, but to be noticed and shared.
Nothing in this book screams for your attention. But just look around you and let the water of Leelanau do the rest.”
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!
Purchase Links
https://mybook.to/KayakingMomentsofZen
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Bookshop
