A few weeks ago, I mentioned that when the United States coughs, the rest of the world catches cold. That could sound smug, but our current economic situation is a prime example. Other countries may seem immune to our mortgage and banking mess, but it affects them in ways many don't realize.

Our financial woes mean we don't travel as much. Imports also drop as our income and spending falls. Foreign manufacturers hate the fact we're buying less. But, they can get in line. The number of people who hate us abroad for any number of our policies is higher than ever before.

So, there's the double whammy. It costs a small fortune to travel to countries where we're disliked or disdained. Consequently, tourism and its associated dollars are dropping. For that, they hate us even more. And, so it goes.

Happily, there's a place where none of this exists — a massive oasis where people don't hate us. Moreover, the produce, cheeses, meats and food in general are abundant and affordable. Did I mention the beaches? Hundreds of miles of pristine beaches overlooking expanses of fresh inland seas. Not a shark, alligator, stingray or unexploded World War II mine to be found.

This idyllic refuge isn't in a parallel universe but in the center of the country — and a bit north. It's found in states surrounding the Great Lakes. The term "lake" is actually a misnomer. Because of their massive size, by definition they qualify as "Inland Seas." And, on the banks of those "seas" is where much of the magic happens.

The dunes found on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan are recognized as one of the largest freshwater systems on earth. Created millions of years ago when massive glaciers melted the dunes are the foundation for countless animal and plant species that flourish there.

This month, the U.S. Postal Service salutes the ecosystem with a new "Nature of America" pane of stamps. The pane contains 10 42-cent stamps. Included on the stamps and in the dioramic montage surrounding them are 27 varieties of indigenous plants, insects, mammals, reptiles and minerals.

Those lucky enough to spend time or live near the dunes are certainly familiar with seagulls, deer, squirrels and porcupines that might appear on or near the beaches or in the dune grass. But, far more make the dunes their home, including plants that can withstand blowing and abrasive sand such as the Pitcher's thistle, a rare species found only near the Great Lakes.

Add to that butterflies and bees, Mayfly nymphs, Tiger beetles, the hognose snake, white-footed mice, northern river otters, red foxes and endangered Piping plovers. Those and more are pictured on the pane in front of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore named for a huge dune formation that vaguely resembles a sleeping bear.

Hidden in the lower right of the image is a Petoskey stone. Found only in northern Michigan, the stones are named for the coastal town of Petoskey. The stones have honeycomb patterns that are the fossilized remains of a coral that thrived in warm shallow waters millions of years before glaciers covered the region.

If framed, the pane makes for a great pictorial for those fond of the Great Lakes region. The stamps can also receive special First Day of Issue cancels by mail. To do so, purchase the stamps at a post office, affix one or more to a self-addressed envelope, and mail that inside of a separate mailing envelope to: Great Lakes Dunes, First Day of Issue, 10234 West Front Street, Empire, MI 49630-9998. The Postal Service will return envelopes through regular mail. All orders MUST be postmarked no later than Dec. 3, 2008.

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of the Great Lakes Dunes pane of stamps has been sent with this column.

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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