So Close, So Far Away.

For this particular blog post, we were given a prompt to go off of: "What does Lake Michigan mean to you?". To me, Lake Michigan is something so close but often forgotten. Living in Grand Haven, I see Lake Michigan nearly every day. Often I just drive by, not taking in the utter beauty that the deep blue Lake has to offer. Today as I was driving downtown on Harbor Dr. which winds through town parallel to the channel that leads into Lake Michigan, I decided to stop and grab a few pictures at the state park. Today was a startling warm day, in the upper 70s, for one of the first few days of fall, and the beach was much more full than it usually is this time of year. The snow fences were already prominently standing, ready at any moment for a large blizzard to blow in off the coast. This was a reminder that the days of shorts and t shirts would soon be replaced by thick sweaters and jeans, and I'm not sure I am ready for the climate change yet.

This summer was one of my best ever, spent with long days at the beach swimming in the warm waters. During a week before Coast Guard Festival, my friend who now lives in Chicago was visiting family here in Grand Haven. He lives on a private beach just south of town, and we trekked a few blocks down from his house to the sandy beaches a few days in a row. After descending down the large flight of stairs, the view was absolutely breath taking. Below are a few photos I took from this vantage point, and you will get a sense of how great this view really is. I cherished these moments, as I knew I wouldn't be allowed on the private beach after he left back for Chicago!

So to return to the original question, Lake Michigan is often over looked by myself as it becomes a part of everyday routine, but when I really stop and focus on the beauty in front of me, I hold it close. I am thankful to live so close to a body of water many do not get the chance to enjoy, despite the fact it brings the worst lake effect snow in the winter! I would advise everyone to come out to Grand Haven sometime next summer and take in the stunning views it has to offer of Lake Michigan.