{14 photos, for those gathering on dial-up}
we went to grand haven last night,to swim in lake michigan (only a half-hour drive from grand rapids, where we had errands). this beach, just north of grand haven, is a secret treasure - most of the tourists go to the main grand haven beach, where it is very crowded and people can walk (and fish off) the pier. this beach is perfect - smaller, with huge dunes to the rear, for those so inclined to climb them.
i have seen lake michigan weather in all its incarnations - stormy, snowy, icy, hot sand, cold water, warm water, huge waves, no waves, great burning sun, immense fog - and i think that last night's weather is one of my very favorite.
it was a very foggy night, with a pretty calm surface. few boats were out and about. the slightly rolling waves were active enough for us to play in them, but not so big as to wear us out. there were far fewer people on the beach and in the water than on a normal summer evening - another plus! fog obscured the northern coastline, and made hazy the lighthouse and pier to the south. it was eerie, accentuated by the cries of the gulls and the slight foaming sounds of the waves hitting the shore.
we swam for two hours, enlivened by the warm water and the soothing waves. lillie's favorite new thing is to be thrown really high and then land SPLASH into the water, full-bore. she comes up smiling, asking for more. we're limited by our arms getting tired of hoisting a 50-pound child into the air. dolphin lillie, indeed.
we found a piece of driftwood, and some seagull feathers that lillie made into an artistic beach rendering.
lillie drew on the sand, and kept going back into the lake to rinse off. i think this was her delaying tactic, since we told her many times that it was time to leave. look at her little smirk, thinking we're not onto her...we've got a trickster diva on our hands, i fear.
lots of seagulls were all around - huddling in masses just past where we were swimming, taking off in great clouds of feathers when someone walked by.
one seagull we called the wise old man, since he never flew but stood there bravely when someone walked by, holding his ground. you know what? everyone walked around him, leaving him to his peace.
copyright 2006, jessica voigts
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Comments: 24
Have you marketed any of your photos anywhere? Or these tales of yours? And how many times have I asked you already, LOL?
aileen - i'd love to. not yet. hmm...
thanks!!
I am Madeline's stick dispenser myself.
Thanks for these images (and photos)!
bert - a little far north for you, eh, but the same lake nonetheless. :) glad to get you going!
linda - i LOVE smoked fish. yum, yum. we have that here, too!! and cheese curds, from our local amish cheese place. i didn't bring food (alas). can you blv it??
thank you!!
I miss the water and fog - although my memories are tied to the ocean. I've always wanted to visit the Great Lakes. Your photos and descriptions have moved that destination up on my list!
As always, thanks for a peaceful respite.
sorry, I couldn't access a message from you today.
sorry, I couldn't access a message from you today.
what mary said is perfect: balm for the soul.
mona - thanks. quite a compliment!
I love fog, even though I live in an area where it is a serious menace for drivers.
Fog here though is a winter event only.