The Ride to the Beach.

We all become complacent in our routines, and take things for granted. I am no exception. Today I thought it would be fun to take you on the ride to the beach.  It's a route well traveled now that the warmer days are approaching. Barring any delays enroute, the drive is about 6 minutes from my house. Isn't that nice! Hardly noticing, I do pass about 6 of those big old churches on the way, the ones presented in another esssay.

Sometimes one of the roads has to be shared with rail traffic, which is normal to us, but does freak out people who have never driven right next to a moving passenger or freight train.

Lake Michigan is on the North end of town, and you can't go any further. Straight up the lake 320 miles is Canada. That's a long stretch of open water for those nasty winter winds to blast down and hit us.

Around a few curves and you'll come to the drawbridge across Trail Creek. I try to time my driving to avoid waiting for the bridge when open for boat traffic. It is a 4 lane bridge, but most drivers think it is too narrow and hog both lanes. Crossing the bridge you enter into Washington Park.

Straight ahead is the tall Soldiers Memorial Monument. The marina is in the background.

 Use caution being a gawking driver, but a quick glimpse from the bridge to the left is Millenium Park Fountain and the Old Lighthouse Museum. The Museum offers summer tours of 2 floors depicting local and nautical history.

The road curves to the right, then several hundred yards is where you take a left turn to access the parking areas. You'll pass a nice shaded picnic and playground area which is just South of the beach. Stop at the little shack and pay your $6 per day parking fee. If you have a boat or jet ski, that trailer costs too, and there is yet an additional fee to launch it.

 Just to the right of this picture is the Washington Park Zoo, nestled in the sand dunes. One of the oldest zoos in Indiana. The admission fee will also get you up to the Observation Tower high atop the dune.

Straight ahead is the main parking lot adjacent to the beach. Depending on arrival time, take your chances on getting up front parking. The hotter the weather, the more people come to the beach. Once you've got your gear unloaded and everyone is helping to carry something, hit the sand and get ready to enjoy the sun and water.

Pick your spot and let the party begin. This beach is perfect for sun worshippers because there are no trees. Enjoy the sights of power or sail.

Various equipment will keep the kids busy swimming and splashing in the water.

Into mid-July the water can become quite pleasant. Here's one afternoon a friend was taking a reading of the water temperature. I personally love those super clear, calm days for snorkeling. It can rival the caribbean, minus the tropical fish of course. Lake Michigan is also fresh water ...... none of that salty feeling, and no tides!

Bring EVERYTHING you think you will need, there are no vendors to purchase supplies. There is a restroom facility right next to the boat launch.

Time for mom and child to head home after some fun in the sun.

If you are lucky enough to stay late, and the skies cooperate, you may be treated to one of the spectacular and ever changing sunsets across Lake Michigan. Those who follow my pictures know I have posted several sunset pictures here throughout the year. I'm glad you have enjoyed them.

Thanks for stopping and taking the ride to the beach today. For those unaware, now you know Indiana does have a beach, right on the shore of Lake Michigan. I don't leave here in the summer ..... my sunny beach spot is reserved, and we have the place everyone else wants to come to.

For more info you may want to visit MICHIGAN CITY to learn more about the beaches, parks, activities, events, and fishing. Have a safe summer.