30 Days of Thanks - Day 5

Today I’m thankful for the Great Lakes. It’s a vague and generalized thing to be thankful for, but I could go on forever about each lake that I have experience with and I just don’t have time for that right now. I’m thankful for their beauty and for their resources. I’ve watched countless sunrises and sunsets over the lakes, stared at the stars all night on the beach, and cooled my body on hot summer days for decades. These lakes are just glorious all year.

I’m grateful for a place to sit and think while I listen to the waves crash on shore. I’m thankful for friends who also enjoy these beautiful places along the lakes. When I lived in Texas or New Mexico, I missed being near them so much. While in Oregon and Washington, I had the ocean and it was a great substitute.

The Great Lakes must be protected and cared for, so go see them for yourself and learn how important they are to the world.

Sunset on Park Point in Duluth, MN over Lake Superior

Sunrise over Lake Superior on Park Point in Duluth, MN

Another Lake Superior Sunrise in Duluth, MN

A cold January sunrise in Duluth, MN over a frozen Lake Superior

Lake Huron sunset, 9pm, Seagull Point Park in Rogers City, MI

Lake Huron sunset in the late fall near Rogers City, MI

Lake Huron Sunset near Rogers City, MI featuring a tamarack tree losing needles in late fall

Summer sunset over Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, MI

Sunrise over Lake Michigan in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (from about 2005)

Summer Sunset over Lake Michigan

Waves crashing on a Lake Michigan beach

Way Back Watery Wednesday

I have the Great Lakes on my brain, so I wanted to share some photos from around the glorious shorelines. When I lived in Michigan, I didn’t take advantage of the outdoors the way I would today. I can’t wait to get back and explore all of the things saved on my map. For now, enjoy some photos of the lakes that are unsalted and shark free!

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Lake Superior

Lake Superior is pretty special. It’s large, moody, and definitely in charge. These photos are from Duluth throughout the years.

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Lake Huron

Lake Huron is home, and the sky is often magical. Most of these are from the Rogers City area in Michigan.

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Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan became home when I moved to the southwest corner of the state for college. Trips to the beach were memorable and fun. These photos are from all along that coast.

#ForestFriday - Sable Falls (Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore)

Sable Falls is located in the wonderful Upper Peninsula of Michigan within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore site. You take a short hike to a bunch of stairs and then there's a gorgeous waterfall. Along the trail, you can see Lake Superior just above the trees. I first saw this place on a 2001 road trip around Lake Superior with my grandparents and it's been one of my favorites ever since.

Here are some shots from both fall and winter, my favorite seasons, so you can get the full experience.

I hope you find yourself in a forest this weekend!

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