Grand Haven ~ January 2, 2017

It was 43 degrees on the observed New Year's Day in Michigan and the Grand Haven EarthCam showed people walking on the beach. We hadn't been there since summer so took a drive out to enjoy the weather and a walk. The famous pier was closed in September for repairs and the iconic catwalk had been removed to save it for return after the pier repairs. The pier has an entirely new look.

The walk towards the pier was treacherous, covered with a combination of sand and ice.

There had obviously been some serious weather events out here.

The pier out to the lighthouse was fenced off but people were stepping down to

the ledge, around the fence, to make their way out to the end.

Not even the life preservers were left on the pier so it was

proceeding  at your own risk. And they did.

We made our way down to the beach and appreciated walking in the sand in January.

Some interesting sand formations had formed, and fell, and summer detritus was revealed.

                                          This log had floated in from somewhere.

Many people were enjoying this day at the beach.

And it was a beautiful day.

We'll see you again soon, Grand Haven, and maybe we'll get to walk on water again.

A Visit to Grand Haven ~ 8/9/14

Another beautiful day in Michigan brought us to Grand Haven for lunch and to take in the sights. We started out on the upper deck of the Kirby House and rather wished that these trees were topped :-) Bruschetta and the Kirby sandwich followed this up.

We saw the Pirate welcome for the Pirate Festival but didn't spot a pirate anywhere.

The beach was busy,

and the Pier is always an interesting walk.

There was a lot of fishing, jumping, and paddle boarding going on.

A beautiful sailboat cruised the pier and the lighthouse, which is undergoing renovation.

Then we came across a wedding party posing on the pier, waiting for the bride.

This couple was watering their dog, while the next couple reflected complete relaxation.

Cheers to enjoying the rest of summer!

Grand Haven ~ 5/18/14 

Frozen Grand Haven ~ 2/15/14

Holland State Park ~ 1/2/14

It was my day off today, and Roy & I decided to see what the lakeshore looked like in Holland.  Just for the record, the temperature was 12 degrees F with the wind chill factor bringing it down to -4 degrees F. It was stark and sparsely populated.

These crazy people walked out on the ice-covered jetty, slipping and sliding as they went.

Ice was flowing over the edge and an ice fence had formed.

The other jetty was uninhabited, just visited by gulls and ducks.

The no wake zone regulation is still in effect :-),

and the lighthouse is always beautiful in winter.

This "house" on the shore is unbelievable and reeks of excess,

but that's just me.You Michiganders know of whom I speak.

  Here's to the beauty of Lake Michigan and its shore.