Grand Haven State Park ~ February 2021

When ice forms at the pier and lighthouse, the views are stunning. We took our first ride out there on February 9.

Before reaching the inner lighthouse, we saw a water rescue team in training.

Not wanting to become a real-life lesson, we walked back off the icy pier. But we came back the next day.

This time we managed to walk as far as the inner lighthouse.

But the ice on the pier was becoming rougher and we turned around.

We drove over to the adjacent beach for a different angle and then further north for a better perspective of the pier.

See you in the spring!

 

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.

Grand Haven, Michigan ~ 1/17/15

After visiting Holland State Park last weekend and seeing some dramatic ice, we drove out to Grand Haven to see what the wind and freeze had done to the pier there. It was dramatic.

Last year in February we and hundreds of others were walking on water. Today the lake was not nearly as frozen and we were surprised to see people out as far as they were.

The lake looked like broken glass.

People were taking photographs everywhere and every which way.

We didn't make it all the way to the end of the pier because it was incredibly icy so we bailed about halfway.

I think you can forget about the life preserver and call box for now.

The waves must have been incredible at some point to create this ice.

The biggest surprise was back in town. We had no idea that Pronto Pups were worth this wait :-)

There are more Grand Haven Photos on flickr  but these are representative of our visit today. Most of us claim to hate winter but where else can you see an amazing Pronto Pup line, incredible ice, and an arctic landscape in one afternoon? Just be careful using these ladders and walking out onto the water.