Southerners are justly proud of our beautiful beaches, but western Michiganders are equally fond of the towering sand dunes and beaches that line their 300-mile border with Lake Michigan. T-shirt shops along the coast often feature the tagline above, along with our personal favorite, "Always fresh, sometimes, frozen!"
Western Michigan remained largely unsettled, except for Native Americans, until after the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825. Settlers could then travel by water from Buffalo, NY to Detroit and on by land to Grand Haven on the west coast of Michigan. Logging began in western Michigan in the 1830s and by 1880, Michigan was the number one lumber-producing state in the US, delivering more than the next three states combined. Michigan trees helped rebuild homes lost in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and throughout the midwest. Sadly, the forests were depleted by 1900, and the area turned increasingly to fishing and recreational boating.
Adagio spent three delightful weeks cruising the entire length of Lake Michigan from north to south. The lake is notorious for unpredictable weather and high winds, and Michigan ports must provide a safe harbor when severe weather occurs - they cannot turn away mariners. Each coastal port has a gauntlet-like channel connecting its local harbor to the "Big Lake," and Adagio darted into a few of these along the way. The towns were charming and catered to boaters, and we hope to go back someday.
Sand Dunes Along the Michigan Coast
Adagio on Lake Michigan,
(Video Captured by Fellow Loopers - It felt rougher than it looks!)
Leaving the Channel from Grand Haven, Michigan's Harbor
Beaches Near Arcadia, Michigan
Loopers Keith and Dee from Tampa
50 Pounds of Lake Michigan's Freshwater Chinook Salmon
Boats Heading in for Shelter Before a Storm, South Haven, Michigan
That looks beautiful! You have seen marvels all over.
beautiful beaches. Surely, you didn’t catch all that salmon?
Who caught the fish? Looks like Adagio was cutting through some good waves. Glad you’re headed home!