For 13 years of my life, I lived in "the country"
on Dawson Road, outside of small town in Northern Lower Michigan, called
Central Lake. I was always surrounded by nature, as we lived on 20 acres of
trees, shrubbery, and woodland creatures, with seasonal hay and corn
fields. Growing up in this kind of
place, nature can easily be taken for granted and underappreciated as it is a
part of everyday life and can become ordinary.
One scene that I never took for granted was that of the local
lakes. I always had a plethora to choose
from: Intermediate Lake, Hanley Lake, Lake Bellaire, Lake Charlevoix…all
beautiful in their own ways. However,
there were two that took the cake in liquid beauty.
A short
5 minute walk to Dawson’s western-most end left you at the top of a hill,
overlooking both Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan).
Both of these lakes, with their clear water
and sandy beaches, are a tourist’s ideal destination.
But, most of these folks picked one or the
other…a lake house on the shore of Lake Michigan OR Torch Lake. But for me? I
got both at once.
Evening time was my
favorite to walk up the low incline to the wide-open viewing area.
The teal blue water of both lakes was
beautifully complimented by the hot pink and orange reflections of fluffy
clouds as the sun descended behind the horizon.
My eyes never became sore or bored from this sight.
The landscape was an artist’s dream.
Having two of Northern Lower Michigan’s most
famous attributes in my backyard was something I will never forget.
Day after day, passing by this natural
masterpiece, my breath would take a second to catch up with my eyes.
Though I can’t remember the first day I
noticed this work of God, I do know that every day that I do see it, I’m just
as inspired and thankful for it as I would be my first time every seeing
it.
Every viewing is a new celebration.
