The Shores of Michigan

On Episode 260 of the Katia and Kyliemac Podcast (if you aren't already listening, you should be!) Kyliemac talks a little bit about the shores of Michigan.

It is true that we do not have real beaches, but neither does Nice, the Nice beach is all pebbles. Nice is gorgeous, but I think we give them a run for their money on beautiful scenery.








I took these pictures "up north" on the Leelenau Peninsula from the light of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse - basically, the very very tip of the pinky. Going "up north" is a thing for Michiganders. Up north signifies any part of the state further north than halfway up your fingers, so the northern half of the lower peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula. It's gorgeous, thinly populated, lots of outdoor activities, especially on the water. We have four out of the five Great Lakes and we like using them. The lakes are so large you can't see from one side to the other.

We were there at the same time as the National Cherry Festival, featuring lots of cherry products, naturally, and a parade with a real Cherry Queen. This is a terrible picture, and the Cherry Queen isn't even on the float, but it gives you an idea of the cutsieness (hokieness?) of the festival.



If my description of Michigan geography using the hand to describe it didn't make any sense, take a look at a map of my state. The cherry festival is held in Traverse City, and Leelenau is the small peninsula to the right of Traverse City.


Looks like a mitten, right? If I'm talking about Michigan geography I hold up the back of my left hand and start pointing at knuckles and fingers and veins.