"tragedy of crystal lake"

“In 1873 an ambitious but ill advised project was put through in an effort to connect Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan with a navigable channel. The original level of Crystal Lake was, at that time, much higher than its present level. The project was a complete failure in respect to its accomplishing its proposed purpose. The result was the lowering of the lake and exposing a wide stretch of beach around the entire lake and making possible the development of Crystal Lake as a resort and residential area as well as the site of the village of Beulah. This monument, erected by the people of Benzie County, stands at the original level of Crystal Lake. 1978.”

I might aslo add that the current tragedy is the "swimmer's itch" I got while swimming in the lake! eck!

crystal lake | beulah, mi | swimmer's itch

What the heck is "swimmer's itch"?! I don't know exactly, but I have it! The water was crystal clear, but I guess that doesn't matter! 

With Lulu on board, I had the most peaceful day floating around Crystal Lake. The water was pristine, or so I thought! Never in my wildest dreams did I think little tiny, microscopic parasites were waiting to burst my happy bubble.

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yoga in picturesque frankfort | lake michigan

Laid back yoga in a laid back town...

Location: Studio on Main 402 Main Street  Frankfort MI   (231) 383-1885

Cost: $12 for drop in class

Venue: Cute studio right in the center of amazing little lakeshore town.

Style: Hatha: is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.

Class size: small 9 people (6 girls, 3 guys)

Level: Easy

Summary:  The class was great. It wasn't too aggressive, but the great thing about yoga is that there are so many versions to each pose. Even though the instructor might be demonstrating the "beginner" version, you can take it advanced as you want (and can!). It all depends on your mood that day! Some day you just need light yoga and some days you want to sweat! I definitely was in the mood to challenge myself a bit...  

 

My camping skills are evolving! And yes, I'm still in Sleeping Bear Lakeshore, MI!

The days are warm and beautiful, but we seem to get passing rain showers almost every night! I certainly don't mind the rain (it's the lightening I can do without!) but I want to keep things as "dry" as possible. I'm VERY proud of my new found tarp skills. Come to find out, so are some of my fellow campers!! After I was done (which was a complete farce, by the way) a woman came up to me and said "man, you rock, we've been watching you and we're so impressed. We can't believe did that all by yourself! Now please come over and join us around the campfire for some cocktails!" I have to say, that was quite a special and proud moment for me. Thank goodness I got it up! I had NO IDEA people were watching!!

Here's the BEFORE and AFTER pics. In this "before" pic, it happened to be raining pretty hard (but I was prepared with my Hunter rain boots, and my rain coat! 

backwoods yoga in michigan!

MORE PICTURES HERE!

sleeping bear sand dunes | michigan !

Lake Michigan... nothin but Ray Bans :)

my road trip theme song! "the river" by garthbrooks!

I've wanted a theme song for this trip, but I couldn't pick just any 'ol song... it really had to be PERFECT!! Turns out, my FAVORITE country song of all time is IT!! It's perfect! How appropriate!! And yes, I realize I've been alone on my island loving country music (there aren't too many NYC folks that like country!).

THE RIVER, by Garth Brooks (song lyrics)

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timberline campground | benzonia, mi

Built my first campfire. And yes I had to "google" how to do it. lol

kayak & swim | platt river, mi

kayaking platt river with lulu !

I wish everyday could be like today. THIS is what I LOVE!

MORE PICTURES HERE!