…and the livin’ is easy…so the song goes. As another summer begins to have the first cool nights of the coming fall, I want to slow it down so I can catch up on all the things I still want to do. Summer takes on a feel of its own, unlike any other season; it brings back what is fun, carefree, and spontaneous. It beckons us to be young again, to run into the waves, to lie in the grass, to camp under the stars and make s’mores, to explore outdoor adventures. And if we don’t get some of those, it makes the long winter seem even longer…
We are blessed here in Michigan to be among the best places to be in the summer. The Great Lakes surround us with over 3,000 miles of freshwater coastline - more than any other state in the country. There are 11,000 (yes, 11,000!!) Inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams - you are never more than 6 miles from a lake or stream anywhere in the state!
There are places to hike where you are the only one looking out over a view that rivals any coastline anywhere. There are beaches where there’s room for dogs to run, kids to play, and where evening bonfires area a summer tradition. Michigan has over 600 campgrounds and 97 state parks that are often full all season. It’s created a new side business for locals to cut and package campfire wood and sell it at the end of their driveways! With the amount of traffic here this summer, some people are making a killing!
But there is a down side to all the natural beauty; it doesn’t create jobs, except in the tourist industry – which is thriving by the increased vistiors this summer. Businesses and events are reporting record numbers that translates into local dollars. Still, some businesses close in the winter or reduce hours, seasonal workers are laid off, that’s when everything slows down and re-charges. Except for the ski resorts and snowmobilers, the area seems to take a long nap until the summer returns.
Whether its cruising on a biking trail, canoeing on a river, or wading in to a cool lake, it’s time to grab a piece of summer before it’s all just memories. Better hurry, I saw a maple tree with red leaves the other day…
