Natural Setting #2: Lake Michigan

Over the summer, I experienced the state of Michigan for the first time. As soon as we arrived, I fell in love. The weather was amazing, not at all humid like summers in Northern Virginia; it was the type of warm that sun kissed your skin, but you were not at all drenched in sweat. We stayed at a lake house and spent a lot of time outdoors. The waters in Michigan were still fairly cold so we did not get in the water often, and if we did, it was an hour max. We also did a lot of canoeing, paddle boarding, and boating. I felt at home in Michigan, even though I had never been there before. Every time we got in the water I felt at peace. We spent hours on the pontoon fishing and all I could think of was being in the moment, it was like I left everything in Northern Virginia.

Towards the end of our trip, we took a trip to Lake Michigan. I am not even sure where to start; the water was such a beautiful blue, it had the feel of an ocean, and the scenery was breathtaking. You would not expect to find such clear, blue waters up north so I was not expecting that from a Lake. The water was freezing, but I decided to go in as far as I could, for as long as I could. I stayed in longer than my friend and my legs became numb to the cold. I looked around at the beautiful scenery and once again, was stuck in the moment.

 I truly believe the beauty of the environment connected me to a side of myself I have never seen; Michigan will always have a special place in my heart.

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