Earlier this week the sunshine invited us to the beach. The sunshine is endless during the summer, rising at 6AM and dipping into the lake at 10PM, finally giving way for the moon. But during the winter, it’s as if we live in Seattle, Washington, a place where the gray clouds rule the sky, becoming inseparable friends with Lake Michigan. Living beneath the clouds is difficult, and when they finally give way for a breath of sunshine, Winston and I race to greet it.
We decided to venture down to an unexplored area of the beach, and as we did, the obvious signs of dune erosion were everywhere. The lake lapped at the remains of trees, once perched high in the dunes, safe from the demolition of the waves. As we stepped amongst the wave’s finger tips, we made our way down to the break water rocks.
As a kid, I spent 8 years in Grand Haven and remember fondly the adventures along the board walk and pier, hopping along the big rocks lost in an imaginary world of adventure. With a big smile on his face, Winston clambered up the rocks and slowly became lost in the same imaginary adventures I had so many year ago, reminding me that people and pups really aren’t that different.
He jumped from rock to rock, only pausing to calculate the canyon depths to the shortness of his legs, before leaping once more. I kept a close eye on him, interrupting his game only when I thought the upcoming fight to the next rock may be too great for such a short explorer.
We splashed through the water, visibly recharging in the sunshine before heading over the next dune to greet the impatient moon that hovered over the skyline.
As the wind picked up and Winston lost control of his oversized ears, we ducked down into a pool of water that had collected in the basin of the next dune. With no escape to join Lake Michigan, the rain water was settled to make a new home, turning the beach grass beneath to a soggy pump. Without knowing how smelly the water may turn the adventuresome pup, I kept Winston from swimming but allowed him to wade into the corner of the new found pond. As he explored, I was gifted the satisfaction that the sunshine was not only beautiful in full light, but just as gorgeous as a back light - a photographers dream! Lucky for me, I had my favorite muck boots on, and as I waded into the water as well, I became entranced in the golden light that settled over my sweet Sir Winston.
After an hour of play, we took one last look, breathing in deeply the sunshine that settles the worries of the world. Until tomorrow beautiful beach.
Lake Michigan, North Muskegon, Muskegon State Park, Michigan Dog Photography
