In a strange way I feel sorry for two counties in the UP. Why do I feel sorry for Dickinson & Iron Counties?
Because they’re not next to a Great Lake.
Thanks to lines drawn by people who obviously didn’t care, individuals in those two counties have to drive to get to a Great Lake. There’s something inherently unfair about that. I’ve given this some thought, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m all for blowing off the top half of Wisconsin and allowing Lake Michigan to reach our brethren in those two counties.
Anyone else with me?
I joke, of course. But being close to those bodies of water is one of the transcendent joys of living in the UP.
My happy place is sitting in 80 degree sunshine 40 feet away from the greatest of the lakes. And I’m sure people from Menominee to St Ignace agree.
We’re lucky enough to live in a place where we can walk the beach or swim or surf or paddleboard or kayak or sail or fish or just take in the natural beauty whenever we want.
In fact, it almost makes up for the eight months of winter we get in a normal year.
Or course, along with all their beauty there’s another thing to consider. Geologists say the Great Lakes are 12 or 13 thousand years old, and like all tweens about to enter adolescence they can be a handful.
If you’ve ever seen what they look like on a stormy day, you know what I’m talking about. There’s a reason the area’s native peoples referred to them as “inland oceans”. They’re big. They’re tempestuous.
And for people who just think they’re pretty and that waves are cool, the lakes can be deadly, as well.
So as we head into summer, when they become our playground, take a second and take a look at what we have. We’re surrounded by three of the greatest lakes this planet has to offer. Enjoy every second you can with them. Stay safe.
And, if you have the chance, take a picture or two for our friends in Dickinson and Iron Counties. I’m sure they’d appreciate it.
I’m Jim Koski, and that’s another slice of “Life in the 906.”
