She's Baaaaack!

As we still get blessed with two snow showers/storms per week, I can tell winter is not over.

But we do get some sunny days in between!

And with temps going over 32 degrees once in a while, the lake is opeining up! Woooo hooooo!

I visited a couple shores lately, and I found enough beach to snuggle in both times. And after checking out the Lake Superior Ice Coverage website, my suspicions were confirmed that she's pretty much open.

On Friday I took a trip to Copper Harbor for an interview with Karen Karl to talk about the raptor migration on Brockway Mountain. That will air by the next time you check this blog. It's a good one!

But before I sat down with my friend Karen, I sat down with Her Majesty..

I missed her. And I think she missed me too.

So behold! The moment you've been waiting for all winter! A picture tour of my hike around Hunter's Point that day. Captions will be underneath. I started at the main parking lot and walked the South Beach Trail first.

I don't know if I've ever taken a picture here. Maybe so. But that day, I was struck like a tourist at the beauty. Look how the clouds seem to mirror the snow on the harbor! And look at that beautiful, snow-covered nose of Brockway! It just took my breath away! Hearts!

Pancake ice with East Bluff in the distance?

Yes. please! Extra syrup!

I hopped on the ice as far as I could, so I could stay on the shoreline and not have to duck through the trees. Oh, I felt like my 26-year-old self again! So fun!

I walked as far East as I could without going in the lake. Here is your picture of Porter's Island!

Oh, baby, then I saw some sweet little otter slide tracks in the snow! Sliiiiiiiide, walk, walk, walk, walk. Sliiiiiiiiiiide! Walk, walk, walk. Such little cutie cuties!

Next we have the obligatory picture facing west toward the main beach of Hunter's Point. And when I got to the beach, I sat down in the sun and took that first picture I posted with my boots and the lake.

Ahhhhhh.

But do you want to know something kind of amazing? I used to have to go to the lake to make my heart feel peaceful. I would feel such a contrast from when I first looked at the lake as compared to how I felt after staring for a few minutes.

This time, however, I felt peaceful when I got there! It was amazing! Yes, the lake was beautiful and serene, and I craved it, but it wasn't necessary in order for me to find peace.

My peace was already there.

Isn't that amazing??? Winning!!!

A couple days later, I took my boys to Traverse Bay. It was windy and we had some flurries, but it was still fun. I knew Brady would enjoy some time at the lake. It's been months since we could get right to the edge of it.

Quick picture tour!

Captions follow each photo.

To my surprise, Brady did not rush down to the lake like Esa and I wanted to. Oh no. He wanted to play on the playground. He swung on the swings. We took turns working the teeter-totter with him. Then we ended at the merry-go-round. Esa actually hopped on. You won't see me spinning on one of those! I'll do the pushing.

Esa captured this pic of me joining in Brady's game of get as close to the wave as you can and then RUN BACKWARDS before you get soaked!

We had such a fun time playing this; it felt like we did this most of the time we were there! Someone had wet boots and socks halfway through. I won't mention any names...

Family picture on the beach!

Oooh, it was chilly! But we made it, and we had a nice time with a beautiful change of scenery.

I'm excited to go back again soon. We have so many shores to choose from!

Now for the news.

If you have not yet listened to our latest episode with Financial Freedom Coach Sapphire Starr, I highly recommend it. I love her bubbling personality and her advice about how to reach financial freedom. I'm still striving for mine, but someday it will happen!

Gosh, I think that's all for now. Thanks for reading. Do somethingn nice for yourself today. I give you permission, but truthfully, you don't even need it! Xoxo