LAKE HAMLIN  |  LUDINGTON, MI

A New England Style Mid-Autumn Experience.

LAKE HAMLIN, MI
An Unexpected Wonderful Surprise!

Having just paddled across Lake Michigan the night before, I leave Big Sable Point Lighthouse in the morning and make my way south along Michigan’s shoreline to Ludington State Park Beach. It is here where I will be met, and the park’s spacious building will give me a place to escape from the forecasted morning showers.   

I arrive at State Park Beach just past 6 AM, well before my ride arrives. I decide to paddle the little stream that borders the south side of the park. I have always wondered where this leads to and what’s on the other side of the low hanging bridge.
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After I paddle through the turbulent water where this river and Lake Michigan meet, the water is so shallow and clear I can see the sandy bottom and the large fish passing by. Before I make it to the bridge, I am startled by the snorting sound of a spooked deer. I look to my left, but the deer has already disappeared in the thick brush only a few yards away.

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I pass underneath the low bridge where a thick fog reveals a beautiful scenic lake. The scene is typical of a New England mid-autumn and makes for a wonderful surprise. The fog is so thick I turn on my portable LED strobe to make sure others can see me. I discover, being so early in the morning, I have the lake all to myself. 
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With barely a breeze there isn't even a ripple on the water. Other than the sound of my paddle breaking the lake's flat surface. The area is ghostly silent. At a slow pace I continue on and marvel at the lake's abundant beauty. To my right I spot several deer at water's edge. Without worry they simply watch as I glide by. 

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Around each slight bend is another beautiful fog covered view. I hear the sound of rapids ahead. A while later I recognize the sound as water beneath a dam.

​As I approach this small lake dam I consider taking the portage found on the west side. But, I’m too tired and with the threat of rain, I decide it’s best to turn around and make my way back. Although I have just paddled this section, as I return I continue to be awed by Lake Hamlin's beauty.

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After pulling up my kayak up to the State Park Beach parking lot and stage my gear, I walk into an impressive large and spacious park building where I am greeted by a pair of kind park rangers. 

​A little later and with little warning, the first rain shower pounds the park. There appears to be a not-so-small river pouring off the roof. The sudden burst of wind and volume of water is so great it is almost scary. In the back of my mind, I wonder, "What would I have done if I were to have been caught in such a heavy rain while out on Lake Michigan?”

I have often heard, “There are a thousand angels looking over you.” No doubt.