The Northland Adventurer
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    • Business and Industry
    • The Joy of the Journey
    • Overhanging Branches
    • Best of All It's Fall
    • Get Off the River!
    • Our Prized Grand River
    • Crossing Lake Huron
    • Straits of Mackinac
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 2016
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 2020
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 6.10.21
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 6.27.21
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 7.13.21
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 7.15.23
    • Crossing Lake Superior >
      • Helpful Hints
      • Packing for Great Lakes Crossings
    • SEVENTY48
    • Campus to Coast
    • Paddling the Pere Marquette
    • Avid Kayaker Brushes Death >
      • The Whole Story
    • A Narrow Escape 2019
    • Reflections
    • More about Mike
  • Contact

LAKE HAMLIN  |  LUDINGTON, MI

A New England Style Mid-Autumn Experience.
LAKE HAMLIN, MI
An Unexpected Wonderful Surprise!
Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington State Park
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.
​
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.


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. 
​
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. 

- Click on the images below to view in full size. -

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.

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.
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  • Northland Adventurer
    • Rum River 2017
    • Rum River 2019
    • Cannon River
    • Superior Bay
    • Upper St. Croix
    • Headwaters of the Mississippi
    • Namekagon River
    • Kalamazoo River
    • Taylors Falls - Lower St. Croix
    • Lake Pepin & Lake City
    • Lake Hamlin
    • St. Paul, MN & Raspberry Island
    • Tall Ships Duluth Festival
    • Stillwater, MN
    • Great Lakes Lighthouses
    • Bridges of Stillwater
    • Wisconsin Central Bridge Ruins
    • Soo Line High Bridge
    • Vertical Lift Bridges
    • Trains
    • Railroad Bridges
    • Tugs and Barges
    • Locks and Dams
    • Business and Industry
    • The Joy of the Journey
    • Overhanging Branches
    • Best of All It's Fall
    • Get Off the River!
    • Our Prized Grand River
    • Crossing Lake Huron
    • Straits of Mackinac
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 2016
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 2020
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 6.10.21
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 6.27.21
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 7.13.21
    • Crossing Lake Michigan - 7.15.23
    • Crossing Lake Superior >
      • Helpful Hints
      • Packing for Great Lakes Crossings
    • SEVENTY48
    • Campus to Coast
    • Paddling the Pere Marquette
    • Avid Kayaker Brushes Death >
      • The Whole Story
    • A Narrow Escape 2019
    • Reflections
    • More about Mike
  • Contact