People who love the beach fall into two camps: ocean-lovers and lake-lovers. The choice seems to be rooted in childhood, as most things are, whether we end up loving one or the other. I’m a lake person, but that’s because I grew up on Lake Michigan’s shores.
{Before continuing, know that this blog might make you ocean-lovers angry. Please put your sandals on, set your pre-conceived ideas aside and let’s practice being open-minded. At least you should be.}
Ocean people can’t believe anyone would prefer a small lake over a mighty ocean, but they haven’t seen the size of a giant like Lake Michigan. For all practical purposes, it looks exactly like an ocean. Its horizon stretches indefinitely, and no one can see across to the other side.
Oceans have a great deal more wildlife living in them than lakes do, but that’s not necessarily an advantage. Who needs sting rays with their fatal barbs feeding in the shallow water when you’re trying to wade? And who wants crabs and crawfish snapping at your toes? Here on Sanibel Island today, a vacationing man fishing in waist-deep water caught a baby shark. It was non-threatening, despite a full set of double-teeth, but no one asked my question: “Was its mother nearby?”
Lake Michigan may not readily yield enough big fish for dinner, but there are none that can hurt swimmers, either. Floating out deep with arms and legs dangling over the edge of a blow-up raft is no problem. Although there are some big fish in the lake, they hang in water so deep they can hardly be caught and would never bother a swimmer.
And how about the ocean’s salt-factor? What fun is it to swim in water that hurts your eyes? Last time I swam in an ocean I came out only to find salt crystallizing on my skin, then tightening, then itching. Being in need of a shower immediately after a swim to wash off the experience doesn’t make any sense.
Lake Michigan’s water is so clean a person can drink it, and we have. A swim leaves you refreshed, and if someone got lost 25 miles from shore, dehydration wouldn’t be a problem. In the ocean, a drink would only increase thirst, not to mention make you go crazy. It wouldn’t taste very good, either.
I can think of only one advantage oceans have over lakes: better surfing. Unless body surfing qualifies, Lake Michigan swimmers are at a distinct disadvantage. Ocean-lovers win on that score. Their waves can be massive with the power that surfers crave. (I won’t mention they’re so powerful they might kill you.)
Ocean-lovers point to the beauty of their shells. We lake-lovers see just as much splendor in our stones. Although ocean beaches claim to have the silkiest sand in the world made from ground-down shells, if you walk too close to the water line, you’d better have your sandals on or you might get wounded by stepping on a broken shell. Lake Michigan sand may not be silky, but it squeaks when you walk on it, and its rounded stones would never cut a bare foot. The sand also curves to your body shape when its time for a beach nap, unlike ocean sand that’s hard enough to bear up under the wheels of a car.
So, all you ocean-lovers, don’t get mad; just get even, and make your case! And as you do…..
”Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy.” (Hebrews 12:14)
Well I would definitely have to agree about the wildlife. It’s amazing to think about everything that’s in the ocean (and to see dolphins extremely close to shore), but I would never want to be anywhere near most of it (sharks!). I do like shells better than stones though. 😉
I think it depend on how you are growing up that make the decision if your a lake or ocean person. I think I might both of them, but I like the lake water best because it’s no salt. But in Sweden we are close to the ocean on both sides Sweden so even if we do have lakes close alot of people are taking the car to the ocean too.. I like Lake Michigan since it reminds me of all our small lakes here at home. I think I agree with you Midge that lakes are alittle nicer!!
Lakes rule, put a mountain or two near by and good friends by day and around a fire on a clear night roasting marshmellows and paddling canoes by night…., just heavenly.
P.S. Isn’t God and His creativity wonderful?
As a native Floridian, your Michigan beach sounds like paradise to have the beauty of a beach without the worry of water critters surprising you. As a warm water lover, I wonder if your lake water is cold. As a child, we always lived near water, whether it was a creek, pond or near the beach. I used to love to body surf but don’t enjoy it as much now as an adult. I still love watching and listening to the waves but don’t enjoy being roughly tossed about by them. We grew up with always be on the lookout for what might lurk beneath the waters while trying to enjoy swimming. The caution has turned a bit more into fear as I grow older. I had many scary close call encounters with snakes and gators in our fresh water swimming waters. Looking back from my childhood through present day of swimming in these waters (I don’t swim in the fresh waters anymore), I see where the Lord’s protective hand kept us from harm many times. As a Floridian, I have no debate with your perspective, for I enjoy any beach where I can feel safe enough to enjoy the waters. I am jealous of your freedom to build fires on the beach without having a permit or restricted area. We used to be able to do that and camping anywhere right on the beach during our childhood (Marco island was a deserted favorite back then). There are a few choice places which still allow it but with with strict supervision.
I love Lake Michigan, fog horn and all. I grew up on 4450 S. Oakenwald, one block west of the Lake. The only things that separated me from the water were the railroad tracks, and the park grass. If I could combine the Great Smoky Mtns, here by me now, next to the Lake, I would be one happy camper! Wonderful lake memories!
I must disagree and extol the virtues of the ocean. Growing up in Chicago, I spent many happy days at Lake Michigan’s beaches, but our family vacations were always to my father’s south Florida beach-side hometown. That is where I fell in love with the ocean. Walking along the ocean’s edge one can only imagine the mysteries that lie beneath and the majesty of the God who created it. I have never seen sunsets or sunrises so beautiful as those over the ocean – except maybe the firey sunsets over the vast plains in Africa. Lake Michigan waters don’t have the bright, turquoise blue colors of the Caribbean, the beautiful coral and fish for snorkeling or scuba diving, nor the fine white sand of the Gulf Coast. Salt water is healing to the skin and sinuses, and bouyant for swimming and floating. There is nothing more soothing than the sound of ocean waves. If staying at an ocean resort, I like to request an upper floor ocean front room so I can leave the slidng glass doors open all night and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Or what can compare to the thrill of rough sea and waves crashing into the rocky cliffs of a rugged coastline? At the ocean, the sun is always brighter, the water warmer, the tan darker, and the world a little more magical. I am always drawn to the ocean, even for just a few minutes to take a look and a deep breath of ocean air. Lakes are great when you are unable to get to an ocean!
Loved today’s blog. Makes me wish to be on Sanibel again. My only ‘snow bird’ flight was to Africa this winter. A blessing, but not down time for a rest either! Enjoy it all for the two of us. Blessings!
Loved your post today, Margaret! Maybe because I’m a lake person also. I still have fond memories of a VERY comfortable nap in the sand at the Grand Haven State Park in 8th grade!! It made a lasting impression on me, of how great that sand felt to sleep on. Funny what silly things stick in our minds, isn’t it? Anyway, even though I do love shells, I come down firmly on the side of lakes! (Although, I have seen dolphins & sea turtles in the ocean, but we have . . . well, . . . sea gulls, I guess.) Enjoy your vacation!!
I grew up enjoying Lake Michigan from the Michigan side and the ocean most winters from the east coast in Vero Beach. They both are great as i love water. As for swimming you cannot beat Lake Michigan in the summer. When its calm you can swim to the sandbar or beyond with no fear of critters and when its wavy you can body surf and when its a little windy take out a small sailboat for a quick spin. Its more difficult to do any of those things in an ocean. I have seen strange things like eels and jelly fish while swimming in the ocean and no longer swim in the ocean. I stick to pools and Lake Michigan. As for walking or running you cannot beat the ocean at low tide. The sand is hard
and not as slopped as Lake Michigan. Beach glass is harder to find now in Lake Michigan but you can still find some interesting stones. Here in Vero it gets harder to find interesting shells as most of them have been picked over. Kayaking is great here on the east coast of Florida on the Indian River with lots of wildlife with dolphins jumping and manatees lurking in the warmer waters.
In summary i love both for different reasons and i have been blessed to have had the opportunity to enjoy them.
I’m definitely a lake girl….for all the reasons you mention – especially salt in the eyes and on the skin.
Whew- a little feisty today, Margaret! I’ll bet that salty ocean is not meshing well with your healing face. 🙂
I like them both, but then I’ve never come close to a shark or jellyfish, so I could change my mind in a hurry. The salt is admittedly stinging, but I suppose what I really like is the geographical locations that put me near an ocean. I do love Lake Michigan almost being in my backyard, give or take a 25 miles or so, and is one of my favorite places to visit in the summer.
Hope you are enjoying the waters off Sanibel island!
Love,
Terry
I can remember when we first moved to Florida back in 1986 and man was eaten by a gator the first week we were there. Then we heard of the sharks that fed in the swimming areas. Then there were the snakes! Then we had the red jelly fish in our area in Washington state. They were abundant in the Pudget Sound, often coming in large numbers while my kids were swimming. They were very big and very deadly. All this to say I’m very glad to be back near Lake Michigan!
Margaret…
Stay out of the water in Florida!
Enjoy your time on Sanibel Island, Margaret, especially being with family and friends!
Lake Michign sounds heavenly….and I 2nd what TLC says; growing up in Fla. (I grew up in St. Petersburg – Gulf side) but swam in lakes and rivers you couldn’t see 2 ft into…swam with the sharks and Barracuda off the Bahamas..I am ever so grateful to my God for His protection all those years..for my family, friends….I do enjoy a pool nowadays…don’t really like the chemicals…but…most of all…I love the water!! It’s medicinal, soothing, majesticly powerful at times…and most thankful to be able to still use it! My contention nowadays…the direct sun. I still love to be in those places, but my skin can’t take the sun.
(boo hoo) Enjoy your time on Sanibel, and when you return home..the lake will be waiting!
I must agree with Anne–even tho I too grew up on Lake Michigan and even learned to swim in the cool cool lake water. But I have so come to love the beach of SW Florida–the shells, the warm sand underfoot, the waves, the salt water which never hurts my eyes, the breezes, the immediate relaxation just thinking about it brings, the smell of the salt water as we get close, the sun–ah the sun, the ocean’s vastness, and the ever new sense of thankfulness for God’s incredible creation But here in Oregon, I take Vit. D every day–such a contrast! Wish I were there!!
l love Lake Michigan as l too grew up in the Chicago area.Don,t care for the ocean at all. we had a condo in Florida for about 15 yrs but l only liked the pool that was there.loved to walk along the beach.great relaxation after a busy day. love ya Barb & Wally
It’s all beautiful, God’s creation. The lake is pleasant and easy and the sea is mysterious and vast!