I lived in Chicago for ~7 years, and it can't be overstated** just how much of the city revolves around Lake Michigan. When navigating, you orient yourself naturally to the lake. The natural spaces and the dunes along the lakeshore are a literal godsend, especially during the summer. And when you're standing on the shoreline, you can almost trick yourself into thinking that you're staring at the ocean. It's so easy to take the great lakes for granted, but they're such magnificent bodies, they deserve our love and stewardship!!
the phrase "cooler by the lake" could not be more true! especially during the summer, it's what I miss most about Milwaukee — the crisp breeze coming off of the lake on a hot day.
One of my favorite memories as a kid was swimming in Lake Superior -- living in Michigan -- and that was some of the coldest water I can remember. Those lakes are truly special places. Loved this piece!
i so enjoyed reading this! anytime ive gotten to go up as far north as lake superior (canada side) i am always left in total awe at its size and landscape, thank you for this stunning exploration of it!
Loved your article, and I remember the feeling of gratitude your dad and I always had, realizing that recreating as “sailor-assistants” on Lake Michigan was something special and unique we were fortunate enough to enjoy.
Love and appreciate this so much. I was just awe-ing at the shore of Lake Erie yesterday. It's been a joy of my life to have dwelled near Superior, Michigan, and Erie.
When I moved to Chicago at 17, I asked "where can I go where as far as I can see -- there is green?" I missed the green rolling hills of Wisconsin. I was told: Pretty far! I was blessed living 1/2 block from Lake Michigan in Evanston. My worldview changed. Like you -- it was my center. I went there every day. I started to run there. I partied, picnicked, made out and chilled. Moving to Boston, it was the Atlantic. And now? I live on the mighty Hudson. So much to be said about the power and mystery and calm of....water. Loved the memories this piece evoked.
Oh, you were about to publish-PUBLISH it lol while I was blathering on about reading recs this am. Excited to read!
lol!! There’s always time to read more ecocriticism
I lived in Chicago for ~7 years, and it can't be overstated** just how much of the city revolves around Lake Michigan. When navigating, you orient yourself naturally to the lake. The natural spaces and the dunes along the lakeshore are a literal godsend, especially during the summer. And when you're standing on the shoreline, you can almost trick yourself into thinking that you're staring at the ocean. It's so easy to take the great lakes for granted, but they're such magnificent bodies, they deserve our love and stewardship!!
the phrase "cooler by the lake" could not be more true! especially during the summer, it's what I miss most about Milwaukee — the crisp breeze coming off of the lake on a hot day.
One of my favorite memories as a kid was swimming in Lake Superior -- living in Michigan -- and that was some of the coldest water I can remember. Those lakes are truly special places. Loved this piece!
I love that!
i so enjoyed reading this! anytime ive gotten to go up as far north as lake superior (canada side) i am always left in total awe at its size and landscape, thank you for this stunning exploration of it!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Writing about Lake Superior particularly felt like such a daunting and humbling task
love love love this, I miss Lake Michigan so dearly
Loved your article, and I remember the feeling of gratitude your dad and I always had, realizing that recreating as “sailor-assistants” on Lake Michigan was something special and unique we were fortunate enough to enjoy.
Thanks Mom ❤️ getting out on the water with the neighbors was always such a special thing!
Love and appreciate this so much. I was just awe-ing at the shore of Lake Erie yesterday. It's been a joy of my life to have dwelled near Superior, Michigan, and Erie.
So glad you enjoyed this, Raechel!
When I moved to Chicago at 17, I asked "where can I go where as far as I can see -- there is green?" I missed the green rolling hills of Wisconsin. I was told: Pretty far! I was blessed living 1/2 block from Lake Michigan in Evanston. My worldview changed. Like you -- it was my center. I went there every day. I started to run there. I partied, picnicked, made out and chilled. Moving to Boston, it was the Atlantic. And now? I live on the mighty Hudson. So much to be said about the power and mystery and calm of....water. Loved the memories this piece evoked.