Grand Haven State Park

September 5, 2021

Grand Haven, MI

I can once again thank Labor Day weekend for a packed park. We pull into our campsite, which once again seems to be one of only a few empty ones. It’s truly just a parking spot with a small stretch of sand behind. Gob doesn’t care. As soon as I open the door, he is in the shade of the car, fast asleep on the asphalt. I lay a blanket and pillow out for him, but he ignores the gesture.

With Gob forbidden from napping on the beach, we rest at the campsite. The beach looks crowded anyway. I doubt we would relax much there.

A large boat pulls into the harbor. It toots it’s horn, waking up Gob. Seemingly everyone from the campground rushes to the boardwalk to watch it go by. Everyone but Gob and I. Gob lets out a single woof in recognition of the boat before going back to sleep. I watch the top of the boat pass behind the campers and go back to reading.

They say to let sleeping dogs lie, but I struggle with that. Every few minutes I jostle Gob awake, just to say hi. I feel like we’ve been stationary for hours, but in reality it has only been one. I keep asking if he’s ready to go explore. And he keeps rolling his eyes at me, then flopping back over to sleep.

I finally convince him to explore the campground with me. I search in vain for one small sliver of dog friendly beach where Gob can dip his toes. No luck. We end up on the boardwalk.

For once, Gob doesn’t seem to mind the crowd. We walk out to the lighthouse. Dozens of people comment on how cute Gob is. I politely thank them on his behalf.

Past the lighthouse is a small building. Or maybe it is the house and we just passed the light? Regardless, this house is the true end of the pier. And right as we arrive, huge waves start crashing against it. Groups of people come rushing from around the front, completely soaked. Gob witnesses this, looks as me, and starts barking as if to say, “Are you crazy woman? I will NOT be walking any farther, no matter how many treats you bribe me with.” Much to his surprise and glee, we turn around. The walk back to camp is uneventful. Back in the shade of the car, he is instantly back asleep. I reopen my book.

I’ve been eyeing the sky all day. The lack of clouds is making me hopeful for some starry skies. But alas, as the sun begins to set, the clouds come rolling in. Oh well, all the better for sunset photos I guess.