July 15, 2022
East Tawas, MI
This is it. My final Michigan state park. I pull into the parking lot and make my final 107th tally mark.
I’m a few hours further south, back on the main mitten. But the clouds are still overhead. I decide to start with the nature trail. The trail goes through the middle of this mini-peninsula. I catch glimpses of water on either side as I walk along the boardwalk.
I get all the way to the end assuming I will get to the lighthouse. I am wrong. So I walk back along the main beach. And by that I mean I walk in the waves.
It isn’t until I’m nearly back at my starting point that I spot the lighthouse. I have no idea how I missed it initially.
I’ve put this off long enough. For my final park visit, I absolutely must get in the water. Soak up as much of these Great Lakes as I can. I inflate my outdoor lounger, not even sure if it will float. But there’s only one way to find out. I wade into the waves, dragging it behind me. And by golly, it FLOATS! I hop in, pleasantly surprised and I’m sure resembling nothing but grace and elegance. Yes, the water is cold. But you get used to it quickly. The tide keeps beaching me. Forcing me to jump back into the water and swim further out. I guess it’s better than the alternative of finding myself out further than I wanted.
The weather shows no signs of improving, so after an hour of lounging, I decide to head home for dinner rather than overnight it here. And so with a final glance out my rearview window, I say goodbye to my Michigan parks journey. Well, see ya later, hopefully. And on to my next state!
Get ready to say howdy to the Texas State Parks!
Check out my other Michigan State Park adventures!
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