Christmas Cove

 Christmas Cove beach, Leelanau Peninsula, Lake Michigan

Tuesday, July 29 2025 

Another beautiful day to go to the beach! I slept in from all four corner of the day- folding the time over me like a comforter. My alarm went off for arm day at the gym and I said, "false" and turned it off and rolled back over. When I awoke later at 10:30am I was refreshed and ready to tackle the day. I ran up to my husband and gave him a big bear hug and tried to lift him up but he said to stop before I hurt us both lol. The goal was to look at flooring today but God had other plans. He's always up to something! I just pray to the Lord everyday that I get let on in on the plan a little bit but He just wants me to trust. I ask God everyday to give me a sign that I am on the path of His choosing. It's easier that way for all parties involved. So I take my daily deep breathes and do just that. I always wonder what He'll show me next. Will I learn something at this beach?

I have a goal to make- getting to these 13 beaches before school starts and its strange being so goal orientated about relaxation. But tackling this list is just what I needed to force us to slow down and enjoy what Northern Michigan has to offer us. Also, going to the beach is free and we are in our frugal era. We took a drive up Leelanau peninsula where our path met up with M22. Now, if you don't know what M22 is you should know that it is one of Northern Michigan’s most iconic scenic highways.  It weaves along the Lake Michigan shoreline through charming coastal towns and takes you past vineyards, and forests and quant towns. It’s more than just a road; it’s a lifestyle and symbol of Up North adventure. That's what I'm talking about. While we were driving up, I said to Eddie "We really do love Northern Michigan, don't we?".

I'm excited for today's beach location on Lake Michigan since it's another hot day and it's always a bit cooler on the big lake and there's usually a constant breeze. Natures fan. Also the name is fun. We're having a little bit of Christmas in July. We pull up and see the immediate signal of a secret beach being enjoyed- many cars parked on the side of the road. When you see that, you know the beach is going to be good! I am so excited! but Eddie is a little miffed because there is NO cell signal out here what so ever. We walk down the path from the parking lot and find our spot. There are rock hunters everywhere doing their thing. In fact, this beach is perfect for sand and rock lovers alike. There is soft sand but also troves of flat rocks everywhere! 

As we are marching towards a open patch to call our own, we come up to a design that someone made with dozens and dozens of rocks. What does it say? "Jesus Loves You" in smooth, flat Northern Michigan beach rocks. I breathe a sigh of relief because I know that this is my sign. I don't need to do or be anything different today for the Lord. He loves me just as I am and just as you are. We are so loved. This realization warms my heart. I'm truly ready to relax now because I know there is nothing else I need to accomplish in this moment. Truly what a blessing when a couple times a month, we can convince ourselves to fully re- the fuck-lax. I don't how often you truly and deeply relax but if you're a human being in today's world, chances are it's not as often as you might think. 

We find our little patch of real-estate and set up camp. I lay out my towels and Eddie sets up his beach chair. Unfortunately, there's still no cell service and for business owners that are on call 24/7 and 365- that's not going to do. Eddie is kind enough to hike back up to the car and drive around until he gets enough bars to contact one of our employees and tell them to grab phones for a while. 

I slather on my SPF and start the baking process. The sun and I have an agreement. It's not special- it does the same thing for everyone. I lay in worship and in return I get vitamin D and endorphins. It's a good deal. I turn on my Led Zeppelin playlist and enjoy the waves. I was able to find a spot today away from small children. Nothing against- them but the Lord didn't bless me with my own so I guess I prefer my quiet because it's what I'm used to. Once Eddie gets back from his quest for phone coverage, we decide to do a beach walk up the shore.

You guys, the water today? Is STUNNING. I mean the milkiest hues of turquoise blues and greens. I set an alarm on my phone for 20 minutes. That way when 20 minutes hits we turn around and start walking back. It's the same thing we do when we vacation in Florida. In 40 minutes we have our daily walk done since that's about how long it takes us to do our daily neighborhood route at home! I like to ask the rock hunters that we pass what they are looking for because I have no idea besides the traditional Petoskey stones; which are ancient coral fossils and Leland blue slag glass; which are a man made manufacturing biproduct. We pass many giant beach houses that remind me of something someone's grandma on the East coasts would own. 

Now it's time to take a dip. The water is finally starting to warm up  in the big lake! By August things should be pretty comfortable. It's starting to get pretty windy out though so we don't need to stay in the water for too long. After we've been at Christmas cove for a few hours and looked for Santa on vacation- we decide we're good to go ahead and drive home. It takes us about an hour and on the way back into town we pick up a salmon filet. On the dinner menu tonight is a blackened salmon power bowl with roasted broccoli, red peppers, sautéed baby kale, cannellini beans and diced cucumbers. I make this for dinner at least once a week if not more. We settle in to watch a new movie about fighting aliens called "Osiris" and it satisfies are summer-ween itch. I'll see you at the next beach! 

But I still get lonely

And, baby, only then

Do I let myself recline

Can I let go?

And let your memory dance

In the ballroom of my mind

Across the county line