November 25, 2006

Changing

Lake in November


Holiday weekends in my family often include a walk at Pretty Colour Lakes, a nearby state park. Today was unseasonably warm for November, sunny and in the 40s, so of course, we went for a walk around the lakes, tramping along paths lined with cedar trees. Well, some of us walked; Urban Sophisticate Sister, who runs marathons, chose to run around the lakes. She is not someone who moves in slow motion.

My father reminisced how when he was a boy, his family drove to this park in a Model T. He'd have a blanket and pillow so he could nap on the back seat. That was more than seventy years ago. Since my parents walked here when my mother was pregnant with me, I always tell people that I've been coming to these lakes since before I was born.

No matter how often I come to Pretty Colour Lakes, I never get tired of the scenery. Even as we walked, the lake changed colour. When the wind moved across the water, the rippling lake turned blue, reflecting the sky. But in quiet coves, when the path led us above old cedar trees and weathered tree trunks, we could look down at the calm surface of the deep lake and see the green-blue colour that this lake is known for.

Green Lake

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

so beautiful, jo(e), and how wonderful to have such deep roots. your posts are such terrific snapshots of nature and family, now and then, home life and away adventures; i enjoy them very much.

BeachMama said...

Another gorgeous lake drenched in family history for you. Glad you had a great Thanksgiving with your family.

Anonymous said...

I don't know how to describe the longing your deep connection to your family and to the place where you live evokes in me.

Liesl said...

I love when you include posts of the lakes and parks around you, Jo(e). I went to high school in northern Michigan, and your pictures and descriptions of the natural beauty always remind me of the Traverse City area. Thank you :)

Chip said...

I think my most vivid memories of the Pretty Colored Lakes are the swimming lessons at 7am (I'm not exaggerating...). I still remember how, even on a summer day in July that would eventually get up to 80 degrees, the water in the Lake felt icy cold that early in the morning.

oldwhitelady said...

Those are beautiful scenic photos. They make me want to go for a nice long walk. It sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving!

Leslee said...

breath taking

listie said...

Next time I go to CityToTheRight (aka Snowstorm City), I've got to get BestSister to take me to Pretty Colored Lakes; they look so beautiful.

jo(e) said...

Listmaker: Next time you are going to be in town, send me an email, and I will take you there ....

Anonymous said...

The photos are gorgeous! Thanks!