Photos: Lake Michgian Trips 2007
Living about a half hour from one of the most beautiful freshwater "seas" in the world, you would be an idiot to not take advantage of the glorious sand and water that Mother Nature has bestowed on the State of Michigan. So, during 2007, Linda, Chris, Rachael and "Aunt Heather" took several trips to Lake Michigan, mostly to Saugatuck Dunes State Park north of Saugatuck. One trip landed the group at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park between Grand Haven and Muskegon and while a very nice beach, the wind was too much that day, so the festivities were moved to the Haskell place on Greening Lake.
Saugatuck Dunes, May 28 | Hoffmaster/Greening Lake, July 1 | Saugatuck Dunes, Aug. 11
Saugatuck Dunes State Park, May 28
Linda and Rachael on the beach at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. It was a little breezy that day.
Rachael playing on the beach blankets at Saugatuck Dunes. That's daddy's leg on the left...
Rachael intently staring out across Lake Michigan, clutching her Subway napkin in hand.
Another Rachael shot while playing.
Chris took Rachael out into the water, but she wasn't overly thrilled with the whole thing. While it was Memorial Day, the water was reasonably warm but not as warm as it would be later in the summer!
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park/Greening Lake, July 1
Linda and Rachael trying to enjoy the sunshine on the P.J. Hoffmaster State Park beach. The temps weren't bad, but the wind was really howling that day!
Rachael with a cute grin on her face. "Aunt" Heather is in the background.
The wind became too much, so decision was made to pack it in within a half-hour of arriving at Hoffmaster. However, we had to take this shot of the beach and lakeshore, as it looked so beautiful there that day.
The group then moved the 'party' up to the Haskell place on Greening Lake. This is a view down the hill at the lake and the Haskell's dock, raft and fleet of watergoing vessels. Greening Lake was about 80 degrees that day with a minimal breeze.
As you can see from the photo, all four took a dip in the warm waters of Greening Lake. Apparently, Rachael was giving Aunt Heather a tooth exam...
All three ladies in their post-swim attire on the deck at the Haskell's place on Greening Lake.
Same ladies, after getting dried off and dressed, sitting at the picnic table.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park, August 11
With much better temps and much less wind, the August 11th trip back to Lake Michigan—this time to Saugatuck Dunes State Park again—was very pleasant.
Linda and Rachael playing on the beach blanket.
Note the book Heather is reading: "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," borrowed from Chris. Sure, we're at a Great Lake beach, but reading about shipwrecks? We do love Heather...
Chris on one of his several trips into the water. Lake Michigan was incredibly warm this August day and everyone made at least one trip into the big lake.
Even Rachael din't really mind getting into the water. Her expression softened considerably within a few moments of this photo being taken.
Back on dry land, Rachael decided to see how her daddy's flip-flops worked.
Linda and Rachael as the sun starts to set and we all get ready to head for home.
Heather casting a long shadow on the beautiful Saugatuck Dunes State Park beach.
Looking north along the beach toward Holland. Barely visible in the distance is the Holland Lighthouse.
Linda and Heather pause for a photo.
"Aunt" Heather took this great shot of the family just prior to everyone heading for the six-tenths mile hike back to the car. A wonderful end to a spectacular day!
All photos taken Christopher J. Bessert and are all property of and copyrighted by Christopher J. & Linda M. Bessert. All Rights reserved. No photo shall be used without prior written permission.
This is a little website set up by Chris & Linda, Rachael's proud new parents, in response to repeated requests for photographs and the latest information on how Rachael is doing. As many of you know, Chris & Linda welcomed their daughter into the world six weeks early in late June, so the birth and first few weeks of Rachael's life have been a bit less than "usual."