1,400. The shores of Lake Michigan measure approximately 1,400 miles. But to make my day I only need a sliver of that. I just need one small slice of sandy, quiet Lake Michigan beach and I'm happy as can be. The sound on a calm day of the waves quietly rolling in. The sound of the wind howling after a Autumn storm. The unforgettable light display as the sun goes below horizon. I love it all.

Everyday it's different and everyday it's beautiful - sometimes in its freeze your tookis off "is the sun going to come out?" kind of way and sometimes in its "wow there is no place I'd rather be" kind of way. But the beach is a place you always want your camera at the ready - rain or shine.

Luckily there are many parks, piers and public spaces along the Lakeshore for us all to enjoy. The sandy shores of South Haven stretch all the way past Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and there is, of course, PLENTY to see in between. There is Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Big Red in Holland, The Grand Haven Pier, Silver Lake State Park, Ludington State Park and Big Sable Point Lighthouse and going north there's M22 and all things beautiful along that stretch! I could go on and on but I don't want to. I want to grab my gear and hit the road and get to a sliver of the 1,400 miles of beauty that is just waiting!

So where are you going to go? What views do you hope to take in? Want to see expansive dunes? How about beautifully weathered driftwood? Just want to feel the sand between your toes? Let me know in the comments below where your favorite beach place is and once you're done typing get out there and enjoy it - and don't forget your camera!

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