Before I began the trek along the not-normally-visible sands, I stepped back and captured these short pier stumps, heavily eroded because they are usually under the fast-moving waves of Lake Michigan:
I cringed a bit as I looked at the icy path ahead…should I, or shouldn’t I, I thought, then…ah, well…no guts, no glory!
It was easy walking on the sands, they weren’t even frozen…but as you see, I had to make my way over some ice and through some boulders. It got a little hairy, as I use a cane, which kept slipping. It took a bit of poking around to find a place of purchase, and I moved on slowly until I was half the way to my goal, Sherwin Avenue Beach.
I don’t know how long these boulders have been here, or from where they came, but they become somewhat mesmerizing when all you’re doing is looking down!
The ice was a little slippery, and I truly thought at this point that I should head back…but, NO!, said that voice in my head…Keep going!…so I did!
This is the view toward Sherwin Beach’s fence line; the area beyond is a private beach, which belongs to this place, 1205 W. Sherwin Avenue.
It was difficult getting around those boulders…some were not as close as others, so I stepped very carefully. Here’s why they fascinate me so much:
Some are rough, others quite smoothed by the action of the waves.
I took one last shot of the frozen wave splash and ice on the lake, then enjoyed walking in the sands for a bit…there was no wind or lake noise, only an occasional gull or two doing their squawking. I was very alone, cold, and happy I made it over the first icy patch!
Stay tuned for Part 4!
Sounds like a lovely walk, if not rather hair-raising!! But well worth it for the lovely photos. Bless you.
Thanks so very much, Lizziejoy! Scary, hairy–yes! But it is fascinating to watch this lake in Winter…even better to still be alive to photograph it and share what I see! Hope your Sunday is full of beauty!
I thought they were waves, I couldn’t understand what you meant by ice, how amazing. It never occurred to me that the lake would freeze, well the edges. I am going to have to come there one day.
The waves splash along the shore, Leanne, and gradually build up into these tiny ‘mountain ranges’ of ice. It looks grainy and snowy on top, but about an eighth of an inch under is ICE, very slippery ice. That’s why I had to be so very cautious!
Just make sure it’s winter here, so you can experience a good Chicago snow!
Fantastical shots! I’m thoroughly enjoying your walking tour. How cold is it? I think I missed your temperature report. The frozen waves are amazing. Did you find any treasures? Coins or buttons? So 1205 W. Sherwin Avenue used to be a hotel? It’s a gorgeous building. The boulders look like works of art, too. B.
Not quite sure what 1205 was originally…not much to find, but inside, it sure looks as if it was a hotel, also. Back in the 1920s, this area along Lake Michigan was a ‘getaway spot’..from the dirtiness of downtown Chicago. The pier remnants are from the days a ferry would come up from the Loop, depositing people at each beach that had a pier! Must have been so much fun back then, eh?
Good for you 1000…the risk was well worth the shots (my philosophy entirely).
Oh, definitely, smacked! I have been a ‘risk-taker’ all my life, though found there were some things I just could not do (like carrying a 16 pound video camera up a steel ladder to a 40 foot high catwalk…using only one hand to hold on to the steps!), due to several back injuries when I was younger. I’m game, though, for just about anything…others thought I was a bit loopy to do this one, but all went fine…and I got great shots!