With the temperature in the 90s the next two days it got me thinking about going to the beach. Specifically any beach along Lake Michigan since it’s the Great Lake that is closest to us. Then I started to wonder if people had a favorite Great Lake and that brings us to a new poll question!

My personal favorite is Lake Michigan mainly because of its proximity and sandy bottom along west Michigan’s shoreline. I have never attempted a swim in Lake Superior – I dipped my toe in and that was enough. The only time I was over at Lake Erie was before it started to get cleaned up and there was no way I was swimming in that. I’ve never been to Lake Ontario and the one time I was at Lake Huron it wasn’t warm enough for swimming.

So, how about you?

When I was a kid it seemed like we always took the Star Line or Shepler’s ferry boats to Mackinac Island. I always wanted to sit on the top deck (despite the frigid early morning temperatures) and take in all of the scenery. The ride seemed to last forever and the excitement level would rise as the brilliantly white front porch of the Grand Hotel would come into view.

Now, I’m married and my wife gets a bit seasick so we stick with the Catamaran from the Arnold Line. It’s a smoother and quicker ride which is easier for her to handle. I miss getting more “bang” for my buck with the slightly longer ride to the island. This summer we are taking our kids to the island for the first time – I wonder if they will want to ride up top and freeze?

We are past the halfway point for winter and by now people in Michigan start to count down the days until spring. Others have so much fun skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and other activities that only take place in the winter that they wish for spring weather to hold off so they can keep having fun in Michigan’s Winter Wonderland.

Personally, I’m okay with winter, but when the calendar rolls over to March I start to get the itch to work in the garden and not have to bundle up in layers to spend time outside. How about you?

Take a second to vote in this week’s poll for your favorite winter activity:

[UPDATE]
I have used my Yooper Scooper quite a few times already this winter and I have to say that this is probably THE best investment I have made lately. Clearing the driveway takes a fraction of the time it used to take using the old shovel. Plus, I no longer have a sore back for two days following a session of driveway shoveling.

Just push, tip, and dump the snow. I love it!

Save your back and save your money (by not buying a snowblower and filling it with gas) with a Yooper Scooper (as it’s called in the Upper Peninsula) or as it is more commonly known, a Snow Scoop. You simply push the scoop until it is full and then drag it to where you want to dump the snow. Repeat until your driveway is clear .

I’m ordering my new snow scoop today in anticipation of the snowy forecast. You can either order one off of Amazon [affiliate link] – the 22″ Suncast model – or from a Michigan-based company – Silver Bear Manufacturing has their 22″ snow scoop for under $70. The Silver Bear snow scoop is highly recommended by folks who have had the same one for over 20 years – can’t argue with that!

If you are seeking ways to avoid the snow, visit this list of Indoor Water Parks in Michigan.

You don’t have to purchase a license to fish in Michigan this weekend (June 13-14, 2009). Fishing rules and regulations still apply. The free fishing weekend is a great way to introduce new anglers to the fun of fishing without going all out and purchasing a license.

If you do decide to buy a license you can also do that online via the Michigan DNR.

I took my son fishing for the first time yesterday and even though we didn’t catch any “keepers” he is ready to go back and do it again. Fishing is just a nice and relaxing activity with an added bonus of providing a meal if you’re lucky enough.

Mother Earth News magazine polled its readers last fall as to what their favorite vegetables were to grow in their gardens. The results were broken down by specific geographic areas such as Midwest, South,

The top vote getters for the Midwest region are listed in this week’s poll question for you to vote on.

In these tough economic times a growing number of people are doing just that. Those with minimal property living in towns and cities are even going so far as to tear up their grass and plant a garden in its place. Record numbers are being set by the seed companies for quantity of seeds sold as people everywhere plant gardens.

Not only does having your own garden save you money at the grocery store, it also guarantees that you know everything that was (or was not) put into the soil to grow those vegetables. Myself, I like to only use compost and water to turn out fantastic veggies from our garden. Ever since I read “The World Without Us” (particularly about the study of how long non-organic fertilizers remain in the soil) I have refrained from using chemical fertilizers.

Anyone who has been through a few Michigan winters will recognize the warm temps across the state today for what they are – an anomaly. We’re supposed to get up to 65 here in southwest Michigan by this afternoon. I’ll be wearing short sleeves and grilling some steaks while enjoying this brief respite from winter’s icy grasp.

Enjoy it while it lasts, because we Michigan winter veterans know that this is merely a tease of the spring that is still a long way off from coming. In a couple of days it’s supposed to be cold and snowing again. That’s why days like today are meant to have all of the fun and enjoyment we can squeeze from them. It’s what gets us through the last six weeks of winter.

Have a Great Day!

The winter Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan will take place February 14-15, 2009. Take your Valentine out for a day of fishing this year without having to purchase a license .

Actually, it’s a great way to introduce entire families to the fun of fishing without having to invest in a license. It is supposed to warm up between now and then so ice fishing might not be a possibility (at least here in southwest Michigan).

Here’s what it says at the Michigan DNR website:

All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and outstate visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes’ waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply.

The goal of this week’s poll question is to seek out who loves and who loathes winter in Michigan. I don’t always enjoy the cold, but I really enjoy hiking, sledding with the kids, and other outdoor activities in the winter. It’s also a great excuse to warm up with a big mug of hot cocoa and a book.

Also, if you enjoy winter camping there are 10 Michigan State Parks that are open all winter long.

Here they are:

• Mitchell (bonus – heated restrooms!)
• Traverse City (bonus – heated restrooms!)
• Algonac
• Bay City State Park
• Fort Custer
• Ludington
• North Higgins Lake State Park
• Rifle River Recreation Area
• Tahquamenon Falls
• Waterloo Recreation Area-Portage campground

Head over to Michigan.gov/dnr for a list of the current events going on at state parks and recreation areas.