Secret Beach and a Castle

55/365

After days of gray skies and snow, we had a break today with some beautiful blue sky. We had been meaning for weeks to try to find this tiny "secret"beach on Lake Michigan we had heard about, but the weather hadn't been cooperative. Today was a good day to go exploring.

It was a bit confusing finding our way there. We knew we were on the right track when giant dunes sprung up in our line of view.

Yes, we stupidly bravely trekked up those 600 or so icy steps with babies in tow (and not great traction on our shoes. Well, my shoes anyway. It was a bit scary.)

At the top of the dune, we were met with the most beautiful view of icy Lake Michigan that I had yet seen. It literally took our breaths away. It was a rare, windless day and the water was perfectly blue and calm. 

It was a very steep drop, the picture doesn't do it justice.

If you look close though, you can see some brave person's tracks all the way down to the water.

We really couldn't tell where the beach ended and the water started, 

with most of the shoreline still iced over.

Unfortunately, the climb down the icy stairs was worse than the climb up. I'm glad the park was deserted because it was extremely embarrassing how long it took me to get down them without slipping. At least Matt didn't have to carry me. ;)

We also found a castle near the beach. Unfortunately not open for tours. I'd love to see inside of it.

We came home to a Whole 30 approved roast and carrots in the crock pot, that we ate with mashed cauliflower.