This is the beginning of my favorite time of year along the Sunset Coast. It is the start of the shoreline cruising season.

Due to my occupation, disposition and general attitude about taking a long time to do very little, I have enjoyed the opportunity to travel nearly every mile of shoreline along the wet and wonderful edges of the Great Lakes State — and, I’m talking about both peninsulas.

This is not to be construed as bragging. It is really no big deal that I have driven that many miles of Michigan’s coastline. Rather, it is to explain that I would much rather cruise along and look out over the beauty of Michigan’s shoreline than do whatever it is that I am supposed to be doing.

My wife’s family are from Marlette, Michigan, which is in the “Heart of the Thumb” — the kind of place where folks go through life flashing a big “thumbs up,” and meaning it. However, when we travel to visit her family (especially during the shoreline cruising season), I get the urge to drive four hours northeast by reversing direction and heading west to the Sunset Coast and then north along the shoreline from New Buffalo to Muskegon. This adds a lot to my drive time and fuel consumption, but also adds immeasurable value to my mental health portfolio.

Due to my vocation, I frequently get to travel to exotic northern ports of call such as Traverse City. MapQuest thinks I should be able to start from the Center of the Universe and make the trip in a little over four hours — and that is what I turn in on my expense reports. However, I often feel obliged to make it an overnight voyage by meandering along the shoreline — often only making it as far as the beaches of South Haven, Saugatuck or Grand Haven before settling in for a sunset meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants and a good night’s sleep listening to the waves rolling up on the sandy shore.

Our meanderings have allowed us to stumble upon some amazing views, quaint waterfront villages and towns, and entertainment that far surpasses that hi-definition flat screen we stared at for the previous four months of winter. We have broken bread and tasted the local flavor at some of the most unique dining experiences Pure Michigan has to offer.

We have marveled at Grand Haven’s illuminated musical fountain that displays a different show every night during the summer — and it’s free!

We have toured maritime museums, wineries, and just sat in the sand watching the sun settle into the glistening waters of Lake Michigan.

For me, flat screens are for football season. Shoreline cruising season has begun. The trees are turning green, the ice is off the waters and the waves are gently rolling in. It is time to get out, get moving and hug the shoreline.

 

Larry Wilson is a mostly lifelong resident of Niles. His optimistic “glass full to overflowing” view of life shapes his writing. His essays stem from experiences, compilations and recollections from friends and family. Wilson touts himself as “a dubiously licensed teller of tall tales, sworn to uphold the precept of ‘It’s my story; that’s the way I’m telling it.’” He can be reached at wflw@hotmail.com.