Walking on Water...

It's been a cold and snowy winter in Michigan. The coldest and snowiest that I remember in my adult life - and probably, for most of my childhood (although I was alive during the "blizzard" of 1978, I don't really remember it). It's been so cold that nearly 90 percent of the five Great Lakes combined are ice covered as of Thursday, February 13 (according to the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab). That's some serious ice-ice, baby!

I've had the opportunity to walk and snowshoe along the frozen shoreline many times over the past few years -- Muskegon, Frankfort, Empire -- but I've never seen ANYTHING like what I experienced yesterday in South Haven. Snow and ice for as far as the eye could see -- for miles to the south, north AND west. The normally sugar-sand beaches were covered in rolling hills of snow, ice chunks and mountainous mini caves leaving one to question whether they were at the lake or on some desolate planet.

Nearly as impressive as the landscape were the crowds of people out exploring this natural winter phenomenon. People were scraping away the snow to see the thick, white ice below. They were walking the pier to the bright red lighthouse. They were walking out great distances from the shore, posing, taking photos, taking photos of others taking photos, talking with each other about how incredibly crazy this all was. It's hard to really capture and explain the essence of what was going on out there -- in terms of the conversations that were had between total strangers and the shear expanse of it all.

Yesterday - I truly was one of dozens, no - hundreds, who literally walked on water (albeit frozen) in a way we probably never will again. It's unlike anything I have experienced before...and perhaps, ever will again.

Great Lakes Ice Facts

The Great Lakes, which hold nearly one-fifth of the surface fresh water in the world, are almost completely frozen over after an unusually cold winter.

As of Thursday, nearly 90% of the lakes are under a cover of ice, according to the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.

The last time they came this close to being completely frozen over was in 1994, when 94% of the lakes’ surface was ice.

If the rate at which ice has been growing continues, an all-time record could be set later this month.

“In the last one to two weeks, we’ve seen rapid accumulations on Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan,” Michigan State University associate professor and state climatologist Jeff Andresen said.

The freeze is a major reversal from last year, when the five lakes only reached 38% ice cover.

The lakes’ water supply has been far below average in recent years, and the ice could prove beneficial by slowing evaporation and shutting off lake-effect snow.

Lake Michigan Facts

Lake Michigan is the third largest Great Lake by surface area and the sixth largest freshwater lake in the world.

Lake Michigan Length: 307 miles / 494 km.

Lake Michigan Lake Michigan: 118 miles / 190 km.

Lake Michigan Average Depth: 279 ft. / 85 m

Lake Michigan Maximum Depth: 925 ft. / 282 m.

Lake Michigan Volume: 1,180 cubic miles / 4,920 cubic km.

Lake Michigan Water Surface Area: 22,300 sq. miles / 57,800 sq. km

Lake Michigan Shoreline Length(including islands): 1,638 miles / 2,633 km.

Lake Michigan Elevation: 577 ft. / 176 m.

Lake Michigan Retention / Replacement Time: 99 years

Where Lake Michigan got its name:

Champlain called it the Grand Lac. It was later named "Lake of the Stinking Water" or "Lake of the Puants," after the people who occupied its shores. In 1679, the lake became known as Lac des Illinois because it gave access to the country of the Indians, so named. Three years before, Allouez called it Lac St. Joseph, by which name it was often designated by early writers. Others called it Lac Dauphin. Through the further explorations of Jolliet and Marquette, the "Lake of the Stinking Water" received its final name of Michigan.

Another story recounts that Nicolet, the first European to set foot in Wisconsin in 1634, landed on the shores of Green Bay and was greeted by Winnebago Indians, whom the French called "Puans." Lake Michigan was labeled as "Lake of Puans" on an early and incomplete 1670 map of the region that showed only the northern shores of the lake. However, only Green Bay is labeled as "Baye de Puans" (Bay of the Winnebago Indians) on maps from 1688 and 1708. On the 1688 map, Lake Michigan is called Lac des Illinois.

An Indian name for Lake Michigan was "Michi gami."

For more photos: https://www.facebook.com/PromoteMichigan

2009 Michigan Milestone Celebrations

As we move into a new year, here are some milestones to keep track of to celebrate Michigan’s rich and diverse history.

City of Chelsea – 175th Anniversary

City of Lansing - 150th Anniversary

Village of Paw Paw – 150th Anniversary

Stafford’s Perry Hotel in Petoskey– 110th Anniversary (20th year for Stafford’s Hospitality)

Schuler’s Restaurant in Marshall – 100th Anniversary

Ann Arbor Art Center – 100th Anniversary

KitchenAid (a product of Whirlpool) in Benton Harbor – 90th Anniversary

Michigan State Parks – 90th Anniversary

Tulip Time Festival in Holland – 80th Anniversary

Ellis Lake Resort – 70th Anniversary

Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls – 60th Anniversary

House of Flavors in Ludington – 60th Anniversary

Amway Corporation in Ada – 50th Anniversary

Motown – 50th Anniversary

The PINK Cadillac – 50th Anniversary

Trout Unlimited (founded in Grayling) – 50th Anniversary

Riviera Resort in Prudenville – 50th Anniversary

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair (the original) – 50th Anniversary

City of Frankenmuth – 50th Anniversary (incorporated…it was a village before)

City of Wyoming (Kent County) – 50th Anniversary

Anatomy of a Murder (Movie) – 50th Anniversary

"La Grande Vitesse" (Grand Rapids Calder) – 40th Anniversary

Ann Arbor Transit Authority – 40th Anniversary

Abracadabra Jewelry/Gem Gallery in Ann Arbor – 35th Anniversary

Chateau Grand Traverse on Old Mission Peninsula - 35th Anniversary

Kalamazoo Air Zoo – 30th Anniversary

Visit Up North Vacation Rentals(Formerly Harris Properties) – 30th Anniversary

The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor – 25th Anniversary

Goose Festival in Fennville – 25th Anniversary

University of Michigan Department of Musical Theatre – 25th Anniversary

Paesano’s Restaurant & Wine Bar in Ann Arbor – 25th Anniversary

Midland County CVB – 25th Anniversary

Coopersville & Marne Railway – 20th Anniversary

Bayshore Resort in Traverse City – 15th Anniversary

Peninsula Cellars on Old Mission Peninsula - 15th Anniversary

King Brewing in Pontiac - 15th Anniversary

Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay - 10th Anniversary

Cherry Tree Inn & Suites in Traverse City – 10th Anniversary

Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Traverse City – 10th Anniversary

The Chop House in Ann Arbor – 10th Anniversary

Washington Street Gallery in Ann Arbor – 10th Anniversary

Schmohz Brewing in Grand Rapids - 5th Anniversary

Keweenaw Brewing in South Range - 5th Anniversary

Shorts Brewing in Bellaire - 5th Anniversary

What's New September 2007 -- Epicurean Classic

Since its inception in 2004, I have wanted to attend the Epicurean Classic in Traverse City. -- one of the premier food/wine celebrations in the country. Some 60 chefs, winemakers, cookbook authors and food artisans were on hand for this culinary extraviganza! I took my 15 year old daughter with me this year, as she wants to be a chef. What an experience for her! She was introduced to the head of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute, situated along Grand Traverse Bay, and made quite an impression on the chefs and attendees. That's her in the picture with Geoffrey Bullard from Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet / Young Chefs Academy.

We both had a great time...enjoying the various foods (more me than her, because she was "working" -- grilling pizzas with Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet). Plan on attending next year -- the 5th annual event. While there, I also had the chance to try some of my favorite Michigan wines and also the newest product from Grand Traverse Distillery -- the Cherry Flavored True North Vodka. Smooth...a hint of sweet. Very nice. Can't wait until it is released later this month and I can make a cherry martini! I also caught up with my pals from New Holland Brewing Company, Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association and Michigan Beer Guide.

Our trip also included a 3 night stay at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons (another first). This historic site -- under the auspices of the Minervini Group -- was recently recognized for its historic preservation efforts by the Historical Society of Michigan (they were nominated by yours truly). This is an awesome place (a former state hospital being revitalized into its own community) and we had the grand opportunity to stay at the private apartment of Mr. Ray Minervini himself. There are 3 great books about this historic site...I suggest you search "Traverse City State Hospital" on Amazon.com...they're well worth reading.

While on this trip...I was also out delivering Michigan apples for a promotion for the Michigan Apple Committee. Check out my sweet ride provided by K&M Dodge in Grand Rapids. While there, I followed along the newly formed Northwest Route of the Michigan Apple Tours. This site includes three great driving routes where you can visit farms and pick apples, watch them being pressed into cider and enjoy other fall harvest activities.

September was a great month...signalling the end of summer. On to fall...my favorite season. In October, I'll be attending and presenting at the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival in Alpena (Oct. 13). I'll share details soon!

MARCH'S FIRST: The Art of Pruning Vines

If you are following along, you will know that I am in year three of a mission to try something new every month. Below is my entry for March 2007.

On Monday, March 26, I spent a glorious afternoon learning the art of pruning grape vines at the famous Bowers Harbor Vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula. It is one of five vineyards on the peninsula that make up the "Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula." Owner Spencer Stegenga was my ever so patient master guide for the day.

After a quick tour of his own personal "mini" golf course, Spencer took me out to their newest vineyard -- Erica Vineyard -- where he gave me some how to tips, made some cuts himself and then trusted me with this row of his precious Cabernet Sauvignon vines. We analyzed the vines, discussed why certain cuts were necessary and made our way along. Of course, I never made a cut without first consulting Spencer…but most of the time, he agreed with my decision. Every now and then, I'd look up and gaze out to the west, awed by the views of Grand Traverse Bay with its amazing deep blue and turquoise color. Spencer told me just a week prior, much of the bay had been covered with ice. It was hard to imagine such a thing on this 65 degree sunshine day.

By the halfway point, I understood more about the whole process of pruning vines. I looked for straight trunks, cut away the larger "elephant" vines, cleaned up the tangled web of vines, left smaller "security" vines intact, and when things were done, each looked like a piece of artwork. To my surprise, I never once cut myself or the wires with the electric pruners that Spencer entrusted me with (nor did I cut him, which I'm sure he's real happy about). He said his crew would come along soon and clean up the wires, tie down the vines and then we'd wait for Mother Nature to play her role.

Throughout the summer, I will return to Bower's Harbor to check on my little row of vines...waiting for that first sign of fruit. I will be looking to see how my cuts helped shape the future of the vines and ultimately the grapes. I may even take a picnic in the vineyard – something Spencer says they will be offering through a partnership with a local restaurant. You can bet I'll be back at Bower's Harbor in the fall…just before the harvest. Of course, when it comes time for harvesting, the grapes from "my vines" will blend with all the others but I will have special interest in the 2007 vintage knowing that I played a minute role in its production.

Following our pruning session, Spencer and I returned to the tasting room to try the lighter 2004 Cab Sav as well as a more full bodied 2005 that hasn't even been released yet! He also set up a horizontal flight of his 2005 Rieslings, starting first with grapes harvested from the Block II vineyard, followed by the Montana Susa and finally the Langley (the latter was my personal favorite). Each had a distinguishing aroma and flavor because of the age of the grapes, the location of the vineyard on the property and the process used in bottling.

After the tasting, it was off to the nearby Mad Dog Deli for a quick lunch before I headed back to Traverse City. For more about Bowers Harbor, please visit http://www.bowersharbor.com/. Then, make plans to visit the actual tasting room and winery. You won't be disappointed. Tell Spencer I sent you...and be sure to scratch Cooper (the official greeter…a Bernese Mountain Dog) behind his ears, he seems to like that!

Cheers!

PS -- To read about my "first experiences" for 2007, (winter kayaking in January, luging in February) please visit www.myspace.com/promotemichigan.

FEBRUARY'S FIRST: The Luge

If you're looking for some excitement in your life, I recommend the LUGE at the Muskegon Winter Sports Park (check out the video here: http://www.msports.org/luge.htm).

I had the pleasure of hurling myself down this track of ice at least 5 times back in February...in the dark no less! The first time down it scared the crap out of me. Whipping, turning, barreling down a sheet of ice on a metal sled with no way to stop until reach the end. Then, back to the top to try it again and again and again. If you go, listen to the warnings to wear old clothes. I should really take a picture of the burns in my Columbia coat from rubbing up against the walls of the track at 20mph. So much for that coat being my favorite (it's now my favorite work coat!!). Anyway...I can't wait to go back and give it a try during the day.

What was equally impressive was walking out to the shoreline in Muskegon to see the ice formations. I've never walked on frozen sand before...the whole trip was quite an experience. Hard to believe that boats and swimmers will be congragating here in a few months, enjoying our fine summer weather.

No word yet on what my new experience will be for March. I'm thinking maybe I should get on a snowmobile before the snow is gone!?!?!

JANUARY'S FIRST: Winter Kayaking

My New Year's Resolution for 2007 is the same as it was for 2006 and 2005 -- it's worked for me in the past, so I've decided to stick with it. That resolution is to try something new every month. Whether that's a new food, a new activity, a new destination, etc.

In the past 2 years, I've broadened my horizons greatly and have learned that I like coffee, martinis and cigars. I've tried snowshoeing, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, canoeing and kayaking (the latest adventure...more about that in a second). I've been to Jordan (the country), Denver, Milwaukee, South Manitou Island and Washington DC. I got a tattoo and traveled via Amtrak. Along the way, I've met some great people -- including myself (or at least new parts of myself!).

Now...on to the story about the winter kayaking. Back in December, I was invited by a friend in Northern Michigan to try this adventure. Sure I said. So, on January 10, we put our kayaks in on the Platte River for a 2 hour trip down to Honor. It was beautiful (chilly, with occasional sunshine). We saw wild turkeys, deer, ducks and birds. We saw amazing ice formations on the branches that hung in the water. I worked my way through shallow areas, learned to maneuver around obstacles and was having a great time.

About 3/4 of the way through the trip, things changed. My kayak veered toward a downed tree, came up parallel to it and within about 10 seconds, the kayak was tipping and I was falling out in to the frigid waters of the Platte River. I did get out before the kayak went under the tree, popping out on the other side. Of course, it was one of the deepest areas of the river -- up to my chest. I was able to move around the tree, grab my paddle and kayak and haul all three of us up on shore while I waited for my patient guide to help out.

The last 30 minutes of the trip were quite interesting...and cold (at least for my feet!). Once we pulled out in Honor, I stripped down off most of my clothes and we drove over to Family Dollar to buy new, dry clothes. What an adventure. Had my clothes been dry...I would have done it again the next day!

Now...my only question is...what adventure does February hold? And March, April, May, June......if you have any ideas, I welcome them!