Monday, August 29, 2016

Les Cheneaux Views

Hills Point Docking's boathouse from the beach at Hills Point Resort
The Les Cheneaux Islands are one of my favorite spots in Michigan. This group of thirty-six islands just east of the Mackinac Bridge have long been an important place for my family. My dad vacationed there when he was young, then he and my mom took me and my siblings back every summer while we were growing up. Last year, I finally visited again for the first time in years, bringing my own kids along to experience the serenity and slow pace of these islands.

This year, we returned. We relaxed. We reveled in the beauty of our surroundings.

It's not just nostalgia and good times with family that bring me back. The tranquil waters and quiet shores bring peace to my soul and beckon my return.

Cedarville Bay
Blue skies and blue water
My dog keeping watch for ducks
Most of the islands are only accessible by boat, so boathouses act as garages for homes on the islands.

Wooden boathouses
Nice Front Yard!
The mornings are peaceful. I enjoyed morning runs on Hill Island and Island Number Eight and watching the sun slowly rise over the trees and water.

Sunrise over Flowers Bay
The end of Hill Island Road on a morning run
The islands provide some of my favorite sunsets in Michigan, whether I am on shore or on the water. The last sunset of my vacation was bittersweet because it will probably be at least a year before I can see these gorgeous skies again.

The sky at sunset (My 8-year-old daughter took this picture. Had to share)
Sunset reflecting off the water
Sunset on Hill Island
The southern end of the Islands with Lake Huron before us and the sun beginning to set