A frequent hike for us along Lake Michigan is from Central Beach to Kintzele Ditch, a stream flowing between dunes into the lake. It's ever-changing, and especially interesting in winter when the ice and snow create all sorts of creations.
Knowing the beach and this area is key to keeping dry (and safe) because the stream changes course on the beach due to wave action. One week the stream flows directly into the lake, the next week it jogs right for 200 feet, then the next it's left 100 feet. One must be careful not to walk on any ice that forms on this stream, it's always thin, and because the water level changes so often, it's often hollow beneath. Fall through and you'll be wet up to your knees - unless you trip and you'll be soaked from head to toe with a mile walk back to the parking lot.
No matter how easy or challenging the hike might be (depending on conditions), it's always worth the trek. It's a bit off the well-beaten path of beachgoers, but it is a rather popular place to seek out and enjoy.
Kintzele Ditch divides Central Beach and Mt. Baldy, making it a turning around point for walking on both beaches. In warmer weather, or if you don't mind cold, wet feet, you can walk through the stream to reach the adjacent beach.
Several years ago, before all of the regulating of trails and paths, one could hike up the stream for quite a way, and enjoy a completely different experience at the dunes, one I don't think was available anywhere else in the park.
The ice along the shore of the lake is only around for a few short weeks each year. Once the weather warms up for a while, the ice will break up and melt, and unless there is another period of very cold weather, it's gone until next year. Get out and see it while it's there - but stay off the ice.
No comments:
Post a Comment