Sister Retreat

This year my sister, Carol, and I traveled to Western Michigan to the Ludington area for our sixth annual sister vacation. We have gravitated to that area every year because we both love to be by the water and Lake Michigan is the perfect getaway place. There are quaint little towns, beautiful lighthouses, breathtaking beaches, trees, birds, etc. It is so peaceful and relaxing! The picture above is the Big Sable Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. It is in a State Park and the walk on the beach to get there is about two miles. But it was wonderful! We were very tired and opted to walk back on the pathway through the park, but the walk there was so beautiful! The lighthouse is just perfect. We walked up the 130 steps to the top and the view was amazing from up there!

This lighthouse is in the town of Ludington. We spent time walking the pier out to the lighthouse. The lake was so blue and was full of sailboats, cabin cruisers, and freighters. We watched the sunset one night while walking on the pier. It wouldn't be hard to live in a place with a pier and a lighthouse and a beach!

It was great to be with Carol! We got to talk all we wanted and catch up with each other's lives. Carol lives in Grand Rapids. You would think that we lived light years apart because we hardly ever see each other! I love her very much and always have a great time traveling with her and exploring small towns and lighthouses. I would never want to give up our little vacations and am already looking forward to next year - place to be announced.

We shopped in some nice little towns. Both of us love toy stores! We could both spend all kinds of time in them. Carol and I both have grandchildren and just love to pick out toys ahead for birthdays, etc. It was sad that a couple of the towns we visited seemed like ghost towns! Many of the shops were closed down and out of business. But we did manage to buy a few things anyway!

It is always fun to find new places to eat our meals while away together. We have usually had really good success in finding good places. Sometimes we ask for recommendations from townspeople and other times we search out places CLOSE TO THE WATER! (That is one of our prerequisites!) Some towns just don't cooperate, though. They don't see the importance of great restaurants right on the water!! I can't figure it!

We found a game to play while we were there and we played it in the motel room two evenings. It was a very competitive game and lots of fun. We also went to a movie the first night we were in Ludington since it was a rainy night. We went to see Julie and Julia and it was a very good movie - two true stories incorporated into one movie. 

We almost ran out of gas one day while trying to find a beach or lighthouse. I can't remember which! It seems every year that happens to us, but we have never actually run out of gas yet. We are just so lucky! Actually, the Lord is so good to us and is taking care of us!

Here is a picture of one of the beautiful sunsets that we saw on Lake Michigan. They were awesome! Another year has gone by and another special time with my wonderful sister is over -

I will always treasure these times we have spent together just talking, exploring, and catching up. I can't wait until next time!

"There's a special kind of freedom sisters enjoy.

Freedom to share innermost thoughts,

to ask a favor, 

to show their true feelings.

The freedom to simply be themselves."

Author Unknown