Don’t Wait — Enjoy the Lake Now!

We all have that “window” that we look forward to. It’s those few years between the time when we are done working, raising kids, paying mortgages and improving our homesteads and the time when we begin to slow down, feel the effects of health issues and begin to look back on life instead of living it. For some of us that window is either shorter or longer than others’, depending on our health, finances and where we are in life. The tricky part is that we never know just how long our personal window will be.

Because of this, I am always bewildered when I hear people say, “I really want to enjoy the lake … someday, when I retire.” Why wait?

So many have the misconception that the lake is out of reach until they reach their golden years. Whatever the reason, whether it be finances, time or facilities, this could be no further from the truth. Just like the name of this magazine, LAKE ACCESS, time at the lake is accessible for anyone and at any time. And, if you are in Branch County, Michigan, you have an advantage as you are never more than six minutes from the nearest lake. Wow! What are you waiting for?

YOU DON’T NEED A BOAT

The number one reason that I hear why people avoid the lake is “I don’t have a boat” or “I don’t really like being on a boat.” So, stow the boat, literally and figuratively. You can fish off docks, piers and shorelines. Many lakes have public beaches where you can just relax and soak up some rays or go for leisurely walks. You might just find a seashell or two, some special rocks if you are a rock hound, or just be rejuvenated by digging your toes into the sand.

If you do like being on the water in a boat, don’t think that your boat has to be the top-of-the-line bass boat or speedboat. You don’t always need the biggest and the best. My dad, uncle and I had so much fun fishing out of a flat-bottom johnboat summer after summer. I have been on pontoons, speedboats and bass boats and, hands-down, I still prefer the johnboat. There is nothing like whiling away the hours on a lazy afternoon in a flat-bottom.

JUST GET AWAY

Sometimes the best time to go to a lake is before you get to your “window.” With all the pressures of working, especially in today’s fast-paced world, you just need to get away. Spending even an afternoon on the lake tends to melt all cares away. Whether you visit someone you know on the lake or just hang out at the public access or beach, water is calming.

I always remember the smell of a lake. It draws you in and renews. Since most folks go to the lake to relax and have a good time, it is a pretty sure bet that you will meet new people and make a new friend or two.

BETTER PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS

Usually the number one goal of spending time at the lake is to have fun with those you are with. When you are at home, it is so easy to get drawn into stuff that needs to get done but time at the lake gives you freedom from that. Don’t tell your kids or grandkids to get off their phones or other devices, give them a reason to put the gizmos away. There is nowhere easier to do that than at the lake.

Evenings spent around bonfires on the lakeshore can turn into wee-hours events. Even when families are together, sometimes they don’t actually take time to talk … about anything. Bonfires just seem to bring out conversation. Strolls around the lake and lazy afternoons spent with your feet up prove to be the perfect opportunities to find out what’s on your child’s mind.

My dad and I used to have some of the best conversations while out fishing, just him and me. Somehow, some of the hours spent just hanging out with my grandsons have proved to be the most insightful. Laughing and being goofy sometimes leads the way to deeper conversations.

I would hope that lake times like these make our kids and grandkids better people. They need to know that spending time with those you love is more important than ever, amid all the pressures and responsibilities of everyday life. There is a balance, and sometimes being at the lake is an equalizer.

BOREDOM BLASTER

“Boredom” is probably one word you won’t hear at the lake, even on rainy days. There is always something to do, for everyone, at any age and with any interest. If it’s not an outdoor activity kind of day, many lake associations have clubhouses where kids and adults can go to play cards, watch movies or play games.

On fair weather days, there is always a game of volleyball, horseshoes or other activities to engage in. Funny thing that I have noticed: It doesn’t matter the age, people generally come together to engage in various activities.

INEXPENSIVE ENJOYMENT

All of the activities I have mentioned require little to no money investment. Most lakes are public for the enjoyment of all. Swimming, fishing, running, walking and sightseeing are relatively inexpensive. Most other activities, be it bowling, going to the movies, taking the kids to the arcade or a host of others, all require money. Outside of fishing licenses, bait, firewood and other minor expenses, time on the lake can be fairly cheap.

LEGACIES

Some folks have had the means to invest in cottages early on in their lives. Though this might seem to be an extravagance at the time, these investments usually give back many times more than their initial price. Many cottages and cabins are passed from generation to generation. I know of so many people who treasure their childhood memories of spending time at their parents’ or grandparents’ lake houses.

It doesn’t always mean investing in property to start traditions at the lake. My niece and family have spent the past several years at the same lake in the same rental house. Aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends all join in the week’s activities and make memories that will last a lifetime.

MEMORIES

Speaking of memories, what do you remember most? For me it’s not the “things” but the “who withs” and the special times of life that come to mind. Many of these involve being at the lake. I can’t think of anything better to pass down to future generations than memories and teaching them to make simple memories of their own.

Whether it’s the biggest fish tale ever (and one that keeps growing every time it is told), watching a sunset over the lake, dipping your toes in the water, hearing the loons call out or participating in some downright hoopla when water skiing and jet skiing, the lake will provide fun, laughter and memories to last a lifetime … and then some.

Don’t wait for your “window” to enjoy the lake. The time is now.