1000-Mile Walk on the Beach Author at Cottage & Lakefront Living Show
In 2009, Loreen Niewenhuis walked completely around Lake Michigan. Her new book, A 1000-Mile Walk on the Beach, chronicles this incredible journey around the world's fifth-largest lake.
Niewenhuis will give a multimedia presentation based on her experience during the Cottage and Lakefront Living Show at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids.
When Niewenhuis turned 45, she knew she wanted to seek out a big adventure and she looked to her favorite place: Lake Michigan. As she said, "Instead of having a mid-life crisis, I decided to have a mid-life adventure!"
She tackled the hike in 10 segments spread over 7 months. On the final days of winter, she took her first steps south from Chicago's Navy Pier, and, with brief breaks between segments, completely encircled the lake and approached the same spot from the north in the first days of fall.
It took 64 days of determined walking, averaging 16 miles a day (daily hikes ranged from 5 to 25 miles). Niewenhuis said she, "encircled the lake with my footsteps, recorded it in my muscles and bones."
Niewenhuis, who has lived in Michigan most of her life, is an author of literary short stories, a mother, and a scientist. A MFA graduate and a past medical researcher with a bachelors of science from Calvin College and a masters of science from Wayne State University, she offers witness to both the natural beauty of much of the lakeshore and a concern for the lake's health as she explored the long and troubling pattern of ecological abuses and environmental challenges.
She hiked the lake counter-clockwise, "always keeping the lake on my left." She walked the lake in rain and snow, in gale-force winds and calm sunny days. Her book conveys a sense of the magnitude and diversity of the lake she loves, explores the natural and human history of Lake Michigan, and raises important questions about preserving our wild places and protecting fragile ecosystems on which we all depend.
Niewenhuis will be at the show all weekend to meet visitors and sign copies of her book. She is scheduled to give presentations on Friday, March 25, at 5:00 pm; Saturday, March 26, at noon; and Sunday, March 27 at 2:00 pm.
Show Dates & Times Admission
Friday, March 25 3pm - 9pm Adults: $9.00
Saturday, March 26 10am - 9pm Children (6 - 14): $4.00
Sunday, March 27 11am - 5pm 5 & Under: Free
Courtesy:
Andrew Alt
www.GRCottageShow.com