VIEW FROM THE COCKPIT
By Norval Stephens
Reading the Ludington
Daily News this winter, I realized there were other matters than
wind and the level of the Lake to think about.
Some of the headlines
this winter covered the snow in record levels, a few more washouts,
another boat on the breakwater to the lighthouse at Ludington
Harbor, Sargent Sand beating up the roads, wind farms proposed for
the National Forest north of the homes on the north shore of Upper
Hamlin, a French company extracting vast amounts of water to be
bottled and shipped around the country, Michigan considering
coal-powered power plants with some of the least protective state
laws on carbon emissions…and it went on.
We learned when we
fought and won stopping the State from opening the State Park for
drilling in 2002 that Michigan, with its famous scenic beauty, has
relatively lax laws on noise and air pollution.
So, as I remember
wonderful days sailing on Hamlin Lake and cherishing that last look
at my sailboat stored for the winter, I have to realize that the
beauty and the joy of using our Lake is a heritage for all of us,
sailors and others alike.
Those of us who are seasonal visitors owe the permanent
residents and especially the officers of our Hamlin Lake
Preservation Society and the Hamlin Lake Association out thanks for
preserving and protecting our Lake.
While you and I
contemplate the happy hours this summer, notice the pine trees
topping over the hard wood oak and maple, enjoy the clear water at
the Dunes, we can anticipate that the Lake will be as we remember
it. We must be vigilant,
however, the keep it as beautiful as it is.
That’s my view from the cockpit.