I’ve seen pictures of the Pt. Betsie lighthouse in lilac season. I’ve been covetous of those images because I’ve never seen it myself, never timed a visit to the lighthouse, one of my favorite places in this state, at exactly the right time.
Yesterday, on my way home from a 3 night camping trip near the Sleeping Bear Dunes, I finally got to check that as done.
The lilacs were at their peak, the sky was cerulean blue with a few wispy white clouds, we were the only ones there.
Perfection.
I have many reason to love this lighthouse, one being it’s where my parents visited during their honeymoon in 1953, and where they went for their 50th wedding anniversary a year before they died.
I like to sit and think about them there, and I hope they were close when I squealed at my first sight of the purple blooms against the white of the lighthouse.
I imagine they were, possibly, even squealing along.
Change Is Hard 
May 27, 2021 at 2:05 pm
Beautiful photos. I haven’t seen a lake like this one in years now. Thanks for reminding me of how beautiful nature can be. Nice lilacs, too.
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May 29, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Nature is pretty darn amazing.
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May 27, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Beautiful! Wonderful that you managed to get there for the lilacs. And what a lovely backstory about your parents. Bittersweet being there, I imagine. Still, remembering all the happy parts of this sort of thing is usually well worth it.
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May 29, 2021 at 1:31 pm
I try to stop there every time I’m up in that part of the state. I always feel them there.
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May 27, 2021 at 3:15 pm
It cannot get any better. Gorgeous! Stunning! Lighthouse, lilacs, and the lapping waves of the lake – perfection!
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May 29, 2021 at 1:31 pm
It was absolutely stupendous.
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May 27, 2021 at 3:29 pm
Those skies…..!!
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May 29, 2021 at 1:32 pm
I know. We were so lucky. Shortly after these shots the sky went totally blue with no clouds. Also beautiful, but I always like me some clouds.
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May 27, 2021 at 4:57 pm
I love lilacs. And the scent of lilacs, and the color of lilacs….
They don’t thrive here where I live. The last time I saw loads of beautiful ones was in 2017 in Michigan, and in North Dakota.
I had the same kinds of feelings about my parents when I was at the ranch in Arizona, last November. They loved it there back in about 1980. It was like I could see them , hand in hand, smiling, walking through a gate there near where I was staying. I think that’s where they will always be, in my mind.
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May 29, 2021 at 1:33 pm
It’s nice, isn’t it, to have places where we feel close to our folks. I have several, one being this lighthouse, another is an orchard near me that we used to pick fruit in when I was a kid. And the town we lived in as a family. Even this house, though they only visited twice, I sometimes can see them here too.
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May 27, 2021 at 10:31 pm
What a beautiful place! No wonder you love it so much.
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May 29, 2021 at 1:33 pm
It’s outstanding! No matter the season or the weather. But sunshine, white clouds and purple lilacs…well, that’s something special.
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May 31, 2021 at 12:20 pm
Yes, yes!
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May 28, 2021 at 12:31 am
The lilacs are in bloom here in the Pacific Northwest too these days. I love them. And I love that lighthouse! What a blessing about your parents’ history here and yours too, right here. That’s the best part of all. 🙂
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May 29, 2021 at 1:34 pm
Yes it is. Mom loved lilacs. I don’t know if they were ever at this lighthouse during spring to see them, they were married in October, but I hope so. And if not, well, they’ve seen them now!
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May 28, 2021 at 3:49 am
I squealed too! The lilacs, lighthouse, water and sky! Wow!
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May 29, 2021 at 1:34 pm
I know!!!!
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May 28, 2021 at 6:51 am
I can’t even tell you how much I miss lilacs. If I could have only one plant from my childhood magically transplanted to Texas, lilacs would be it. I try to appreciate others’ places in the world, rather than envying them, but with lilacs? Envy is it!
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May 29, 2021 at 1:35 pm
Do you have crepe myrtle down there? It’s in Alabama where my folks lived last, and mom and I sort of thought it was similar enough to lilacs that we felt at home with it.
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May 29, 2021 at 1:50 pm
We not only have crepe myrtle, it’s the state shrub. It’s pretty enough, and quite common as a landscape tree, but it doesn’t have the fragrance. It’s sometimes called Southern Lilac, but it just doesn’t cut it for real lilac lovers!
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May 28, 2021 at 11:17 am
The purple blooms are magnificent, but I also loved the story of your mother and father visiting there on their honeymoon and 50th anniversary. You’re connected with them through the lilacs, lighthouse and love.
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May 29, 2021 at 1:35 pm
Yes, always connected. I stop at this lighthouse whenever I’m in that neck of the state, and mom and dad are always there.
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May 28, 2021 at 1:27 pm
What a wonderful place filled with precious memories! Thanks for sharing.
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May 29, 2021 at 1:36 pm
You are so welcome. It’s a very special place.
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May 28, 2021 at 3:02 pm
The lilac blooms are beautiful in that setting, loved you photo! 🙂
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May 29, 2021 at 1:36 pm
Thank you. I was really pleased by the colors of the water and the sky and the flowers!
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May 28, 2021 at 3:38 pm
Dawn, these are stunning!! I love lilacs, and the mental picture of your folks on their honeymoon trip to this beautiful spot only adds to this post. I’m glad you got to visit it, and I feel sure your parents emitted a squeal or two with you!
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May 29, 2021 at 1:37 pm
I’m pretty sure too. Though Dad wasn’t one to really SQUEAL. 🙂 Mom would have for sure though.
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May 31, 2021 at 8:41 pm
Oh wow! 🙂
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