Lake Michigan waves 2011

This was my second time venturing up to the beaches of Lake Michigan in St. Joseph to see 15-20 foot waves. The other time was 2 years ago, in 2009. I was by myself and my mother was a WRECK......."Don't you dare go anywhere near that pier, people can be swept right off of it. Stay as far away as you can!!!"....."Ok, mom. I know." I said. Deep inside I was laughing, though. There was no way I was going to miss a good wave shot, but I also knew the dangers of actually going on the pier, so I planned to get as close as I could, while also staying safe.

As I walked toward the pier (with no plans of going on it, honestly) I saw about 10 other photographers out there, battling the high winds just to get that one perfect shot. As I approached this group, they asked if I wanted to get in for some good shots, and explained they were all looking out for one another. Of course, I said yes!!!! And actually, I was fine. When we saw a big wave heading in, we would run off the pier, etc. etc.

I didn't tell my mom I went on the pier until she saw my photos. Lets just say, she wasn't a happy camper.

This time around my dad was with me. We headed up to the lake one early September morning to get a glimpse of the massive waves the lake produces when winds get strong around here. Again, my mom gave me the same lecture about not venturing on the pier. "Ok mom," I said again. "I'm serious Erika!!!"

Again, I was fine. As my dad said "I'm not going to put my daughter in harms way." And he didn't, nor would he ever. He knew our limits on the pier that day and while we did get blasted with a few waves (I know, I know), overall, we were not close enough to the water to actually get swept in. My mom, however, was not happy again, and proceeded to tell most of my family that I was "ON THE PIER" the day of the waves.

Enjoy these photos of Lake Michigan at one of her finest moments. I know my mom sure did :)

This is actually the cold front the night before that swept through our area, coming packed with storms, cooler temperatures, and 50 MPH wind gusts at times.