Detroit Is Alive

Since moving back to Michigan in September, I have worked in Detroit for about half the time I have been here, with the other half in offices in Southfield. I recently began a new job farther out in the suburbs, and though I am enjoying this new opportunity, I will miss being in Detroit on a nearly daily basis.

Almost two years ago, I was upset that an internet search of Detroit produced results such as "Detroit is dead" or "Detroit is a dump." I presented photographic evidence to rebut those claims in a post titled Detroit Is More Than They Say It Is.

Today, a Google search of "Detroit is" turns up words like "magical" or "different" instead of dead. Though the city still has a lot of work to do, it is a magical place, and it definitely is different from other places.

Detroit Is Blossoming

A view of the Renaissance Center from Hart Plaza in the Spring

Detroit Is Proud

Spirit of Detroit mural at Checker Bar

Detroit Is Welcoming

Detroit's Woodbridge neighborhood

Kayaking Cass Lake

Stopping for a photo while my wife paddled on

At 2 square miles, Cass Lake is the largest lake in Oakland County. During the summer months, it is a popular spot for power boats, jet skis, and wave runners. Before the wakes from these recreational boats dominate the surface, mornings on Cass Lake are great time to take a kayak or canoe out for a peaceful trip around the lake.

A flag pole on the lake

On a morning in mid-May, my wife and I kayaked the southern shore of the lake. We launched from Marshbank Park in West Bloomfield. Marshbank Park has a fishing pier and a canoe/kayak launch, but no access for power boats. Power boat owners must launch their boats from Dodge #4 State Park on the other side of the lake.

Some of the larger houses in the distance

The lake has several giant houses with pristine yards and docks big enough for a small marina, but we also saw many smaller homes along the shores and the small canals that connect with the lake.