Discovering Nature’s Art on the Shore at Hika Bay

November 21, 2024  |  Topics: Places

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Story and photos by Christel Maass

It was a rather broody early November day—my late father’s birthday in fact, so the grief-like weather felt fitting.

We were on our way to Door County for a short off-season respite, and opted for the scenic lakeshore route, getting off the interstate at the Cleveland exit.  Yes, the one in Wisconsin, located between Sheboygan and Manitowoc.

When we reached Lake Michigan we stopped at Hika Bay, a small but delightful park, where waves, brown with sediment, churned toward the shore.  

Figuring a few raindrops and the steady wind off the lake wouldn’t cause us any harm, we got out of the car to stretch our legs.  After admiring a raft of hardy ducks bobbing offshore, we set off for a short stroll. 

A welcoming bridge over Centerville Creek, which empties into Lake Michigan, drew us forth and over to the other side where we continued on to the sandy beach.  

Strolling north along the shore, dark sand patterns caught my eye.

After a few initial photos, I began to look more closely at my surroundings, and discovered more of nature’s art.

Lines where waves had caressed the sand before receding, left an artist’s touch amid a variety of scattered rocks.

After I captured this image, the waves rushed in and over my feet in a fury, erasing another ephemeral design I was focusing on.  

The placement of some rocks, snuggled together or sinking into the sand, had a simple artistry of their own.   

An added bonus this day was seeing wet rocks which are more brilliant due to the way they reflect light. 

With autumn in the air, I spotted leaves paired with rocks on the palette of sand. 

Had the chill in the air not begun to numb my fingers, I would have taken another lap to spend more time poking around the beach.  But it was time to move on.   

Despite the day’s broodiness, I felt uplifted and rewarded.     

In fact, I’ve been inspired to keep exploring on days most of us would rather hunker down and avoid the elements.  Next time though, I definitely won’t leave my gloves in the car.

Editor’s note: Christel has contributed a number of stories to The Natural Realm over the past few years. Here are a few more:

Nature’s Art Below Long Slide Falls

A Woodland Sculpture Garden and a Wilderness Walk

Enjoying Point Beach State Forest!

Winter Waterfalls: Manitowoc and Brown Counties

Christel Maass, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist, loves exploring Wisconsin’s special places—and never thought she’d say she’s is going to attempt to spend more time outdoors on trying-weather days.

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