A 1000-Mile Walk on the Beach

One Woman's Trek of the Perimeter of Lake Michigan

By: Loreen Niewenhuis

Narrated by: Loreen Niewenhuis

In 2009, Loreen Niewenhuis walked completely around Lake Michigan. This audiobook chronicles that journey, a 1,000-mile walk around the world's fifth-largest lake. The audiobook explores both the geology of the lake and the measure of a person - a woman, married, mother of two sons (who joined her for portions of the walk). But most of the walk was done solo, an adventure in discovery of self and place.

Niewenhuis conveys a sense of the magnitude of the lake she loves, a place so elemental to the four Midwestern states that form its shores. From a ground-level perspective, the audiobook explores the natural and human history of Lake Michigan…and raises important questions about preserving our wild places and protecting fragile ecosystems on which we all depend.

©2011 Loreen Niewenhuis (P)2014 Loreen Niewenhuis

That's my Lake

If you could sum up A 1000-Mile Walk on the Beach in three words, what would they be?

Fun, Informative, Interesting

Which scene was your favorite?

When she walked by our fruit farm near the pumped storage plant south of Ludington

Any additional comments?

This is my favorite of all the books I have listened to. Every Michigander should listen to this book, along with everyone else who lives around the Lake.

Not edgy, but enjoyable

As someone who has spent a lot of time around the Great Lakes, I found Loreen Niewenhuis's trek interesting. She was strongest when she spoke about ecology and environmental issues. I say this not to raise the flag for this important cause, but as someone who has always been curious about what I was seeing out there. This book filled in some blanks for me. All in all, this book has a pleasant, friendly tone, especially since it's read by the author. And while this was a hearty trek, it's not fraught with the kind of peril encountered on the Appalachian Trail. So, not a lot of drama.

For my tastes, there could have been more description of the many moods of the lakes, and of the scenery. Sometimes I wasn't even sure how close she was to the lake. But I'm glad she did it, and it's a little crazy that we don't have more of a hiking path for people who want to do the same.

At one with the Lake

Loreen has the best speaking voice, as well as, sincere emotional attachment to her lake. She has the right amount of adventure, history & personal input to give a well rounded experience. Also, this book has made me more conscious of my own lake (Erie) and think about how I can contribute to its wellbeing. Thank you Loreen! Can’t wait to hear more of your adventures!

Great boik!

Great book! The author's dry sense of humor added a lot to listening to it. i am riding around the Lakes on my bike and visited many of the towns that she went through.

It is a really good book

I grew up on Lake Michigan. I'm fifty eight, but I feel like I'm 12 again, walking the lake.