As befits the first day of summer, I suppose, today has begun a horrific heat wave. A friend invited me to a solstice yoga event and I had planned to go, but instead I decided to dwell awhile longer in the dark–that is, to contemplate last night’s wondrous dance among the fireflies that culminated in solstice, right around 10:30pm.
It is always a good day when I can include the Lake to celebrate. Save the Dunes, an organization of which I have been a member since my twenties, was celebrating its 73rd anniversary at its headquarters in Michigan City, and so I decided to attend and incorporate a few errands into my trip. It is always stimulating and strengthening to gather with folks who are all fighting the good fight to work with, not against, nature.
After the gathering, I sought out the Lake and headed westward into what is now the National Park. Sadly, I quickly noted considerable evidence of the recent funding cutbacks: ugly porta-potties set up to replace the sturdier and more pleasant restroom building, now locked. Nor was there a lifeguard at the beach. I had never visited this particular beach; it was a fairly long walk to the Lake from the parking lot, the road lined with a myriad of native plants, several in full flower.
I remained atop the final dune rather than descending to the shore; the sun was hot and the trudge back up did not appeal to me. But I sat a good while, contemplating the quiet waves. Glancing eastward I was surprised to see the ubiquitous cooling tower of Michigan City’s power plant. Yet here in stark contrast was a lovely duneland, with trails through the woods and plenty of wildlife to keep one company. A small lizard skittered across my path, and butterflies danced among the wildflowers. Sand filled my shoes–and peace filled my soul. The Lake, always.
After a quick stop in my hometown, I headed back, with plans for the remainder of my solstice celebration. There is a magic place I know, surrounded by a city, that I discovered years ago and have shared with but a few. It is a place of peace and quiet (for it is easy to ignore the outside din there) and wonder at any time, but at this particular season, it is filled with fireflies, thousands of fireflies! Although pitch dark, light was everywhere. The paths through the enchanted woods were lined with fireflies on either side and on the ground and far up into the trees. They flashed and darted; I could hear faint echoes of Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” I could not help but dance, then sat upon a bench, enraptured. Welcome, summer solstice. My heart is full.