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A 1,000 Mile Adventure
A 1,000-Mile Walk on the Beach: One Woman's Trek of the Perimeter of Lake Michigan
In 2009, Loreen Niewenhuis walked completely around Lake Michigan. This book chronicles that journey, a 1,000-mile walk around the world's fifth-largest lake. The book 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 book 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.
200 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2010
13 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Loreen Niewenhuis
6 books25 followersLoreen Niewenhuis grew up in Michigan and has lived there most of her life. She pursued a life of science, getting a Bachelor, then Master of Science degrees. She worked in various aspects of that world including a hospital laboratory, basic animal research, and a bone marrow transplant group.
While taking a break from this work to raise her young sons, Loreen began writing fiction. This evolved into a passion and she returned to school to get her MFA from Spalding University.
Her short story collection, Scar Tissue, was a finalist for the Flannery O’Connor Award in 2009.
From the time she was a young girl climbing sand dunes and splashing in its cool waters, Loreen has felt connected and drawn to Lake Michigan. She decided to explore the lake fully by walking around it. The fascinating account of her journey, A 1000-MILE WALK ON THE BEACH, was published in 2011 by Crickhollow Books (Milwaukee, WI).
Loreen’s novella, Atlanta, was be published in 2011 by Main Street Rag Publishing (Charlotte, NC).
In 2012, Loreen took another long walk: a 1000 mile hike touching all five Great Lakes. The book about her latest adventure will be released in 2013 by Crickhollow Books and is titled:
A 1000-MILE GREAT LAKES WALK.
Currently, Loreen is on her third Great Lake Adventure, this time exploring the islands of the Great Lakes. The book about this journey will be released in 2015.
Long before she was a writer, Loreen was (and still is) a reader. Feel free to 'friend' her on Goodreads.
While taking a break from this work to raise her young sons, Loreen began writing fiction. This evolved into a passion and she returned to school to get her MFA from Spalding University.
Her short story collection, Scar Tissue, was a finalist for the Flannery O’Connor Award in 2009.
From the time she was a young girl climbing sand dunes and splashing in its cool waters, Loreen has felt connected and drawn to Lake Michigan. She decided to explore the lake fully by walking around it. The fascinating account of her journey, A 1000-MILE WALK ON THE BEACH, was published in 2011 by Crickhollow Books (Milwaukee, WI).
Loreen’s novella, Atlanta, was be published in 2011 by Main Street Rag Publishing (Charlotte, NC).
In 2012, Loreen took another long walk: a 1000 mile hike touching all five Great Lakes. The book about her latest adventure will be released in 2013 by Crickhollow Books and is titled:
A 1000-MILE GREAT LAKES WALK.
Currently, Loreen is on her third Great Lake Adventure, this time exploring the islands of the Great Lakes. The book about this journey will be released in 2015.
Long before she was a writer, Loreen was (and still is) a reader. Feel free to 'friend' her on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 7, 2012
Loreen Niewenhuis, a Michigan housewife and mother of two teen boys, decided at age 45 to hike the entire shore of Lake Michigan. She wanted to challenge herself physically, emotionally and mentally. To take on something that could be completed, as opposed to household chores that never ended.
Over the winter, Niewenhuis jogged and trained to build her stamina, and she studied maps and satellite images of the lake to plan segments of the Lake Trek, which she wanted to walk over four seasons. Niewenhuis began and ended her walk on Chicago's Navy Pier. She took a few breaks for family obligations/visits, and she suffered a gall bladder attack, but she was undeterred -- in September 2009 she completed her 1019 mile Lake Trek around Lake Michigan.
Her book has 10 Segments (i.e. chapters) that list dates, itinerary, and mileage trekked. This organization makes it easy for the reader to identify parts of the lake which interest him or her, and to pick-and-chose specific parts to read about. I confess, this is exactly what I did.
The idea of walking around the lake is a very interesting one; and after reading parts of this book I realize how naive I was about the amount of planning, packing and stamina this trip required. But to be frank, Niewenhuis's story is more blog-worthy than book-worthy. Her story has hints of history and ecology but not enough. I felt like I was getting the author's opinions and personal knowledge more often than objective information about the lake. I also tired of her play-by-play of the walk. She has some interesting bits in her story, but after a while its all about the same blisters, weather and where-to-sleep-for-the-night.
The epilogue is short and sweet -- the author sharing that she feels younger, stronger and more sure of her herself after her trek. It is a conclusion that I would expect, and an example of why this book disappointed me so much: the author provides little personal insight or tangible examples of how/why she grew while on her trek. I was hoping to read something beyond the obvious, and this book just did not deliver.
Over the winter, Niewenhuis jogged and trained to build her stamina, and she studied maps and satellite images of the lake to plan segments of the Lake Trek, which she wanted to walk over four seasons. Niewenhuis began and ended her walk on Chicago's Navy Pier. She took a few breaks for family obligations/visits, and she suffered a gall bladder attack, but she was undeterred -- in September 2009 she completed her 1019 mile Lake Trek around Lake Michigan.
Her book has 10 Segments (i.e. chapters) that list dates, itinerary, and mileage trekked. This organization makes it easy for the reader to identify parts of the lake which interest him or her, and to pick-and-chose specific parts to read about. I confess, this is exactly what I did.
The idea of walking around the lake is a very interesting one; and after reading parts of this book I realize how naive I was about the amount of planning, packing and stamina this trip required. But to be frank, Niewenhuis's story is more blog-worthy than book-worthy. Her story has hints of history and ecology but not enough. I felt like I was getting the author's opinions and personal knowledge more often than objective information about the lake. I also tired of her play-by-play of the walk. She has some interesting bits in her story, but after a while its all about the same blisters, weather and where-to-sleep-for-the-night.
The epilogue is short and sweet -- the author sharing that she feels younger, stronger and more sure of her herself after her trek. It is a conclusion that I would expect, and an example of why this book disappointed me so much: the author provides little personal insight or tangible examples of how/why she grew while on her trek. I was hoping to read something beyond the obvious, and this book just did not deliver.
July 9, 2015
I liked the book quite a lot as a travel narrative, and the author does a good job narrating her own work. My issue was that I found her a bit of a downer regarding the ecological problems of the lake, which are well known, and being addressed; still, I'd definitely recommend the book to those who feel the topic might be of interest.
July 30, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I felt as though I were on the journey with Loreen! I reveled in he Michigan portion of the walk, having been to almost all of the places she talked about, and being able to visualize them as I was reading! I also learned some new things about some of these places. I can't wait to hear Loreen speak at our library tomorrow night! What an adventure!
April 27, 2011
I was curious about this book because of the idea of taking on a challenge of walking all the way around Lake Michigan, which I live close to, and because I wanted to see what new things I could learn about the lake and about the process of the journey as a whole. "A 1000 Mile Walk..." was an enjoyable book and I did learn so much more about the lake, especially in regards to the environmental impacts that we have had on it. I also liked the casual style in which the author wrote; it made me feel like she was having a conversation with me about her trek over lunch. And while at times I did feel that the writing was a bit too matter of fact, there were other moments where the author's descriptions helped me fully visualize the scene at hand.
While I definitely did enjoy this book I do have two main complaints with it. My first issue with "A 1000 Mile Walk..." is the fact that there weren't really any maps, drawings, or photos immersed within the chapters to help me visualize the route, barriers, cool encounters, and unusual happenings along the way. Every chapter I could hear myself saying, "Oh, I wish there was a map for each segment." In addition, when my reading of "A 1000 Mile Walk..." was finished I was disappointed that the author didn't focus more on her emotional or spiritual journey as much as I had expected or wanted her too. At the beginning of the book I was really excited to see how this trek around Lake Michigan would either change her or confirm who she was. I really expected this book to be more reflective and expounding on what had really brought Mrs. Niewenhuis to the point of wanting to pursue this dream and how the actual walking reconfirmed to her who she was. I wanted to see what would give this woman the courage to walk virtually 1000 miles alone. And although the author does give brief glimpses to that along the way and sums it all up at the end, I did feel that area of the book was primarily left unsaid.
Overall, "A 1000 Mile Walk..." was a book I really liked. The author sparked in me an interest to even seek out a few places she mentioned along the way. I especially appreciated her focus on the connection of each of us to our surroundings and I could definitely sense her love for nature and Lake Michigan in particular. I just wish she would have spent more time connecting me to her spiritual/emotional journey as well as her physical journey.
In the end, I can definitely recommend this book. It was a book that I won as a giveaway and I am happy I did. The author, Loreen Niewenhuis, was especially generous and gracious to personalize and autograph my book and even sent an additional gift along with it. That personal touch was so appreciated, thank you!
While I definitely did enjoy this book I do have two main complaints with it. My first issue with "A 1000 Mile Walk..." is the fact that there weren't really any maps, drawings, or photos immersed within the chapters to help me visualize the route, barriers, cool encounters, and unusual happenings along the way. Every chapter I could hear myself saying, "Oh, I wish there was a map for each segment." In addition, when my reading of "A 1000 Mile Walk..." was finished I was disappointed that the author didn't focus more on her emotional or spiritual journey as much as I had expected or wanted her too. At the beginning of the book I was really excited to see how this trek around Lake Michigan would either change her or confirm who she was. I really expected this book to be more reflective and expounding on what had really brought Mrs. Niewenhuis to the point of wanting to pursue this dream and how the actual walking reconfirmed to her who she was. I wanted to see what would give this woman the courage to walk virtually 1000 miles alone. And although the author does give brief glimpses to that along the way and sums it all up at the end, I did feel that area of the book was primarily left unsaid.
Overall, "A 1000 Mile Walk..." was a book I really liked. The author sparked in me an interest to even seek out a few places she mentioned along the way. I especially appreciated her focus on the connection of each of us to our surroundings and I could definitely sense her love for nature and Lake Michigan in particular. I just wish she would have spent more time connecting me to her spiritual/emotional journey as well as her physical journey.
In the end, I can definitely recommend this book. It was a book that I won as a giveaway and I am happy I did. The author, Loreen Niewenhuis, was especially generous and gracious to personalize and autograph my book and even sent an additional gift along with it. That personal touch was so appreciated, thank you!
January 18, 2013
Awesome adventure! Felt like I was walking with Loreen: could smell the Lake (and the other smells along the way), could feel the fog and rain and wind! A great book and how I wished it wouldn't have eneded. Can;t wait to read A 1,000-Mile Great Lakes Walk.
April 14, 2024
For some reason, I found this book irritating so I just stopped reading it.
February 18, 2011
If you have ever spent a day on the beach at any of the Great Lakes, you know the appeal that these great bodies of water have on your soul. They are beautiful, ever changing, expansive and filled with mystery.
In 2009 Loreen Niewenhuis pursued her life long love of Lake Michigan by walking around the perimeter of this Great Lake. Following the lake's edge wherever possible, her journey spanned from March through September. She found herself tested physically and mentally by trekking 1,019 miles to discover all she could of this lake. In her book, “A 1,000 Mile Walk on the Beach”she details her own transformation as well as the history, geology, beauty and evolution of Lake Michigan. Along the way she talks with scientists, historians, teachers and people concerned with their impact on the lake.
We walk with her through the southern industrial lake edge and into the commercial east border filled with towns and beaches that swell with summer tourists into the northern perimeter that teems with wildlife, conservation areas,parks, and wilderness. On the western edge, through Wisconsin into Illinois, there are farms, industry, wetlands and lake towns. She is accompanied at times by family members, friends, strangers and a few dogs. Her discoveries and daily exploits, both humorous and harrowing, all add to the enjoyment of her tale.
This book is written with passion, humor and great insight into what this magnificent lake has offered people through the ages and what we as a society have done to this jewel of the Midwest. It isn't always a pleasant picture. Man's tampering with the ecological balance of the lake, pollution, and not enough forethought for the over all health of the lake should give us pause. Ms. Niewenhuis calls us all to become stewards of our Great Lakes and their future. “Life should be an adventure” is this book's motto and your adventure starts with “A 1,000 Mile Walk on the Beach.” If you love Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes, the adventure begins on the first page.
In 2009 Loreen Niewenhuis pursued her life long love of Lake Michigan by walking around the perimeter of this Great Lake. Following the lake's edge wherever possible, her journey spanned from March through September. She found herself tested physically and mentally by trekking 1,019 miles to discover all she could of this lake. In her book, “A 1,000 Mile Walk on the Beach”she details her own transformation as well as the history, geology, beauty and evolution of Lake Michigan. Along the way she talks with scientists, historians, teachers and people concerned with their impact on the lake.
We walk with her through the southern industrial lake edge and into the commercial east border filled with towns and beaches that swell with summer tourists into the northern perimeter that teems with wildlife, conservation areas,parks, and wilderness. On the western edge, through Wisconsin into Illinois, there are farms, industry, wetlands and lake towns. She is accompanied at times by family members, friends, strangers and a few dogs. Her discoveries and daily exploits, both humorous and harrowing, all add to the enjoyment of her tale.
This book is written with passion, humor and great insight into what this magnificent lake has offered people through the ages and what we as a society have done to this jewel of the Midwest. It isn't always a pleasant picture. Man's tampering with the ecological balance of the lake, pollution, and not enough forethought for the over all health of the lake should give us pause. Ms. Niewenhuis calls us all to become stewards of our Great Lakes and their future. “Life should be an adventure” is this book's motto and your adventure starts with “A 1,000 Mile Walk on the Beach.” If you love Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes, the adventure begins on the first page.
February 5, 2017
As someone who walks often and lives in Michigan, this seemed like the perfect book to pick up. Loreen Niewenhuis makes it her goal to walk around lake Michigan starting and ending in Chicago. It is a major accomplishment to walk 1000 miles and to also put her thoughts in words to create this book.
Her journey led her through industrial areas, beaches, and even cliffs. She mostly walked alone but also had days when her family or friends joined her. As she started her journey, I could visualize the terrain she wrote about because I was familiar with it. I enjoyed reading about the sand dunes and the animals and even the difficulty of parts of the walk.
I didn't rate this book higher because I thought she didn't spend as much effort describing the Wisconsin side of the Great Lake Michigan. I also didn't like that she left the walk and returned later to continue especially when she went back to walk over the Mackinac Bridge. It felt disjointed and interfered with the flow of the walk.
Still, I'd recommend it as an easy read to anyone who appreciate the Great Lakes. The journey left her content and confident but left the reader thinking about their experiences on that same lake. It also may have planted a thought that she stated near the end "live your life as an adventure".
Her journey led her through industrial areas, beaches, and even cliffs. She mostly walked alone but also had days when her family or friends joined her. As she started her journey, I could visualize the terrain she wrote about because I was familiar with it. I enjoyed reading about the sand dunes and the animals and even the difficulty of parts of the walk.
I didn't rate this book higher because I thought she didn't spend as much effort describing the Wisconsin side of the Great Lake Michigan. I also didn't like that she left the walk and returned later to continue especially when she went back to walk over the Mackinac Bridge. It felt disjointed and interfered with the flow of the walk.
Still, I'd recommend it as an easy read to anyone who appreciate the Great Lakes. The journey left her content and confident but left the reader thinking about their experiences on that same lake. It also may have planted a thought that she stated near the end "live your life as an adventure".
August 20, 2015
I picked up this book, in Northern Michigan on the Leelanau Peninsula. I loved the concept. I wonder what other big project I might tackle. But at each stop of the lake I love too I wanted more. When she walked through Michigan City did she romp on the dunes? Did she look for blueberries in South Haven, art in Saugatuck? Did she find Oval Beach? How about the A&W Stand at Grand Haven State Park? What about the singing fountain? Jolli Lodge? Happy Hour? All up the coast of Michigan I felt like I was with her each step of the way and that I was there with her. She clearly knows the lake. This is my lake too. Both sides! I have favorite places not mentioned and she has given me new places to explore. She alludes to pictures but alas there seems to be none.
It was a great summer diversion and a quick read.
It was a great summer diversion and a quick read.
July 5, 2011
I'm glad I started this book on the 4th of July, and I finished it on the 4th of July. Independence indeed! I enjoyed Niewenhuis' solitary walk so much. The months of preparation are left where those months belong: behind. We walk, jog, splash, climb, freeze and sweat along with this extraordinary woman on her Lake Trek. It was terrific to have the map of segments on the back to keep track of where she was, and to commit to memory the spots I want to visit. This is a calm book for such a heroic undertaking, the writing is comfortable like a favorite tshirt. A You Are Here adventure; when Loreen felt spooked by a large carnivore's odor, I looked over my shoulder. Lake Michigan. Alone. Inspirational is too mild-mannered a word.
May 7, 2011
I loved this book. Sometimes when a person writes about their own adventure the writing is stilted or dull. Not Loreen! She's a writer at the core who just happened to decide to walk around Lake Michigan. All of it. Yes she did it in segments, but she hiked long miles day after day and when you read the book you get to come along with her - minus your own blisters. I didn't want it to end. She made me laugh out loud with her bear stories, and cry with her at the end. If you have an adventurous bone in your body and have ever wanted to do something big...but just can't quite get to it...well read this as the second best thing to doing it yourself.
February 13, 2011
Thank You Goodreads, I won this book from first reads. I love to read about lakes. I found this book to be fascinating, captivating and makes me want to go for a long walk too. What a great idea to walk all along Lake Michigan! The author put in so many details that my feet hurt just reading all she went through. Also loved the fact that she loves The Lake, so she didn't care about all the pain etc. Just being near the lake and all the many people she met along the way, made her happy. Great book, I felt like I was walking along with her!
February 17, 2011
I see Loreen Niewenhuis as an eco-feminist --- she's a strong role model for women of all ages to get out there and challenge ourselves, dare ourselves to live our dreams, whatever they may be. And she knows everything about Lake Michigan. It's evident in all the facts she shares about its history and environment, as she writes about her experiences along those 1,000 miles. This is the real thing, because she cares about the lake. You don't have to live in Michigan to appreciate this book!
March 21, 2014
The book's strong point lies in highlighting the lake's ecological problems (but without really going into depth about their scope or remediation.) For a travel book, however, it seemed rather bloodless. She talked about her love of Lake Michigan, but didn't inspire others to agree. As I read the section covering my former haunts it was hard to believe we were thinking of the same place. Not that it was inaccurate, just more like miles clicking by.
May 23, 2013
It was interesting to read about the authors journey and some history of Lake Michigan. I could picture some of the places she walked along as I've lived in the Milwaukee & Chicago areas my entire live and have spent much time along the shores of Lake Michigan. Thanks for the inspiration!
August 21, 2024
An inspiration trek...1000 miles about Lake Michigan
October 22, 2021
I heard Loreen Niewenhuis speak at a Zoom library program about her trek and took the book out from the library. I'm normally an audiobook person, but the book was not available at the library in that format. Since we regularly make the trip from the Chicago area to Grand Rapids, MI to visit our daughter who goes to school there, the first part of the book was more interesting to me because she was talking about places I was more familiar with. Since the book became overdue, I started skimming it for the last part. I do admire her stamina for setting a goal and carrying it out, but for me, this is one of those instances where I'm glad she enjoyed it, but I would much rather spend one day strolling around one of the picturesque Western Michigan lakeshore towns, then hiking for days and days. The book does incorporate some local history about the towns she passes through as well as much information about the environmental impact the industrial towns along the lake has had on Lake Michigan.
June 7, 2024
This book is an adventure story about one womans walk around the circumference of Lake Michigan mostly walking at the water's edge. The book has some grammatical errors, but I did not find them difficult to ignore. The writing is the narrative of an adventurer, not necessarily a writer, so the book may be dull in places. The book touches on many subjects currently discussed today regarding the environment of the lake and the push pull of industry and development along the lakes edge. The reader will also experience information about the history and geology of the lake. If these topics interest you, I think you would enjoy this book. The author is not only impressive; she is also heroic for making this walk and expressing her thoughts on the trek.
Borrowed from the Berkley Michigan Public Library.
Borrowed from the Berkley Michigan Public Library.
August 6, 2017
I love beach walking so this book was intriguing. After realizing the trip was split over many days and luxury hotel stays, it started to lose its appeal. At the beginning she meets with a reporter and jokes he will caption the story bored rich housewife walks the beach.. sort of true by the time I've finished reading. I admire her determination and accomplishment, but truly the Native American water walker stories are more intriguing.
November 14, 2020
Although her lake trek quest, intriguing as it was I found her writing jumbled starting stopping and unclear route reflected well. Naubinway spelled incorrectly (pg 120 & 122)and a a weird reference to coming down off an ecstasy high (pg 171) a very strange adjective as well as washing her hiking clothes in a jacuzzi tub. Her apparent delight at having tracked sand into a ranger station e(179) less than entertaining book. Boo hiss.
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November 23, 2020The author walked around Lake Michigan. She did it in segments, starting in Chicago and walking south. She took breaks, sometimes as long as 30 days, in between segments where she went back home to Battle Creek. I wish the book had photos.
She stayed in bed and breakfasts, hotels, peoples homes and for a few nights, camped.
I liked the history of each area she gave. She also described pollution into the lake and ecology of the area.
She stayed in bed and breakfasts, hotels, peoples homes and for a few nights, camped.
I liked the history of each area she gave. She also described pollution into the lake and ecology of the area.
March 12, 2022
I picked up this book because I am l am planning an Upper Peninsula trip. The descriptions of those portions of her walk are informative and contains the kind of detail I don't see in travel guides, so I appreciated the information.
Taking a look at the early days of her walk through Indiana, I was surprised not to read about Indiana Dunes, a fascinating place that I have enjoyed.
Taking a look at the early days of her walk through Indiana, I was surprised not to read about Indiana Dunes, a fascinating place that I have enjoyed.
January 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! It was a real adventure. All the places were familiar yet I learned so much more about them. The history, geography and science of the places surrounding the lake and the lake itself were so interesting. Finally, her life’s adventure to get to know the lake and rediscover her true self were inspiring.
September 14, 2024
An important account of the condition of Lake Michigan. I'm glad the author included information on invasive species and pollution as well as anecdotes of her travels with family and friends. An impressive endeavor.
July 4, 2017
This was good to follow along with a map. I enjoyed to adventure.
May 6, 2020
At its heart, this is a love story about a woman's relationship with Lake Michigan.
September 8, 2021
Interesting read! I love Lake Michigan and enjoyed this.
July 1, 2022
Enjoyed this memoir while vacationing in Michigan. Gained a greater appreciation for the lake.
July 2, 2022
Read this book as we spent the month exploring Michigan and the Great Lakes. Interesting narrative of the author's journey, interspersed with lots of history, facts, and trivia.
July 16, 2023
I found it boring. I do not recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews