Nope - that wasn't a sneeze. Kitch-iti-kipi is the name of Michigan's largest fresh water spring. The name is of Chippewa origins and has multiple translations - The Big Springs, Bubbling Springs, The Blue Sky I See and my personal favorite, The Mirror of Heaven.
Kitch-iti-kipi is near Manistique and about five miles from where my immediate and extended family vacation every summer in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Kitch-iti-kipi is one of the most peaceful places I've ever been. It's a protected environment and my to one of my brother's dismay, there's no fishing allowed there. I think it kills him a little bit every time we see the ginormous lake, brook and brown trout swimming through the springs water. Did I mention that the water is so clear that you can see straight down to the bottom? 40 feet down at its deepest.
It's an absolutely breathtaking spot, and every time I'm there I'm inspired to write. I've actually got a historical piece I've been batting around, and whenever, I'm here, I get a little more of the story. One of these days I'll have it all. But in the meanwhile, I'd like to share the beauty of Kitch-iti-kipi with you all. And who knows, maybe I'll be able to share that story some day, too.
Don't forget to check out the Blog Hop, and join in, too!
Here's the code for the Linky to put on your own post.
<!-- start LinkyTools script -->
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=191373" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end LinkyTools script -->
Gorgeous! I want to go there!
ReplyDeleteIt's so peaceful!
DeleteI too love creepy submerged trees.
ReplyDeleteAren't they spectacular?!
DeleteStunning! Take me away...
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired by places like this, too. There's just something about being someplace beautiful and quiet. It stills my mind enough to shake loose ideas I never realized I had! Great post!
Thanks, Laura! I'll definitely be going back this summer to see what else shakes loose!
DeleteLovely place, lovely post. As you know, water and I are pretty simpatico :) I'm also very fond of place names and their origins. There are many Native American place names in Maine, in fact Kennebunk (I live in Kennebunkport) means long bank in MicMac, and refers to the long sandy bank where the Mousam River meets the sea.
ReplyDeleteYou'd love this place. :)
DeleteGorgeous! I'd just like to float in it.
ReplyDeleteSadly, people aren't allowed in the water. :(
DeleteBeautiful! And the name's super catchy :)
ReplyDeleteMy niece sings little songs about it. :)
DeleteSo beautiful. Reminds me of when I went sky diving over the Great Barrier Reef :-)
ReplyDeleteThere's something about that shade of blue. :)
DeleteLove the colour of the water! I am longing to be able to get away somewhere peaceful and quiet - it always fuels my desire to write too!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get inspired again. :)
DeleteHow did I not know about this place?! I'm also from Michigan but we usually only make it up to Hartwick Pines/Grayling area for camping. I can't believe the water in that lake!! It would TOTALLY be inspiring as you say it is.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jenna! You've got to get up there. It's about 2.5 - 3 hours from Grayling. :)
DeleteThat's just the coolest thing ever. The water, oh how I love it. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing! :)
DeleteBeautiful! In the words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there!" : )
ReplyDeleteLOL! Gotta love Liz!
DeleteAmazing. Reminds me so much of Algonquin Park in central Ontario. It's a beautiful (and famous) stretch of parkland that I go camping in every summer. I always feel inspired after spending a week there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing :)
I think I'd love Algonquin Park! :)
DeleteWow, the colour of that water is incredible - looks like it's been lifted from the Indian Ocean with the added bonus of all those beautiful trees surrounding it. I'm not surprised you're inspired to write when you're there. :)
ReplyDeleteThe water is amazing. I just love it. :)
ReplyDelete