Corrosion is a big problem at the shoreline, so tons of large rocks were recently dumped on the beach and in the water, making swimming for children pretty difficult. In the photo below you can see the rocks and how difficult it would be to walk in the water. The beach is also covered with the rocks, so wear very sturdy sneakers.
Lake Erie is ten thousand square miles and seems to go on forever like an ocean. I've been there on off-season with the winds whipping up and the waves can get very high. I love it!
Freeport Beach is wonderful because it is very small and what I would call rustic. On a beautiful day in August, there were few people there, making it a peaceful and quiet place to visit. There's a park-like area right there with a playground and picnic benches, as well as a rest room.
Next to the beach are a few beautiful Victorian homes lining the waterway off the lake that dries and swells with the seasons and the weather. Oh how I'd love to live there!
This little blue home with its gingerbread and flower boxes is so charming.
Some of the homes are vacation rentals while others are year-round living for the homeowners.
I loved seeing the wildlife enjoying the sunny day.
These birds are pretty tame and not interested in this visitor doing a photo op! I love how they sleep with their head tucked behind them - and on one leg! They are enjoying the sunny day, too!
We pass the campus on the way to the beach.We had a delicious lunch at "The Cork". The flower photos are outside The Cork outdoor dining area, and of course you know they had to be snapped by me. Ferns, begonias and New Guinea Impatiens. Gorgeous! Actually flowers and beautiful landscaping are all over this sleepy little college town.
If you are reasonably near Freeport Beach in North East PA, check it out. Lake Erie is lovely and it's simple rustic beauty in the midst of vineyard country is worth the trip.
Happy gardening, my friends!
~Ann
I grew up in Buffalo and my sister and her family live in Erie, so I know the area well. But I don't think I've ever been to this particular beach. Looks like a great day.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! Oh, so you talk like me! People always ask where I'm from. Freeport Beach is about 15 miles south of Erie. Just get off North East exit and turn left toward the lake and you'll run into it. Pass through the town and pass Mercyhurst. It's not fancy - just the way I love it!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely. How do you get there? Did you drive or take a coach? Are the homes on the shoreline not at risk? They seem so close to the water edge? The destination looks so tranquil and calm. I love calm!! Thanks for posting. Nina
ReplyDeleteHi Nina! You get to Lake Erie's Freeport Beach by taking the North East exit off of 79 - or I90, I think if you're coming from the North. North East is the name of the town. Then turn toward the lake off the exit (again depending on your direction) and pass through the town of North East and go straight down to the lake. Maybe 2-3 miles. I have to believe those homes are at risk for flooding being right next to the lake. They are behind a little stream thingy that veers off in front of the houses. Maybe that protects them. It's fairly deep - there always seems to be guys fishing there when I go!
DeleteThanks for your comment, Nina!
Ann, thanks so much for your wonderful blog. I've only seen the east coast in movies and your blog. And your blog is a true treat! The photos are great, it's like walking along side of you and taking in the view! Your friend, Cheri
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cheri! I'm so pleased you read it! I love writing it and need to get to gettin' with it. I love this spot because there's few people around and it feels like you're on the ocean, the lake is so big.
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