I continue to revel in what I’ve decided to call Local Summer: that golden time, right after the company goes home, when we kick off our shoes and relax. On Tuesday I visited the tiny park at the north end of Torch Lake. Its official name is most likely the DNR Eastport Torch Lake Access, but that doesn’t begin to describe it.
There is a sandy beach (a rarity on Torch Lake) where residents have sunbathed and swum for a hundred years. There is a long, long view down the lake. There are wildflowers and plenty of trees.
There is a boat launch. Boat launches on Torch Lake are almost as rare as sandy beaches. This one is about to have some maintenance. Gravel and concrete panels are piled at the edge of the parking area. Sue Rose, the DNR manager who oversees the Eastport site, says the plan is to replace the ramp this fall, probably this month. That’s good to know, because this is a popular place for putting in a boat.
As I stood there basking in the sun and the view, Ray and Lisa Speck pulled in, hauling a cheery red and white boat and a good attitude. They were headed out for a day of “lollygagging on the lake,” said Lisa, and they graciously allowed me to take pictures.
Torch Lake Views 
p.j. grath
September 16, 2009
It drives me nuts when I type out a comment and then it disappears! Okay, here goes again. Restaurant servers, grocery baggers, cash register operators, and all the rest of the people who worked all summer are very happy to have some time now on uncrowded beaches. Then there are the working couples out vacationing on their sailboats, at last. Or camping. Or just grabbing an afternoon out on the water. Yes, this is certainly a golden time and has been particularly so this year.
Gerry
September 17, 2009
Drives me nuts, too. Especially when it happens on my own blog.
flandrumhill
September 16, 2009
It still looks like summer at your end. Here it’s become suddenly cool and very fallish.
Gerry
September 16, 2009
It cooled down a little here today, but not enough to persuade me it’s fallish. This is still a golden time, and I say it’s still summer. Tomorrow I’m going for another boat ride on Torch Lake.
Katherine
September 16, 2009
One comment: They spelled Eastport as two words on the sign and Torch Lake as one.
Gerry
September 17, 2009
Mysterious are the ways of DNR sign makers. I’ve decided to consider it part of the rustic charm.
torchlakedays
September 17, 2009
*sigh*
Gerry
September 17, 2009
See, you could still have some summer on Torch Lake.
Ramona
October 3, 2009
hi, Your photos are nice… this area looks beautiful. Would the Torch Lake area be a good location to have a family reunion? We are looking for a large rental home on the lake that could accommodate 14 adults and many children, for sometime next summer, with a beach area on the lake. does anyone know of a place that would be available?
Gerry
October 3, 2009
Hi, Ramona. I don’t know of any rentals at this end of the lake that would accommodate that many people (not knowing exactly what “many” children means) in one house. Over on the right you’ll find links under “In Business In Torch Lake Township.” You might check out Sunrise Acres, Becky’s Beach, Torch Lake Landing, Torch Bay Inn and the Torch Lake B&B links. Some combination of those might suit your party.