I LOVE the mountains!! I live on Lake Huron, about an hour north of Detroit. We should swap vacations some time, me to the mountains and you to the sandy beach!! LOL The water has been relatively warm the last couple of years, if you can believe it they have been swimming in it for a couple of weeks. I go to my knees, but will venture all out on the 4th. My DGS 15th birthday party is on the beach. He was born on the fourth of July! I have rented some Kayaks for him and his friends, I sure hope they follow the rules so I don't have to take them back! LOL We can stand on the beach and watch several fireworks displays, it really is pretty awesome.