Okay, let's talk about something important. Something near and dear to my heart (and possibly my eyesight). Can you see across the Great Lakes? I have a controversial opinion.
I say, yes! Mostly. Sometimes. Under the right conditions. Don't @ me.
The "Official" Answer
The official answer, of course, is usually a resounding NO. Science gets in the way. Curves of the earth, blah, blah, blah.
They talk about the curvature of the earth! They say it hides faraway things. Like, who decided to measure the earth that way anyway?
And atmospheric conditions! They say the air bends the light. Making seeing things super far away tricky. But I think they are wrong, even if there is some truth in what they say.
My "Unofficial" Observations
I've stood on the shores of Lake Michigan. I’ve squinted real hard. And you know what? I swear I've seen something.
A hazy, distant smudge. A suggestion of land. A yearning in my heart. But something!
Maybe it's just wishful thinking. Maybe it's a really, really tall building. Maybe it's just fog. But I call it hope, in shape of a faraway place.
The Case for Optimism (and Good Eyesight)
Here's my argument. Humans are adaptable. We invented telescopes! We conquered space! Seeing across a big lake? Pfft, child's play.
Plus, the air isn't always terrible. Sometimes the sky is clear. Sometimes the light is just right.
Sometimes, just sometimes, the Great Lakes feel… smaller than they are.
Consider also that we all have different eyes. Maybe my eyes have special lake-seeing abilities. Maybe yours do too!
The Role of Imagination (and Maybe Mirages)
Okay, fine. Maybe I'm relying on a little bit of imagination. And maybe a mirage or two helped me out.
But isn't that part of the fun? Staring out at the horizon. Wondering what's on the other side.
Isn't that the whole point of even looking? Besides, mirages are real images, so doesn’t that count?
The "Science" (Kind Of)
I did a little "research." By which I mean I Googled things.
Apparently, there's something called *superior mirage*. That's when the air bends the light downwards. Making things appear higher than they are.
So maybe I'm not seeing the actual land. Maybe I'm seeing a distorted, magnified version of it. But hey, close enough!
And there is something called looming when objects beyond the horizon become visible, sounds very convincing to me!
Factors That Might Help (Or Hurt) Your Chances
Want to try your luck? Here are some tips for seeing across the Great Lakes.
Pick a clear day. As clear as you can find on a lake, anyway. Check the weather report or your favorite weather app!.
Go early in the morning. Or late in the afternoon. When the sun is at a low angle. The light may be more helpful at this time.
Find a high vantage point. A bluff. A tall building. Anything to give you a little extra height. Get a great view for the great lakes.
Bring binoculars. Or a telescope! Anything to enhance your vision.
Most importantly, believe. Believe that you can see it. That the land is out there. That anything is possible.
Which Lake Gives the Best Chance?
I think the best chance might be on Lake Ontario. It’s the smallest of the five, so it's probably easier to see across.
Plus, Canada is on the other side! And Canada is cool. Canada deserves to be seen.
Although, Lake Erie is also a contender, especially from its southern shore.
The "Unpopular Opinion" Recap
So, to recap my unpopular opinion: Yes, you can see across the Great Lakes.
Maybe not all the time. Maybe not perfectly. Maybe with a healthy dose of imagination.
But the possibility is there. And that's what matters. So go out there and start looking! You might see something amazing.
Even if you just see fog. Remember, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
The "Challenge"
I challenge you. Go to a Great Lake. Stare at the horizon. Tell me what you see. Seriously, tell me!
Did you see land? Did you see a mirage? Did you just see water? I need to know.
Let's prove the scientists wrong. Let's embrace our inner optimists. Let's see across those lakes!
A Few Disclaimers (Because Lawyers)
Okay, a few disclaimers. Don't stare directly at the sun. You'll hurt your eyes.
Don't trespass on private property to get a better view. That's illegal.
And don't blame me if you don't see anything. I'm just a guy with an opinion. Always remember that.
I am not responsible for any existential crises you may experience while contemplating the vastness of the Great Lakes.
Final Thoughts
The Great Lakes are amazing. They're vast. They're beautiful. They're mysterious. What are they hiding?
They remind us how small we are. But also how powerful our imaginations can be.
So keep looking. Keep wondering. Keep believing. And maybe, just maybe, you'll see something extraordinary across the Great Lakes.
And if not, you'll at least have a nice view. And a good story to tell. Good luck!
