Mystery Hunting: The Singing Sands of Bete Grise 🎼
WHAT ARE WE DISCOVERING THIS MONTH?
Thank you!
Do you hear a voice among the sands?
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Enough chit-chat, let’s get to the mystery of the month.
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THE SINGING SANDS OF BETE GRISE
Along the waters of Lake Superior is the Keweenaw Peninsula and a mysterious phenomenon that have mesmerized people. All one must do when on the sands of Bete Grise is to press your palms down hard on the sand and rub, and then…
THE SANDS WILL SING
Legend says the singing is that of a Native American maid who lost her lover to the waters of the Great Lakes. She calls to him from the shore in an attempt to reconnect with him.
The sand can also be made to bark when struck. But remove the sand from Bete Grise and the music can’t be recreated. The song has fallen silent.
No other beaches in Michigan is able to sing the way Bete Grise’s sands do.
MORE THAN ONE MYSTERY IN THE SANDS
Along with strange, singing sands, there is another mystery lurking among the sands. The original name of the area was Baie De Gres, which means Bay of Sandstone, but it was changed to Bete Grise (pronounced “bay-duh gree”) and that translates to Grey Beast. I found two legends that claimed to explain the moniker.
One legend says this name was given to the area by Native Americans because of a monstrous beast they sighted roaming it many years ago. But I didn’t find any recent stories of people actually seeing this monster in my research.
Another legend says the name comes from the fact Native Americans used to burn off the blueberry bogs after the harvest. The smoke would roll across the bay and look like a giant, grey beast.
A BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY
Whether you are in search of a massive, grey beast or miles of white sands. You may be listening for the sad song of a lost love or the gentle lapping of the water. Whatever you are seeking, Bete Grise promises that you won’t be disappointed.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SINGING SANDS OF BETE GRITE?
Have you ever heard sands sing? What do you think of the monster legends? Which one do you think is the reason for Bete Grise’s name?
My next email will drop into your inbox on January 28th. Keep your eyes peeled because you’ll find out what Selenophila finally means in my newest flash fiction story.
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Thank you for reading.
Until next time, stay spooked!
I've been on several sand dunes in the West that "sing"--when the conditions are exactly right sliding sand sets up an amazing harmonic resonance. It's beyond cool :)
Um.. I want to try making the sands sing! Also, the image of smoke rolling off of blueberry bogs sounds really beautiful for some reason.