Ginger Zee, ABC News' chief meteorologist and climate correspondent, is bringing viewers to the shores of Lake Michigan for a special July 4th broadcast. Her journey to Traverse City, Michigan, is not just about celebrating America's 250th birthday but also about showcasing the beauty of her home state. Zee, who grew up in Rockford, just outside of Grand Rapids, has been posting pictures of Lake Michigan to her 1.2 million followers on Instagram, selling the region as 'Napa Valley meets the Bay Area meets Southern California's beaches'.
Her broadcast from Sleeping Bear Dunes will highlight the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the lakeshore gem. The segment will also feature the Track Chair program, which allows visitors with limited mobility to traverse the trails. Zee's passion for Michigan is evident in her words, as she challenges her colleagues to showcase the Americana that she will bring on the 4th of July.
However, Zee's focus on Michigan is not the only interesting aspect of her journey. Her mother, Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, just graduated from medical school at the age of 72, possibly becoming the world's oldest graduating medical student. This achievement is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams. Zee's mother's journey is a source of inspiration for her, as she reflects on the lessons it teaches about breaking free from self-imposed limitations.
In terms of her own July 4th celebrations, Zee has a handful of favorites. She enjoys fireworks, but prefers they be kept traditional and not expanded beyond the parameters of the holiday. Her food of choice is a specialty salad with dried cherries, kale, farro, green olives, and walnuts. And her favorite 4th of July song is 'Born in the USA' by Bruce Springsteen, a song that holds a special place in her heart due to its association with her childhood.
Despite her busy schedule, Zee is also trying to find time to read. She brought a book with her, 'Twice in a Blue Moon' by Christina Lauren, with high hopes of touching it. However, with her shuffling around and visiting with family, she may not have the time to read as much as she would like. Nevertheless, her journey to Traverse City is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing the beauty of one's home state with the world.
