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Rapidly Melting Ice Transforms Lake Michigan Into a Pool of Ice Shards

March 23, 2019
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4 min read
Polar Vortex Brings Extreme Cold Temperatures To Chicago
Rapidly Melting Ice Transforms Lake Michigan Into a Pool of Ice Shards
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Lake Michigan has never looked so sharp.

Although spring has officially sprung, it's been an undeniably frigid winter in the northern US. And in the aftermath of a record-breaking polar vortex (which also inspired its own array of unique photo opportunities), Lake Michigan is still showing the effects. Hence why, due to some rapid shifts in temperature, the water beneath the lake's surface has been pushing against the solid surface to form a jagged shard-like "stacked pattern" along South Haven’s pier in Michigan.

In case the lake's spiky surface isn't a hint enough: you can look at the ice shards in the lake, but the US Coast Guard strongly advises that you don't touch them. The ice formations, while stunning, are also dangerous. "No ice is safe ice especially this time of year," US Coast Guard BMC Grant Heffner said to Michigan Live. "The ice is certainly deteriorating and breaking up."

If you're trying to get to Lake Michigan to view the natural phenomenon before it all melts away, this is a great opportunity for you to utilize your backlog of points and miles. The nearest major airports to the pier are Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), South Bend International Airport (SBN) as well as Chicago Midway (MDW), and if you don't mind the drive, Chicago O'Hare (ORD).

ORD is a United and American Airlines hub, so if you're loyal to United, you can use, among others, your United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, or Singapore Krisflyer points. For American, you can use your AAdvantage miles and British Airways Avios points. While United and American also fly to SBN, most direct routes to the airport are operated by Allegiant and Delta — which you can book using your SkyMiles, Flying Blue points, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points. As for the rest of the airports (MDW and GRR), there is a pretty even spread of the major four US airlines as well as Frontier.

Keep in mind that MDW is a Southwest hub, so in addition to earning or using your Rapid Rewards points, you get two free checked bags and no change fees. So if by the time you book the ice shards in Lake Michigan have melted — you don't have to worry about the cost of switching or canceling your flight.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.