J and K Adventures: Bayfield, part two

Kathy here: Sunday at the Bayfield cottage dawned warm and bright with blue skies and a nice breeze. After a quick breakfast we decided it was work time and everyone set to a task. I weeded flowerbeds while Jeff fixed the roof on the bunkie and washed windows and screens. Dennis mowed and Laurie worked inside. When we were done and were nice and hot, I went for a swim and Dennis fixed us a delicious brunch with omelettes, bacon, toast and grapefruit. A wonderful reward for the work we did! After a break, we packed up and all went down to the beach. Jeff loves the kayak and took a ride. I had yet another swim and Dennis, Laurie and the dogs enjoyed the sun and breeze.

A new member of the family--Froggy found the little pond

The windows Jeff washed

The flowerbeds I weeded

On the beach

Jeff the kayaker

Part of the 55 steps to the beach from the cottage

We went to downtown Bayfield for dinner at The Docks, a restaurant, you guessed it, right by the Marina. We met Den and Laurie's neighbors, Scott and Margo and had a great meal, interesting conversation and lots of laughs. The perfect conclusion was ice cream and a tour of the town. Such a quaint and lovely little village. Home again and we enjoyed the sunset and as the evening progressed, another episode of Doc Martin.

Sunset, Day two

Enjoying the deck in the evening

Now those of you who know me well, also know of my love for water and swimming. Duh! I was determined to have a midnight, moonlight swim. Sure, the water is cold, but as we say in Oregon "three times around the boat" and you are warm. My companions thought I was nuts and declined to join me, so at about 11:30, I ventured down the stairs, flashlight in hand to the beach. It was silent except for the lapping of the waves against the sand. There was a brisk warm wind and little clouds scutting across the moon, which was bright enough to light my way into the water. Doffing my shirt, I walked into the waves like Eve in the garden. Aaaaah! What a relief to be cold and wet and naked in the water. There wasn't another soul for miles around, it seemed, and the whole of Lake Huron was mine to enjoy. I paddled and floated for a long time, until I started to get cold and turned toward the beach. The waves were big enough to push me toward the shore, and I let them. Finally, I stood up in the knee high water. With the moon shining on my wet skin and the warm wind drying me, I felt totally alive and "in the moment". No pictures recorded it, but believe me, it was a totally amazing experience.

The next day, we had breakfast, clean up chores and were out the door at a little after 11 for the long drive back to Rochester Hills. We stopped for great pizza but otherwise kept to the road. Soon we were at the border and the good ole' US of A.

Headed over the border.

Jeff here: The border guard seemed very serious about his job until he heard we lived in Oregon. He immediately asked how I thought we would do now that Chip is gone to Philly. Well, the exchange turned from straight edged to casual with smiles and a few laughs, (He was a closet Duck fan).

Long drive with temp around 90 with 100% humidity - oh yeah, we are back in the midwest! We got to Den & Laurie's and I took a much needed power nap - the sun had been brutal on my eyes. Den and I then picked up my Grand nieces Maia and Rylee at Day care. Maia is 5 years old and Rylee is 20 months. I had been told that Rylee might be stand offish but it was a truly wonderful visit. Rylee warmed up to Kat and I right away and Maia kept amazing me with her intelligence, love, caring and compassion. Yeah, you may say I am a bit biased but these two kids made our day - it was better then a hot fudge sundae, for breakfast.

We dropped the kids off at home and I got to see my niece Megan - again, how lucky can one Uncle be to have two absolutely wonderful nieces. Doc Martin and a few overdue phone calls polished off a long but wonderful day.