July 12 and 13--Rochester Hills, MI

We woke up on Tuesday the 12 of July and I hardly knew where I was. Days of traveling and sleeping in different places made me a little confused and dizzy. We got in to Rochester Hills, and Dennis and Laurie's home just before dark on Monday night. It was nice to have a home base and get some chores done and relax. Their home is comfortable and full of momento's of their family and travels.

Bouncy Chairs East

The deck in the back is shaded by a tree and includes "bouncy chairs". I started calling them "bouncy chairs East" and was thinking fondly of my chairs on the patio back home.

We had some chores to get done. Jeff and Dennis went to get the oil changed in the truck (manly stuff), see why the other propane tank wasn't working (more manly stuff), and get some groceries (gender neutral stuff). Laurie and I went to Kohls for some shopping. (I had an underwear malfunction.....'nuff said.) I needed to get a prescription filled and we also did some laundry and I had a nice long nap. I really never was much of a napper, but I was really feeling tired, dizzy and achy. I think it was the result of so much moving around.

After getting all our errands done, in the evening we went to Dennis and Laurie's oldest daughter, Megan's house. She is married to Rick and they have a wonderful little girl, Maia and are expecting another baby in the fall.

Maia with "Papa" and Uncle Jeff

One of my favorite pictures

Rick, Maia and Megan

 We went to eat at a Cajun restaurant that had food as good as anything I got when I was in New Orleans.  It was hot and spicy and delicious, especially with a good dark beer.  Among the many things that Laurie and I have in common is our love of good beer. 

Then we went to get ice cream.  They had the most unusual flavors and it was some of the best ice cream ever.  Maia wanted "blue" ice cream.  Rick sat and discussed his work.  He has many talents but the most amazing is what he does for a paycheck.  He builds and refurbishes piano's (piano keys and action) where he is working to one ten thousandth of an inch.  He has literally invented tools, glue and processes to improve the rebuilding of a piano.  He is currently working on cutting and gluing ivory to keys - unusual as it is now done in plastic's.  It was fascinating to listen to the rigors that go into making a piano.  When I build something, I am just happy if two corners just sort of meet.

The 1st and only Microcreamery I have been to

After that it was home to talk, relax and settle down for the evening.

On Wednesday, Laurie and Dennis babysat Maia.  She arrived at about 8:30 and enlivened our morning.  The sounds of Scooby Doo and The Little Mermaid filled the house.  The plan was to go to downtown Detroit to "Greek Town" for lunch.  I have never eaten Greek food, but I sincerely  hope this first time is not the last.....it was amazing food with flavors I never expected.  After lunch we went to a bakery next door and got baklava.....Yummmm!

THE Bakery, yes, dreams can come true!

Laurie and Dennis took Maia to the Detroit Science Center (which has a children's room in the basement) while Jeff and I indulged our gambling jones and hit the casino at Greek Town.  no, our ship did not come in.   Later,  Megan came to pick up Maia and we all had pizza, and salad on the deck.  It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Tomorrow, Jeff and I are leaving Dennis and Laurie's house.  It will be sad to say goodbye.  I feel like I have found new members of my own family.  We are going to Cedar Point amusement park for roller coasters, cotton candy and other delights, and then on to Cleveland to see more of Jeff's family and his old haunts.   The Rock and Roll museum and good deli, Chinese, pizza, Hungarian, Polish, bakeries - yes, we are going to eat our way across the Midwest.  Just think of it that at the end of our trip, there will be more of us to love.

July 11 Bayfield to Rochester Hills

Monday Monday, do we really got to leave,
Monday Monday, Bayfield still calls to me,
on Monday morning, we have to clean up,
put all things back to right,
on Monday morning, I don't want to do this,
this really bites.

Well ,I guess from the above that my sentiments are now known. We didn't need to leave till 2:30 so there was still some time for R & R. K took her swim and gave her thanks to the beach gods. We took a stroll down the lane to one of Dennis' neighbors whose yard is next to indescribable, but I will. A large sprawling yard with a lush vegetable garden tucked in to a sea of flowers and bushes whose colors and textures blend into a sea of green. Shady nooks where lounge chairs, swings and hammocks beckon the weary to join them with cold drink and hot romance novel. A two tiered pond where brightly colored Koi meander amidst the lily pads and assorted frogs bleat out a plaintive call to their loved ones. Whimsical art and a spectacular view of the Lake complete the scene. K and I understand how this space is an act of love.

The four of us act as a well oiled machine cleaning, washing and organizing the cottage to bring it back to a semblance of order. We had a wonderful lunch on the deck and were ready to roll around 2:30. We left 20 minutes before my brother as we had to cross the bridge with the masses while my brother holds a Nexus pass that puts him into the express lane. No matter, we were still sitting in a 5 K line breathing the sweet smell of diesel exhaust as my brother cruised by, waving and I swear I saw a smirk. A mere hour and twenty minutes later, we got up to the inspection hut. Me being me, I wanted to take a picture of the grim faced trooper with the large side arm but K (with clear thinking and foresight) explained the possible joys of cavity searches and other denigrating delights that await the comedic challenged. I followed K's sage advice and we passed into the U.S. unmolested.

We joined up with Dennis and Laurie and headed over to Richmond for dinner with Janet, (Laurie's sister) and Scott, (her S.O.). What another wonderful experience. They have 8 acres out in the country, a warm, comfortable home surrounded by expansive lawns, large garden, chickens, dogs and cats in large supply, a pond where Bluegill can be seen cruising for mosquito larvae and Bass can be seen cruising for Bluegill progeny.

We had a fun relaxed meal of shish kabob, salad and potatoes topped off with some homemade Keylime pie - no one left hungry. We visited Scott's den that was filled with his collection of fossils, meteorites from Mars, rocks and minerals and way too much to comprehend but more then enough to appreciate.

We said our good byes and headed over to Rochester Hills where good nights and gentle snores were soon forthcoming.

July 9 and 10-Bayfield, Ontario

After arriving at the cottage, unpacking, greeting Carrie and Nate and having some nice conversation, we gratefully went to bed. The cottage sits right on the shore of Lake Huron. It is 63 steps to the beach.

We went to the village of Bayfield to have lunch. Bayfield was having a Corvette show so it was too crowded to drive around much, but we had a nice lunch with Carrie and Nate.

I enjoyed swimming in Lake Huron every day we were at the cottage. The beach was sandy and it was shallow enough to walk out a long way before you couldn't touch the bottom. The water was clear and blue and cold....lovely!

We enjoyed a delicious taco salad and empanadas prepared by Carrie and Laurie for dinner.

Jeff's turn - Bayfield is one of those spots where the world comes together and all is just right - comfortable, filled with love, good food, sounds of the water and laughter. A verrrrrrrry nice place to hang out. What is also wonderful is the surrounding area. Zehr's is a Mennonite store about a half mile away where the bread, pastries, jelly and misc are all home made and 3 cuts above all the rest. The town of Bayfield although touristy moves at a slower pace where folks take the time to talk and get to know you. Historic architecture with a harbor filled with every conceivable type of boat. An expansive beach that invites you to wade and sit and watch the sunset. My brother and sister, (I refuse to call Laurie a sister-in-law) have found and created their own helping of heaven.

It was better then candy spending time with Carrie (my niece) and her husband Nate - two very bright people with idea's, humor and a love for life. Swimming and taking the Kayak for a spin left me in a physical paradox - tired but enlivened, refreshed and my spirit renewed.

I was pretty tired but my brother pushed for all of us to walk down to the beach - 63 of the same steps we took in the afternoon for a bonfire on the beach. Reluctantly I agreed and it was one of my better decisions. It was a beautiful sunset where Mama Nature dragged out her top shelf. The fire grew taller with the sparks highlighting ROY G BIV. (FYI-Red, orange, yellow, green, Blue, indigo violet) K took out her Mandolin and we sang campfire songs as the sun faded into the sea. A favorite moment came when my brother sang Bob Dylan and knew each and every word. For a moment we were transported back to our twenty's. K was so relaxed that she performed a song she wrote, "One Hundred Summers" which was well executed and received. It was truly a magical night.

July 8--Mackinac Island to Bayview Ontario

We woke in the morning in sumptuous surroundings at the B and B. Our bedroom window was open and the sound of horses hoofs was a nice alarm clock. We met Laurie and Dennis in the breakfast room for omelettes and fruit and then decided to take a walk. We walked away from the downtown and took a path that led along the shore. We walked through a shoreline park which was much more mellow then the town.

The Berger Boys' in their historic pose

Soon it was time to catch the ferry for the mainland. I hated to leave the B and B, but was eager to get to our next destination....Bayfield, Ontario. We loaded up the "Porter bikers" and strolled into town around 11:30

We got our vehicles and headed down Michigan....destination: Laurie's sister Janet's house to pick up their dog "Nichols". I was driving and driving and driving and driving and after a long while, my blood sugar began to drop and the mean Michigan drivers cut me off one too many times. NOTE: Driving in the midwest is an entirely different experience - K finally understands the anger, depravity and coarse behavior exhibited by cro magnum a holes. I had to stop. A quick respite at McDonalds and a new driver helped the situation. We met Janet and her partner Scott at a restaurant for dinner and headed for the Canadian border.

Jeff took an exit to get gas before the border and high Canadian prices. It was a long detour. Not only was there road construction that had us on a couple of different roads, but they were having a car show....and we were in it. We were between a Camero and a roadster and we put down the windows and waved as we went by. All the onlookers were puzzled.....Since when was an '08 Ford Pickup a classic vehicle??? But they waved back anyway.

Finally we came to the border. We handed over our passports, answered a few questions and we were in Canada. It was another hour drive to Bayfield. We were happy and relieved to be at the cottage at last. It was so nice to know we would have the same bed for a few nights and wouldn't have to be on the road. About 20 minutes after we arrived, Carrie, Jeff's niece and Nate, her husband arrived. A very warm reunion ensued.

July 7-Mackinac Island

We left got up early, ate a delicious breakfast that Jeff fixed in honor of my birthday and packed up. After all this time of breaking camp, it is amazing how quickly we can put everything away without getting in each other's way. Our destination was Mackinac (pronounced Mak-in-aw) Island. We were meeting Jeff's brother Dennis and his wife Laurie at the Bayview B and B. We found the harbor, got the truck parked, bought our ticket and got on the ferry in record time.....they really know how to move people and luggage. The trip over was scenic, fun and quick....only 16 minutes.

We got our luggage sent to the B and B and started walking. One unique feature of Mackinac is that there are no motor vehicles allowed. The only way to get around is by bicycle or various horse drawn carriages. The streets were soon filled with bikers of every ability and horses going every which way. How anyone gets through there without wrecking or getting stepped on by a giant horse is beyond me. Jeff and I decided that "on foot" was the safest way to get to the B and B but the sidewalks were really full too.

The porter taking luggage to the hotel

We found the B and B and stored our stuff until the room was ready and then went to the downtown for lunch. There was a fudge shop or two on every block and lots of t-shirt shops and bicycle rental places. We found a place for lunch and watched humanity and horses walk, ride and clip-clop by. The distinct smell of horse poop filled the air even though they had lots of "poop patrol" workers on the job.

We went back to the B and B and sat on the porch waiting for Dennis and Laurie. As soon as they walked through the gate I recognized them from their pictures. It was so good to meet them at last! We had cookies and coffee and talked and got acquainted, then went to dress for dinner.

Jeff takes over - Our taxi arrived at 5:30 for a half hour (7 minutes by car) ride to "The Woods" which was very appropriately named. It was a wonderful ride there with vista's of the harbor, forest and 18th century mansions. The restaurant was like a German hunting lodge with every space adorned by horns, heads and pelts of every animal that has ever walked the soil of North America. K said how her Dad would feel right at home.

Kathy with Laurie and Dennis

Giving the "QUEENS WAVE"

Dinner was leisurely (2 hours) and delicious. The trip back was wonderful as the air had turned balmy and all the tourist had left the island so life had returned to "laid back". When we got back to the B & B, K and I sat down in the dining room for coffee and Dennis and Laurie came out with a birthday cake and gift for K. The cake was enough but the staff insisted on making us banana splits which we managed to choke down. Good conversation and warm feelings filled with lots of chuckles and guffaws made for the end of a very perfect day. Happy 60th Kathy, may you reach your goal of 100 summers and may they all be filled with as much love as we experienced today.

July 6--Iron Mountain to St. Ignace

Well, every trip needs a day such as this. We had only 150 miles to make to our destination so we used the day for some housekeeping chores. We vacuumed the truck cab and washed the truck. There were parts of the camper that were no longer white, a burnt orange to black mass of bug carcasses. K emptied the camper and swept out the hundreds of brave soldiers felled on the 4th in the epic battle of Lake Misbegotten. Laundry and grocery shopping finished up our chores and we headed to "The Straits" campground.

The campground sits on the strait where Lake Michigan joins Lake Huron. A 4.6 mile bridge in the foreground adds to the ambiance. The campground was a study in human dynamic's - quiet serene folks mixed with stupid ones, kid's gone wild mixed and sauteed with drunk angry men, women who's day's of wearing a bikini should be long past, but isn't, adolescent's with hormones run amok, Sixty something's who are still caught in the '60's, 50 foot Winnebago's - their satellite's pointed to the sky so their occupants never miss an episode of Wheel of Fortune, babies with amazingly large lungs whose cries stretch out past sundown and begin as the Sun rises in the East, Seventy campfires blazing at 70 campsites - enough wood consumed to build a condo community - this and more, much more but amidst the chaos and hub bub, we had a pleasant evening - s'mores and Mandolin with song, more than enough to sooth anyone's nerves. (This is by far, the longest run on sentence I have ever written - my apologies to Mrs. Horvath, my 7th grade English teacher.)

Here are some pictures of the strait and Lake Huron.

July 5, Lake Winnie to Iron Mountain, Michigan

We left the cafe at Deer Creek and again headed East on our old friend, Highway 2. We soon passed the border into Wisconsin and we stopped and I took a pee, grateful for the renewal of rest areas. When we reached Ashland, we stopped for Pasties. They are little meat and potato baked turnovers. Jeff thought that they were pronounced with a long A and was expecting a floor show with dancing girls. He was slightly disappointed when the waitress was fully dressed. On the way out of the cafe, we saw this sign.

After leaving Ashland WI, and the Chequamegon (say that three times fast), Bay, we passed over another state border to Michigan. We were looking for a dry campground with few mosquitoes. I found a campground on the map near a small lake and we took a short detour to check it out. It was next to a lake and surrounded by swamp so we passed......needless to say we were a little gun shy after our last camping experience. Neither of us wanted to give more blood to assure the survival of the mosquito species.

As soon as we got back on the Highway, the sky started to darken and we could see rain and lightning flashes in the distance. Soon we were engulfed in another massive thunderstorm. As we moved down the road, I kept thinking we would outrun the storm, but it seemed to stay right above us. I was driving, and keeping the truck on the road between the lines became more and more difficult. It was like driving through a car wash with a marching band and light show in the cab with us. Deafening thunder shook the truck, blinding flashes of lightening blurred my vision, gusts of 60 MPH wind pushed the truck all over the road, and the rain came down so hard the wipers couldn't handle it. Every time a clap of thunder came I squealed, ducked, panted and Jeff would say "it's ok, you're doing fine". Yeah right.....I was decidedly NOT doing fine. I so scared I really needed one of those rest areas immediately!

When it became apparent that I really couldn't see the lines in the road anymore and was more intent on ducking and closing my eyes than driving, Jeff insisted that I pull over and let him drive. I refused to get out of the truck, so I climbed over the center divider and brave, foolhardy Jeff got out and ran around to the driver's side. I had forgotten to unlock the door and with my head under the dashboard and the thunder crashing, I didn't hear his calls for help. Finally he unlocked the door and got in and started for the nearest town with a motel.....Iron Mountain.

We pulled into "America's Best Inn" hoping for a room. I got soaked and Jeff added to his load of water just getting into the lobby. We secured a room for the night and stood and watched the storm from the lobby window. It was truly a force of nature. Thunderstorms in the midwest are nothing like T-storms in the Willamette Valley. It seemed to go on forever instead of just moving down the valley in a few minutes. Finally it let up long enough for us to get our stuff and go up to our room.

"America's Best" was not quite America's worst, but close. I questioned why there was no electrical outlet by the sink? Was this motel built before the advent of hair dryers or electric shavers??? Anyway, I laid down in the fetal position to calm myself, Jeff went out for Chinese and we enjoyed the rest of our evening. As we went to bed, I could only hope that tomorrow would bring a better situation for camping.