Summer Dream 2006

Dawn, again. On horseback at 6:30 with Lil’ Joe suggesting we drive for an hour, then stow away some vittles at a truck stop. So a quick cup of coffee with Bill and on the road. Last night’s pyrotechnic display in Minneapolis left a lot of doubt about morning weather and standing water. But clear skies and dry roads were the order of the day making 7 ½ hours to Houghton a breeze. Joe wolfed down an ape size portion of sausage and eggs in Siren, WI. The roads of Wisconsin and Michigan are enchanting, charming to say the least. The towns are more like little towns are supposed to be. Slowing to thirty allows you to experience each little place. And photos along the way of long abandoned structures, dreams and lives of a time gone by. There’s a lot of that across North America.

And the towns roll by – Hurley, Ironwood, Wakefield, Twin Lakes, Toivola, Painsdale, South Range, Atlantic Mine, Tri Mountain, Baltic. All reminiscent of the glory days of copper mining in the U.P. Ghosts, in many cases real, towns fading into the twilight, and in many cases alive and growing.
And the wheels turned and big blue rolled onto Calverley Avenue at the planned 2:00. Old blue has taken on mystic capabilities, able to span leagues in a single bound. The MILES up to my old house was only 4 blocks. And the greater miles to the distant end of Houghton sailed by in less than two minutes. Home is much smaller than little legs remember.

A quick visit to two old friends on the way through town and then on to other ‘old’ friends. One by one the Super 8 embrace new arrivals, quick to join the growing celebration on the waterfront. We talked and laughed and enjoyed Portage Lake… and each other. And then off to the Ambassador for Step 1, Reunion 1960, Take 1. Absolutely perfect. Everyone so happy to see everyone. It made my heart glad. The whole trip was worthwhile, even if we ended it tonight. Chris, Paul, Steve, Alyce, Audrey, Gordy, Karen, Chuck, Noel, Sandy, Danielle, Bob S, Suzanne. Who did I forget (me)? And even a few folks from 1963 and 1964, and partners and moms and children. Tomorrow will be even better. No arrangements were made with the Ambassador – we overwhelmed the place. And those incredible folks took us all, and squeezed between hugs, and served food and even wrote separate checks. Truly they are awesome.

The fragrance of the day – Pasties! When Ironwood, first town in Michigan, rolled past, a pastie shop was the first building. Could not have been more perfect.

It was a good day.