Summer Dream 2006

Last night after sundown, sleep almost came while stretched out on a rock at lakes edge. A place bug free and a bit cooler, the waves sound finally stirred me to action and back to camp. Sleeping at most an hour between ten and four, I ventured out to look at the stars. An incredible night sky as the Milky Way galaxy spun its way through the cosmos before my very eyes. The purest, most vitalizing air on earth. Stars so crisp, air becoming cool, even the insects, still wary of man made protection, let the night be perfect. And then sleep came for two hours until six. Thirty minutes to break camp had us headed back to Detour for breakfast. Passing two cafes I stopped at a third. It opened at seven but the owners, seeing me peep through the windows, granted entrance. A local fellow, Bob it turned out, motioned to a seat beside him. And we chatted as the grill heated and breakfast smells began to emanate from the tiny kitchen. A few stories back and forth evolved to my casual mention of seeing the old cabin at Caribou. And Bob probed about location. As I described the Oswald place, his confused look gave way to a realization that I was talking about the Griffitt place. And when he made that observation I realized that my Aunt of course uses her married name!! And HE is her caretaker…. and he has the KEYS. Reluctantly I passed on the offer to journey back to the lake with him for a look inside, knowing it would be a long morning. Places to go and people to see.

Off to Drummond Island on the little ferry, a ten minute crossing on St Mary’s river. Three bucks round trip with a motorcycle. Disappointment, the first of the trip, as there were no settlements on the island. Just miles of resorts and inns and restaurants scattered in individual isolation.

Southbound, further, more miles, forboding, the Mackinaw Bridge. I had heard of high gusty winds, and open steel grates. Was it too cold? I had shed all layers but the last to stay cool, even at nine in the morning. A stop along the interstate to add leather and off. Two dollars fifty the fare each way. And it wasn’t cold even with light fog and swirling mists adding to the intrigue of this great structure. And the iron grate fought hard and old blue fought back. And we arrived in Lower Michigan.

First a motel and a shower! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Tomorrow’s another day.