Harbor Springs 4th of July

Last week I was able to get in some R n R during the GM shutdown.  Susan and all of the family were up for the first half of the week, through the fourth, then Bender and I stayed up for the remainder of the week.

I was able to get in Drummond Island, Beaver Island and some quality time at Wilderness State Park.

Thuggy B gettin' his swim on.

While on Drummond Island, I was able to find by memory the cottage we owned in the 70's.  This area has changed quite a bit in the 30 years since we built it.  I remember looking out on the Lake Superior frontage and the private lake behind the cottage.  Now it's a rock quarry.  This place was miles back in the woods with no one near by, now there are houses leading all the way up to the place.  As a young kid, I remember engaging in unsupervised activities like shooting an arrow straight up into the sky to see where it would come down, and hunting frogs with my first 20-gauge.  I also remember snowmobiling miles and miles across the North Channel in frigid temperatures with wind swept features and large crevasse that would send the sled into the air unexpectedly.

We sold the place to a guy who robbed a bank to pay for it, and he was planning to make the place his hide out.  He was caught shortly thereafter and we got the place back.

Bruce Point Drummond Island.

I Spent the remainder of my time on the island on a remote beach accessible only by two track, hours from the road.  It was a really nice location, but next time I try for this destination, I will bring a map, and a GPS and a cell phone without a dead battery, and a tow strap with an emergency kit, and more water, and I will tell someone where I'm going...  Funny how 30 years later and I'm still engaged in sketchy activities in the backwoods of Drummond Island, just like when I was a little kid.

Beaver Island

It was a mistake to come come here by foot and without a plan.  The island was just not accessible to me and Bender by foot, and we ended up making a quick walk through town and getting back on the Ferry for an earlier trip back home.  I did find some great kayaking and diving opportunities I hope to pursue before the end of this summer.

Overall a great trip and my first opportunity to spend a few days with the dog.