Now the Wind Takes Me Away
So… work blocked LJ again and it looks like this time it's personal. Unfortunately, LJgate is "temporary unavailable" according to their site. And I can't seem to find an app for my phone since it's not a nifty iPhone (or -esque) type gadget. *le sigh*
Until I find a solution, I will do my best to keep up with you, my virtual tribe. I miss you all collectively and many of you individually and up close and personally… more than you may ever know.
All that aside, my world is chugging right along. Took my first vacation of substance (i.e., more than a long weekend) in… gosh, I haven't a clue how long. At least 5 years, probably more. arbiter_of_cool and I took Rondo Calrissian on its first cross-country road trip home to Michigan. Short version? Beautiful. Bittersweet. Relaxing.
Long version?
KANSAS
We headed north to the Kansas City area to hook up with wyckedgood, lucifershalo, and funky_peacenik for some camping. They were hardcore and had tents; we rented a cabin. This was smart not only because we didn't want to haul all that gear across the Midwest, but because of the massive cold front that came through the day before we arrived. wyckedgood swore it was 60° and beautiful on Wednesday; by the time we arrived, temperatures were in the low 40°s.
How did I know it was cold? arbiter_of_cool voluntarily wore LONG PANTS. And two shirts, one of which had long sleeves. (Seriously, how is it that HE'S the Native Texan and I'm the Michigan girl?!?)
Though the weather was brisk, we enjoyed the company and campfire. Couldn't have been more perfect to celebrate Jimmy's birthday under the stars as lucifershalo serenaded us. A swig or two of Tito's vodka didn't go amiss, either.
Saturday was grey and windy, and after I was vindicated by the deliciousness of my Batter Blasters for breakfast, most of the crew went exploring the 80 Acres site. It's a lovely place in Leavenworth that hosts Prairiewise, an herbalism school. By mid-afternoon, however, we were all done with being cold and assaulted by wood smoke. Fortunately, the cabin had a wood burning fireplace and an extra room. After a yummy steak dinner and some games (which mainly consisted of wyckedgood handing all of us our respective asses as we played Peanuts), we slept cozily indoors.
After packing up on Sunday, we made a quick pass-thru to see dear ones at KCRF. Sadly, we missed most of the Rogers as during chess match we felt the temperature of the already chill wind plummet. As I told everflame, I felt my nipples burrowing for my spine (it was too cold for them to stick out and risk exposure to the elements). However, I got to fire a marshmallow via catapult, ogle the Brothel, and hug many people I adore.
There's also something quite gratifying about a woman stopping a conversation to tell you, "You are just BEAUTIFUL!" I got a little blushy because she seemed to have no agenda other than genuinely sharing her appreciation of aesthetics. It's always weird to hear the phrase "OhMiGAWD, you're THAT Amy?!?!??" though.
Later that night was the requisite trip to Gates BBQ for a tasty burnt ends sammich. Oms and Noms! Then we headed downtown to the swanky new-ish section to try the bread pudding at Raglan Road. wyckedgood" claimed that it was the best thing she'd ever put in her mouth, and she doesn't even like bread pudding. I luuuurve it, but have found none to match my mom's… until now. It wasn't better than, but as good as and that is saying something.
Conversing with lucifershalo and funky_peacenik, I was inspired to collaborate on a new project. It's still kind of amorphous, but I've got more co-conspirators and hope to have something to share in the coming weeks.
SUNRISE SIDE
Come Monday, it was time to leave our happy hosts at the North House and press on to Oscoda (where my birth mother, a.k.a. Michigan Momma, a.k.a. MM lives). We stopped for gas in Iowa at the unfortunately named "Kum and Go" (I know, it's too easy… don't hurt yourself), and found that the still-cold temperatures were unusual. They had an inch of snow over the weekend! Not unheard of for that part of the country, but not the norm either (I found myself increasingly thankful for Rondo Calrissian's heated seats…). The plan was to stay overnight at a halfway point, since KC to the Sunrise Side is about 900 miles. We crossed Illinois without incident, spending the evening in Portage, IN.
While my cousins weren't available for a visit, we did manage to spend a little time Tuesday with my aunt and uncle (my dad's older sister). Hadn't seen them in at least 10 years. They have a lovely home in Caledonia, so arbiter_of_cool saw some of Western Michigan, too. By this time the colors were starting to turn, but hadn't hit full splendor. Still, it was a pleasant drive. After we crossed the state and took US-23 to head north, we stopped at Big Boy for dinner, since he had never been. Service was spotty and food was on par with a usual night at Denny's… but no one starved or died so that's all to the good.
Arrived in Oscoda that evening, and had a wonderful visit with MM including a trip to the Lumberman's Monument, and a quest for red trees which were, thankfully, plentiful. The view of the Au Sable river? Stunning. On MM's recommendation, we took a paddleboat cruise. It was relaxing and worth the time/money. Enjoyed a super tasty dinner of beer battered perch at Wiltse's Brew Pub. This of course meant sampling the foamy, hops-laden goodness as well. The Oktoberfest was my very favorite, but the Paul Bunyan Ale was a close second (appropriate since Oscoda is officially his home). Dropped by my little brother's house (OMG I have a little brother!) for a quick hug and reintroduction to his kiddos, who were practically babies when I first met them (which was also the first time I met anyone with whom I share DNA).
Before heading further north to Whitefish Point and my Namesake Aunt on Thursday, we took a tip from MM's Frenchman and visited Iargo Springs. It's also on the banks of the Au Sable, and the site is sacred to the Native Americans. This was, not surprisingly, my favorite part of a wonderful journey. We had the place to ourselves, descending the 294 steps in relative silence, a true pilgrimage and resulting catharsis. Wooden boardwalks allowed us to explore the site, where several springs join to form cold-running streams flowing to the Au Sable.
Wordless joy.
Serenity.
It was there that the pieces of Who I Used to Be started to coalesce once more… the Me that I was before I had Ideas about who I was or should be. The Me shaped by shady glens, rivulets, and bracken, as yet unfamiliar with the alien beauty of Big Sky and prairie. The fey part of me roared back to life, awakened by memories of exploring moss-covered logs, turning over stones in search of ingredients for her potions. The part that could will the wild things to her by wishing for a glimpse. The part that knew the Truth of our fairy tales, the threads of reality woven into pretty, marketable packages. Too long unfed, this part drank deeply and healed long forgotten corners of my soul.
We did trespass just a bit, two steps off the boardwalk for a quick sip-like Holy Communion or a benediction-of the waters. But the rest of the journey had yet to unfold and so one perfect interlude led to the next. The builders were thoughtful enough to place platforms and benches just so, providing rest for weary quadriceps on the inevitable ascent.
From there we continued up US-23 to my first home on 1776 Timm Drive. My favorite willow trees had gone, but aside from looking smaller it remained largely unchanged. We pressed on to Alpena, as I tried to integrate and catalogue the onslaught of sense memories. So many little differences explaining, in retrospect, why Texas was so hard for me for so long (the awkwardness of formative years aside). I couldn't even articulate what I was missing, but seeing the rounded stones of the chimneys, the fern-covered forest floors, the innumerable tiny streams criss-crossing the landscape, all underscored by thrumming waves of Lake Huron bridged that gap-one that I feel more keenly upon returning to my life here.
Before we stopped for lunch, I told tales of searching for beach glass treasures, leaf-filled tarp rides, wooly bear caterpillars, my favorite merry-go-round, and watching fireworks from a boat deck, colors reflected in the watery depths.
Speaking of lunch, arbiter_of_cool picked German Potato Soup FTW. I am lucky I got a taste; I would have been tempted to horde its tangy goodness all for myself. The hint of caraway and caramelized onion? Perfect.
Rejuvenated by deliciousness, we continued north, crossing the Mackinac Bridge-yes, longer than Golden Gate-without incident. I have been driven across that bridge dozens of times. It's a different matter entirely, however, to do it yourself.
With that, we went from the land of Paul Bunyan to that of Hiawatha.
UPPER PENINSULA
Staying with Namesake Aunt is like having your very own B&B. We arrived to yummy lasagna for dinner, and as it gets dark rather early at Bearfoot Point (their name for the property), we went to bed shortly thereafter. arbiter_of_cool remarked that he could definitely tell that Namesake is Mom's sister. Ohhhhh, yah….
The next morning, she fed us a lovely egg casserole and some kind of homemade pastry ring with raisins and cinnamon, and then we were off to explore Tahquamenon Falls. It took about an hour to get there, but the drive was lovely. Though the trend of unseasonably cold weather continued, it was a mostly clear day. 45° is easier to take if the skies are blue! That far north, colors were at their peak. Instead of pockets of color, the landscape burned with russets, rubies, and mustard golds. Immersive is the word that springs to mind… trees are so plentiful and near. I had all but forgotten the comfort of trees cuddling you close to Gaia.
A few intrepid travelers explored the Upper Falls alongside us, though given the solitude of Iargo Springs, arbiter_of_cool commented that it felt crowded in comparison. I was so young-probably no more than 7 years old-last time I was there that it was practically a new experience. Nearly 100 steps down put us "by the rushing Tahquamenaw," as Longfellow said. Fortunately, after Iargo Springs this wasn't nearly as daunting. As with most good things, the pictures barely do it justice. Have only seen wintertime pictures; what an icy paradise.
Next came the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point. Remember the ballad Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald? "The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay/If they'd fifteen more miles behind her." Yeah, this is that place. I remember hearing the song as a kid, not realizing it was detailing current events. It sounded older to me somehow, and I found it tragic and fascinating. Imagine my awe at seeing the bell recovered from the wreckage with my own eyes.
Growing up where I did-and being my father's daughter-I learned a small fascination for lighthouses. I'm not the sort to endlessly research all the things that capture my attention… sometimes they just speak to me viscerally and that is enough. I know very little about them, but cannot stop staring when I see one. I had no clue of the size/scale of the lenses used to save sailors from a rocky shore. Seeing the White Shoals lens practically dwarfing the room was awesome, and I mean that in the original, nothing-to-do-with-a-million-hotdogs sense of the word.
The drive back was full of crimson and golden glory, plain and simple. The two-lane highway was bracketed by a wall of sun-dappled color that makes my heart beat faster just to think of it.
After another dinner of whitefish-no, I'm still not quite sated, thankyew very much!-we made it another early evening. I did, however, skarker down the hill at Bearfoot Point to listen to Lake Superior's waves crash as I stargazed for a few clear, cold moments. (What is it about cold weather that makes the stars seem sharper and brighter somehow?)
Saturday morning we went into Sault Ste. Marie to visit the Eldest Aunt. She recently had surgery to amputate both her legs just above the knee (yeah, diabetes is a bitch) and is still recovering in the hospital. To say I felt trepidation is to drastically understate things. She always compared herself to me, but after her youngest son-my cousin Jeff&Mdash;died unexpectedly a couple years ago, she fell apart (understandably so). But when alcoholism runs in your family and you have diabetes, you don't get to drink that much whiskey whenver you wish. Not without consequences, anyway. I was afraid to see a shell of the spunky, sassy woman I loved. However, recent reports of her condition were promising.
I am glad I went, if just for the piece of mind it gave my mother to hear my verification of the good news; that's her big sister, after all. And though she still had some pain, her mind seemed sharp again. She was older, sure, and weakened from years of abusing her body (not to mention enduring major surgery) but I saw steel under it all. She recognized me immediately, though I haven't seen her for, what? 15 years? And when I said, "And this is-" she finished the sentence. "This must be Travis," she said smartly. (Later, she would tease him, telling him to quit talking so much-another good sign.)
Then it was time to begin the 1,500 mile journey home… but not before a quick stop by the Soo Locks. Sadly, no ships were scheduled but there were exhibits in the visitor's center to show how they work. There's a 21-foot fall as the St. Mary's River connects Superior and Huron; the Locks help ships pass safely.
I wish we had enough time to visit Mackinac Island, too (ever see "Somewhere In Time" with Jane Seymore and Christopher Reeve? Filmed there!), but that will have to wait for another trip.
The way home was largely uneventful, except for the 18-wheeler that nearly became part of our back seat as we gazed at the arch in St. Louis (traffic was inexplicably stopped, so I stood on the brakes and the truck veered into the thankfully unoccupied lane next to us). We shared some music, and enjoyed Siruis Radio's conversion of the Laugh U.S.A channel to all Monty Python in honor of their 40-year history. The Coffee House channel? Also pretty schweet.
We did the drive over 3 days; could have done it in 2 but for the late start to make time for the hospital visit. Stayed in Joliet, IL on Saturday and Springfield, MO Sunday, arriving home just before rush hour on Monday.
It was hard to come home this time. Usually I am happy to sleep in my own bed, but seeing real Autumn in My Home?Something awoke in me and I cannot afford to let it go to sleep or starve again. There's a longing in me. I don't know precisely for what, but it is there. It's not bad, just something I need to acknowledge, explore and consider.
So our first road trip and impromptu celebration of 3 years together is done: 3,500 miles over 7 states to see 3 Great Lakes in 11 days and we still like each other. I introduced him to regional food favorites like Vernor's ginger ale and pasties. (He did try my whitefish once, but since fish is generally not his thing… well, all the more for me!)
However, he sorely tested me come Tuesday morning when he said, "Oh, I took today off, too," and rolled over once again. Bah.
Since getting home there's been work, more work, laundry, more laundry, MOAR laundry, and a Sunday spent in the studio with QAL. Note to self: never. EVER. listen to raw audio. EVAR! I cooked some, too, since the cold, gray weather invoked my inner Betty Crocker with a vengeance. Plus, it's a nice way to ground myself as I process the experience.
So how's the world treating all of you in LJ Land? Drop me a line as there's no hope of catching up.
As ever, oceans of love to one and all.
P.S. Want pics? Go here.
Until I find a solution, I will do my best to keep up with you, my virtual tribe. I miss you all collectively and many of you individually and up close and personally… more than you may ever know.
All that aside, my world is chugging right along. Took my first vacation of substance (i.e., more than a long weekend) in… gosh, I haven't a clue how long. At least 5 years, probably more. arbiter_of_cool and I took Rondo Calrissian on its first cross-country road trip home to Michigan. Short version? Beautiful. Bittersweet. Relaxing.
Long version?
KANSAS
We headed north to the Kansas City area to hook up with wyckedgood, lucifershalo, and funky_peacenik for some camping. They were hardcore and had tents; we rented a cabin. This was smart not only because we didn't want to haul all that gear across the Midwest, but because of the massive cold front that came through the day before we arrived. wyckedgood swore it was 60° and beautiful on Wednesday; by the time we arrived, temperatures were in the low 40°s.
How did I know it was cold? arbiter_of_cool voluntarily wore LONG PANTS. And two shirts, one of which had long sleeves. (Seriously, how is it that HE'S the Native Texan and I'm the Michigan girl?!?)
Though the weather was brisk, we enjoyed the company and campfire. Couldn't have been more perfect to celebrate Jimmy's birthday under the stars as lucifershalo serenaded us. A swig or two of Tito's vodka didn't go amiss, either.
Saturday was grey and windy, and after I was vindicated by the deliciousness of my Batter Blasters for breakfast, most of the crew went exploring the 80 Acres site. It's a lovely place in Leavenworth that hosts Prairiewise, an herbalism school. By mid-afternoon, however, we were all done with being cold and assaulted by wood smoke. Fortunately, the cabin had a wood burning fireplace and an extra room. After a yummy steak dinner and some games (which mainly consisted of wyckedgood handing all of us our respective asses as we played Peanuts), we slept cozily indoors.
After packing up on Sunday, we made a quick pass-thru to see dear ones at KCRF. Sadly, we missed most of the Rogers as during chess match we felt the temperature of the already chill wind plummet. As I told everflame, I felt my nipples burrowing for my spine (it was too cold for them to stick out and risk exposure to the elements). However, I got to fire a marshmallow via catapult, ogle the Brothel, and hug many people I adore.
There's also something quite gratifying about a woman stopping a conversation to tell you, "You are just BEAUTIFUL!" I got a little blushy because she seemed to have no agenda other than genuinely sharing her appreciation of aesthetics. It's always weird to hear the phrase "OhMiGAWD, you're THAT Amy?!?!??" though.
Later that night was the requisite trip to Gates BBQ for a tasty burnt ends sammich. Oms and Noms! Then we headed downtown to the swanky new-ish section to try the bread pudding at Raglan Road. wyckedgood" claimed that it was the best thing she'd ever put in her mouth, and she doesn't even like bread pudding. I luuuurve it, but have found none to match my mom's… until now. It wasn't better than, but as good as and that is saying something.
Conversing with lucifershalo and funky_peacenik, I was inspired to collaborate on a new project. It's still kind of amorphous, but I've got more co-conspirators and hope to have something to share in the coming weeks.
SUNRISE SIDE
Come Monday, it was time to leave our happy hosts at the North House and press on to Oscoda (where my birth mother, a.k.a. Michigan Momma, a.k.a. MM lives). We stopped for gas in Iowa at the unfortunately named "Kum and Go" (I know, it's too easy… don't hurt yourself), and found that the still-cold temperatures were unusual. They had an inch of snow over the weekend! Not unheard of for that part of the country, but not the norm either (I found myself increasingly thankful for Rondo Calrissian's heated seats…). The plan was to stay overnight at a halfway point, since KC to the Sunrise Side is about 900 miles. We crossed Illinois without incident, spending the evening in Portage, IN.
While my cousins weren't available for a visit, we did manage to spend a little time Tuesday with my aunt and uncle (my dad's older sister). Hadn't seen them in at least 10 years. They have a lovely home in Caledonia, so arbiter_of_cool saw some of Western Michigan, too. By this time the colors were starting to turn, but hadn't hit full splendor. Still, it was a pleasant drive. After we crossed the state and took US-23 to head north, we stopped at Big Boy for dinner, since he had never been. Service was spotty and food was on par with a usual night at Denny's… but no one starved or died so that's all to the good.
Arrived in Oscoda that evening, and had a wonderful visit with MM including a trip to the Lumberman's Monument, and a quest for red trees which were, thankfully, plentiful. The view of the Au Sable river? Stunning. On MM's recommendation, we took a paddleboat cruise. It was relaxing and worth the time/money. Enjoyed a super tasty dinner of beer battered perch at Wiltse's Brew Pub. This of course meant sampling the foamy, hops-laden goodness as well. The Oktoberfest was my very favorite, but the Paul Bunyan Ale was a close second (appropriate since Oscoda is officially his home). Dropped by my little brother's house (OMG I have a little brother!) for a quick hug and reintroduction to his kiddos, who were practically babies when I first met them (which was also the first time I met anyone with whom I share DNA).
Before heading further north to Whitefish Point and my Namesake Aunt on Thursday, we took a tip from MM's Frenchman and visited Iargo Springs. It's also on the banks of the Au Sable, and the site is sacred to the Native Americans. This was, not surprisingly, my favorite part of a wonderful journey. We had the place to ourselves, descending the 294 steps in relative silence, a true pilgrimage and resulting catharsis. Wooden boardwalks allowed us to explore the site, where several springs join to form cold-running streams flowing to the Au Sable.
Wordless joy.
Serenity.
It was there that the pieces of Who I Used to Be started to coalesce once more… the Me that I was before I had Ideas about who I was or should be. The Me shaped by shady glens, rivulets, and bracken, as yet unfamiliar with the alien beauty of Big Sky and prairie. The fey part of me roared back to life, awakened by memories of exploring moss-covered logs, turning over stones in search of ingredients for her potions. The part that could will the wild things to her by wishing for a glimpse. The part that knew the Truth of our fairy tales, the threads of reality woven into pretty, marketable packages. Too long unfed, this part drank deeply and healed long forgotten corners of my soul.
We did trespass just a bit, two steps off the boardwalk for a quick sip-like Holy Communion or a benediction-of the waters. But the rest of the journey had yet to unfold and so one perfect interlude led to the next. The builders were thoughtful enough to place platforms and benches just so, providing rest for weary quadriceps on the inevitable ascent.
From there we continued up US-23 to my first home on 1776 Timm Drive. My favorite willow trees had gone, but aside from looking smaller it remained largely unchanged. We pressed on to Alpena, as I tried to integrate and catalogue the onslaught of sense memories. So many little differences explaining, in retrospect, why Texas was so hard for me for so long (the awkwardness of formative years aside). I couldn't even articulate what I was missing, but seeing the rounded stones of the chimneys, the fern-covered forest floors, the innumerable tiny streams criss-crossing the landscape, all underscored by thrumming waves of Lake Huron bridged that gap-one that I feel more keenly upon returning to my life here.
Before we stopped for lunch, I told tales of searching for beach glass treasures, leaf-filled tarp rides, wooly bear caterpillars, my favorite merry-go-round, and watching fireworks from a boat deck, colors reflected in the watery depths.
Speaking of lunch, arbiter_of_cool picked German Potato Soup FTW. I am lucky I got a taste; I would have been tempted to horde its tangy goodness all for myself. The hint of caraway and caramelized onion? Perfect.
Rejuvenated by deliciousness, we continued north, crossing the Mackinac Bridge-yes, longer than Golden Gate-without incident. I have been driven across that bridge dozens of times. It's a different matter entirely, however, to do it yourself.
With that, we went from the land of Paul Bunyan to that of Hiawatha.
UPPER PENINSULA
Staying with Namesake Aunt is like having your very own B&B. We arrived to yummy lasagna for dinner, and as it gets dark rather early at Bearfoot Point (their name for the property), we went to bed shortly thereafter. arbiter_of_cool remarked that he could definitely tell that Namesake is Mom's sister. Ohhhhh, yah….
The next morning, she fed us a lovely egg casserole and some kind of homemade pastry ring with raisins and cinnamon, and then we were off to explore Tahquamenon Falls. It took about an hour to get there, but the drive was lovely. Though the trend of unseasonably cold weather continued, it was a mostly clear day. 45° is easier to take if the skies are blue! That far north, colors were at their peak. Instead of pockets of color, the landscape burned with russets, rubies, and mustard golds. Immersive is the word that springs to mind… trees are so plentiful and near. I had all but forgotten the comfort of trees cuddling you close to Gaia.
A few intrepid travelers explored the Upper Falls alongside us, though given the solitude of Iargo Springs, arbiter_of_cool commented that it felt crowded in comparison. I was so young-probably no more than 7 years old-last time I was there that it was practically a new experience. Nearly 100 steps down put us "by the rushing Tahquamenaw," as Longfellow said. Fortunately, after Iargo Springs this wasn't nearly as daunting. As with most good things, the pictures barely do it justice. Have only seen wintertime pictures; what an icy paradise.
Next came the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point. Remember the ballad Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald? "The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay/If they'd fifteen more miles behind her." Yeah, this is that place. I remember hearing the song as a kid, not realizing it was detailing current events. It sounded older to me somehow, and I found it tragic and fascinating. Imagine my awe at seeing the bell recovered from the wreckage with my own eyes.
Growing up where I did-and being my father's daughter-I learned a small fascination for lighthouses. I'm not the sort to endlessly research all the things that capture my attention… sometimes they just speak to me viscerally and that is enough. I know very little about them, but cannot stop staring when I see one. I had no clue of the size/scale of the lenses used to save sailors from a rocky shore. Seeing the White Shoals lens practically dwarfing the room was awesome, and I mean that in the original, nothing-to-do-with-a-million-hotdogs sense of the word.
The drive back was full of crimson and golden glory, plain and simple. The two-lane highway was bracketed by a wall of sun-dappled color that makes my heart beat faster just to think of it.
After another dinner of whitefish-no, I'm still not quite sated, thankyew very much!-we made it another early evening. I did, however, skarker down the hill at Bearfoot Point to listen to Lake Superior's waves crash as I stargazed for a few clear, cold moments. (What is it about cold weather that makes the stars seem sharper and brighter somehow?)
Saturday morning we went into Sault Ste. Marie to visit the Eldest Aunt. She recently had surgery to amputate both her legs just above the knee (yeah, diabetes is a bitch) and is still recovering in the hospital. To say I felt trepidation is to drastically understate things. She always compared herself to me, but after her youngest son-my cousin Jeff&Mdash;died unexpectedly a couple years ago, she fell apart (understandably so). But when alcoholism runs in your family and you have diabetes, you don't get to drink that much whiskey whenver you wish. Not without consequences, anyway. I was afraid to see a shell of the spunky, sassy woman I loved. However, recent reports of her condition were promising.
I am glad I went, if just for the piece of mind it gave my mother to hear my verification of the good news; that's her big sister, after all. And though she still had some pain, her mind seemed sharp again. She was older, sure, and weakened from years of abusing her body (not to mention enduring major surgery) but I saw steel under it all. She recognized me immediately, though I haven't seen her for, what? 15 years? And when I said, "And this is-" she finished the sentence. "This must be Travis," she said smartly. (Later, she would tease him, telling him to quit talking so much-another good sign.)
Then it was time to begin the 1,500 mile journey home… but not before a quick stop by the Soo Locks. Sadly, no ships were scheduled but there were exhibits in the visitor's center to show how they work. There's a 21-foot fall as the St. Mary's River connects Superior and Huron; the Locks help ships pass safely.
I wish we had enough time to visit Mackinac Island, too (ever see "Somewhere In Time" with Jane Seymore and Christopher Reeve? Filmed there!), but that will have to wait for another trip.
The way home was largely uneventful, except for the 18-wheeler that nearly became part of our back seat as we gazed at the arch in St. Louis (traffic was inexplicably stopped, so I stood on the brakes and the truck veered into the thankfully unoccupied lane next to us). We shared some music, and enjoyed Siruis Radio's conversion of the Laugh U.S.A channel to all Monty Python in honor of their 40-year history. The Coffee House channel? Also pretty schweet.
We did the drive over 3 days; could have done it in 2 but for the late start to make time for the hospital visit. Stayed in Joliet, IL on Saturday and Springfield, MO Sunday, arriving home just before rush hour on Monday.
It was hard to come home this time. Usually I am happy to sleep in my own bed, but seeing real Autumn in My Home?Something awoke in me and I cannot afford to let it go to sleep or starve again. There's a longing in me. I don't know precisely for what, but it is there. It's not bad, just something I need to acknowledge, explore and consider.
So our first road trip and impromptu celebration of 3 years together is done: 3,500 miles over 7 states to see 3 Great Lakes in 11 days and we still like each other. I introduced him to regional food favorites like Vernor's ginger ale and pasties. (He did try my whitefish once, but since fish is generally not his thing… well, all the more for me!)
However, he sorely tested me come Tuesday morning when he said, "Oh, I took today off, too," and rolled over once again. Bah.
Since getting home there's been work, more work, laundry, more laundry, MOAR laundry, and a Sunday spent in the studio with QAL. Note to self: never. EVER. listen to raw audio. EVAR! I cooked some, too, since the cold, gray weather invoked my inner Betty Crocker with a vengeance. Plus, it's a nice way to ground myself as I process the experience.
So how's the world treating all of you in LJ Land? Drop me a line as there's no hope of catching up.
As ever, oceans of love to one and all.
P.S. Want pics? Go here.