August 30 and 31st., 2008

August 30th.....Today we decided to wind our way north from Frankford, Michigan, up past Sleepy Bear Dunes making a loop that took us back south to Traverse City, and then back to Onekema and our cottage in the woods, Breezy Point.
On our picture perfect, blue-sky day, we passed large and small Michigan lakes evidencing every kind of water activity from sailing to surfing, small quaint Michigan towns with artisans everywhere displaying their crafts for sale, outdoor eateries in cafes and decks overlooking the water, deep awning woods and forests with narrow roads in and out, that we were tempted to take time and time again (the roads less traveled), colored barns in abundance from reds to rusty browns, farmer's markets with fresh farm produce...tomatoes, sweet corn, Michigan peaches and blueberries, and colorful wildflowers that dotted the hills and valleys.
The Sleepy Bear Dunes we admired from a distance as we watched people (who looked as small as sand crabs without speed) scale the heights one slow step at a time. Two steps up, three steps sliding back down in the sand). Mike and I watched as we sat at a roadside picnic table next to a clear blue lake reading our books enjoying a cool breeze that created small ripples across the water. At one point I had to retrieve my sweater from the car. A very fine moment, indeed.
Coming back we saw trees beginning to turn to the spirit of Autumn with yellow and orange summac dotting patches on the ground, and the foliage already beginning to turn its leaves to the reds and oranges of Fall, creating the bitter-sweet moment I feel at the first sensation of changing seasons.
So often, we have been here in Michigan in late August where we get a first taste of the coming season and are always relieved to return back home for a little more summer before Fall rushes in to be followed all too quickly by the snows of winter.
August 31st......Today we will take advantage of both the Lake Michigan beech and Portage Lake, the former to test the water for warmth and perhaps go swimming (just to say we did it), and if not swimming, to watch the large sail boats gliding across the lake, and the freighters snailing their way along on the horizon. Portage Lake in front of the cottage will be guaranteed swimming this afternoon and kayaking, something I have loved doing this summer.
Last evening we watched an awesome sunset over Lake Michigan from my sister's cottage and sat on her deck on the dunes while sipping wine and catching up on family news. For me, there is no more beautiful spot on earth.