After hearing the news that it was going to be another killer windy day, I threw the hair products in the travel bag and called it a morning. My sister texted me last night and asked if I packed a coat; this morning I realize I packed a Georgia coat, not a Michigan one. So I am layered. Louie is loving the weather. He is frolicking when he is supposed to be pooping. But I don't care. He has become that dog that can be leashless in public places (but of course I hold one in my hand in case enforcement comes along) and that responds to my "Lou" or pathetic whistle. It makes me proud. There is a funny man with his dog who is not as talented leash less. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the funny man says things like, "that is an awesome poop Cal" and "way to pee sweet dog". Even Louie thinks that is bizarre. Louie's business is his business and I respect that.
We start out on day three.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2vl_5g1C4M
It is raining, again. And the wind. I can't describe it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0clpTDIS-o
It is a serious 10 and 2 driving day.
I am struck by the charm of town after town and decide I would like to live in Petoskey; after I have lived in Holland, Treverse City and Charleviox.
We make it to Mackinaw City and realize I need $3.50 to get to the Upper Peninsula. I am not carrying any cash, which is probably not the best Roadtrip Traveler idea. It takes me 40 minutes to find an ATM in this tiny town swirling in wind and rain. When I do, Lou opts to stay in. I walk to the ATM, then take a path to the lighthouse and see just what I am about to get into.
Once I enter the Upper Peninsula I am immediately alone with my thoughts. Literally.
Which is fine. I am thinking about life at home. And what I should do when I return. My brain starts to churn so I switch to thinking about some different loved ones and how they are doing with their struggles. I think about the weather and how it has not at all dampened my love for the beauty of this place. Then I think, damn, those are blue lights.
I am embarrassed because I almost welcome Office Binzonia as he is the first sign of life I have seen for 80 miles. He is the most polite state patrolman I have ever met, and I have met a few. I feel trapped in my neatly organized KIA as I am well aware I forgot to print out the current insurance card; though state to state you really have no idea what they are going to ask you for. He says he clocked me going 71, it is a 55 zone. I say, I saw it coming as I was coming down that hill and it just got away from me. He takes my license, my registration and my expired insurance card, the one with the first hotel confirmation number and a lipstick blot on it, to his car and I wait with my tail between my legs.
When he returns he says, 'alright Miss Bortle (and I like how he calls me Miss), I appreciate you being honest with me so I would like to let you travel on today with a warning'. I would really like that too. He is the most beautiful person I have met in Michigan.
I continue on with a goal of 65.
It feels like I have searched for years to find a travel route that allows me to drive so close to the water. Like that need to be by the water has me thinking I need to move. I realize this water makes me so much less restless then the water at St Mary's where I think I want to move my life too. So I worry for the next several miles. I am comfortable and at home on this highway. Unlike the way I feel in my own skin at my own home. I love this route. I will remember it always.
Recipes: Wind mixed with rain blended with beautiful places God made, equals a respectable way to spend time.
Roadtrips: Still in Michigan; which is not a bad thing.
Renovations: This water makes me feel better then that water; but why?
No comments:
Post a Comment