| U.P. Michigan (upper peninsula)
BUGS! BUGS! BUGS! Alright, when we first started out on our trip, we had a problem with ants, and I would wake up to about a dozen by my head, and I would itch and get that creepy feeling on my skin. But there has now been a change. Now when I see an ant in the trailer, I think, 'Oh YAY! Its just an ant.' How did I get so jaded? Could it be the ticks? The one's that dig into your skin and will not let go without much encouragement? No, I've actually become immune to their charms now that I know how to get them extracted. Instead I will tell you the tale of a beautiful campground: Lake Michigan National Park has sites just a toss away from the water. We found a level site and as I helped Kim navigate into our parking spot, I was swarmed by small winged creatures with an appetite for blood. Swatting myself and waving my arms, Kim backed the RV expertly into the spot. I was so glad to get the bug spray on! It made such a difference with the mosquitoes and small flies that looped around us and chewed. The camp hosts took pity on Kim, who attempted to get water while I cooked dinner, and lent her a mosquito net hat. (She looked really cute in it.) As the night wore on, we began spraying the bug stuff everywhere, including our hair and dabbing our face, especially our necks and adventured to the lake for the sunset. As long as we were moving, it wasn't too bad. The dogs enjoyed running in and out of the water, swishing and playing with true doggy happiness. (And getting completely soaked.) The clouds turned a flame color as the sun set and the clouds wisped over the horizon of the Lake. We stayed for quite a while, watching the rhythmic crash of the small waves and the slow darkening of the evening with a last flare of rose and dark blue in the clouds above. When we went to bed, we spent quite awhile getting rid of our extra 'guests' who snacked on us before sleep. That high pitch buzz bringing an instinctive protection against the inevitable landing and uncomfortable piercing. Unfortunately Sammie was sick and needed to go out frequently that night. With bug spray held in one hand, leash in the other, we both took turns braving the night. And after even a short opening of the camper door, more 'guests' would enter along with their drilling song that signaled a promise of what was to come. We thought about staying another night, but the bugs won and we decided to move on. So now when I see one of the small black ants that occasionally make their way through the camper, I think, 'YAY they don't bite!" The next day we planned to go over the Mackinack suspension bridge that spans the upper peninsula to the lower part of Michigan. My mom had recommended we try the Pasties that are the delicacy up here and the camp ground hosts recommended a place called Suzy's in town. A crusty pastry filled with potatoes, onions, carrots and broccoli filled me up after eating only half. We had tried a pasty! Then it was time to head over the bridge. We noticed that the pace started to heighten as we headed towards the city. Everything seemed to move at a much more hectic pace, and we noticed the drivers were more easily irritated. We stayed and rested for awhile at a park that overlooked the suspension bridge. There was a beautiful view of the bridge and water beyond. A few islands scattered across the waters. At one point some geese with about 25 little gooslings floated by in perfect single file, their little beaks following faithfully. There was a wind churning today and a warning for trucks and trailers to only go 20 mph over the lengthy suspension bridge. It cost us 5 dollars to travel over and we followed the recommended speed limit. Through the cords that hold the vehicles over the water we could see deep blue with white caps on one side and light blue and calm on the other. |