The Winding Path (July 2018) — The Lake House Chronicles

Maybe it’s just a pathway to the water, but maybe it’s a path is something serene, quiet, soulful. We created a winding pathway to the water this week. Blood. Sweat. Tears. Chainsaws. Let’s be honest, most of that was Tom’s grit and determination to be lumberjack. I tried flex my muscle and keep up with him, but that’s a tall order! We make a pretty good team. The result is a winding path that quietly wraps around and through the trees, slowing rising and falling until you reach the water.

We contemplated the wildness of this place, deciding that it likely has been completely unchanged for over 100 years. We are the first inhabitants. That’s a heavy load, so we better get it right.

We are not, however, the first inhabitants to the Upper Hamlin waterfront. That may very well be Louie. Our “next door” neighbor who built a house on this waterfront over 38 years ago. The “general” of waterfront at over 70 years old. His first encounter with our “other neighbors”, D and N, their 3 kids, and dog Dutch, involved a shotgun slung over his shoulder, walkin’ the woods, smokin’ a stoagie. He pulled down our newly minted driveway in his ATV with his yellow lab, Remy, in the front seat. He seemed a bit reluctant at first to get to know the neighbors. But perhaps I would be too if I had lived nearly alone in these woods for almost 40 years. It turns out that Louie is a talker once he starts going. He is married with kids and grandkids. I think we will like Louie. N asked us if we had “met the wife”, with a look of unease. Hmmm. We have not.

D and N seem very close to our age, living near Grand Rapids. They are creating a lively playground in the woods for their kids. ATVs, kayaks, boats, fun. D either has great connections or some impressive handyman skills (with which Tom may be feeling a healthy sense of competition ;-)). It looks like they have about a one year head start on the building process, so we can learn a lot from them. They also confirmed our sense that Upper Hamlin is a bit like Mayberry, where nothing gets done quickly. Lake Time.

We took a much needed break from the work to take a road trip up the M22. Michigan Love is real, especially on the M22. The M22 is dotted with charming northern Michigan towns, each with their own character. We especially liked the vibe of Onekama and look forward to going back soon. We took the kiddos for a short hike on the Green Point Trail for spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Well worth the stop.

Annie and Cooper first boat trip on Green Lake! Cooper looks a little green.

The M22 road trip had another purpose, which was collecting new toys. We acquired a great 50’ dock from Bob’s neighbor on Green Lake, Bill. Bill is a recently retired in-house counsel (maybe I should take a hint!) who now lives on Green Lake full time with his wife Dorey. They have so many toys! And a beautiful new aluminum dock to replace the worn cedar dock that we happily took off their hands. Bob and his crew headed off to Traverse City for the evening, and graciously offered to let us take a spin around the lake in the Bennington and take a shower. A real shower! That was a nice treat and much needed. We felt like new people. Annie and Cooper loved it too! Cooper is especially at home in the water, happily bounding around in the water chasing toys. Annie likes to play keep-a-way, but enjoyed it too. The Bennington was their first boating experience and they loved it! Ears flapping the wind and lots of new smells in the air. Naps in the sunshine.

The ATV culture up north is highly amusing. Grown couples driving their ATV, golf cart or Gator down the road to see their neighbors or hit the Upper Hamlin Grocer. That may need to be a future toy, lest we not fit in.

I like to get up early, even at the lake. I enjoyed one quiet morning at the water waiting for the wildlife to appear. Two blue herons soared up from our cove, which was an impressive sight. We are wondering if they have a nest in the cove. Also saw a few ducks and listened to the songs of the frogs. Perhaps we need to re-consider our strategy so we can preserve their habitat. Lots to think about. Tom joined me, too, in our Adirondack chairs on the waterfront. Contemplative moments, counting our good fortune, hard work and planning for the future.

The campsite is quickly becoming quite the compound! We are now decked out with a picnic table, gazebo, two fire pits, Tiki torches, and the best addition of all, a hot outdoor shower! We each planted an evergreen tree brought from our home in Indy, so we have something from our first home to make us feel at home.

We were never at a loss for great, hardy food to feed our work. Cold fried chicken was a delicious daily lunch. Spicy pulled pork, grilled salmon, and even a few green veggies and our daily green juice. And of course, wine in the woods! The ice cream, however, may be getting a little out of control. We discovered the soft serve and toppings at the Upper Hamlin Grocer, which may become a tradition along with our stop at Kilwin’s in Ludington. It is summer, after all. The kiddos like the ice cream, too, although they are not supposed to have it! The bedtime s’mores may need to continue back in Indy. Addictive little things, especially with good dark chocolate and a bit of smoked sea salt.

So much to take in from this week, and so much to be grateful for. We have a long road ahead of us, but we can see the path.