For 12-16 years now, a group of us gather together on the day before Mothers' Day. Because guys are coming in from all over the U.S., (Michigan, New York, Florida, California, Wisconsin) we gather throughout the day, - a Saturday in this case - at a friend's cottage up north. How long we've been doing it is a bit difficult to tell. The trips began over thirty years ago with Boy Scouts. Along the way, somewhere, it was only the guys. As we recognized how critical the makeup of the group was, the character of the trip changed. We have guarded the group carefully.
We put in on Mothers' Day, a Sunday. So, some of us honor the Moms in our lives a week earlier. This date works best from several aspects. Late enough to be no more snow - usually. Early enough that bugs haven't gained a solid foothold. Also, wildlife is abundant. Canadian geese, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, loons, beavers, mink, deer, kingfishers, turkeys, ducks, and all are around. Also, the various ruling entities (counties, state, US Forests, etc.) aren't collecting fees yet for campsites.
Usually, we travel all through the week. This year, we base camped for a week. Advantages and disadvantages. Relaxing is great, but boredom can set in. So naps become useful. All of us - even the young 61 year olds! - partook of naps.
We had beautiful weather through the week. And, sunsets were so awe inspiring that even our goofiness would be paused. However - rain caught up with us on the last day. We packed and paddled out in the rain. Even my Goretex failed me and I was soaked from head to toe. I was beginning to chill, and shiver, and we got the gear loaded into and onto the car in time for the heater to commence warming me.
Our country has many beautiful locales, many scenic rivers. For me, the Au Sable is the best, the Gem Of The North.
We put in on Mothers' Day, a Sunday. So, some of us honor the Moms in our lives a week earlier. This date works best from several aspects. Late enough to be no more snow - usually. Early enough that bugs haven't gained a solid foothold. Also, wildlife is abundant. Canadian geese, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, loons, beavers, mink, deer, kingfishers, turkeys, ducks, and all are around. Also, the various ruling entities (counties, state, US Forests, etc.) aren't collecting fees yet for campsites.
Usually, we travel all through the week. This year, we base camped for a week. Advantages and disadvantages. Relaxing is great, but boredom can set in. So naps become useful. All of us - even the young 61 year olds! - partook of naps.
We had beautiful weather through the week. And, sunsets were so awe inspiring that even our goofiness would be paused. However - rain caught up with us on the last day. We packed and paddled out in the rain. Even my Goretex failed me and I was soaked from head to toe. I was beginning to chill, and shiver, and we got the gear loaded into and onto the car in time for the heater to commence warming me.
Our country has many beautiful locales, many scenic rivers. For me, the Au Sable is the best, the Gem Of The North.
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