Lessons Learned
Glenn, MI
July 24, 2020
Yesterday, after David woke, he joined me over coffee by the lake. We chatted for an hour so, including about our itinerary for the day. The weather is beautiful and the water is “warm”, so we planned time on the beach.
Then we realized…we had to go to South Haven. When we were last here, we (Royal We) underestimated the lake. When coming up each day, we usually leave our supplies at the bottom of the stairs. One evening last month, that is what I started to do.
“Dad”, David said, “don’t you think we should bring our stuff up?”
“No. It should be fine. I’ll put it under the steps.”
The next morning, the steps were under the water.
The beach umbrella, and both folding chairs, were nowhere to be found. Later as the waves receded, I spied one of the chairs wedged against the neighbor’s stairs about a hundred yards away. I retrieved it. But its twin, and that umbrella, are probably in Milwaukee.
Today we replaced them. We (again, Royal We), also realized we forgot to pack our swimsuit. We bought another at one of the many shops along Phoenix Street, then walked to Su Casa for lunch. Ominously, they were closed.
We have gone to Su Casa for years. Last month, they were open every day. We had dinner there on a Thursday night, for take out and to eat on the back patio. Now, in peak season, they are open only on Friday evening and thru the weekend. I wonder how much longer they’ll be open at all. Clearly, the lockdowns, restrictions, and piecemeal re-openings are taking a toll.
Around the corner, back on Phoenix, the Black River Tavern was open, and able to seat us. We each enjoyed a couple very good tacos, then retreated to the house.
At the base of the stairs, pending Lake Michigan’s mood, we have sufficient beach to set up camp. A couple chairs, a cooler, a book. What more could we want? We settled in, read a few pages, and decided to test the water. It was perfect.
We are almost always in the lake. But last year, and certainly last month, surface temperatures were in the 50s…far below even our ludicrous thresholds. Yesterday, it was in the low 70s, and we spent the better part of an hour luxuriating in it. As the waves rose, David repeatedly rode them to shore, then swam back to catch the next one.
After the last one carried him in, we grabbed our gear, and did not leave it on the beach. My son was pleased to see that even his father could sometimes learn a lesson.
We left the supplies near the top of the steps, from which we expect to carry them frequently during the course of what looks to be a beautiful week.
It was certainly a beautiful night. Last evening was ideal, perfect for grilling some chicken, and enjoying the scene. It was impossible to do otherwise.
JD
