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BlackSwan of Bloom
Today was like several days in one, as the weather kept changing in our little Magic Kingdom. Rain was predicted for the morning. We thought, "Oh, maybe it will clear up out by the shore." We picked up coffee and doughnuts from Cops and Doughnuts, and drove to the camp beach, where a downpour greeted us before we could get out of the car. Cold rain outside; hot coffee and a cherry-filled hand pie inside. There are worse fates.
When it showed no signs of slacking off, we scampered down to the beach house with our umbrella, and found a sheltered picnic table on the deck where we sat and watched the weather. We were cozy because I gave the Sparrowhawk my jacket to put on over his own. Tip for happiness in Michigan: always keep a wool sweater in the car--preferably a baggy old one that will fit over whatever else you're wearing and will not be harmed by contact with sand and water. I had my sweater, so I could give away my jacket and still be warm. Also! I had a large old wool blanket in the back of the car. I am a tactical genius. When hypothermia started creeping up on us anyway, we retired to the motel where the Sparrowhawk had a nap and I read a book on my phone.
When scraps of blue sky started showing through in the west, we returned to the park and hiked around a path on the far side of the river. It's mostly steps and boardwalk, so not too damp and muddy post-rain. In fact, about a million steps go up to and along the top of a high ridge of dunes with many wonderful views. We went slowly, stopping to admire many giant trees, one of them adorned with a porcupine that had somehow climbed up to a high perch, and returned in a loop that runs beside the river. We had an early supper, more napping and lolling, and then walked down the beach and watched the sunset, which was dramatic and glorious thanks to all the clouds. Oh, and we also opened a bottle of the champagne the Sparrowhawk thoughtfully provided for the occasion. I suppose this sounds kind of like old-people fun, but honestly, it's pretty much what we liked to do when young, as well!
When it showed no signs of slacking off, we scampered down to the beach house with our umbrella, and found a sheltered picnic table on the deck where we sat and watched the weather. We were cozy because I gave the Sparrowhawk my jacket to put on over his own. Tip for happiness in Michigan: always keep a wool sweater in the car--preferably a baggy old one that will fit over whatever else you're wearing and will not be harmed by contact with sand and water. I had my sweater, so I could give away my jacket and still be warm. Also! I had a large old wool blanket in the back of the car. I am a tactical genius. When hypothermia started creeping up on us anyway, we retired to the motel where the Sparrowhawk had a nap and I read a book on my phone.
When scraps of blue sky started showing through in the west, we returned to the park and hiked around a path on the far side of the river. It's mostly steps and boardwalk, so not too damp and muddy post-rain. In fact, about a million steps go up to and along the top of a high ridge of dunes with many wonderful views. We went slowly, stopping to admire many giant trees, one of them adorned with a porcupine that had somehow climbed up to a high perch, and returned in a loop that runs beside the river. We had an early supper, more napping and lolling, and then walked down the beach and watched the sunset, which was dramatic and glorious thanks to all the clouds. Oh, and we also opened a bottle of the champagne the Sparrowhawk thoughtfully provided for the occasion. I suppose this sounds kind of like old-people fun, but honestly, it's pretty much what we liked to do when young, as well!