I like to travel. Peggy likes to travel. Our daughter Kathryn likes to travel. Our Son-in-Law Michael, not so much. The idea of a road-trip is NOT something Mike gets excited about; though he has periodically given in to his wife.
A couple months ago Katy asked us if we were interested in a trip together. Ostensibly it was to “help” her aging parents, but we all knew she was just itching for an excuse to use some PTO time.
Travel has been problematic these past three years. Not just because of COVID. Our mutual changing health situation has resulted in revising our view of travel; not always in favor of more travel. And now that we have returned home I have to admit that even our downward revision of how much activity is good, is overly optimistic. Still we had a great trip.
Our original plan had been driving south to St Louis for a visit to MoBot.
It’s a place we’ve visited before and it’s always great to mix flowers with world class BBQ, pizza or a trip to the Old Spaghetti Factory. Unfortunately we ended up grudgingly accepting that it would be WAY to hot for two of the three of us.
A change of plans was needed and Katy has never been to Mackinaw Island. So North it was. We did not plan on smoke from Canadian fires, but in the end all worked out just fine.
I admit to being a “cheap” traveler. I rarely opt for the better hotels. Well, I NEVER opt for them. We rarely spend much time in hotel rooms, and to be honest we’ve never had enough money to AFFORD posh accommodations. We travel modestly and probably spend more money on dining which we all enjoy even more than having plush towels and larger rooms.
This trip, though, we splashed out on a lake view, a top floor, and a few more creature comforts. I’m glad we did because even with those concessions and a slowed down touring schedule it still took me three days home before my body was anywhere close to pain-free.
it’s a 7 hour drive from home to Mackinaw City. Much of that was spent in the rain, but switching drivers (which is still hard for me, I love to drive) made it easier. Still, Katy needs to contribute and I was happy for help.
Our first day in Mackinaw was forecast with poor air quality; it was the same day that Chicago had the worst air in the world. We were better but not great. With poor visibility we opted to drive to Sault Ste. Marie..
We had a leisure day, wandered around INSIDE a retires coal/steel freighter and enjoyed an absolutely top notch seafood lunch.
I can’t say it was an easy day, my feet didn’t think so but it was wonderful. Check out The Lockview resto if you’re there.
Our hopes that the next day would provide better weather we’re rewarded. The Sun shown bright the skies were clear and we rambled over the Island till our feet gave out; literally.
The next day we returned home, happy, tired, sore, and content. I know not every family is still close when the “kids” have passed their own 50th birthday. I count it a blessing that we are fortunate that way. It’s about mutual respect and giving everyone a chance to contribute in their own way, not is the way someone else thinks they should. we have a good time traveling together and Michael is spared the aging of sitting still in a car for hours and trudging around on his injured foot, which isn’t fun. I understand completely.
I have no idea where next we will wander. Perhaps we’ll make it to St Louis another time. Here’s hoping.
From the Far Side of '70 
You must be logged in to post a comment.