The Get-Away

6:30 am - Text from WG "Just told no work Sat. I know it's short notice, but want to take off for the weekend?"

I had unintentionally thwarted his plans for my birthday by squeezing in a quick trip to TN over that weekend in August. Further challenged by working six days a week, he was determined to bring a fun and relaxing vacation trip of our own into our summer plans. WG pulled together plans for our weekend get-away in just three short hours.

I called the kennel, booked Eli for the weekend. Flew to summer school; taught for 3 hours. Hit grocery store on the way home and picked up travelling snacks. I was home long enough to shower, change and pack.

WG arrived at 2:45 to load my things into the Jeep. I grabbed a bag from the fridge to add to the cooler. WG perused the items, taking a few out saying, "You don't need this. You don't need this."

"What?! Why don't I need those? You don't want cheese or crackers or summer sausage?! I know I'll want some Diet Coke, and you'll surely want some Coke Zero! I thought you loved these things!"

"EJ, I love all of those things. That's why I already have these exact items in the cooler."

"Oh." Scary how much we think alike.

He was a man with a plan.

By 3pm, we were on the road. My only knowledge of our destination was "it's north."

North indeed. We stayed in Mackinac City, chosen for it's close proximity to so many sight-seeing options. WG brought me a fistful of pamphlets and asked me to choose the sights I most wanted to see.

We put the top down on the Jeep and spent all of Saturday touring around the Upper Pennisula, where I had never been.

We drove, literally, to Paradise. We stopped and hiked through the State Park, getting to see Taquamenon Falls, a beautiful sight, and an even more delightful sound.

We saw three of the five great lakes and marveled at each and every one.

Curiosity got the best of us, and we stopped to see the Black Bear Ranch, where over 80 black bears have been rescued and cared for. WG was kind enough to lean on a tree and help this poor fellow reach just a few more berries. He said he did it so I could get a better picture, but I think he's a softie for those big brown bear eyes.

We had dinner outside and listened to some great live music.

We took time out to play a round of 18. WG beat me by one point, which scores major points in my book. It's been a long time since I've had serious putt-putt competition!!

Unable to capture the breathtaking serenity of the lakes themselves, this is my favorite photo from our trip, taken while hiking through the woods. Thanks, WG, for such an amazing get-away, and for patiently waiting in mosquito-infested woods for me to get just the perfect shot.

You are an amazing man.