Alpena, MI 2015
September 12-18, 2015
After an uneventful drive, we arrived Saturday afternoon at Wes Point Shores Cabins Resort in Alpena, MI. We stopped in at the office to find out which cabin was ours, to get our key, and to pay the bill. When we got there, however, we were told that credit cards were not accepted. I did not remember this from our phone conversation when I booked the cottage. I knew that I had to send a check for the deposit, but did not remember the woman telling me that credit cards weren't accepted to pay for the accommodations. Panic set in. While my husband and I do bring spare cash on trips, we don't normally carry that much spare cash. My checkbook doesn't leave the house, and neither of us had an ATM card. Luckily, according to the woman, a bank that we do business with was in town. So, we'd have to wait until Monday to pay our bill. Or so we initially thought. The woman said it would be OK.
We drove to the cabin and unloaded our stuff. Unfortunately the parking spaces are not marked and Dan parked in the neighbor's spot. Shortly after that the neighbors returned none too happy that someone was parking in their spot since they had 3 vehicles that had to fit in a space reserved for two. Once Dan realized the problem, he moved the car and all was well.
Now, we got back to our original problem. We pooled our money to see if we had enough to pay our bill. Turns out we did with a little bit to spare. But, when we went to the office to pay, the woman wasn't there. She and her husband were volunteering at the Potato Festival all weekend. We vowed to call her in the morning before leaving for church to pay our bill. We were both nervous about carrying so much cash, when that cash has to be used to pay for something so important as lodging.
Nervous or not, we needed to go grocery shopping. Luckily Meijer is not too far (7 miles or so) from our cottage and they take credit cards. But before that we decided to try and find the bank downtown and check their hours. Coming back from the bank we got all turned around, but eventually found our way back, went grocery shopping (albeit forgot a few things) and went back to the cottage.
After an uneventful drive, we arrived Saturday afternoon at Wes Point Shores Cabins Resort in Alpena, MI. We stopped in at the office to find out which cabin was ours, to get our key, and to pay the bill. When we got there, however, we were told that credit cards were not accepted. I did not remember this from our phone conversation when I booked the cottage. I knew that I had to send a check for the deposit, but did not remember the woman telling me that credit cards weren't accepted to pay for the accommodations. Panic set in. While my husband and I do bring spare cash on trips, we don't normally carry that much spare cash. My checkbook doesn't leave the house, and neither of us had an ATM card. Luckily, according to the woman, a bank that we do business with was in town. So, we'd have to wait until Monday to pay our bill. Or so we initially thought. The woman said it would be OK.
We drove to the cabin and unloaded our stuff. Unfortunately the parking spaces are not marked and Dan parked in the neighbor's spot. Shortly after that the neighbors returned none too happy that someone was parking in their spot since they had 3 vehicles that had to fit in a space reserved for two. Once Dan realized the problem, he moved the car and all was well.
Now, we got back to our original problem. We pooled our money to see if we had enough to pay our bill. Turns out we did with a little bit to spare. But, when we went to the office to pay, the woman wasn't there. She and her husband were volunteering at the Potato Festival all weekend. We vowed to call her in the morning before leaving for church to pay our bill. We were both nervous about carrying so much cash, when that cash has to be used to pay for something so important as lodging.
Nervous or not, we needed to go grocery shopping. Luckily Meijer is not too far (7 miles or so) from our cottage and they take credit cards. But before that we decided to try and find the bank downtown and check their hours. Coming back from the bank we got all turned around, but eventually found our way back, went grocery shopping (albeit forgot a few things) and went back to the cottage.
It wasn't yet time for dinner so we decided to go sit out on the picnic table by the lake. Even though the air was cool, the sun was warm so we didn't need a jacket there. A long time ago Dan and I got in the habit of reading to each other. Although since his voice has been perpetually hoarse for years, now I always read to him. This afternoon we decided I should read a chapter of the Joe Grey book I brought.
After I read a chapter, it was getting closer to dinner time so we went in and ate leftovers that we brought with us. Here's a couple of views of inside our little 3 room cottage.
Dan spent quite a bit of time relaxing on that futon. I spent quite a bit of time relaxing in that rocker. The last night we were there, I slept on that futon because Dan's snoring got so bad I didn't want to have yet another sleepless night. Unfortunately, what with no door to the bedroom, it was not much quieter sleeping on the futon. I still had to wear earplugs.
After dinner it was getting chilly so we closed up the windows. While that helped it was still chilly inside, with a guarantee to get chillier. Lows were predicted to be in the 40s with patchy frost! Now, as you can see, we did have a heater on the wall, but the dial was missing so we weren't sure it actually worked. And, we couldn't ask at the office because they had already gone to volunteer at the festival.
Thankfully, before we went to bed Dan figured out there was a rickety on/off switch that did, indeed, switch the heater on. Good thing too because despite having multiple layers of clothes on, I was still shivering as I read my book that evening. Although it didn't heat our tiny cottage sufficiently by the time we went to bed, it was better than if there was no heat at all and by morning it was significantly better. Thankfully, there were multiple layers of blankets on the bed so we didn't freeze that night.
As we vowed, we called the office Sunday morning. No answer. Our hopes of paying the bill were dashed, but we decided to stop by on our way back from church anyway.
We went to church at St. Casimir's in Posen. This Sunday, they had a Polka Mass. "Pan" Franek and Zosia provided the music (my favorite polka band). After Mass, we went to visit my Aunt Stella's grave in the cemetery next to the church. She died a day before my birthday in August. There was still no headstone so I found it extremely awkward to say what I wanted to say. Without the headstone there it seems like talking to just a piece of sod. It was doubly awkward because I'm not much on visiting graves anyway. I don't really think that a person's spirit sticks around the grave, but hopefully in this case it was sticking nearby because my aunt would've liked the Polka Mass and, for quite a few years before she died, she wasn't able to attend church at all.
After Church we decided to park at the high school and walk to the festival. People were setting up their chairs for the parade; people were waiting in line for the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast and we had one mission: to get Dan a bratwurst with sauerkraut from Nowicki's. We didn't want to dawdle because the city was going to close off the street for the parade soon and neither of us wanted to stay for that. Been there, done that sort of thing.
After Dan finished eating his bratwurst, we went back to the cottage. I had my lunch then after we let our stomachs settle a bit we went out to Duck Park and walked around Island Park.
After dinner it was getting chilly so we closed up the windows. While that helped it was still chilly inside, with a guarantee to get chillier. Lows were predicted to be in the 40s with patchy frost! Now, as you can see, we did have a heater on the wall, but the dial was missing so we weren't sure it actually worked. And, we couldn't ask at the office because they had already gone to volunteer at the festival.
Thankfully, before we went to bed Dan figured out there was a rickety on/off switch that did, indeed, switch the heater on. Good thing too because despite having multiple layers of clothes on, I was still shivering as I read my book that evening. Although it didn't heat our tiny cottage sufficiently by the time we went to bed, it was better than if there was no heat at all and by morning it was significantly better. Thankfully, there were multiple layers of blankets on the bed so we didn't freeze that night.
As we vowed, we called the office Sunday morning. No answer. Our hopes of paying the bill were dashed, but we decided to stop by on our way back from church anyway.
We went to church at St. Casimir's in Posen. This Sunday, they had a Polka Mass. "Pan" Franek and Zosia provided the music (my favorite polka band). After Mass, we went to visit my Aunt Stella's grave in the cemetery next to the church. She died a day before my birthday in August. There was still no headstone so I found it extremely awkward to say what I wanted to say. Without the headstone there it seems like talking to just a piece of sod. It was doubly awkward because I'm not much on visiting graves anyway. I don't really think that a person's spirit sticks around the grave, but hopefully in this case it was sticking nearby because my aunt would've liked the Polka Mass and, for quite a few years before she died, she wasn't able to attend church at all.
After Church we decided to park at the high school and walk to the festival. People were setting up their chairs for the parade; people were waiting in line for the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast and we had one mission: to get Dan a bratwurst with sauerkraut from Nowicki's. We didn't want to dawdle because the city was going to close off the street for the parade soon and neither of us wanted to stay for that. Been there, done that sort of thing.
After Dan finished eating his bratwurst, we went back to the cottage. I had my lunch then after we let our stomachs settle a bit we went out to Duck Park and walked around Island Park.
After we got back to the car, Dan remembered the Frisbee in the back seat and asked when I wanted to play. We decided to have a 45 minute round of Frisbee. I had to relearn how to throw. For quite some time I was pretty bad, but then I got the hang of things and it was fun. One man walked by and said that he and his brother used to play all the time.
Back to the cottage for some dinner. I still had leftover baked penne with lamb. Dan cooked some Spanish rice for himself and baby carrots for us both. During dinner Dan looked out the window and saw a porcupine waddling past. Unfortunately I couldn't get my camera in time in order to get a decent picture of him (or her).
After dinner we sat outside on the picnic table bench, read another chapter in the Joe Grey book, and watched the sun set.
Back to the cottage for some dinner. I still had leftover baked penne with lamb. Dan cooked some Spanish rice for himself and baby carrots for us both. During dinner Dan looked out the window and saw a porcupine waddling past. Unfortunately I couldn't get my camera in time in order to get a decent picture of him (or her).
After dinner we sat outside on the picnic table bench, read another chapter in the Joe Grey book, and watched the sun set.
A mist was forming in the distance.
Now it was getting pretty chilly so we came back in a bit early. No TV, nothing on the radio, Dan couldn't get a hold of his brother so we snuggled close and worked on a crossword puzzle.
Afterward, Dan got a hold of his brother and talked for quite a while while I sat and did a couple of word searches. Then it was time for dessert -- watermelon. Unfortunately this was not a good watermelon, which goes to show that not all seeded watermelons are better than seedless ones.
Monday was a busy day. First we stopped off at the bank to replenish our cash reserves. We ended up paying for our lodging Sunday afternoon before the woman and her husband left to volunteer at the festival again. Then it was off to Performance Locker to rent bicycles. The plan was to ride up to Washington Park and have a picnic. Here's the view from our picnic table.
Afterward, Dan got a hold of his brother and talked for quite a while while I sat and did a couple of word searches. Then it was time for dessert -- watermelon. Unfortunately this was not a good watermelon, which goes to show that not all seeded watermelons are better than seedless ones.
Monday was a busy day. First we stopped off at the bank to replenish our cash reserves. We ended up paying for our lodging Sunday afternoon before the woman and her husband left to volunteer at the festival again. Then it was off to Performance Locker to rent bicycles. The plan was to ride up to Washington Park and have a picnic. Here's the view from our picnic table.
A short bike ride -- a bit over a mile, but this was a difficult one for me. I didn't realize how out of shape I was. Coming back against a headwind was tough. My legs really hurt. I could barely get enough force to pedal. Perhaps if the bike had not been a cruiser (no shifters) it may have been an easier ride, especially when at times we were going uphill (even though the hills weren't that big)? I don't know. But one thing is for sure, I have to make a concerted effort to get some regular biking in and build up my strength again. I used to be able to ride for much longer (though not nearly as long as my husband who regularly bikes with his father 20 some miles twice a week in the summer). Clearly at my age, I have to make a concerted effort to build up my muscle mass and stamina. (My late-year resolution!)
On our way back we rode up to Starlite Beach, which is quite near Performance Locker. This time we parked our bikes by the picnic pavilion, walked along the beach. and sat down at a picnic table by the water to look out on Thunder Bay.
On our way back we rode up to Starlite Beach, which is quite near Performance Locker. This time we parked our bikes by the picnic pavilion, walked along the beach. and sat down at a picnic table by the water to look out on Thunder Bay.
We were joined by a gull for a bit.
And saw a heron? egret? in the distance.
Although we had paid for half a day, it was clear I was in no shape to be going biking any more, so we returned our bikes. The man at Performance Locker was nice enough to give us a discount since we didn't use our entire allotted time.
Next it was off to the library. This is the first time I didn't need to bring my laptop so that Dan could check his email, so we each read articles in print versions of magazines. I also checked out the donation table. Nothing interesting this time. Mostly all romances.
After that, it was back to Meijer to pick up the few things we forgot to pick up on Saturday. Then dinner, a chapter of Joe Grey out by the picnic table and another sunset. This time lingering longer since the weather was not so chilly.
Tuesday started out with a relaxing morning of reading followed by lunch. After lunch we spent a couple of hours at The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. This year they had a new theater. The documentaries shown this day were all about climate change, its impact on marine life, and what we can do to minimize that impact. This was all projected onto a sphere in the middle of the room. Quite innovative in my opinion.
After we got back to the cabin, it wasn't yet time for dinner so I decided to go sit by the lake and read a bit. Dan decided to read indoors. Then after dinner we went to visit my cousins in Presque Isle for the evening. Driving back was a bit nerve-wracking though. My cousin pointed out that there are a lot of deer in the area so the whole way back we were keeping a sharp eye out so we wouldn't be caught off guard if they decided to sprint out in front of our car. Luckily, we didn't see one and we got back to the cabin safe and sound.
Wednesday started out again with a morning of relaxing reading, but this time in separate venues. Dan thought it was sufficiently warm outside so he went to read by the lake while I stayed inside. About an hour later I decided to venture out, but despite wearing a t-shirt, cardigan, and hoodie, I was shivering so I went back inside.
After lunch, it warmed up so we spent several hours walking the trails at Thompson's Harbor State Park. The wildflowers and the wildlife caught our eyes.
Next it was off to the library. This is the first time I didn't need to bring my laptop so that Dan could check his email, so we each read articles in print versions of magazines. I also checked out the donation table. Nothing interesting this time. Mostly all romances.
After that, it was back to Meijer to pick up the few things we forgot to pick up on Saturday. Then dinner, a chapter of Joe Grey out by the picnic table and another sunset. This time lingering longer since the weather was not so chilly.
Tuesday started out with a relaxing morning of reading followed by lunch. After lunch we spent a couple of hours at The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. This year they had a new theater. The documentaries shown this day were all about climate change, its impact on marine life, and what we can do to minimize that impact. This was all projected onto a sphere in the middle of the room. Quite innovative in my opinion.
After we got back to the cabin, it wasn't yet time for dinner so I decided to go sit by the lake and read a bit. Dan decided to read indoors. Then after dinner we went to visit my cousins in Presque Isle for the evening. Driving back was a bit nerve-wracking though. My cousin pointed out that there are a lot of deer in the area so the whole way back we were keeping a sharp eye out so we wouldn't be caught off guard if they decided to sprint out in front of our car. Luckily, we didn't see one and we got back to the cabin safe and sound.
Wednesday started out again with a morning of relaxing reading, but this time in separate venues. Dan thought it was sufficiently warm outside so he went to read by the lake while I stayed inside. About an hour later I decided to venture out, but despite wearing a t-shirt, cardigan, and hoodie, I was shivering so I went back inside.
After lunch, it warmed up so we spent several hours walking the trails at Thompson's Harbor State Park. The wildflowers and the wildlife caught our eyes.
Although we walked nearly 3.4 miles around the park, through different habitats, what I most wanted to visit was the harbor one last time. In all likelihood we will not be coming back to this area any time soon, if ever, now that my aunt has died. The harbor is the most peaceful spot in the area, in my opinion. If I had the chance I could sit here for hours.
Before leaving, Dan noticed an evergreen growing among the rocks.
After leaving the park, we stopped again at Meijer. This time it was to buy stuff to safely transport a large painting that my aunt had hanging in her house and that her sister, my aunt Frances, painted. My cousin was getting rid of her paintings and knickknacks (also many that my aunt Frances had created) and wanted to know if I wanted any. I took a few that I was particularly fond of. I wish I could've taken many more, but they wouldn't all fit in my little car.
Still in a state of peacefulness from our walk in the park, we came "home" to a power outage. Turns out the whole area was out and according to the woman at the office, the electric company's offices were located quite a ways from there, they didn't know where the outage was located, so it could take quite a while for the electricity to come back on.
Thankfully, the outage lasted only a couple of hours, but the whole time had me very nervous. I kept thinking: no power, no well water? Do they have a generator for the well pump or will we have to conserve water? Can we flush the toilet? What if this lasts for days? Contingency plans? Flashlight? Batteries? The resort doesn't provide them.
After dinner, the power finally came on. We went down by the lake to read another chapter of Joe Grey. At one point, we looked up and realized that we had attracted an audience.
Still in a state of peacefulness from our walk in the park, we came "home" to a power outage. Turns out the whole area was out and according to the woman at the office, the electric company's offices were located quite a ways from there, they didn't know where the outage was located, so it could take quite a while for the electricity to come back on.
Thankfully, the outage lasted only a couple of hours, but the whole time had me very nervous. I kept thinking: no power, no well water? Do they have a generator for the well pump or will we have to conserve water? Can we flush the toilet? What if this lasts for days? Contingency plans? Flashlight? Batteries? The resort doesn't provide them.
After dinner, the power finally came on. We went down by the lake to read another chapter of Joe Grey. At one point, we looked up and realized that we had attracted an audience.
This particular goose, shortly after this picture was taken, decided to come up on shore, circle the picnic table, and stand in front of us (presumably wanting us to feed it). Shortly thereafter, his family decided it was time to join him on shore. Before they could get to shore, Dan and I went in. We wanted no part of the family of geese!
After a while, the geese got the message. No handouts today. They swam away to the east somewhere and we went back out to enjoy the sunset.
After a while, the geese got the message. No handouts today. They swam away to the east somewhere and we went back out to enjoy the sunset.
We spotted a couple of swans near the far shore.
Thursday, our last day here, started out as the previous two mornings had: relaxing and reading. Then it was off to Bay View Park for a picnic. This was by far the windiest day. The waters of Thunder Bay were very choppy.
We were again joined by a gull. Although here he's walking away, he did stand nearby for most of our picnic time.
After our picnic we decided to take our traditional stroll on the pier. At the foot of the pier I was surprised and delighted to see a Little Free Library (maintained by the Girl Scouts).
Afterward, it was still pretty early in the afternoon and Dan didn't want to go back to the cabin. There wasn't much left to do in Alpena, so we spent a couple of hours or so at the library. Dan was engrossed in reading the Detroit Free Press and an article in Astronomy. I checked Friday's weather in the Alpena News, read an article about 3-D cameras photographing shipwrecks, and halfheartedly thumbed through the latest issue of The New Yorker. While wandering around the library I came across a Gale (now, Gale, Cengage Learning) book called What to Read Next in Historical Fiction? As I thumbed through, I came across a series of murder mysteries that looked interesting: The Celebrity Sleuths Mystery Series by George Baxt. For all I know, these are out of print, but perhaps if I'm bored with the books on my bookshelf, I'll check them out one day.
Then it was back to the cabin to do more reading of the books that we brought with us. Both Dan and I finished reading our respective books nearly at the same time -- he, Masters of the Planet: The Search for Our Human Origins by Ian Tattersall and me, Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe. A nice way to wrap up the last day of our vacation.
Created by Joyce P. Simkin
October 9, 2015
Then it was back to the cabin to do more reading of the books that we brought with us. Both Dan and I finished reading our respective books nearly at the same time -- he, Masters of the Planet: The Search for Our Human Origins by Ian Tattersall and me, Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe. A nice way to wrap up the last day of our vacation.
Created by Joyce P. Simkin
October 9, 2015