Superior Summer 2021, Pt. 2 - Transition

 

Thirty-eight years ago tomorrow morning, Heather took my hand in marriage. Didn't fully understand why she'd do that then, it's still something of a mystery to me today.

S'okay. Mystery is the stuff of life.

By this time the day after, we'd set up camp in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness for the first week of our honeymoon on the shore of Lake Superior.

The second week we spent at Bobcat Lake, in the Ottawa National Forest.

We'd been going to the U.P. together for some years beforehand and I don't recall there being any real question but that we'd honeymoon there.

When younger, autumn was our preferred time in the northwoods. Tent camping during late September in the wilderness was frequently hard. It tested us and mostly, we passed.

Over time, August became our preferred month because that far north it offers the best of both worlds. Many days are still warm enough to enjoy quality time at the beach…

…while others offer glimpses of autumn's cherished mystery.

By late August, summer's harsh light is softened.

Though the living forest remains lush and green.

Save for 'round the edges, where September can be seen.

In my heart of hearts, I still love northwoods autumn best. Except we've been tested, have prospered for the experience and over the many years since, haven't forgotten.

So the reasonably long days of late summer that come mostly filled with warmth and easy living make by far the stronger case.

Besides, autumn's coming right down the pike. Nothing will stop it and winter's close behind.

So best to make the most of summer while we can.