This years Thanksgiving was to be spent in the UP. Our plan was to leave Lancaster by 4:30 am on Wednesday, but as the alarm screamed in our ears we decided a couple of hours of extra sleep would be worth the delayed arrival. So our 4am departure plans quickly turned into an 8am departure. We had smooth travels till a little ways into Ohio where we hit the biggest rain cloud known to man, mixed with half the north traveling to family, which collided to make the perfect conditions for accidents, traffic, more accidents, and simply a ton of delays. We battled the crazy rain until about half why through the lower part of Michigan, where it braked (we thought we had made it), then it turned to snow (AKA “death to good traveling conditions”). As the weather worsened, our spirits and desire for “adventure” left.
Memories of last year’s “flying-off-the-road-adventure” during a similar snowstorm on our way north had left us pretty skittish this year. We battled until about 45 minutes south of the Mackinaw Bridge and found a motel. Our location of refuge was “Timberly Motel”. If we were in a third world country this would have been luxury, but in the states it was a little sub-par. Let’s just say it’s been a while since my motel room came equipped with it’s on ashtray, pubic hairs around the bathroom, and plenty of parking spaces in the empty parking lot except for my car and 2 others. I shouldn’t knock the place too bad, it was much nicer than an icy grave, or being flipped in a ditch.
It snowed about 4-5 inches during the night and left a beautiful sight for us in the morning. Zuri (our 12 week old coonhound) loved the snow and would often only stand on three legs to keep at least one foot out of the cold.
Zuri was great to travel with, we made her a bed in the back of the car and that is where she stayed for 98% of the trip. I’ve never seen her sleep so much.
Once on the road again Pearl and I quickly discovered a beautiful sight; the sight that all travels love and pray for. A sight the stirs feelings of warmed and coziness, of being known (even through you’ve never been to this actual place) and of knowing, a place where Pearl and I officially declared our love through engagement. Yes, I’m talking about the beautiful place known as Starbucks. It’s like family hugs all mixed in a cup, which is especially nice after hauling snow and ice off your car.
After picking up “the bucks” we had smooth travels. We arrived in the Keweenaw around 4:30pm. The past few hours have been delightful. To be with family, share stories, be able to help with small projects, share Thanksgiving dinner, and to simply be together.
Well, it’s now night, I’m the last one up, and I should get to bed (cause we’re going black Friday shopping tomorrow! Yeah!)
Happy Thanksgiving to you all
PS – I’m incredibly blessed beyond what my words can express. To have such amazing friends, family and faith community decorating the days of my life leave me being truly grateful and thankful.
Blessings to all
2 comments:
I enjoy your reading your blogs. Glad you made it safely. We missed you both over Thanksgiving--looking forward to Christmas! Much love, The Pages
I didn't know the UP had Starbucks! Where is this treasure? :)
Emily Waisanen
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