On Friday morning we spontaneously decided to pack up Jake and Jackson and head Up North. Knowing the weather forecast was looking grimm we knew it didn't matter anymore. We wanted to just get out of town! So to the Cabin we headed.
The weather was surprising. Sunny the whole way up to Ludington. The driveway is 1.5 miles in from the dirt road full of steep hills, National Forest, and potential for washout. Upon decending our first hill Scott put the brakes on and we spotted our first problem. A down tree. It looked like we could easily move it out of the way. Not true. It was not dead and it was wedged between two other trees. So we backed the truck up the hill and parked it. Our last minute decision to pack Jake's backpack carrier couldn't have been more of a life-saver. With a dog, a 9 month old, groceries, everything but the kitchen sink, and the weather outlook - the backpack originally wasn't on the packing list.
As the rain clouds were rolling in we had to think really fast as to what to take out of the car. We loaded up and started to head in. As the sun was still shining the rain also came down. It was actually kind of cool. Jake was very excited as he shrieked with excitement the whole time. Jackson loved the rain, sprinted up and down the road, and dove into every water source that existed. I must say that we double timed it when we heard the thunder.
About two thirds the way in we found another nemesis. The second tree across the road. This one required more than a handsaw from the shed. This warranted a phone call to my Dad saying that we NEED him and his chainsaw.
We made it! Scott waited for a break in the weather and took the handsaw out to tree #1 and got the car through to tree #2 and waited for my Mom and Dad.
More weekend tidbits...
- we found a tree almost completely taken down by woodpeckers (those peckers)
- Sears has moved inside Kmart in Manistee (hmmm.)
- my Mom and I went shopping to Kmart on Saturday because we needed to get out
- she bought a gas stove from Sears (or Kmart?) to replace the existing one at the Cabin
- we made homemade longjohns over the fire - tradition!
- saw bald eagles around the cabin
Despite the down trees and cold weather, I loved all the surprises. Priceless.
5 comments:
I love the pictures of Jake in the backpack!
If you can believe it, I've been to Ludington before! Love the pictures - sounds like a great adventure (once you set your minds to it!).
your stories remind me of a Nooma I saw once. Something about a kid in a backpack in a rainstorm on Robs back. I remember that part of the movie, but not what the point was.
Sounds fun, and memorable! Darn peckers! Also, I thought when you said you made "long johns" you were talking about the kind you wear!! Ha!
11.5 miles. You are awesome!!
Jake is too cute. We never take the backpack out of the car. We have been too many places in need of it. It's a lifesaver :)
Post a Comment