Errie Day on Big Bass Lake

Days where a light fog appeared over Big Bass Lake made for ideal day time hype of the Haunted Island.  Often I would promote our trips out to the Haunted Island at these times and once with the Hoffman Estates Boys Club, it sent chills down to particular kids those being Mark O’Brien and Alan Cohen.  Both were very apprehensive of making a midnight run to the Haunted Island.

Whenever we swam at our beach, each boy could visually make out that all forested island and their apprehension grew.  I mentioned to them of the burial mounds just north of the Haunted House and the stories of the Bonepickrs.  Mark seemed braver than Alan but once at the island, both were hanging onto me for dear life as soon as we docked there at midnight.

Yet, fog always seemed to make the tales more suspenseful.  That is why when the boys looked out at the island, enshrouded in fog, they were even more sacred of that midnight journey to come.  In that way, Big Bass Lake itself played into the drama.  But, for what might have happened on that midnight trip,  you’ll have to check the sidebar for the categories Hoffman Estates BCA or Haunted Island.  You’ll also find their other stories of trips with different boys clubs over the years.

The Desolate Lighthouse

The Ludington Lighthouse stands its lonely vigil with no visitors today.  Its treacherous breakwater, coated in thick ice would make any travel to that point highly dangerous.  Open holes in the ice of Lake Michigan would also spray this area with even more ice making walking near impossible.  Yet despite that,  this local tourist attraction still retains its charm from shore coated in ice and snow and almost represents an ornament dangling from a tree at Christmas time.

I never cease to be amazed at this precious site.  In every season it holds us mystified at its charm and grace as the final glance at Ludington from ferry boats heading toward Wisconsin or our shining lady to those coming from that state to our Ludington port. 

Soon this locality in Ludington will again appear this way for the majority of the winter solace.  My photography will be on the safety of the Ludington shore as I also do during times of high waves.  The fog hanging over the area almost seems like a garment of warmth for the lighthouse in this season of cold.  And soon this desolate location will turn its head toward the renewal of spring.  I can’t wait!

Growling Terror

Last summer Mike and I were tent camping in the Manistee National Forest and after a full day of fishing and then a little romance we both went to bed. I was awakened from a deep sleep about two o’clock in the morning hearing a low growling sound. I was so scared I didn’t know what to do. After all a tent doesn’t provide much shelter from a marauding bear.

Just two nights before our trip, Mike had rented the movie, Grizzly, about a killer bear in the northwest territory of the United States and I had visions of that bear any minute now tearing through our tent.  I did have some mace along but that just would have gotten the bear mad.  As the growling intensified I was near horror-stricken.  I wondered how Mike could be sleeping through all this.  But then what could even the two of us do against a charging bear. 

My eyes darted to the middle of the tent where I thought I had seen a shadow.  I closed my eyes and turned over ever so slowly to awaken Mike.  Once that I was fully turned over, I gave my husband a good poke in the side.  “Mike, your stomach is growling”.  “Probably didn’t eat enough tonight, hun, go back to bed” was his reply.  I felt like such a dolt.  Next time I’ll make sure my husband has plenty to eat for supper.

Those Marvelous Dusty Roads

I love all the sandy roads within the Manistee National Forest and I don’t have to go to far to find one even in this day and age. Yes, the majority of the main roads are paved but who loves to go as the crow flies?  I enjoy those roadways that are rarely driven and that lead to virtually nowhere. 

Those are the roads untouched by human hands.  No construction is going on in those areas and you’ll never be plagued by “This road under construction” signs.  The down side is that your top speeds will run between thirty or forty miles an hour unless you want to put your shocks to the test?    And that could prove to be an expensive move!  Not to mention how you would get home unless you’re carrying a cell phone.  There aren’t any phone booths out in the sticks!

So take it easy and enjoy your ride out in the country.  Plus you’re get the added satisfaction of being able to clean all that sand off your car when you get home.  Isn’t life grand?