Speer

“North, I knew down deep, was where I belonged, north being as much a philosophy as a direction or destination. You knew when you were there, or you didn’t. Those who couldn’t feel it and embrace it generally only tried it once.” ~ Joseph Heywood, “The Snowfly”

I’ve always thought that quote is appropriate for those who call Up North home. As I started out on my trek back North for the Fourth of July holiday I thought of that quote a lot. I was headed back to “home” for 30 plus years, where both sons grew up and graduated, where wonderful and life-long friends awaited.

It was a good feeling. Not that Northeast Michigan is ever far from my radar. When I need a “fix” I can always head 12 miles east and turn onto U.S. 23 and be reminded that there always is a connection awaiting. All I need do is swing north on the highway and let the compass lead me back to Northeast Michigan. You know, it is kind of like “follow the yellow brick road.”

The trip in July did follow U.S 23 north, but it also included portions of I-75 as well. And while I should have known better, I forgot that I would be the one headed with all the holiday traffic Up North.

From Grand Blanc north it was pretty much bumper-to-bumper stalled traffic, with sections you would sit for 15 minutes while crawling at a snail’s pace, then traffic would open up for three minutes, then it would bottle-neck again.

I remembered back to the years when our travel “bucked” that trend and we were the ones moving along at normal speeds while everyone across the median were crawling along. You could always tell what season of the year it was by that traffic. Winter everyone hauled snowmobiles on trailers. Spring was time for camper season trailering. Summer was marked by the boats being towed while autumn was the dead deer on the tops of vehicles or in the back of pick-ups. As an added season – the holidays – you could observe pine trees on the top of vehicles headed south.

Diane and I remembered well the excitement of the Fourth of July in Northeast Michigan. We remembered how residents used that holiday as an “unofficial” homecoming for families and friends.

Thus, when we talked about how we wanted to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence this summer, we thought what better place than Northern Michigan. And, it was a great decision. We were not disappointed.

Perfect weather, the beauty of the natural resources and the emotion of reuniting with family and great friends was a formula for a great visit. Favorite places were explored again, and favorite restaurants reminded us of the variety of cuisine choices the area offers.

From fireworks to sandcastles, parades to outdoor music, Northeast Michigan celebrated well the holiday.

All good visits must come to an end, however, and this one was no different.

Still, it was a good visit.

It felt good being Up North again.