Spartans Forever

Monday, September 19, 2011

We've left Michigan

After several days of picture perfect fall weather that only Michigan can produce (blue skies, big puffy clouds, and temps in the mid 60s to low 70s), we left the state in a cool drizzle.  This was a small reminder that in a month or so the ground would be covered with snow.  Time to head south.  Not to mention that we haven't been home in almost 3 months.
We are on a Point A to Point B trip.  This meaning that when we stop we take care of the three traveling necessities ( food, gas and nature call) plus one stop for lodging.  Because we do so many of these types of trips, the bike ride was particulary fun.  We have driven far enough to see cotton boles and have the waitress ask what ya'all would like to drink.  Read it and weep, we saw gas for 3.29 a gallon.
The class reunion was great fun!  It was great fun seeing and catching up with people that, quite honestly,  I hadn't given much thought to in about 50 years.  I don't think that this is a mean statement, but rather a fact of life as life and new events and experiences happen.  That's what makes this event special, you pause to remember and take many trips down memory lane.  THANKS to all the people who helped to make this a great party and experience.  Those of us who live distances away can't help much more than help keep the rosters up to date.  I don't think I have always been good at that.
It was great to come home to Owosso!  I'm proud to say "I'm from Owosso".  I use the word, proud, meaning with pride.  In Texas people seem to use proud to mean happy.  I have lived  places that I was happy to be away from, but I''m proud to be able to say I'm from Owosso!  Those of our class who stayed in Owosso have a lot to be proud of for the wonderful community that you have helped develop and preserve.
One more day remains of this grand adventure we began back in July.  Home tomorrow night.

Thursday, September 15, 2011





2400 Miles----Border-to-Border

Actually, 2392 but we feel we can take the liberty to round up.  This year the DALMAC offered up wind, cold (by Texas standards) and rain; but never all at the same time.  Much better than last year,but I was hearing that the ride of '84 was much worse that the ride of 2010.  Can't really believe that! The DALMAC as usual was wonderful!  Why we keep coming back.  Thanks to Pat, Robin and Jethro for all you do.  I would like to say that no one has flattened out northern Michigan.
 True to form as we approached Sault Ste. Marie the storm clouds formed.  These clouds were not the thunder heads that we had grown accustomed to but what looked like snow clouds.  Before we reached our camp site at Taquamonin Falls State Park the heavens opened up.  However the rain stopped before we reached the park and we were able to have a wonderful camp fire celebrating our son's 40th birthday and the end of our border to border ride.
What extremes we have faced on the adventure. In the South we would crawl into our tent and strip, lay very still and sweat buckets to the UP where with frost warning we zipped up in our mummie bags, vary cozy.  I have become a fan of the mummie bag.  I think this is the third or fourth time I have ever zipped it up completely.
Before we headed back down State, we enjoyed a wonderful hike from the lower falls to the upper falls and a wonderful four hour kayak paddle on the Taquamonin River.  Both days were crystal clear and crisp.  I love the air of UP North.
We are back in Lansing taking care of business and looking forward to heading to Owosso tomorrow for the Big 50 Reunion.