As I leave the highway and head down the sandy two-track, my right hand trembles with joy and anticipation knowing that I am almost there.  After being cooped up in the city, far from the country that I affectionately call home, it is good to be back. Even when I am months away from another visit, my mind holds onto the days when I was last here.

As I reach the crest of the hill and drink in the view of the valley below, I note the dark thunderclouds on the horizon. The lightning that stabs at the ground affirms the weatherman’s prediction that we are under a summer storm warning.  I stop and turn off the motor of the old Jeep, just to join with Mother Nature and savor the beauty that surrounds me.

Off to my left is a bush that forms a natural hedge with dark green leaves that shine like a holly. Movement catches my eye and then I see the bright orange flash of an Oriole eating the cream colored berries that the bush bares this time of year.  Down the hill and off to the right, if I look carefully through the trees, I can just make out the porch of the cottage and catch the glint of the sun off the kitchen window.

I am anxious to reach my destination.  I brought along Dad’s old fishing boat to launch in the nearby millpond. I know there are trout eagerly waiting for my hand-tied flies.  Before descending the steep hill, I first make sure that the trailer and hitch are secure.  Grabbing the trailer tongue, I give it a good tug and all seems nice and tight.

The spring rains were hard on the old logging road and the hill is deeply rutted. The steering wheel trembles and the doors rattle as I bounce and maneuver my jeep down the path.  Finally I reach the bottom and drive into the clearing.  The log cabin is now in full view and its shady front porch is a welcome sight along with its weathered front door.  In an hour or so, smoke will be drifting from the cobblestone chimney and the smell of bacon frying will chase away the musty aroma of a cottage closed up tight against the long U.P. winter.  It’s time to unpack my gear, light the kerosene lamps and to settle in for the evening.  Hopefully the rains will pass during the night and fishing will be good in the morning.