Day 2: The Journey

The journey today was characterized by car: botanizing, birding, and wildlife watching! From the beautiful farm land of Ontario to the pine barrens of Michigan there was always something to see.  The Red Wing Black bird was a constant fixture throughout the day.  As the day wore on, deer were very prevalent both alive and unfortunately as road kill. There were also turkeys and several daring snapping turtle contemplating the journey across RT 75.   

With a few hours still left to the travel, I decided to stop and explore Bay City.  This was where the lumber jacks would come after being in the wilderness for long periods of time. As you can image that would suggest this city was known for its not so noble purposes.  However, today it is a nice little town situated along Lake Huron. 

Finally after a total of 20 hours in the car there was a sign that said Traverse City!  A few minutes after that came the exit for County Road 612.  It was here I called to let people know I had “made it” – since I did not expect there to be cell service once away from the highway. This part of the journey was the most nerve challenging.  The roads go forever with not very much other than trees, deer, and an occasional motorist.  After what seemed to long I saw a sign for the Au Sable Institute, the only challenge was it was not on the road I expected, however seeing that there was a sign I decided to follow it.  The road ended at Twin Lake Road – this I knew was a road I had seen before, the question was: Which way should I go? I decided left and I suppose when you are driving 25 mph it seems like forever.  At this point, I asked the Lord to please provide a “divine appointment” soon after a truck came from the other direction.  I stuck my hand out and signaled the universal please stop sign.  The driver hit the brakes and we chatted.  He affirmed that I was headed in the right direction.  What a blessings!  Within 5 minutes I was at the gateway to Au Sable! 

 

After some wondering around campus I unpacked in the basement of Willow House with the other staff members.  My roommate is one of the fabulous cooks!