Smitten with the Mitten (a.k.a. Michigan)

It is always so much fun to see how happy Jen is back home in Michigan; even if we never go in the winter and it is always 70-80 degrees when we are there. It is a true family town with a great spirit and energy.

After a late start and brunch at the Coney Island Hot Dog, we decided on a kayaking trip down the Huron River.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we rented four, two-man kayaks. Emma rode with Jen, Jake with me, Scott with Leah, and their kids in a fourth.  Everybody was gung ho from the start as they have built a new section around the old dam that is a cascades park. You use to have to get out and carry your boat around the dam, but now you get to shoot down nine different small rapids that take you around to the bottom. Jake and Emma thought this was the coolest thing they had ever seen and mom and dad were pretty impressed too. All in all, the trip took about 2 ½ and was simply beautiful. Even though the Huron runs right through the middle of Ann Arbor, you felt like you were in the mountain wilderness half the time.

   

After the cascades, we had to put in a little more work, but nothing to over the top. I must say that I had to work a little harder because my boat captain (Jake) decided we were not allowed to lose to anyone at any point. I do not know where he gets this type of attitude from; it must be his mother.

  

   

Emma reminds me of Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc.

  

The night ended with some soccer, some wigs, and a wonderful grilled chicken dinner on the back porch in temperatures that I will be begging for by the end of our first weekend back. Despite all of the events, sights, and adventures we have had these last ten days, sometimes just getting the time to catch up with old friends while listening to music and drinking a cold beer can be the best of the best.

PS- Anyone looking to unload a two man kayak, we are now in the market for one to use on the lake!