Midsummer, Remembered

by marjasisu, posted in Camp Many Moons

Summer is short on Lake Superior. As I write this in late August, it already feels like fall — a good time to reflect on some midsummer memories in photos. It’s been an off-kilter summer in many ways, so this is much delayed. More to come soon…

Since a house has been added at Camp Many Moons, the fire pit on the waterfront gets much less use. But it had a busy six-year life and is almost rusted out. Things change, we adapt..
One reason the waterfront is usually empty is because you get this view from the house…watching the moonrise while tracking the indoor and outdoor temps on the weather station. I worry a bit that I’m getting soft, heading indoors as soon as it gets chilly! Or a mosquito appears.
I was late getting flowers into pots. These geraniums were discounted so a bit thin, but the color! (“Monta Kuuta” means Many Moons in Finnish.)
Deer continued to visit all summer. These two were getting pretty tame by August, letting me within 10 feet. Not a good idea to tame wild things, but I remind myself these are does, so won’t get shot in November.
It’s unusual to see rabbits in front of the house. So cute but so destructive!
What’s not so unusual is these spectacular sunsets on Lake Superior. We went camping several times in order to get different water views.
Rivers have their own special water views. And the sound! Loved this camping spot on the Slate River. What a great place to read. And think. (Or not!)
Lots of hiking this summer…sometimes in groups and sometimes alone. This one, in my hometown 45 miles away,  was solitary. I grew up near this creek and wanted time alone to integrate the memories with the current reality.
At home on Huron Bay, I continued to go out on the water nearly daily, for treats like this…
… and absorbed several moonrises, which are fun to remember in this time of “no-moon.” He thinks the solar lights distract from the natural beauty, and may be right, so they’re gone now. His truck camper has the prime spot at Camp Many Moons, right where the trailer used to sit. I lived many months each year in that trailer before the house was built. Is it weird to miss it?
Here’s a shot of moonrise from inside the house. The loft is reflected in the window. My favorite place to sleep…
One daylight delight is identifying birds through the Merlin app. I’ve identified 8 different birds in 2 minutes while sitting on the porch. (Including bald eagles, which are plentiful here.)
Don’t you love a midday summer storm? Especially when the sun starts to come out as the rain lightens up.
One reason I’m back here in far-north Michigan is my ancestral connections. This is the grave of my great grandmother. Oddly, our family never visited it, and it took some sleuthing to find. I think one reason she was never discussed is that she apparently married a drunk. (Not my great grandfather, who died in a storm at sea in northern Norway. This was her 2nd husband.) Same drunk died in mysterious circumstances. I can say it now since my dad is no longer alive. Doesn’t every family have its skeletons? I personally don’t have much use for secrets.
It’s no secret that everyone loves a moonrise photo, especially when the water reflects the clouds. (Huron Bay)
And, the house. Certificate of Occupancy was granted less than a year ago. It still doesn’t feel like “home” but getting a little closer each month. Many visits by both family and friends this summer helped. More to come on that.

3 thoughts on “Midsummer, Remembered”

  1. What a treat! Thank you for sharing so much beauty. And I don’t think it’s a bit weird to miss a place where you lived for months over a number of years…during a time of growth and creation. It was the setting for many important moments. But I think you know that.

    Much love,Terry

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