July 2019. Urban dwellers don't see the infrastructure that sustains their daily function. You turn on the faucet and water comes in. You flush the toilet and waste goes out. We gripe sometimes about our utility bills or condo fees, as if these conveniences should be a fee-free, God-given right. When you develop raw land … Continue reading The Well – Deep into Earth & Wallet
Author: marjasisu
A lifelong adventure-seeker, nature-lover, and learner. Retired Navy Captain (public affairs) and retired federal manager (National Science Foundation, Department of Homeland Security). Since ending both careers at 57, I've returned part-time to my roots in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, to find an anchor in the nature I've always loved and to rediscover the "core of me" -- that which exists beyond rank and title -- chiefly by creating a rustic camp from scratch. This site is primarily a blog about that journey and what it has taught me about observation and inner growth through hands-on immersion.
Christening Mainship Many Moons
July 19, 2019. The Mainship Many Moons was christened and commissioned today. Quite a fuss for a recreational vessel? Yep. But it was fun, and all tongue-in-cheek. During my Navy career, I attended a few such events and even helped plan one (the recommissioning of the battleship USS Missouri in 1986), so I couldn't resist … Continue reading Christening Mainship Many Moons
Launching Mainship Many Moons
July 17, 2019. The Mainship Many Moons is ready for launch! Jeff bought this used 34-foot trawler last fall and spent months documenting it, renaming it, and refurbishing it in his yard. Today, it goes into the water. Exciting! This milestone launches Jeff's dream also. He hopes to do The Great Loop in this boat. … Continue reading Launching Mainship Many Moons
A Husky on a SUP? Yes!
July 15, 2019. I love this dog! Roscoe is Jeff's dog, not mine, but you wouldn't know that to watch us together. I'm his favorite playmate and proud of it! We've gone hiking, biking, roller-blading, skiing, snow-shoeing, rowing--and now, paddle boarding. I didn't see this one coming because he's not crazy about the water. He … Continue reading A Husky on a SUP? Yes!
Of Fishing and Manliness
July 15, 2019. Jeff is a handsome man, especially in his fishing hat. My girlfriends would call him a "manly-man." He's also a fisherman. Well, he dabbles in it, like I dabble in writing-for-fun. He isn't that serious about it. He loves to catch and eat fish, but doesn't plan his time around it like … Continue reading Of Fishing and Manliness
Finn Family Ties For Many Moons
July 10, 2019. She's 102 now, one of 21 children born to the same parents and the only one still alive. As if that's not enough to amaze, she owned this piece of property 50 years ago and I didn't even know that. Today, she visited Camp Many Moons. "She" is Aunt Martha, my Dad's … Continue reading Finn Family Ties For Many Moons
They Picked Us! New Life at Camp
May 29, 2019. A robin made a nest in our outdoor electrical box, and now we are new parents! Jeff made a sturdy wooden box right after we had electricity installed, to protect a group of outlets that feed our camper and utility trailer and outdoor kitchen. He added shelves to hold bug spray, lighter … Continue reading They Picked Us! New Life at Camp
The Dock is Launched!
May 10, 2019. Who "launches" a dock? Yoopers do! Most personal docks in the far north can't withstand crushing ice, so our docks are pulled out of the water in fall and returned to the water in spring. Our dock is 64 feet long and 7 feet wide. Jeff built it on the frame of … Continue reading The Dock is Launched!
From Tag Elders to Fraser Firs
May 10, 2019. Out with the tag elders, in with the fraser firs! The south end of my waterfront plot, across a small stream bridged by wooden planks, was overgrown with a weedy tree called tag elder. (They should be called "tangle elder," because you get all tangled in their skinny, hungry branches!) We removed … Continue reading From Tag Elders to Fraser Firs
A Husky Wants to Pull!
Jan. 25, 2019. I tested Roscoe’s Siberian Husky genes today through the use of a harness and 12-foot rope, for a cross-country ski on Huron Bay. A few inches of snow covered the ice, which is perfect for skiing…but without a trail to follow, it was not perfect for mushing! He wasn’t sure which way … Continue reading A Husky Wants to Pull!
For Many Moons 