The renewing airs of the Keweenaw

Today, as we prepare to leave the Keweenaw after our whirlwind, 48 hours here, I am once again reminded of why I love this place.  It really isn't just about the woods, the Lake, and the beauty of nature that surrounds us, although those are all important.   It is so much more than that.  It is also about the people of this wonderful place who are always so kind and so welcoming.  They treat everyone like they are a friend, and if you are lucky enough to really spend some time here and get to know them, they treat you like family.

The girls and I are fortunate enough to have spent a good deal of time here over the last several years and have gotten to know the locals.  When I can call the Brockway Inn and just say it's Trisha and the girls and I are heading that way, we need a room... I think that is pretty special.  As we walk around town, I'm fondly called the crazy shorthair lady by one local and we receive waves from everyone who drives by us-if they are from here.  When I walk into the local store(or the bakery which sadly is closed for the season), I am always asked about the girls.  Being recognized and remembered means we've left some kind of imprint here on this place, just like it has left an imprint on us.  Or the fact that my dear Keweenaw friend Scott made a special trip to visit us after a really long day of commuting to works, working, commuting home, and taking care of his own pack of Keweenaw pups, just so he could see Imke before we leave and give me a much needed hug.  He'll read this, so I will say thank you again for coming to see us.  It means more than you could know.  

There are also kind strangers here.  Of course, they get their fair share of rude tourists, but the people who are here now, when the season is over and the snow begins to fall along with the leaves, those people are the true lovers of this place and tend to be more kind, generous, and thoughtful.  They stop to chat with us and share their story, they ask about the girls, and always wish us well as they leave.  I have met some really nice people on our trips here.  I am thankful for every encounter because I believe every one of them has crossed our path for a reason.

I am reminded why I wanted to get here so badly that I made a long drive for only a short period of time with a very sick old girl.  We all needed the renewing airs of the Keweenaw and it's special people to refresh us, to give us time to relax, and to give us some time to appreciate all the good fortune that we have had over the years.  It was a good time to reflect on life and love and to forget for awhile about our impending loss.  It was a good time to remember to focus on the moment we are in now and to live like every moment could be our last...because eventually it will be.  

So as we prepare to say goodbye to the Keweenaw and continue our journey through life, we leave happy and ready for whatever lies ahead of us.  

*I would have share some pictures, but for some reason, the website isn't working properly right now...so I guess those will wait for another day.