Goodbye, Superior

Lake Superior's shore at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on the day we left.

We said goodbye to Lake Superior this morning. When we spend some time in a cool location, its always a little bittersweet to leave: a little sad to leave, but we’re excited for what comes next. Those feelings were out of balance this morning. I was sad to leave the lake.

Barnie and I went hiking this morning. It was our first trip out by ourselves this stop. We took a cool trail along the Upper Carp River (a different Carp River than outside Marquette). Part of our hike was along the North Country Trail, which I’ve gotten to hike on in our last several stops. Each time I’ve set foot on it, I was happy to be there.

During the hike, on the way back from the falls, I was thinking about how much we’ve enjoyed our time at Lake Superior. I wrote about it here, but I was really ruminating on the connection I felt for the lake during our short stay in the UP. Listening to it at our last stop and Lake Muskallonge was a sound I grew to love. I can only imagine how people who live here feel about it, but I’ve gotten an idea from reading books while in the UP.

So, it was with a heavy heart that, after our hike and eating lunch, I told LeeAnn I was going to say goodbye to the lake and asked if she wanted to join me. She did. We walked to the shore and experienced it as a deep blue beauty who’s gentle waves crashed softly on the rocky shore. Not strong enough to be a concern, but a hint at what the lake can do.

We’re in Wisconsin now, well south of the lake. Goodbye Lake Superior, we’ll miss you until we see you again.