The Trip - Part 4

Tues 22nd

Lovely start to the day, so Mum and I went for a walk along the shore of East Traverse Bay, about 45 mins round trip – a tradition we carried on for the next 3 mornings we enjoyed it so much. Kris had planned a beach BBQ as the addition of her parents and Auntie Chris and 2 of the bridesmaids, Angie and Claire augmented the party to 22. Unfortunately it rained all day, so that was postponed. Some of us went for breakfast and a look round Traverse itself – not its usual self in the wet. We were thwarted of breakfast in the Omelette Shop as it was full, and ended up with Brunch at Jenny’s Cornish Pasty Shop. Very good pasties and pleasant service. We looked in the hat shop, and the Cherry Stop, and some of us bought extra clothes for the unexpectedly cool weather, then we got fed up of walking in the wet and had a drive round instead. We found the historic museum and decided it was worth a return trip the next day. Meanwhile we went back to greet the newcomers and all had dinner at the Mexican place across the road, at 2 long tables. Good food and company, then we went back and watched a bright sunset over the now rainfree bay and a thunder storm still flashing in the distance. The kids had befriended another family with children and were happy frolicking in the water and on the beach as we whiled away the evening sociably. Josh left!

Wed 23rd

Kathy, Paul and Chris came with us after breakfast at the pasty shop again to the little historic museum on 6th Street. It had an interesting display on summer cottages through the years amongst the permanent exhibits of local artefacts. We learned about the 2 local tribes of Indians, the Michigan and the Ottowa, some of whom survive today.
We crossed the road to look at some of the historic houses (mostly built in the 1890’s) along the street. We were directed to one with an open garden. The owner had been brought up in England and had made a beautiful English garden. We met her and chatted for a while, and when we expressed interest in the house, she very generously invited us in for a guided tour. It was beautifully and artistically decorated inside and immaculate! We thoroughly enjoyed it.

We went back to the beach for our postponed BBQ. Paul did the honours with the meat, and the salads and snacks were laid out in Mum’s cabin. All very delicious, followed by another social evening on the beach till late hours, some taking sailing trips with Rick and the rest chatting and sipping wine.