Comments on: Finally, Spring Arrives in the Northwoods

By: Michael Crosby

Michael Crosby — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:32:02 +0000

Kim, What powerful emotions your writing evokes in me.

I live in Los Angeles, and this summer my wife, dog and I are driving to New Hampshire and Maine for vacation.

I remember visiting New England when I was much younger. While I’m walking by myself down an unknown gravel road, the beauty and smell of the forest, the quietness of nature, just brought tears to my eyes.

Those are the times I cherish the most, and when that joy wells up inside me, all I can do is thank God for allowing me to experience his wonderment.

By: MCMJR

MCMJR — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 03:36:33 +0000

In June 1955, I was seven, my father loaded the trunk and roof carrier of the family ‘53 Plymouth with a Sears tent and the latest in Coleman camping gear. And off we journeyed from Buffalo through Canada to far off Higgins Lake State Park. A downpour drenched everyone the first night. Fortunatley, Mom’s cousin had a ‘notty-pine’ cabin on nearby Houghton Lake. Back then both lakes were quiet retreats where only a few small outboards plyed the otherwise still waters. During that trip was the only time I saw a steam locomotive. I can still hear the whistle over the roar of the engine as the Plymouth raced along side through the Ontario country side… Fifty years later I captured a little piece of that far off time when my wife and I purchased a cabin, built in 1958 and nestled in the Huron National Forest, not far from the Au Sable.

By: michiganruth

michiganruth — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:34:34 +0000

thanks for the article, Kim! as a lifelong Michigander I am so sad about our beautiful state and the tough times we’re going through now–times that promise to get even tougher. thank you for telling people about another side of Michigan.

By: Bug-Eyed Buckeye

Bug-Eyed Buckeye — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:09:17 +0000

We had to sell our beautiful “Up North” home on the shores of Lake Huron last fall and relocate to Ohio for — what else — jobs, and what we’ve missed more than anything is that first breath of spring.

Fortunately, we were able to get up over Memorial Day, which was lovely, and will be back for several more weeks mid-summer – and like spring, there’s nothing so close to heaven as a northern summer.

But oh! that first breath of up north spring you so beautifully described. Once we reach retirement age, we’ll be back! Thank you for a lovely respite.

By: Donald

Donald — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:52:48 +0000

Great piece. I’m looking forward to coming home next month. Michigan is a great state and I hope to retire there within the next few years once I’m done with my current line of work.

By: Andrea Shea King

Andrea Shea King — Sat, 30 May 2009 18:01:49 +0000

I just spent Memorial Day weekend traveling the winding road of the Blue Ridge Parkway through North Carolina, and it evoked the same awakening of the senses that Kim describes.

The scent of sweet grass mingled with the fragrance of honeysuckle has to be exactly what heaven smells like. Mountain air that’s piney clean and sweet, quiet except for the occasional bird caw and tweet, and the wind whispering through the treetops. The views were magnificent – from the mountain meadows to the spectacular vistas of the Great Smokies.

The tulip trees, maples and birches were in dressed in soft spring green, as were the ferns that grew along the roadway hillside. Azaleas in vivid riots of flaming orange, yellow and varying shades of rosy pink contrasted with the purple and lavender rhododendron, a feast for the eyes. (And one that rivals the autumnal foliage show.)

Spring — the hope of man’s soul. It “springs” eternal. It invigorates the spirit.

Thanks for such an evocative piece, Kim, that put me there with you at your kitchen window.

By: Webutante

Webutante — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:46:24 +0000

Nice piece, Kim. Have never been to Au Sable river though country though it sounds wonderful. However, I’ve fished the Au Sable wulff many times and caught a good number of trout on it in Jackson, WY and Tennessee and places in between. Nice to know you fly fish and write.

Tight lines!

By: DW

DW — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:24:31 +0000

Excellent piece Mrs.Priestap,

I live in the Sierra Nv foothills and I too love when Spring finally comes. Here is a pic of my favorite hiking spot:

http://sierracountychamber.net/lakesbasinphotos.html

By: Delia

Delia — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:34:52 +0000

We are finally getting some Spring in WA state and it is so gorgeous to behold. The only downer is that my allerigies are off the charts and the nicer [i.e. sunnier] the Spring and Summer, the more my allergies rear their snotty omnipotence over my enjoyment of an otherwise perfect time of year.

A-CHOo!

By: Pet Campbell

Pet Campbell — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:58:59 +0000

What wonderful insight and vision.

The trillium was a special gift!

Growing up in Alpena, we had the Thunderbay river.. then
as we got older lake Huron..

The lake of majesties!

Thanks Kim for renewing my memories of a State
long years behind me.