He Knows the Way

July 19, 2025

He Knows the Way

Our goal to drive around all of the Great Lakes is slowly being accomplished, a little at a time! In the last eight years, we have taken the 1,300-mile Lake Superior circle tour, have seen most of the east coast of Lake Michigan and the U. S. side of Lake Huron.

This summer we started from Sault Ste. Marie in northern Michigan, crossed into Canada and then drove south around the Canadian side of Lake Huron. Al used the AAA guide to pick out hotels and places to visit along the route in Sudbury, Parry Sound and Owen Sound.

I packed the bags, trying my best to take only what we needed for six days. However, when we left home on Monday morning, we still had a lot of baggage, including TJ our lab, who would be staying at a kennel while we were away.

A swarm of Yellowjackets that had a hidden nest by the side door of the house made for a rapid departure!

“We have to be sure to call the exterminator when we get home,” Al said, after my attempt to spray their nest with pepper spray failed.

All concerns faded away after dropping off TJ and heading north through many miles of oak and evergreen forests. While on the road, a call came in on the cell phone from a friend who had recently read a “Good News” article and realized that we knew someone with whom he had gone to high school in Euclid, Ohio! His call was a nice surprise and testimony to the fact of God’s working and guidance in each of our lives.

Crossing the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula afforded a wonderful view of Mackinac Island. The weather was perfect, with sailboats on Lake Michigan and the Grand Hotel on the island glistening in the sun.

Late that afternoon, we arrived Sault Ste. Marie, home to the Soo Locks. The locks are instrumental in marine travel between the lower Great Lakes and Lake Superior and are an interesting feat of engineering.

On the second morning of our trip, we drove inland to Sudbury, Ontario where we visited Science North, star-gazed in the planetarium and watched an impressive movie on space exploration in the IMAX theater.

From there, the route led south to Parry Sound through the rocky terrain of the Canadian Shield. Al had purchased tickets for the 30,000 Island Cruise from Parry Sound around a portion of Georgian Bay. The captain verified that there really were 30,000 islands, including those that were only one acre!

During the three-hour cruise, we only saw a few of them. Most of the islands had at least one house; many had no running water or electricity. The only access was by boat or float plane.

After Parry Sound, we drove south through farm country to Owen Sound, still on the huge Georgian Bay, with a stop at Martyr’s Shrine. The church was built in commemoration of Jesuit missionaries, two Canadians, and some of the first Huron Christians, who were martyred for their faith in Christ during the 1600’s.

Al and I walked around the stations of the cross in which the last hours of Jesus’ life were portrayed by lifelike statues. Reflecting on His great sacrifice of love to bring salvation to all people was a moving experience.

That evening, we stayed at a hotel on the bay at Owen Sound, with a view of the sunset in the west and the next morning, the sunrise in the east. Beautiful!

Next week’s article will wrap up the last portion of our “Lake Huron loop” tour, from Owen Sound (CA) to Port Huron (MI), around Michigan’s “thumb” and home.

I relied on the GPS heavily as we drove through Canada, thankful that we had internet access the entire way. Just as reliance on the GPS is invaluable when navigating in unknown territory, so too we can rely on God to lead and guide us each day. If we veer off the main course, He never leaves us, patiently waits until we are ready to turn around and then redirects our steps.

He is always present, completely trustworthy and hears our every prayer. Our Good Shepherd knows the way!

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory.” (Psalm 73:23-24 NIV)

“He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3b NIV)