Out and About

August 05, 2017

Out and About

Al and I have been taking advantage of the great summer weather here to get outdoors and explore this beautiful state of Michigan, lavishly gifted with rivers and lakes. Al’s parents owned a cottage in Oscoda, near Lake Huron, for many years. He wanted to take me to see the cottage which now has new owners and also go canoeing on the Au Sable River.

Thunderstorms were predicted during our stay in Oscoda; however, it was hot and sunny the afternoon we arrived. So after checking in at the hotel, we drove to the rental place and were able to rent a canoe for half day at a good price. Travis, the owner’s son took us in his van to a drop off point several miles upstream. Even though the river seemed quiet and still on the surface, he assured us that it was full and going fast as it made its way to Lake Huron.

We weren’t expecting that there would be so many people swimming in the river and using kayaks and inner tubes. I had to learn how to maneuver the canoe from my position in the front by using the paddle as a kind of rudder, thrusting it down into the water and pulling back so that the boat would turn quickly. This came in handy for objects in the river like sunken logs, rocks and people too. It was hard to focus on the river just ahead of me when there was so much to see on both banks, but with Al’s help, we managed to avoid having any collisions.

On our way downstream, we encountered a very friendly flock of Canada geese and stopped paddling so that we could get a better look at them. They swam up to the edge of the boat, making soft clucking noises to each other. It was quite delightful! The geese weren’t afraid of us at all and stayed for several minutes, enough time for Al to get some close-ups with his camera.

Our four hour float trip ended back at the rental place, just a short distance from Lake Huron. In fact, if we hadn’t pulled in at the right spot, the canoe would have gone out into the lake! The whole trip turned out to be wonderful, including canoeing on the Au Sable River.

Another nice outing was a bike ride around Kent Lake in Kensington Metro Park on a Saturday morning. That lake was only about 20 minutes from our house by freeway. Again there was a large crowd out enjoying the weather and beautiful surroundings. There were walkers, joggers, skaters practicing for cross-country skiing, people with dogs on leashes and mothers pushing babies in strollers as well as bikers on the narrow trail that followed the contours of the lake.

Those of us on bikes were to keep to a 10 mph speed limit on the two lane trail. But it was tricky and somewhat unnerving when cyclists came towards Al and me at a high rate of speed. I discovered that it was best to focus on the path just ahead of the bike, rather than on moving objects. That way, I could keep it steady instead of wobbling, maintain speed (slow) and avoid running into people or off the path and into the lake!

Just as it was important to concentrate on where we were going in the river and on the bike trail, so it is crucial to focus our thoughts and attention on Jesus every moment of our journey with Him. With the constant barrage of things coming at us from all directions, He will keep us steady and guide us as we trust completely in Him. He loves us!

Dear Father, thank you for protecting us day by day. Please help us to keep Jesus at the center of our thoughts and lives. Thank you for your great love for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NIV