Rick and I went on an exploration of different territory, though for him it was territory he knew well. We were on a road trip to visit his godparents in St. Joseph, Michigan (with some extra business for him) and we decided to take the scenic route.
It wasn't a snowy day when we left. Some of the roads were a little gnarly as we were on the back roads. But it was still lovely with recent snow.
Have you ever wondered what a blueberry farm looks like with no blueberries? Pretty rosy, I'd say!
We stopped in the town of Richmond where for $5.99 we had a great grilled cheese, home made chips and coleslaw. Couldn't beat the price and it was delicious, a proper grilled cheese!
Our next destination was Bloomingdale. This tiny village is a stop on the Kal-Haven trail. Rick was instrumental in the creation of one of Michigan's early rail trails and the trail is his special spot on earth, his life legacy. (Here's a link to an article he wrote about it. THIS ARTICLE points out some of the challenges Rick and others faced.)
The museum, built in the old train depot was closed, but it was a good walk about and good memories.
Our journey continued and the weather had turned. White churches with red doors blended into the landscape.
We turned down a road and Rick pulled into one of the trail's openings.
No cyclists were coming down today and we parked for a minute and he led me on a short walk. There was no shortage of critter tracks as we made our way between a tunnel of trees to a bridge.
It was there that Rick told me that this was the spot he wanted to be scattered in the (hopefully) distant day he's no longer on this earth.
I can't really imagine a prettier spot, near a cold stream, in the woods on the trail he loves most.
Yes, he was pretty happy to share that!
We had a grim reminder that he could be there sooner rather than later if we didn't pay attention to the now icy roads. Though this spot only lasted for a few miles it was a great visual to carry as we continued our journey.
Our time in St. Joe was spent (for me) with his godparents, Judy and Barney. Judy was in rehab for a knee replacement but we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Barney.
The next day he drove me around is city, which is charming. Many old homes and great views of the lake.
Of course, the lake was looking pretty nippy! No one was taking a dip today.
We also spent time with Judy. One of the lovely things about her rehab center was this bird cage with six or seven different birds.
When Rick got back from him appointment we hit the road for home -- and not a minute too soon. The roads were treacherous and the trip was a fist-clencher. I was reminded of the sign we saw on our way down.
And we did!
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