Starting Mileage: 9,652

Ending Mileage: 9,879

I arrive in South Haven two hours later than my anticipated 12:30 pm arrival. I knew I was going to be an hour late because I didn’t leave as planned. The second hour is a surprise to me when I learn that South Haven is on EST. I was behind before I even started.

This is the reuniting of four girlfriends who graduated from Fort Defiance High School in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. In 2015, Ruth, Barb and Toni visited me in LA; 2016 Ruth hosted in South Haven; and in 2017 Barb hosted at the Chesapeake Bay. We’ve not been together as a group since then. I have been excited about this portion of my trip since I called Ruth in May to tell her I was traveling cross country and would she be in Michigan in August. “We’re always in Michigan in August,” was her reply.

South Haven is an idyllic town on Lake Michigan with a vibrant downtown brimming with boutiques, blooming flowers, and metal artwork.  The best part of South Haven is Ruth and Ron’s hospitality in their stunning round, modern, two-story home that sits on the Black River Channel leading to Lake Michigan. I’m not good with architecture, and I’ve probably butchered my description so I’m including a photo.  To the left of us are two miles of boat slips, home to thousands of boats that travel by us to get to Lake Michigan. We spend most of our time on the lower back deck, relaxing in cushioned wicker furniture, watching sail boats, motorboats, pontoons, dinghy’s, paddle boarders, and jet ski’s go by. The waterway is a “no wake” zone, and boat passengers yell “Ron! Ruth!” as they float past us. A large glass dining table sits on the upper level of the deck where we eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, weather permitting. There is little need to go anywhere since Ruth has fully stocked the house with our favorite food and drink. The beautifully landscaped yard is home to multiple bird and hummingbird feeders, which makes it home to an array of birds, black squirrels, and the occasional duck or two that wander up from the lake to feast on bird seed that has dropped on the ground. Their home is a slice of heaven.

I have been anxious about how Arden will behave. That worry is put to rest when everyone compliments me on what a good boy he is. He even surprises me with his chill attitude, rarely barking and loving on everyone. I think this trip has been good for him, exposing him to other people and dogs. The only mishap occurred in the small dog park near Ruth’s home when he hiked his leg and peed on Barb’s leg. My stomach hurt from laughing.

Laughing is the weekend’s second most popular activity, with “talking” coming in an easy first. Everything your mother taught you about not interrupting others when they’re speaking has to be put on hold. The trick is waiting for someone to pause or take a drink so you can comment on the current topic. If not, the group has moved on to five new subjects.

I love being on the water, and the weekend delivered. On Friday night, we had dinner on their docked boat while we listened to an 80’s band on land. Each night we walked to the beach a few streets over to watch the sun set over the vast lake, which I have to keep reminding myself is not an ocean. We walked a lot, through downtown and up and down the north south boardwalks to two separate lighthouses. On Sunday, we rode the dinghy in the lake and through the channel as we read the names of boats, “Ginger Snap, Last Fling, On the Loose.”

On Monday, Ruth took Barb and Toni to the airport, and Arden and I took to the road. We had a wonderful weekend, which left us wanting more.