Settling in ...

We made the 150 mile trip south to South Haven; our new summer hangout. Getting out of the casino in Manistee was long over due as a couple of days of getting financially beat up was enough. A great place to visit none-the-less and we'll return someday for another go at it.
Of course the trip was really about getting together with our old friends; something that we greatly treasure.
Along the way we thought we'd do a little bear hunting with our friends George and Paula. (Bet you didn't guess this did you) Now the season isn't quite open yet but when you need a bear... you need a bear. Not just any bear but one that stood about 5 foot at the shoulder and weighed about 300 pounds. We had seen such a critter a couple of days ago near the intersection of M10 and M31. Normally not a hot spot for bruin hunting but all of us saw that very bear not two days prior and thought we do the hunt anyway. I parked the coach several miles east and George transported us back to the hunting grounds in his 4x4. We slowly approach the site only to discover there were more of the critters than we had expected. Many little ones but only a few adults. Paula's keen eyes picked out the trophy of the group and the hunt began. I saw him immediately and he was quite a specimen. Strong, broad shoulders. Standing on his rear legs he was taller than expected easily looking me directly in the eye. His fur was a little coarse and unkempt but since this was a spring bear just emerging from hibernation, he didn't have the smooth coat of a fall bear. He was surprisingly quite and well mannered for such a beast. Standing quite still, and staring off into the distance... maybe wondering where his next meal will come from; his demeanor was majestic and he was obviously the 'big dog on the porch' around these parts. Paula was ready to take the beast but double checked with her guide and suddenly decided to wait for a more perfect specimen. The drama quickly subsided and we were driven back to the coach to continue our trip south. An exciting day to say the least.
You know hunting for a chainsaw carved bear statue can be gruelling work but when you're retired you seek out all the excitement you can.
Actually the bear statue is slated to guard in the entrance of the 'beer cave' at Geoff's (Paula and George's son) new party store in Battle Creek (Duffy's). A novel design feature that will help establish the stores identity.
Silliness aside... day was a very special one as it is Sharon's birthday. Forever young in heart and soul she is the crown jewel of the family. We all love her dearly and we're planning many more years of laughter and good times together.
We're almost completely settled at our summer site as of this evening but with just a few more odds and ends to complete tomorrow. It looks like a number of last year's group have already returned and we look forward to hearing of their winter journeys. The weather is perfect and all is good.
Still 'livin the dream'

Phil & Sharon