#10 – Snowshoeing at the Cut River Bridge

After a couple weeks of below-zero or single-digit temperatures, my husband and I took advantage of the warmer, 30-degree temperature and drove to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to snowshoe at the Cut River Bridge.  We have walked on the trails many times in the summer and fall, but have never experienced it during the winter.

We parked the car and carried our snowshoes down 254 snow-covered steps, stopping at various points to take pictures of the bridge, the snow-covered trees, and frozen Lake Michigan.  When we reached the trail, we put on our snowshoes and walked through the woods until we were beneath the bridge.  We had left our poles in the car, and they would have been helpful along the hills and valleys on the trail.

It felt great to be outside and to detect the slightest hint of Spring in the air.  We know that we’ll go back when the snow is gone, as we do each year, but we are glad that we finally experienced it with snow on the ground.

Carrying our snowshoes back up the 254 snow-drifted stairs was a bit of a challenge, but it was a great workout!

#9 – Snow Tubing

We recently decided to try snow tubing for the first time.  Growing up, we used to go sledding and tobogganing, but that was many years ago.

We took one of my nephews to Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, Michigan. They had free tubing available in one area, but the hill wasn’t very steep, and we would have had to walk back up the hill.  My husband had to go to work in a couple of hours, so we opted to purchase tickets for one hour of tubing on the slopes where there was a tow-rope to pull us back up the hill after each trip down.

The slope didn’t look too steep, but I was surprised at how fast I zipped down the run my first time.  It took my breath away!  I also lost my hat as I rounded a corner and had to run back to get it.  It was definitely a rush!

I was pulled back up the hill in my tube and found that the run I had just gone down was temporarily closed until the staff could put down a mat to help slow the momentum before the curve.   There was a parallel run we went down a time or two before the first run was reopened.  People started going down two or more tubes at a time, with the riders holding onto the handles of each other’s tube.   We did this as well, with the three of us a couple times, and then just my husband and I.  I took a video of our rapid descent to share with others, and as a memento of our outing.

I’m neither graceful nor brave enough to try downhill skiing, so this was a much easier alternative to experience a thrill!

#8 – A Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

Dashing through the snow in a two-horse open sleigh …

On a recent sunny (but cold) afternoon, my husband and I took one of our nephews to Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, Michigan for a nostalgic outing.  We had never been on a sleigh ride before, and we opted to try something new and give our nephew an old-fashioned diversion from his typical teenage activities.

The driver pulled up with his horses, Prince and Bubba, and we set off on a half-hour ride along  the trails.  The trees were blanketed in snow, and the ground sparkled like it was scattered with diamonds.  The ride was a unique way for us to enjoy this Northern Winter Wonderland in which we live.

#7 – Lantern-Lit Snowshoeing at Tahquamenon Falls

I recently received email from the DNR which mentioned lantern–lit snowshoeing and cross-country skiing events at various State Park locations in Michigan. I have cross-country skied before, but haven’t snowshoed, and Tahquamenon Falls sounded like a beautiful location at which to try it.

It was still somewhat light as my husband and I were strapping on our snowshoes in the brisk, 11-degree evening air. We set off on our journey along the lantern-lit trails toward the falls as the darkness quickly descended upon us.

I had hoped to take pictures of the frozen waterfalls, but by the time we were at the viewing station, the photo I snapped showed total darkness. I was disappointed, but I took various photos of the signs and a bench covered with snow along the trail.

There were quite a few people taking advantage of this tranquil, nighttime opportunity. The lanterns created a charming atmosphere as we worked our way along the trail. We were glad we had brought along headlamps, as it made it easier to navigate the areas between the lanterns. The poles we brought weren’t necessary where the trails were firmly packed, but they helped in areas where the snow was fluffier.

Our only regret, beside not being able to photograph the actual frozen waterfalls, was that we did not bring along hand and foot warmers for our gloves and boots. With the temperature as cold as it was, it would have helped to make us a little more comfortable.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and hope to do this again one day.

#6 – Grooming Snowmobile Trails

My son has been grooming and brushing trails for the Harbor Springs Snowmobile Club for a few years, and while I have seen pictures and videos of the work he does, I had never actually witnessed it myself. That changed on January 30, 2015.

My husband dropped me off at the Carp Lake General Store, where my son was waiting, mid-route, in the John Deere groomer. I climbed into the cab and sat on the jump seat which my son folded down for me. It was fairly close quarters, but not terribly uncomfortable.

I was impressed with my son’s skill and confidence as he operated the groomer and drag along the trail heading north toward Mackinaw City. The radio was playing and big, fluffy snowflakes were falling. It was pretty and peaceful.

My husband met us at a crossroad after we had groomed for a short time, and my son finished his route alone. I was happy to share the time with my son and get a glimpse into this activity for which he has volunteered so much of his time.

#5 – A Week as Guest Keepers at Tawas Point Lighthouse

 

My husband and I had the experience of our lifetimes in November. For a week, we lived and worked in the Tawas Point lighthouse on Lake Huron and got a glimpse of what life was like for the keepers who manned the station before the light was automated.

Early in 2014, I learned about the Keeper Program, and my husband and I each wrote letters of application for the position, expressing our passion for lighthouses and why we wanted to take part in the program. Would we have trouble speaking publicly to tourists? No. We’re active in our local theater group. We’re used to it! Would we have difficulty sharing the history of the lighthouse and answering questions? No. We’ve both had experience working in classrooms and we love telling anyone who is interested about our many lighthouse visits. Were we physically able to climb the tower stairs several times each day to allow guests to take in the expansive view of Lake Huron and Tawas Bay? We couldn’t wait to do so!

We sent letters of recommendation as part of our application packet, along with the only week that our schedules would permit us to participate, and an application fee, and waited as patiently as possible for a confirmation that we’d been accepted. Happily, we didn’t have to wait long. We were thrilled to be chosen and our mental countdown began about nine months prior to our stay.

In April, we joined nearly a hundred others from all over the country who were also selected, for an orientation session at the lighthouse. The session was informative and it was a beautiful day. We left even more excited about our upcoming “working vacation”.

Our jobs keep us very busy in the spring, summer and early fall, so we couldn’t take part until November. We arrived at the lighthouse at approximately 10am on November 7th and were greeted by Peggy Allen, the DNR employee who organizes the Keeper Program. She gave us the keys to the lighthouse and told us to settle in, and she would see us shortly.

After we unpacked our things in the upstairs keepers’ quarters, we went downstairs and began reading the informational displays on the walls. We quizzed each other on important facts, such as dates, the number of keepers, cost of construction, tower height and construction information, the number of steps, daily duties, and stories of specific keepers. When Peggy came to talk to us, she asked if we had any questions, and showed us the Keeper’s Journal and the weather log, which we were to update each morning and night. After a brief orientation, she said goodbye, and told us she would see us Monday. We were alone for the weekend, with the exception of those arriving for tours.

There was a small television upstairs, which had no reception, but had a built-in DVD player and several lighthouse DVDs, as well as one entitled “How to Build a Birchbark Canoe”. There were several books and magazines about lighthouses in the keepers’ quarters, and we spent much of our “after tour hours” time reading them. There were also two jigsaw puzzles in the closet, and we completed both of them during the week.

Each morning we ate breakfast, logged the weather conditions, watched the sun rise from the tower, and spent time talking or reading before going downstairs to open the lighthouse for tours. We dusted, cleaned windows, including those in the tower, wiped down displays, swept, vacuumed, emptied trash and started the informational DVD presentation in the summer kitchen. During the “down time” between tourists arriving, we read books aloud to each other. I worked on character development for a story I’m writing. On Tuesdays, there are no tours, so we spent our day shopping at antique stores in Frankenmuth, Birch Run and Millington. Each evening, when tours were over, we went into town for dinner and browsed in stores.

We were informed that an author would be arriving for a tour, because she was researching the Tawas lighthouse for a book she was writing. Madison Johns arrived, we gave her a tour and a lot of information, and she took pictures. When her book came out, we found that she had mentioned us in the acknowledgement, which was nice.

We so enjoyed our time on the point in the beautiful house and peaceful surroundings. We watched deer, fawns, a variety of birds and a fox from the windows during our stay. Being so late in the season, we only gave 19 tours, but the tranquility was good for our souls after a busy spring, summer and fall at our jobs, and the quietude allowed us time to talk and reconnect, and to appreciate each moment of our stay.

We would like to participate in the program again someday, after we’ve had an opportunity to travel to other places on our list. I will say that I don’t believe I would have enjoyed this experience as much if we had been there in the middle of the summer with up to 250 tourists arriving each day. The serenity was just what we needed at that time.

The original Fresnel lens still resides in the tower 123 years later, but the light has been automated since 1953. Today,the weather conditions are charted from a digital weather station. Yet, in the midst of technological advances, we were able to imagine the sequestered existence of the 14 keepers who spanned 100 years at Tawas Point, and appreciate their endless, backbreaking labor to keep the light burning in even the most brutal weather conditions. They continually exhibited their strength of spirit. We were blessed to have engaged in this unforgettable, living history program. Although we paid for the opportunity, it was well worth the price, because we will forever carry the memories of our time at a Tawas Point.

#4 – Attending a Chip Coffey Presentation and Gallery Reading

I have long been intrigued by books and television programs featuring those with psychic abilities.   I’ve read books by mediums Allison DuBois and James Van Praagh. I frequently watched the fictionalized television series ‘Medium’  (based on actual medium Allison DuBois) and ‘Ghost Whisperer’, and enjoyed watching episodes of ‘Psychic Kids’, which showcased children with psychic abilities who received guidance from psychic medium Chip Coffey, along with a child psychologist, on how to deal with their gifts. During the past couple of years, I’ve tuned in to watch ‘Long Island Medium’, Theresa Caputo, as well as ‘The Haunting Of’, featuring psychic medium Kim Russo. Crimes that have been solved with the assistance of a psychic or medium fascinate me.

I believe in God and Heaven, and that when our loved ones pass, their spirits live on. I believe that there are people gifted with psychic abilities. Watching people receive readings from mediums on television, I’ve sometimes gotten chills or even teared up at the healing effect it has on a grieving person. That being said, I also believe there are fraudulent people, taking advantage of people’s desire for peace at $4.99 per minute.

Last weekend, my husband and I attended a presentation by Chip Coffey at the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and also attended a gallery reading. The presentation in the DreamMakers Theater was largely Chip answering questions from those in attendance. It was interesting to hear the various stories shared by attendees. People spoke of seeing apparitions, spirit visitations, their personal abilities and sensitivities, and paranormal activity at someone’s house that was captured on video. Chip also answered general questions about the difference between psychic ability and mediumship, and spoke of some of the episodes of ‘Psychic Kids’ and certain investigations he was involved with on the program ‘Paranormal State’. It was quite educational.

After the presentation, 40 -50 people who had tickets to the gallery readings moved into the Woodlands conference room.  Chip asked that anyone interested in receiving a reading raise their hand, and about half of the people put their hands in the air.  As Chip selected them, he asked the person to state their name, the name of who they hoped to connect with, their relationship to that person, and how long ago they had passed.  For the sake of privacy of those who received readings, I won’t go into detail.  It was quite emotional for several people, and emotional to witness.

Chip discussed his faith in God several times throughout the evening, and encouraged one couple to lean heavily on God in the coming months as they deal with their particular situation. When the husband denied turning away from God, Chip called him out on it, saying that the man was angry with God, but pointed out that his anger was based on fear. The man choked up before admitting it was true. As that reading was ending, I thought about the other mediums and psychics I’ve watched on television, or whose books I’ve read, and recalled that all of them refer to God frequently.

My husband was the second person to receive a reading.  Three specific things Chip mentioned didn’t seem to make sense, but about ten things were totally and eerily accurate.  Chip was quite insistent about the three things that weren’t clicking for us, and kept stressing those specific points.  When it finally dawned on us what he was referring to, it was like getting hit in the head with a hammer!  We were both astounded!  One particular thing he referred to, my husband and I had done just days prior!  At the end of the gallery readings, I believe everyone felt confident that our deceased loved ones are still aware of what happens in our lives.

As a side note, it turns out that Chip has a sense of humor.  After spending considerable time on my husband’s reading, trying to help him connect with the three things he wasn’t understanding, when he finally got it, Chip said, “Thank you!  You nearly made me look like I don’t know what I’m talking about!  Now sit your ass down!”   He then turned to me and said, “And I don’t want you to ‘put out’ for him for a week, as punishment for making his reading so difficult!”  It was said in jest, and everyone laughed.

The remainder of the readings brought a mixture of relief, laughter and tears.  It was a unique and memorable experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3 – A Stay at Big Bay Point Lighthouse

Big Bay Point Lighthouse sits atop a cliff, overlooking Lake Superior, thirty miles north of Marquette in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I have walked the grounds many times and have taken dozens of pictures of the red brick building throughout the years, but have never been fortunate enough to tour the inside, until recently.

Upon our arrival, we were met by owner Jeff Gamble as we entered. Jeff explained the house rules, breakfast time, and gave us a tour of the dining room, living room, library/TV room, and the sauna located inside the tower before showing us to our room. Each of the seven guest rooms are named after a previous keeper or assistant keeper at Big Bay. We stayed upstairs, in the Assistant Jennie Beamer room, which overlooks the lawn, the beginning of a walking trail through the woods, rose bushes, a fire pit and metal yard sculpture, as well as Lake Superior itself, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets I could watch from bed.

Our room had a tiled floor with an area rug, quaint antique furnishings, and Laura Ashley bedding. Three of the walls were painted white, and the north wall was brick. There was a pedestal sink in the room, and our bathroom had a shower and a heated towel rack. The bedside table held lighthouse and travel magazines, there were games in the dresser drawer, and on the dresser was a book with the history of the Big Bay Lighthouse, and another book about the making of the movie ‘Anatomy of a Murder’, filmed in and around Big Bay and based on the murder of a bartender which took place in Big Bay. There was wi-fi access, but no television in the room, which we didn’t mind. We were told that we could enter any rooms with open doors, so we explored some of the other guest rooms and found them all to be as charming as ours.

At 5 p.m., Linda Gamble sat with the guests in the living room and shared the history of the lighthouse, recommended things to do in the area and answered questions. When she finished, everyone went their separate ways. We climbed the tower and took pictures.

Breakfast was served at 8:30, and included lemon cream-stuffed French Toast, apple cinnamon scones with Devonshire cream, sausage, fresh fruit, juice and coffee. Jeff sat with the guests until nearly 10:15, sharing additional information about the lighthouse, the area and the mining industry.

After breakfast, we left to go sightseeing. We went to the Thomas Rock overlook, which offered a majestic view of the fall foliage. From there, we went to Perkins Park and took pictures, and eventually shared a sandwich at the Thunder Bay Inn. When we arrived back at the lighthouse, we took exterior pictures of the lighthouse, its outbuildings and grounds, and then enjoyed time in the sauna. Our afternoon was spent in the living room, reading old newspaper articles about the lighthouse and looking at photos taken throughout the years. That evening, we returned to the Thunder Bay Inn for dinner, then joined six other guests around the fireplace in the living room, sharing travel stories before going to bed.

On our second morning at Big Bay, Linda served eggs florentine, bacon, pumpkin cranberry muffins, raisin toast, fruit, juice and coffee. She joined the conversation with ten guests, which again revolved mostly around travel.

We were so comfortable during our stay in such a beautiful, peaceful setting. Jeff and Linda were wonderful hosts who cared about their guests. Their “extra touches” included things like having games, videos and DVDs in the library, coffee and tea, pretzels and homemade cookies in the dining room during the afternoons and evenings, a trading library where guests could take or leave a book, and a basket of items such as toothbrushes and floss available on a shelf in the hallway, for anyone who may have forgotten theirs.

Staying at Big Bay Lighthouse was on my Bucket List for nearly a decade. I am glad to have finally experienced it, and would definitely stay there again in the future.

#2 – Horseback Riding

I’ve only been on a horse twice in my life. The first time was at a nursery rhyme-themed park when I was around seven years old. The horses, ponies actually, were harnessed to a rotating wheel and a guide led them in slow circles. I was thrilled at the time, but as an adult, feel sad now for the ponies. What a dull existence, walking in circles day after day! My second time in a saddle was at a gathering of extended family. Someone in the neighborhood had a horse and offered to let us ride, two at a time, as they led us down the road and back. I don’t consider either of those experiences true horseback riding.

For many years, I’ve had a desire to go riding. Recently, my husband and I were able to go for an hour-long afternoon trail ride at Heritage Hills Horseback Riding in Ishpeming, Michigan. The weather had turned from blue skies and sunshine to sleet and snow as the hour for our scheduled trail ride neared, but thankfully, it cleared and we were able to enjoy the experience.

The horse I rode was named Grady, and my husband rode Countess. When I first got into the saddle and realized how far off the ground I was, I thought of my eleven-year-old niece, who was thrown from and dragged by a horse last Spring. I had momentary jitters, but I took a few moments to connect with my horse, and by the time the trail guide explained how to hold the reins and let us do a few practice laps, my excitement returned.

We set out on the trails, riding up and down hills, through woods filled with red, orange and yellow leaves, and around a lagoon. It was such a thrill to finally be doing something I’ve wanted to do for so long! At one point, Grady decided he wanted to run, but only for a short distance. It was enough to make my heart race!

When we returned to the stables an hour later, we gave our respective horses apples before leaving. They munched them happily, and I had a smile on my face all the way to our next destination.

#1 – A Weekend at Sand Hills Lighthouse

My husband and I love to visit lighthouses.  For the past decade, we have traveled across the state of Michigan, photographing them, learning their history, and climbing the towers of any that are open to the public.  A year ago, we wandered around the grounds of the Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn, located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, and knew that we would like to stay there one day.

That desire became a reality this past weekend, when we arrived at Sand Hills for a two-night stay.  Before we went inside, we were greeted by a sign on the front door which welcomed all of the guests by name.  Mary Frabotta met us at the door.  She and her husband Bill own the lighthouse, and also reside there.  Mary led us up a beautiful staircase with lighted, ornate bronze figures on each of the posts, and showed us to our room, which overlooked Lake Superior.  Decorated in aqua tones, the room was filled with antique Victorian furnishings which seemed fitting for royalty.  As we commented on the decor, Mary explained that her husband used to be a photographer, and had taken both of the portraits that graced the walls in our room.  She also pointed out the crown moulding, which Bill himself had made.  After informing us that the guests gather downstairs each evening at 8 p.m. for dessert, conversation and music around the grand piano, she left us to unpack and settle in.

When we went downstairs a short time later, we began looking at the photo albums and various lighthouse books which lined shelves and were stacked a foot high on top of a wooden chest.  Mary joined us and began telling us about the history of Sand Hills.  The lighthouse was constructed in 1917 and 1918 and remained active until 1939, when the Coast Guard automated the station.  The property was auctioned off by the government in 1958, and Bill purchased the lighthouse three years later.

Bill and Mary converted the Fog Signal Station into a cottage and spent over 30 summers there, while dreaming and planning the necessary renovations to restore the lighthouse and turn it into an enchanting travel destination.  Mary said that the building had been vandalized during the years it stood vacant, and explained that with all the windows shot out, time and the elements had destroyed all but the exterior brickwork and the structure’s supporting beams.  She told us that when the renovations began, there were no walls or floors, just a two or three-feet deep pile of rubble, which was painstakingly removed through chutes in the window openings.

Directing our attention to the grand piano, she told us that she had given piano lessons for years, and that this piano had been in Bill’s photography studio in Dearborn, which was destroyed by fire.  She showed us the smoke-damaged area along the side of the piano.  She then pointed out the woodwork in the common room, which was also Bill’s handiwork.  Above the fireplace Bill constructed, hung a beautiful painting of the lighthouse created by Bill’s brother.  Mary gave us a tour of some of the other seven guest rooms, each of which had its own Victorian charm.  Everything seemed to have a story, from the portraits throughout the lighthouse, all taken by Bill, to a sewing cabinet built by Bill’s father and decoratively hand-painted by his mother, to an impressive armoire they purchased at an estate sale.  She also showed us a portrait of the first keeper of the Sand Hills lighthouse and his wife, ironically, also named Bill and Mary.

Mary’s enthusiasm as she led us throughout the lighthouse was contagious, and we soaked every bit of it in, like sponges.  She took us to the tower, stopping at a landing which showcased 18 photos of the lighthouse in various stages of construction in 1918, and each of the 18 frames were handmade by Bill and Mary.  When we arrived at the top of the tower, she took our picture standing inside, then led us outside and took additional pictures, which did not turn out as the wind was whipping my hair into my face.  Back inside, she took pictures of each of us climbing down the ladder to the landing below.

We left to go to dinner, and when we returned, spent time in our room, relaxing and reading.  There was no television, and sporadic cell phone reception, and it was nice to be “unplugged” for a change.  When we joined the other guests at 8 p.m.,  a couple of the guests weren’t yet back from their dinner.  I asked Bill what was inside the building behind the lighthouse.  He proceeded to lead the group outside and into “the barracks”, which he had converted to a recreation room for the guests.  Now it was Bill’s turn to share some history.  He did all the woodwork himself.  He told a story about the stained glass light above the pool table, showed us the old church pews that graced tables where guests can play “an honest game of cards”, an ornate and quite massive antique bar that he purchased which was going to be destroyed during the demolition of a tavern in a neighboring town, Old West posters he had collected in his youth, and a breathtaking replica of Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’ on the ceiling above the bar.  It was evident that Bill and Mary have passionately put every bit of themselves into this beautiful property.

Back inside, Mary served a delicious Bundt cake, which she quite accurately referred to as “Heaven on a Plate”.  Bill gathered our dishes as we finished eating, and could be heard rinsing them in the kitchen as Mary entertained the group at the piano.  It was relaxing and homey, and one gentleman was actually lulled to sleep as she played.  We all dispersed to our respective rooms, and a short time later, all was quiet.  In the darkness, I listened to the waves crashing on the shore and tried to imagine what it might have been like to have manned the lighthouse during a storm.  It was a windy night, but by no means was it stormy, nor remotely resembling the gale-force winds which are often experienced on Lake Superior.

I usually awaken by 5 a.m. at the latest.  I couldn’t believe when I looked at the clock the next morning and it read 7:32 a.m.  I enjoyed the most restful night’s sleep that I’ve had in ages.  The cell phone apps and sound machines which emit the sound of waves pale in comparison to the real thing.  Mother Nature orchestrated the perfect lullaby in a cozy and comfortable setting provided by Bill and Mary.

We joined 13 other guests in the dining room for breakfast.  As Mary put the finishing touches on the meal, we conversed with the others.  Mary brought out a fabulous breakfast spread of egg soufflé, sausage, homemade English muffins with homemade strawberry jam, Danish Krinkle, fruit compote, orange juice and coffee.  While everyone was commending her culinary skills, she sat down at the piano and played for us again.

Some of the guests departed after breakfast, while the rest of us went off to see the sights, following our own agendas.  We had hoped to rent mountain bikes and explore the Copper Harbor bicycle trails, while taking in the fall colors.  The chill in the air and the force of the wind made us postpone that adventure for another trip.  Instead, we went to various waterfalls, photographed the Eagle River, Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor lighthouses, drove along the gorgeous Brockway Mountain Drive, stopped in several shops and visited historic Fort Wilkins along the shore of Lake Fanny Hooe.  It was an enjoyable day, and we debated whether we were even hungry after such a huge breakfast when we stopped at 4 p.m. for a late lunch/early dinner.

When we arrived back at Sand Hills, Mary greeted us at the door and asked about our day.  After filling her in, we went to our room to rest before the 8 p.m. dessert.  Mary likes to take requests for her evening piano selections, and I had forgotten that I had asked her permission to peruse her sheet music, so I went back downstairs and chose two pieces and left them on her piano.

At 8 p.m., six guests gathered in the common room and shared conversation, mostly revolving around our respective travels, while we heard whirring noises coming from the kitchen and speculated, correctly, that Mary was whipping cream.  She brought out delicious Key lime pie topped with freshly-whipped cream and began playing the songs I had selected, followed by a song that she knew was a particular favorite of another guest.  Upon learning that we have been involved in various musical productions throughout the years, she opted to play several show tunes.  She asked me to sing, but I declined as I’d had a sore throat for two days, since visiting a dusty and quite congested antique store.

“Will you sing Edelweiss?” she asked.  I recalled how singing that song always had a soothing effect on one of my former day care children, but with a scratchy throat, thought it best to decline.

“What’s your favorite song from ‘The Sound of Music’?” she asked.  Truthfully, I like all of them, but the one I’ve always enjoyed most since childhood quickly popped into my mind.  I smiled and replied, “The Lonely Goatherd”.

Everyone laughed, and Mary said she didn’t have the sheet music for that.  (Thank goodness!). She then proceeded to play it by ear!  My husband kept encouraging me to sing it, but I politely thanked Mary for playing the song and explained that I only yodel in front of my family.

We all stayed up talking for a while before going to bed, where once again, the sound of the waves made me drift off to sleep.  We slept in until 8 a.m. (!!!!), which is absolutely unheard of for me.  When we went downstairs for breakfast, Mary served eggs, turkey ham, homemade scones with homemade jam, the most amazing, melt-in-your-mouth apple strudel, fruit, orange juice and coffee.  Once everyone began to eat, she sat down at the piano and played “Moon River” for one of the departing guests, and once again played “The Lonely Goatherd”, especially for me.

We were a little sad as we went upstairs to gather our luggage to leave, but we both know that we’ll return someday.  After all, there are seven rooms we haven’t yet stayed in!  When we came downstairs, Mary gave us the welcome sign with our names on it from the front door, to keep as a memento.  I told her that the greatest memento of our time at Sand Hills, even more so than the pictures we took and the stories they shared, will be the CD of her piano music we had purchased the night before.

Never having experienced a Bed and Breakfast/Inn atmosphere, we were quite impressed how a group of strangers can connect over food and music, and have it feel almost like family.  When we discussed that with the other guests the previous evening, they said not all B&B’s are like Sand Hills, and that it’s Bill and Mary who make it so special with their warm and inviting personalities and their attention to detail.

Before we left, Mary asked whether we had time to tour the remaining guest rooms we hadn’t seen earlier because they were occupied.  Of course we wanted to see them, and once again were impressed with the antique furnishings and the stories that went along with them.  Back at the front door, ready to leave, yet not wanting to go, we asked Mary to stamp our lighthouse guidebook with the Sand Hills stamp.  We thanked both Bill and Mary for their hospitality and shared how impressed we were with their personal touch throughout the property.  Bill was pleased that we were so appreciative, because we were seeing the entire picture, and not just “staying at a lighthouse” for a couple of nights.

When Mary had shown us the picture of the first keepers,  she told us the story of how they had acquired it.  A 94 year old man drove to the lighthouse one day and explained that he had known the original keepers and he presented Bill and Mary with the picture.  He knew it wouldn’t mean anything to his family after he died, but he knew that Bill and Mary would appreciate the historical significance of the picture.  Bill enlarged and framed it, and they graciously adorned the wall by the first set of stairs leading to the tower with the picture of the first keepers.

“Guess what their names were?” Mary asked upon finishing her story.  “They were Bill and Mary, just like us!” she concluded.  I told her she had given me goosebumps with her story.

Prior to our departure, she wanted to show us something she had found in her basement.  It was a drawing she had made when she was in elementary school.  The front had a Christmas scene on it.  When she turned it over, we were looking at a ‘house’ she had drawn, with a very unusual shape.  It didn’t have the typical, triangular roof most children would draw.  It was boxy and had a tall tower.  It was a near match of Sand Hills lighthouse!  Once again, I had goosebumps.  I love those kind of odd coincidences in life.  They seem to affirm that “what is” is “what was meant to be”.

They sent us off with hugs, handshakes and the leftover breakfast scones.  When we got in the car, we began listening to the CD of Mary’s piano music and, as we drove away, both acknowledged that we had just experienced something special.  We had witnessed the truest example of the phrase “labor of love”.  Before we arrived, we had thought that we would stay at the Sand Hills lighthouse and I would have accomplished the first item on my “bucket list” of 45, before my next birthday.  The end.

We came away with so much more!  We had the privilege of meeting two people who envisioned their dream of renovating the lighthouse into an inn, who put all of their energy and talent into bringing their vision to life, and ultimately, created not just a place to stay, but a place to experience, and to take away from, while at the same time, leaving a piece of your heart behind.  After two brief days at Sand Hills, Bill and Mary seem like more than proprietors, historians and gracious hosts.  It’s almost as if we have gained new family members.

After leaving Sand Hills, we went to a couple of shops, an antique store, and attempted to tour the Calumet Theater, but were disappointed to learn that there are no Tuesday tours given during this time of year.  We took pictures of the outside of the building, then went on to take pictures of the Jacobsville Lighthouse and the Portage River Lower Entrance light, before checking into our motel.

At around 7 p.m., I found myself wondering what Mary would be serving for dessert this evening, and what songs she would play on the piano.  Moments later, the telephone rang in our room.  We wondered who it could be, as we both have our cell phones, and our family, friends or co-workers would call our cell phones if they needed to reach us.

It was Mary.  She had remembered where we would be staying tonight and called the motel because, after we left, she thought of a story she had forgotten to share which she knew would also give me goosebumps.  I listened as she told another hair-raising tale, and chills washed over me.  I thanked her again for their hospitality and assured her that we will never forget our time with them.

This is a lengthy post, but I wanted to preserve every moment of the experience.  I would highly recommend a visit to Sand Hills to any lighthouse enthusiast, or to anyone simply longing to leave their cares behind for a peaceful getaway in beautiful surroundings, run by two very special people who will see to your every need … and then some.