Thinking is difficult, that is why most people judge.

Karl Jung

Traveling is always an iffy business. Generally, animals face their highest risks while traveling on migration. And I feel much the same when traveling. Things do not always go as expected. From Carson City, and a wonderful visit with friends there, we went to Reno to fly to Chicago. Unfortunately, Alaska Airlines’ flight was delayed 3 hours, which put us into Seattle at the same time our plane to Chicago took off. In their generosity, AlaskaAir was going to rebook us to Chicago, arriving at 5:30 a.m. That sort of voided the hotel, which was already paid for and meant no sleep for the baseball game. Jeanne is a Sapphire, Gold member with Alaska Airlines and got on the phone. Using her sugar and spice attitude, she managed to rearrange us on American Airlines to Phoenix and onto Chicago, arriving at the same time as the first flight.

This trip started with Maralyns invitation, in May, to go to Frenchglen. Then my cousin, Tom, visited us this past summer, and said we should come to his cabin on Pine Lake in wisconsin. He sweetened the offer with a baseball game at Wrigley Field. From there the trip progressed to include visitations of various friends and relatives scattered in the area. Seems we know a fair number of people, whom we keep in contact with.

Arrived Chicago, Friday at 12:30 am, train to hotel, and my cousin Tom picked us up at 11 am. We had lunch and onto the baseball game. Chicago Cubs vs the St.Louis Cardinals, an old rivalry. I had been to one professional game in my life in 1991, but had to leave due to an illness. I was excited.

We walked in just as the national anthem begun. Wrigley field is one of two iconic baseball fields in the United States, Fenway park in Boston being the other. Holds approximately 45,000 people which is a lot of energy. Apparently much of its charm is it is not a big megalopolis complex but a neighborhood baseball field. Parking is about the neighborhood. I like baseball, but am far from a diehard fan and especially not a tribal member. I just like good baseball. Jeanne grew up in St.Louis and Tom is a diehard Cubs fan so was interesting. The game was awesome, with the energy, watching the goings on, especially with home runs, scores, changes in innings, the singing, the cheering. The 7th inning stretch, the final winning celebratory song, and of course the the beer, which cost $15 per beer, but I wanted the whole experience and it was 91 degrees F (32.8 C), and we were in the sun. Enjoyable to watch the players setting up in their positions. I thought they were checking their phones, but they were checking the stats of the batter.

Then off to my cousins place, an hour out of town, and spent the night. Great to catch up. He had visited us this past summer, but now on his turf. Always interesting to see people in their own environment. His wife Ilona ws caring for her agin father from Hungary, and was unable to attend baseball or the cabin, but delightful to see her, meet her father, and see the farm.

Saturday was to be a big day. We started, with an hour drive south, to Jeanne’s cousin who had just moved from their house of 54 years into an apartment complex. They were quite appreciative, that we had come to visit, despite it only being a couple hours.

Then back north and to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with more visiting. This time, some friends of ours and parents  of a ski jump coach in Anchorage.  We saw where Natasha grew up and became Natasha. A 50-meter ski jump in the backyard. But alas, the visit is short, as the day is progressing. I do not drive as well at night, so I am trying to get to the lake cabin before dark. It was good visit though.

We made it to the cabin on Pine Lake only an hour after dark, avoiding the evening deer, wandering the forest roads. My sister, had arrived from Montana and her family, 4 hours earlier, guiding us by flashlight the final few hundred feet of rough road. Tom , my cousin, arriving shortly before her, not having to stop and visit along the way.

The cabin was built in 1933 by my Aunt Shirleys Uncle Henry. There is actually a UTube video of it of 1933 quality. (Construction of Pine Lake cottage 1933) It has passed down through the family, and Tom currently has it. He is a very gracious person, host, and we felt very welcome. We just explored, walking, going out on the boat, several loons coming out to meet us. Occasionally diving under the boat swimming incredibly gracefully.

One delightful morning my sister and I took the boat out and watched the sun rise. Incredible woods with colors just beginning to change, with the variety of trees. Maple, white pine, ash, birch, larch, and others unidentified by me.

Evening found us playing the game of aggravation. This is a board game played by our family for generations. Currently nearly all farmily members have a board made by some member of the family. I have never seen a commercial game similar. We probably played a dozen games over the three days.

Day three was another cubs baseball game and Tom is an avid follower. For me it was not the same. Pure baseball with no seeing the in-between stuff. You don’t see in between innings. The seventh inning stretch was a commercial. The announcer explaining every move so very little thought as to what was happening. Ok I am being negative. It just was not the same as in person, although good baseball. Apparently Eddie Veder led the seventh inning song.

Then time to depart, oh sweet sorrow again. As is often the case sometimes a short visit is better than too long, as it leaves you wanting to come back for more. But traveling on, this time to Zak’s parents on the Michigan – Wisconsin border. a 4 hour drive. It all seems so close when looking at a map from a long ways away, but in reality the world is a big place.

Arriving early evening, Mike and Carol took us out to a local “supper club”. Apparently that is a Wisconsin thing. I am always fascinated by local traditions and culture. I was amazed at the prices. $12.00 for a 8 oz steak with full baked potato and salad. $140 for 4 people with alcohol for dinner. At home that would be double that.

Thursday, Mike and Carol took us on a tour of the area. Various industries, places they had lived, and of course the Pine Mountain ski jump complex. A 120 meter jump, Olympic size only set up for winter jumping. Fascinating to see other jumps, construction style and materials. More ideas.

Returned to their home and we were going to head out for a little river excursion on the Menamenee River behind their house. No boat for all 4 of us, but decided on two small boats with 2 hp motors. While Mike got some gas for motors and other stuff, it fell upon me to just test out the boats. First one worked great, second one he warned me his concerns. I thought he said the motor was difficult but what he said was the boat was tippy and difficult. Whatever. In I go after checking out the first boat. Just 30 meters upriver and return. Did great, turned around, but alas the seating was difficult to drive the motor and I turned myself in the boat. This threw off the balance, which I did not expect and over I went. The boat and motor completely tipped over on top of me. I easily got out from under, was able to stand and pushed it into the proper upright position. Unfortunately, completely full of water with the motor submerged. On shore I hear Carol and Jeanne laughing hysterically. I think they may have peed their pants laughing so hard. I pulled the boat back in, emptied it out but the motor was soaked.

It seemed our river trip was not to be. I was totally soaked along with wallet and phone. Instead of river trip we opted to sit around the fire, just enjoying the evening.

A few adventures during the night, then a long drive back to OHare airport and two long flights home to Anchorage. Arrived at 3 am and fell into bed exhausted, but full of memories of friends and family.