Every place is unique. Every little town or big city has things that set them apart, while the parts that seem familiar give a sense of something known. Every place is a little different, and a little the same. Almost.
Beaver Island, at least for me, was a complete stranger.
As a traveler from the desert we met for the first time, and I struggled to place the face. Sure, I have been to Michigan, but it wasn’t like that. I have been to Wisconsin, but that didn’t feel right, either.
When the sun was shining and the light breeze pushed ripples around the shallow clear water of the flats if I squinted it might have been a beautiful early spring day in Florida, but no, that wasn’t it.
When the fog hung thick around the lighthouse in the still morning air it reminded me of… nothing, actually. (Fog is pretty foreign to me. Also lighthouses)
And when I ran my fingers through the sand and heard the call of the gulls, San Diego came to mind, but again, everything was wrong.
And everything was right.
I am intrigued by Beaver Island. I suppose you could say I have a crush on the place.
I want to be around. I want the island to like me, to invite me to parties, to introduce me to friends and smile when I tell stupid jokes. I want to know the roads, and drive them to places I feel welcomed where people will smile and say “Hey, man good to see you! Pull up a chair!”
I suppose for now I will have to settle for a long distance relationship.
As far as hitting it off with the locals, I suppose we did alright, considering that we were only there two days and had already warmed chairs at every bar and even got invited to a house party for a local girls high school graduation. (Which was a great party, if your wondering) And I would like to think that it had little to do with the fact that we were “media”, and more to do with how awesome we are. Either way, it didn’t hurt.
For today’s island tip
I will tell you to not forget to wave. If you are driving a car, or walking down the street, or standing in a window, or sitting on a porch, whatever you do for the love of all that is holy, wave. Wave at everyone. Always.
If you are sitting at the living room table and hear a car go by, wave.
If you are washing dishes and hear and engine approaching, wave.
If you are sleeping in your bed, dreaming of hungry carp, and in your dream you see someone behind the wheel of a vehicle, wave.
And try to mean it, when driving a car, especially. It’s easy, just keep your steering hand at “twelve” and throw up your fingers with a little smile, maybe give a head nod if you recognize the person. Not hard. In principle.
I had Kevin’s truck for an afternoon, and Dan was freaking out in the passenger seat thinking that we were going to get kicked off the island because I kept getting distracted by passing shiny objects and forgetting to give other drivers acknowledgement. I felt bad, but more so for the fact that I realized that I was wearing Kevin’s bright green jacket, and driving Kevin’s red truck. That evening I kept expecting to see a mob carrying the poor guy toward the ferry dock kicking and screaming, tied to a bag of rocks.
-Alex who is waving at you, right now.
On this day we thank:
Liam and Marylyn at the Stoney Acre Grill for the great drinks and the better company.
&
Scientific Anglers
&
Bozeman Reel Co.
I’m now waving compulsively as a result of this post. Dog moves in the bedroom, I wave. I’m going to get Baker Act’ed, but at least the ward’s staff will think I’m friendly. The story of driving Kevin’s truck with Kevin’s jacket on is hilarious. Another great read, and that first photo is blowing my mind. I keep telling myself that I need to not think about all this exposure Beaver Island is getting. You aren’t helping. I’ve decided I’m going next year.
Not going to lie, had to look up “Baker Act’ed”. At first I thought you mistyped “Sister Act’ed”, and I was excited to try to figure that one out.
Do you think they’ll want you to wave when they figure out you’re there to fish C & R carp?
I get the idea that “as long as you are here, and waving”, all is good.
nice little story so far….i grew up on the island….looking forward to “the rest of the story”….(;
Well thanks for checking in, Mario! I didn’t have the opportunity to grow up there, but after visiting I could see spending some time growing old there! (At least around the warmer months!)
Thank you for this little slice of the island that I love so well. I made my first documentary there in 2004 and have been in love with the place ever since. Perhaps not in sums up the unique character of the place quite like constant friendly waving. Lovely work. Tom
Thanks, Tom. Is your documentary available to view anywhere? I would love to check it out.
I believe Richie has copies for sale at BI Realty. If you have no luck let me know and I can send you a copy. All the best. Tom
Thanks for the great write up on my home. I especially love the part you wrote about the waving – so true – when we go to the mainland it takes us a few miles down the road to stop waving at people. Glad you enjoyed yourself and thanks for visiting us!!
Never stop waving, Sheri! Haha see you next year!
I was tearing up basicly the entire way through this! I think Beaver Island is the closest thing to heaven and it’s so nice to hear alot of my feelings be put into words, and by someone who has only spent a few days on the island!! Beaver Island draws in some pretty special people!! 🙂
Aww, Danielle! Never thought besides drunken love letters to front desk girls on hotel stationary that anything I wrote, (especially here) would make someone cry. 🙂
BI is a special place, indeed.
You’re going to feel all this for the rest of your life. You learn to accept that you cry when you leave and you don’t even know why. The island seeps into your every waking moment and she will never leave your heart, and will dwell in your mind and dreams for years to come.
For the rest of my life? I may need professional help! (or a plane ticket)
And geez, Cynthia. You and Danielle… so much talk about crying! I am going to have to go watch some impact sports and drink a light beer while grilling meat after this.
You kinda got this Tantooine thing going on in the first picture, yes I realize it a beer bottle not binoculars, but its close enough.
Hmm. ¿Quieres fumar mucho?