Mackinaw Island

Lusha and I spent the day walking the 7 mile circumference of Mackinaw Island.  We were planning on going to the island on Friday but it rained most of the day.  Today, Saturday the 5th of June, turned out to be brisk which was perfect for a long walk.

Actually Lusha (yeah I'm talking to my dog as if she actually can speak) challenged me to run a mile so I actually "slow jogged" (lol) a mile and walked the other 6.  Lusha actually ran most of the way which means after calculating all of her zigging and zagging she actually went about 25 miles.  She is sound a sleep right now which tells you how worn out she is.  I'm not even sure I could wake her if I wanted to.  Good thing the van isn't on fire.

Mackinaw Island is a beautiful place once you leave town.  The town is no different than many other tourist towns - places to eat, get chocolate or ice cream and hotels to rest ones weary head.  But get away from the town and the island is just gorgeous.  And if anyone has money now is a great time to pick up a water-front lot.  I spoke to an owner who paid in excess of $200K for her lot and she told me you can pick some lots up for less than $100K right now.  Wow!  Now where is my check book?!?!

And the water is crystal clear.  Granted, you can only get into it maybe four months out of the year but the views are awesome.  And I'm sure Lusha would love it year-round.

Enjoy the pics.

The Great Lakes & China

Lusha is outside gnawing on a bone I got her so I've got a few minutes alone to write some.

I am sleeping tonight and last night at a Walmart that is located in East Tawas right across the street from Lake Huron.  Who would have thought that walking out of a Walmart you'd have such a beautiful view.  In fact who ever named this group of lakes "The Great Lakes" knew exactly what they were talking about.  I've driven down the coast of most of them and I never cease to be amazed by some of the views and the clarity of some of the channels.  I believe Lake Ontario is the only one of the five lakes I haven't driven near.

Today was a quite day.  I started out by playing the Red Hawk golf course.  Nothing too spectacular.  had two birdies but didn't have even one par.  Pretty up and down round.  Had the rest of the day to prepare for my far east journey to China. Had to get new passport photos for a Chinese VISA.  Should be applying for the actual VISA tomorrow after my round of golf.  Once I get the stamp of approval I'll look into flights.  Now I have to figure out what to do with Lusha while I'm gone.  She is going to go through separation anxiety I'm sure.

I'm also checking on teaching English in China for a year and the hiring agency requires electronic copies of my diploma and passport.  And yes, it is a legitimate agency.  Hmmmmmmm, wonder if I can take Lusha with me?  I'll need to check on that before I commit to anything.

Some might think that I am going to China on a whim, not so.  I was thinking through the process or interest of mine toward both Russia and China all day today.  When I wasn't even married to Patti and planning on going on a mission back in 1975 I can remember so clearly prayer that the Lord would somehow see fit to open the door to either China or Russia and send me there as one of His first emissaries.  Well, I didn't get to go to neither Russia nor China but I believe the Lord answered my prayer by sending me to the country closest to both - South Korea.

So you see, I have always been drawn to those to countries.  I don't really know why, perhaps because they are a mystery to many Americans.  I'm really looking forward to exploring China.  I will be getting a Dual Entry VISA on the case that if I enjoy myself the first time I will likely go back again before the year is out.  Besides, A Single or Dual Entry VISA costs the same; so why not?