It is a bit odd to have two different lives--not at all unpleasant, but conducive to noticing the passage of time.

Now we are our summer selves. And it too is nice.

Blind River, our regular stop, and Pax favorite.

Little Current. No ice, and no boats, except for the tour boat, and those high and dry at Boyles'.

The driveway is dry. Not washed out. No big streams coursing downward.

The water is up, not not as high as when we departed in October.

The kayaks are ready to hit the water. And, the picnic table, while needing paint, worked well as a place for for lunch today.

Early departure from St. Ignace. Gas and McDs breakfast at Sault Ste Marie. The straits choked with ice, although apparently some freighters are getting through. Easy passage through customs (only car on the bridge going our way) in spite of all the contraband. Stop at Blind River. Stop at Little Current for groceries. Stop at the Kagawong marina for a look-see and dog run, (it was Green Day in Kagawong, so some people around, and a number of filled garbage bags. And then home (to home number two).

Sunny and warm. Working in t-shirts. Used John's chest waders to drag the waterline out (to within an inch of the top of the waders [and the water was cold](. Then started using the Guzzler to pull water up through the 100 foot water line to the jet pump. For the second time in three years the Guzzler broke. After a few moments of panic I remembered that John had a pump, and I was able to find it, and then swap out the inlet fitting with the one that works on our set-up. John's Guzzler guzzled, and within 10 minutes water was drawn up to the jet, which worked without any complaint. Then it was all about reconnecting the plumbing in the house. I am pleased to report that we now have hot and cold running water to all the sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines.

Little current harbor was clear, but everything west of the narrows, through Honora Bay, to West Bay was solid ice. So some anticipation about Mudge Bay, but coming down the big hill into the lower village, nothing but brilliant blue water, with just of fringe of ice way out by Clipperton.

Everything good here on Serendipity Lane, both at 196 and 184. But surprisingly dry. The swales are damp but not flooded, and the rivulets are trickling rather than gushing. The big water is up, but not as high as when we left in the fall. It typically rises quite a bit through May, but we shall see.

A pair of mergansers have already claimed the waterfront, he in his resplendent white wardrobe. Poor things are having to make do, however, with rocks rather than boardwalk.

We had all the windows open, letting the warm air in to chase winter's accumulated chill. Now we have a blazing fire in the stove. Although at first we didn't think we would need one, it turns out we did, and it is ever so nice.

And, we are back in the land of quiet. The only sounds all afternoon and evening wind, waves, and wildlife.