Probably The Coolest Summer Playdate Ever

One of G's best playdates this summer was a kayak trip with buddy K. Friend Mike graciously offered us the use of his cabin and kayaks on the Ausable River in Frederic. On one of summer's best weather days, we found a two-track that dead-ended on the river, tied an orange tee shirt to a tree to mark the spot and left our pick-up vehicle. It was just three miles down the road from Mike's cottage. Not so far by road, but considerably longer by river. We learned hands-on that each road mile equals about an hour on the river. A bit long for the boys but pretty relaxing for Val and I.

Both boys enjoyed paddling the kayaks and we all enjoyed Val's run-in with a river otter. That and our collective time traveling downstream backwards. No spills though. Just lots of laughs and a niggling bit of worry that we would end up in Grayling.

After kayaking for nearly three hours, we returned to Mike's cottage, had our picnic lunch and let the boys do a little noodle fishing. Perfect, perfect up-north playdate. It's why we live here.