Water is running like a faucet off my roof. After being pummeled by weeks of daily snow, nature has decided to cut us some slack with a mid-winter thaw. For the first time in three years, it feels like a “normal” Northern Michigan winter. Last year at this time, we were basking in 70-degree weather. It was a pleasant surprise, for sure. But to be honest, it threw my “reality” out of whack for several weeks. “Normal” just wasn’t normal anymore, climatically speaking.

I think we can all relate to that these days. And it can be downright unsettling. In recent weeks and months, I’ve sometimes found it hard to find that sense of balance. That reassuring feeling that comes from familiar routines and activities.

That’s when I head outside. I take a walk. I let the cool (or cold) air clear my head. I let the quiet surround me. Calm me. It might take a few miles, but I eventually arrive at a more relaxed pace and place. The great outdoors never fail to provide some peace when I need it most.

As I look outside, the water stilling rolling off the roof, I take some comfort in knowing our northern winter has returned to normal, at least for now. I take it as a good sign. It also reminds me that I better check the basement for flooding. I sure don’t need that…

Happy Camping,

Bob.