Summer is almost over. I can tell by the ferns browning, the cooler nights, and even some trees beginning to change. The recent storms dropped some of the dead trees on the trail and surrounding woods. All able hands with chainsaws quickly removed the trees that fell on our road that leaves the camp, but one neighbor had a pine tree drop on their roof, causing damage.

I have only spotted the eagle one time, but our loon family is still enjoying Loon Lake. The baby still has its brown feathers, but it has grown. It is part of our nightly sunset cruise ritual to find them on the lake, and it always delights our guests. There is one spot on the lake near the cove by the old fishing camp, now home to a muskrat.

Memories of your camp skunk stories popped into my head this week. I am one of those people that do not find the distant smell of skunk offensive. (I know, weird, but I am not alone. Just google it.) But, I do believe a skunk family has moved in under my lodge bedroom window. It wafts through the open window, especially in the morning. I read up on why they should not stay, They burrow and undermine the structures they inhabit, and this nearly 100-year-old building wants to remain, so I await the peppermint solution to ease this problem.

This morning my husband called to me while he was making coffee. Two fawns were running across the property near the Infirmary like little kids playing tag. Mama grazed nearby, as they tussled with each other on hind legs. I love the fact that we always have deer in our neighborhood, despite the plants we lose from their nibbling. They especially love hostas and hydrangeas:)

I took my camera with me walking this week and thought you might enjoy some of the sights along the trail. The wildflowers are in bloom, and one of the old signs that faded is still tacked to the tree by the corral. The flies have finally left, so we don’t look crazy batting them away as we walk Maqua Trail. (A few weeks ago we tried to hike the Iosco Nature Trail that winds through the old boys camp, but they chased us away.)

In this time of the Covid virus, I am thankful for outdoor activities a summer home brings. Boats, decks, porch, water, sand, and campfires equal a little less isolation. Enjoy the rest of your summer outdoors!