FALL SEASON REAPS HARVESTS
By Dave Ponke

When the autumn breezes gently push across the open fields, the fall season will bring us the sights and sounds that signal the final hurrah of summer.

Crisps leaves crunch underfoot and the colors changing on the leaves still on trees accompany the cool nights that make sleeping oh-so-comfortable. The humidity vanishes like a balloon that rises into the sky, and Mother Nature is proven to be kind after all, quickly helping us to push from our minds the images of sweltering 90-degree-plus afternoons.

The visions can look like an artist’s painting that brings a feeling of warmth over you: A drive along the Lake Huron shoreline is priceless; you would think a ticket for admission is necessary as you enter the open areas that usher sights that are camera worthy.

Where else but in the Thumb of Michigan can you discover a wonderful blend of farmland covered in golds, oranges, reds and the like this time of year? For those fascinated by old barns and farmhouses the opportunities are abundant!

And, not to be outdone, a mixture of roadside produce stands, the result of a family offering their fresh-picked garden goods, cider mills, or even an Amish buggy-full of warm apple pies are located all around. Seek and you will find!

A family that has an empty agenda upon awakening can easily fill it with an itinerary of a schedule chock-filled with low-cost choices.

Along the highway M-29, starting in Algonac, there are a couple of vintage antique shops and the state park. Residents have signs that tell of a variety of items for sale: homemade fishing lures, fresh vegetables and farm eggs are there, too.

Heading north, the towns of St. Clair, Marysville and Port Huron also offer a combination of awesome sights, shops and even a couple of tiny ma-and-pa style restaurants. What tastes better than a homemade meal? One that is made from scratch!

Getting to your desired destination can actually be half of the fun.

Along the way, as you trek towards your planned area, stops can - and should be - frequent. And one cannot forget to let the kaleidoscope of picturesque visions be taken in; Blue Water Country earned its title, after all, from its sky-blue rolling waves that settle on the shore. These are not only postcard worthy, but often breathtaking.

Where else can you drive a short distance, often just an hour or so away, and have the luxury that so many others crave: what seems like a vacation but is simply a brief getaway!

On an October afternoon, the aroma of a baked apple pie and cinnamon donuts goes hand-in-hand with your cup of apple cider: A visit to one of the literally dozens of cider mills that are spattered across the Thumb invite thoughts of family closeness. Wearing your warm flannel shirt may be needed, and don’t forget to take home that extra dozen of donuts and a gallon of cider for sippin’ during the upcoming week!

Does the outdoors tug at you, beckoning a jaunt along a trail?

Certainly the area state parks, which include Algonac and Lakeport in St. Clair County, are convenient and enjoyable. Inexpensive and with gorgeous views, what better way to search for wild flowers, plants, watch the birds soar overhead and snap a few photos along the way?

Whatever you do, and wherever you go, you simply can’t go wrong when using the Blue Water area for your game plan!