Cousin's Island's Namesakes

As Michael noted in his most recent blog entry, a faint hint of autumn has coming to Ithaca. As the fall begins to emerge at Cousin's Island, my thoughts look back over the past summer. Cousin's Island earned its monniker over the weeks since Memorial Day, with visits from cousins far and near. It has been a lovely time. At the risk of sounding like the 1940's editions of the Hastings Banner. . . Mr and Mrs. Mark Engle hosted so and so. . . I want to review some of the cousin visits that have happened thusfar and to look forward to a couple more visits. It has been since a gathering at Camp Van Vac in the summer of 1988, that such a gathering has taken place. Then, the legends of "poppy the Bear" and grandpa Snap's unease with the "box potty" were the main events.

Mark and Rita Engle provided an excuse for a Father's Day gathering of such cousins that might visit. Included were Aunt Shirley, Cousin Heather with Baby Matthew along with the locals, course Mary, Sunshine, kids, Val and Ernie and Momba and Popbah.

On Memorial Day weekend, a visit from Michael and Jane blossomed into a family reunion. Susan and the clan from Illinois made it a point to join in the joint celebration of Mother's Day and Patty's 87th birthday. Cousins were everywhere. Bahiyyih and Billy visited with daughters, Georgia, Maya and Teresa. Cousin Khalil held court at the potluck dinner at Patty's place. Layli and daughter Lucy came with Susan. Mary and Sunshine brought Eleanor and Kepler with them. Of course the trio of Michael, Mark and Susan attended with Jane and Sharon. Anna and Kate Engle came from their east coast, touting their visit with the "country cousins" in the lower Michigan ancestral home. Kate was the life of the party for the youngest of the cousins, organizing some of the fun for the kids. They simply glommed on to her, evidently a kindred spirit. Even the Speas clan got into the spirit with Val and Ernie spending the afternoon at a gathering for dinner. Rather than wearing Patty out, the event infused her with new energy and good cheer. She loved having an apartment full of family. I will not soon forget stories of an evening at the playground with all young cousins on hand and a couple of birding outings that amazed us with the variety of avian live right here in the neighborhood.

A three generation trek into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area featured hosts Cousin Matt and Cousin Jason who served as guides, chefs and entertainment for the trip. The youngest canoers, Cousins Eleanor and Kennedy spiced up the trip with memorials and names for fish caught and eaten along with wild cribbage games. Uncles Ernie and Mark were the guests of younger trekkers, taking their place as "elders of the tribe." K. C., who made his maiden voyage into the wilderness of the BWCAW counted four new animal sightings, including a bear, along the way. A new generation gobbled up the wilderness' surprises with the appetite of generations past. The talk among the cousins is about when we're going next year!

A Speas family gathering at Eileen's in Okemos included the visit of far flung cousins Carol and Johnnie Hicks from Oklahoma. They got a flavor of the group as it gathered.

Cousin Susan (nee Brown) and spouse Doug, arrived in Kalamazoo with her entire entourage, hosting a barbecue at Liz Haas' house. Cousins Sara and Kim met many of the clan for the first time. Kim's son Joshua and daughter Elle were the centerpoint of the group. Patty, particularly, was impressed with Elle. So much so, that she can still recall each moment of the evening sitting with Elle with a sparkle in her eyes. Reunions with these Oklanoma cousins have a long history. Susan recently sent along this photo of the "stairstep cousins" in 1960. The longest running reunions have always involved the gathering of the Palmer clan and it's Oklahoma branch, the Browns (represented this year by the Hass')

This past weekend greeted the American tour of the farthest flung cousin, Lucy Engle. Lucy made the trip from Chile and has single handedly sponsored reunions across the country. Gatherings in New York City, Ithaca, Chicago and Burlington Vermont featured Lucy's visit. Short, but sweet, Lucy's visit gave us all a chance to renew our relationships, take a lot of photos and get a picture of what life is like in Chile. She left with the promise of a visit that includes husband Edouardo on the next tour.


An autumn gathering is scheduled when Aunt Janet visits from Washington State. She will make her annual visit with Sister Patty and provide yet another excuse for good food, animated talk and lots of pictures.

That's the news from Cousins' Island, where all the women are strong. . . and some cousins play in the tub. It was a memorable summer it has been for the family in Southern Michigan.

Quote, quote

I can't decide whether to enjoy the world or improve the world:
that makes it difficult to plan the day.
- E. B.White

Bareback Ridge, 1998

Last week, Eleanor and I made the trek up Bareback Ridge overlooking Harlow Lake on the Road to Big Bay, north of Marquette. Here is what I saw there a decade ago.

August, 1998

Maggie and I have mounted Bareback Ridge, sitting astride its peak. It is all downhill from here, steep downhill. Eagles ride the winds in the coves, foraging for critters. They are a magnificent sight, soaring below us. I watch the eagles with one eye, keeping a second eye out for Maggie, who likes to tightrope walk on the edges of the ridge. She is small enough to make a tasty snack for an eagle. A steady breeze flows out of the south east. It holds at bay a dark western overcast for the time being. We will not have long up here before the rain comes in.

We return home for lunch. We're pooped, both of us. Maggie naps. I jot down some notes. It has been a delicious hike.

Some things never change.

Boundary Waters, 2008

The long awaited canoe trip in Minnesota's Boundary Waters took us for a few nights to Slim Lake, a quiet spot not far from Ely. What marked this trip in my own heart was that it was the first 3 generation canoe trip for both the Engle family and the Morgan family. Uncles Jason and Matt showed off their fishing, camping and cooking prowess gained from three decades of canoe trips. They were the work horses of the trip. What is always gratifying is the way such a journey brings everyone back to the basics of their lives. It is one of the only places where the "good of the whole" surpasses the desires of each traveller. It is also the place where a little effort can make the quality of life measurably better. Young Cousins, Eleanor and Kennedy brought a joy and enthusiasm to the whole party. I will not soon forget the howling games of cribbage that followed the dinner dishes each night. "Fish naming has been all the rage." writes Jason, "Gilligan was # 1 fish yesterday. (It)was Scruffy, until Matt reminded Eleanor that fish don't have fur. Hmmmm. . . but they DO HAVE GILLS!" Hence Gilligan.

As with all canoe adventures, they are the very best in prospect and retrospect, as the muscle twinges and sheer exhasution subside. It was not long before talk of next year's trip began to surface. So where are we going in 2009? I already have volunteers for the trip!