Flood and Evacuation

FROM:Richard Steiger
TO:Laurie, Chip & Dylan Tom Steiger Jana Steiger
 CC:goatlook
Message flagged Saturday, October 6, 2012 10:47 PM

Well this has been an interesting day.

Our only plans for today were to play computer games, putz around the yard, go to Sam's Club to pick up a few things, and watch Michigan vs the Boilermakers.

The weather was weird. Sunny for a time and then cold rain. At some times it was sleeting but then it was bright and sunny again.

After playin' and prunin' we were preparing to go shopping when the tsunami siren sounded. In the past, we have gotten a postcard warning us when they planned to test the siren but not this time. Soon, our phone rang and our neighbor informed us that the Brown Bridge dam was breached and we were under a flood warning. However, he had been told that it would take 3 - 4 hours for the flooding to reach us. It was about 11 so we decided to have lunch, see what developed and if it didn't look serious, we'd go to Sam's and then come back home to watch the action. By noon, there was no sign that anything was happening so we headed out.

We did our shopping along with about half the town. It is Saturday after all. It took us longer than we had planned. After checking out, we loaded the car and drove to Chum's Corners, and turned left down the hill to River Rd. As I made the turn onto River, a State Police car came past the line of cars waiting to turn onto Keystone toward me. I pulled off on the shoulder to let him pass but he pulled over to block me. We were told that River Rd was closed and that people were being evacuated. I explained that we lived here and we at least wanted to go home to lock up and grab some clothes in case we had to spend the night. He gave us permission and pulled out of the way.

We had the road to ourselves until we got to the Blair/East Bay Twp. line, about a half mile from home. There, the Blair Twp EMT truck sat with lights flashing, blocking the road. I explained that we wanted to get home to lock the house. Their orders were that no one could drive past. Fine! I pulled a U turn, parked by the side of the road, left Nancy in the Rav and walked. I mean, what are they going to do? Arrest me? Well, maybe.

I walked homeward as fast as I could, crossed over to the tracks and when I got to our drive, there was a Sheriff's car waiting for me. I was out of breath but explained once again what my mission was. He agreed to allow me to lock the house but he had to go with me. I made a quick pass, locking the place, I didn't grab clothes, foo foo, or anything other than a laptop and the Jeep keys. The Deputy let me walk up to the barn to get the Jeep and then followed me out to the road. I drove back to Nancy and we decided to meet in the library parking lot to decide what to do. We decided to leave the Jeep there and check out someplace where we could watch the game. The news on the radio was that the area had been evacuated and would probably remain closed until morning.

Last spring when there was a major power outage because of a storm, folks were driving to Kalkaska and Cadillac to find rooms so we decided we'd better grab one if we could. The first place was full but they checked for us and found us a room at the Comfort Inn. We checked in and then went to Target to pick up skiv's and toiletries to get us through the night. Back at the motel, we watched the Blue come through and then at half time found out on a news program that the evacuation was lifted and that we could go home if we wanted to.

But first, the second half. Denard had an outstanding day. In addition to passing for over 100 yards, he ran for 235 and set the rushing record for QB's in the Big Ten. Final score - M 44 P 13.

 Go or stay? Lets discuss it over dinner. We've paid for the room but Nancy pointed out that, except for those we watched in our living room, that was the least expensive game we've seen in years. We decided to get the Jeep and head south with both cars to see if we could in fact go home. When we got to the River Rd./Sleights Rd. intersection, River Rd was blocked by a barricade but it was unmanned so we just drove around it. It was dark when we got home and unpacked so we're not sure what things look like. Nancy saw in her headlights that Barker's place was surrounded by water and I took a flashlight and saw that the boardwalk has been displaced. We did get some flooding but I'm guessing not more than 3 - 4 feet.

 A full inspection will have to wait until morning.

Sand and Ice Cream!

Father's Day

We have no Dads to honor anymore, except in memory.  Thank you Dad!

We started with Brunch at the newly re-opened Brookside in Beulah.  Their brunch was really sublime - lots of fresh fruit and yummy desserts, and wonderful ham.  We really liked it!

Afterwards we drove to Lake Michigan in Frankfort just because it's always such a great experience with an always spectacular view.  It did not disappoint!

We stopped in at Crystal Gardens to do some flower shopping - they have such healthy looking plants!  We got marigolds and some blue perennials.


  We also had some cache maintenance to do at the Empire Beach on Lake Michigan.  You wouldn't believe how crowded the beach was.  It was a gorgeous, warm day and people wanted to enjoy the water.  Every parking spot in the main area was taken.  People were parked all along both sides of the access road, and some were parking in town and walking to the beach.  The smartest ones were the bikers - no parking problems there.

Historically, we have cached on Father's Day since 2003, so we picked up a couple of easy ones just to be historically correct!  It was a beautiful day for any activity you can think of!

Driving through Glen Arbor, Dick got a call from Tom, so we pulled over by the tennis courts, and they had a good conversation.  Our daughters called later, after we got back home, so he had a chance to talk to all of his kids on his Day.  Wildflowers in Glen Arbor has great looking plants too - Dick found a gorgeous hanging basket there.

We stopped at Tom's West Bay and bought steaks and baking potatoes and had a feast for dinner.  It was a lovely day.

06/17/2012	You found  Fair Park		Visit Log
In the spring of '03, we heard about this activity. On Father's Day, we took the GPS the kids had given us and gave Geocaching a shot. We were hooked! After a yummy brunch at the reopened Brookside, we found this cache and launched our 10th year. Thanks for the cache with a view. Now if we could only find the one across the lake.
06/17/2012	You found  platte lake		Visit Log
We came over to the area for a Father's Day brunch and to pick up some flowers at Crystal Gardens. We started caching on Father's Day of '03. This is the 10th consecutive FD of caching for us. The drive to and from this one was memorable. The "roads" reminded us of last weekend at the road rally. Nuvi must have sent us in the wrong way. Made the find, signed the log and took out some trash. TFTC

Are You Geocacher Enough? (AYGE)

It's time for the 5th annual Road Rally Event!

Are You Geocacher Enough? Road Rally

June 9-10, 2012

***********************************************

This is our second time around at AYGE - last year was hard, hard, hard and tiring yet rewarding!  This year was easier because now we're veterans and know what to expect - well, sort of!  We teamed again with DinoDuo and Captain Bud - they are the real experts!

It's Over!

Of all the medical procedures in the wild, wonderful world of medicine, the mammogram is by far the most deplorable.

 It really proves that you're an adult when you can make yourself actually go there and sit patiently for 15 minutes without bolting.

 It's over! Yaaay! I hated it - as always. Boo mammograms! All is well, by the way.

 Car thermometer said 88 degrees on the way home - everything is green and beautiful. The nursery by the depot is really looking good.

Derek and Carla

The Groom and his Dad

Having the wedding at the Minneapolis Zoo was a stroke of genius! The ceremony was beautiful, and the lemurs only howled once! The celebrant warned us at the outset that this is the lemurs' home, and they are in charge of what happens, and when.

 The vows of the bride and groom were especially touching - I would love a copy of Derek's vows. They both did an outstanding job.

My wedding mobile - a great way to get around the Zoo.

Tom and Dylan in their wedding finery...but they brought a change of clothes for the reception!

Shelly and the Small Ones

Our table - Tom, Jana and I with our new friend Heather.

A table for Lue's kids - Barb and Jim. John and Sharon

OK, It's Party Time!

Tom. Dylan, Laurie, Shelly, Chris Rocking the Dance Floor

Derek and Carla's wedding was a great family event for us. We usually only see each other twice a year - this year it will be three times! Thank you Derek and Carla!

Mall of America

In the afternoon, before Derek and Carla's wedding, we all headed out to the Mall of America so the younger generations could enjoy the rides.

 Dick had been teasing Dylan about going shopping because Dylan absolutely hates shopping, and he didn't have a clue about the rides!  So Dylan was extremely relieved and happy when we walked into the Mall and saw the Nickelodeon Universe!  Laurie, Tom, Jana and Dylan all rode for hours and Dick and I had a great time watching them!

Kevin, Amy, Maya, Shelly, Chris and Drew were at the Mall today, too. The little kids had fun on the kiddie rides, and at the Lego store. Shelly actually went shopping, which is what a mall is for after all! I think Amy and her mom spent some time in Nordstrom's, too - not a bad idea :)

I loved the Mall of America !!

Hooray for T.C.

This is why it's such a pleasure to live in T.C. - and why so many people love to visit!

Easter Brunch

Shelly asked us over for Easter brunch, so we got a chance to spend Easter with adorable kids and great family! Watching the kids was the most fun of all. The food was a big highlight too - everything was so yummy - and you should have seen the dessert! Thanks Shelly for a great time.

Spare Time

Dokas asked Dick what he's been doing in his spare time, so Dick took some pictures to illustrate his recent activities! Almost every day since the snow has melted, Dick has been hauling brush from downed trees and branches, and taking it to Woodhenge - he does all of the loading and unloading himself. I admire his stamina.

Storm Damage Clean-up:

 

On a brighter note:

Nine bean-rows,,,

There is a restaurant on East Front Street in Traverse City called "nine bean rows".  It's a very, very tiny restaurant - I doubt they could seat a dozen people.  I have often wondered about the name of this place. It didn't make much sense to me until I ran across this poem by William Butler Yeats:

The Lake Isle of Innisfree

William Butler Yeats (1893)


I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the mourning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

Innisfree sounds like a very peaceful place.  And since this restaurant is on the banks of the Boardman River, and very near West Bay, I imagine that they can hear "water lapping with low sounds by the shore".  We have never stopped in there to sample their offerings, but I'm thinking that we should.

Tokyo

Jen posted this great picture of L & D by a huge Japanese lantern in Tokyo.  Can you believe how tall D is getting?

Spring?

Dick wrote this letter to the kids after our enjoyable outing yesterday :

There are many things which make it fun to live in TC and today was one of them. Last weekend we got nailed with 14 - 20 inches of snow with power outages which lasted in some places through Thursday.

 We drove up to Suttons Bay today to check out the damage. It has been warming some and when we drove through town it was 54. The Open Space was empty, there was a couple out on the breakwater and a guy walking his dog on the beach.

We drove up and had lunch at the 45th Parallel Cafe and then grocery shopping at Hansens. On the way home the temp hit 60 and the effect was instantly apparent. We saw 3 top down convertibles. These were not driven by kids, they were mature adults out on a cruise. On the TART bike trail we saw walkers, joggers, and bikers. Many were wearing shorts, tee shirts and tank tops. I cracked up when we drove past Wares Bros ice cream shop. Sitting outside on a bench in the sun was a couple our age eating cones. 

In town the Open Space was a mob scene - frisbee, soccer, dog walkers, and folks just enjoying the sun. Of course there were many walkers, bikers and joggers as well. The only thing missing was a volley ball game. There were people on the beach catching some rays and we even saw a couple wading! 

It's not just the people - back home here we still have up to 6 inches of snow in spots but I saw a honey bee.

No flowers yet, but I think Spring has sprung.

Geishas

Laurie took this fantastic picture of real life geishas that she and Dylan saw in the Gion area of Kyoto!

It's so interesting to see how elaborate their kimonos are.

Yoicks!

77-55?

Really?? 

 When these two teams played in February, Michigan won, and never lost the lead throughout the game.  Today their hearts were not in it.

  Dick said that they must have practiced missing shots, passing badly, and turning it over.  He says you can't be that consistently bad without a lot of practice!

U-M Has Big Ten Tourney Run Ended by No. 7 Ohio State

3/10/2012 - Press Conference  | Tim Hardaway Jr.  | Trey Burke  | Corey Person  | Photo Gallery 
No. 10 Michigan fell behind early and never recovered, falling to No. 7 Ohio State, 77-55, in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. U-M will find out its NCAA Tourney fate Sunday (March 11) at 6 p.m.

Ouch.

B1G Ten Tournament

What a squeaker!  Very exciting:

This from mgoblue:

March 9, 2012

Site: Indianapolis, Ind. (Bankers Life Fieldhouse)
Event: Big Ten Tournament (Quarterfinals)
Score: #10 Michigan 73, Minnesota 69 (OT)
Records: U-M (24-8, 14-5), MIN (18-14, 6-13)
Next U-M Game: Saturday, March 10 -- vs. Ohio State or Purdue - Big Ten Tournament Semifinals (Indianapolis, Ind.), approx. 4:10 p.m. (TV: CBS)

Tomorrow we get to watch another game.  Don't you love March?

Spring Vacation in Japan

Yesterday Laurie and Dylan left to go visit Jennifer and Joydeep in Tokyo.  First they're going to spend some time in Kyoto going to museums, festivals and such.

 Dick has enabled them to find some caches in Kyoto - they're planning to leave a travel bug and a coin in a couple of caches.  It should be extremely interesting to see where the travel bug goes.  Dick is hoping that Dylan will be able to use the information they get in a paper that he may write sometime in the future.

Then they'll be staying with Jennifer and her family for some sightseeing in Tokyo.  The trip is only going to last a week, but it should be enlightening, interesting, entertaining and fun.

Here's Dylan at O'Hare waiting for his next flight :

They got on the plane to Narita Airport in first class. This is the plane where you get pajamas and mints on your pillow in first class!  Here's Dylan catching some zzzz's in First Class!

March Storm 2012

Here we sit, a week after the big snowstorm, and there are still thousands of homes without power.
The storm is still the big topic of conversation wherever you go - it's interesting to swap stories of snow depths, trees down, length of power outages, and everything connected with the storm.

  Driving around T.C. this week we've seen some really severe damage, and tons of utility trucks trying their darndest to restore power.   Today we saw a huge tree down in a backyard which had destroyed a very nice deck.  We saw another house with a big tree down in front, blocking their front door.  We saw many large branches and trees on roofs, but I don't think any of the roofs were broken.  We also saw a fire truck and some firemen trying to deal with a big branch laying across a power line, and the branch was burning and sparking.  Branches are down just everywhere - it's mind boggling.  The utility trucks are everywhere.

 Shelters have been set up for people  in several counties who have lost power, so they could keep warm.   We've heard of shelters in Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse and so on across the north.  From all reports, Benzie and Leelanau got the full force of the storm and it had the biggest impact there.

 Other families took rooms in hotels and motels until power was restored.  The utility workers from out of town who came to assist were also booking rooms.  We heard stories about the lack of availability of rooms - ranging from thousands of people being turned away, to one story that claimed a family booked a room in the closest motel that had a room open - Big Rapids!

On U.S. 31 South we saw a convoy of five big white utility trucks rolling into town to help out.  Rumor has it that Consumers Power has trucks here from all over the state, and even from Indiana.

Dick has taken some great pictures of broken and bent trees and branches on our property.  Some of this just blows my mind!

This tree blocks our dock:

This is pretty much what our yard looks like:

Wire, wire - can you find the wire in this picture? 

 Upstream from Basswood Bend, near the Dry Fly Lodge, the river is almost completely blocked:

Poor little red barn in the campground - no permanent damage, though: