Great Lakes

Sadly I had a phone call at 8am this morning in my hotel room. That would be 5am California time. What are these people thinking. My god, 5am? I was thinking of sleeping in another couple hours. But my host, Douglas, wanted to go on a tour of Fairport. And have breakfast at the Fairport Diner and then go to the pier nearby on Lake Erie. One of the lesser Great Lakes. Not picking on it, just the truth.

So with that call, I got up and quickly showered, shaved and dressed and headed out. The other California guest, Steve Dutra, was also going. That man, 69 years old, has boundless energy and was probably up at 5 Ohio time. Not sure how he does it.

Emily stayed at the lodge and helped set up for the reception. They had no one to help. Not sure what they thought unless they figured Emily would help. That would be a correct thought.

Girls stay, boys go. I like it. I have never liked setting up for parties though I have done a lot of it.

The drive to Fairport was about 45 minutes. During that drive I realized how much like his sister, Valero, Doug is. Valerie was our ride from the airport on Friday. You remember, I spoke of the missed turns and scary driving. This morning we hit an extra five miles courtesy of a wrong turn, stopping at a green light, inadvertent stopping for no reason but at least no scary driving. I have got to take away the keys.

Fairport turned out to be a small town on the shore of Lake Erie. Not special but nice. Has it’s own super fund waste site and a nuclear power plant. No one here complains. Though I hope I would.

The diner was ok. Doug advertised it as 5 stars on Yelp. I think that is misguided. 4 at best though the corn beef hash I ordered was homemade. Nothing else stood out other than the very low prices. It really reminded me of Maine. The entire experience. Funny.

After our breakfast we headed to the lakeshore. Checked out the breakwater, buildings etc. So, it’s a really big lake. Huge. Deepest point is about 60’. But being so shallow the wind causes severe weather out there in the lake. The waves and swell can be insanely high. Today, flat like glass. Water is about 68.

We walked down the pier where there were about 40 fisherman trying their best for Perch. Turns out it was not much of a day for fishing. Fortunately, that means we can chat with these guys and they can talk fishing and the surrounding areas.

So this one old guy stopped to talk. Told us all about the salt mines that go for miles, even under the lake. They take large equipment down in pieces and assemble down in the mine. Also several buildings built under the ground. None of it ever comes out. Like working in an equipment graveyard. Our fisherman friend also supplied the name of the nuke plant about 5 miles away: Perry. There used to be a chemical plant on the shore but it killed a bunch of people, in the plant and out. Now shut down and now designated as a super fund cleanup spot. Though there are still residual chemicals in the lake. And probably the fish. And anyone that eats them. Or breathes the air in this area. It’s a lovely story.

Nothing else of interest to see. Nothing historic here in the area. Just the big lake. That’s enough. We went back to the ranch. About 45 mins through pretty and mostly empty countryside.

Our lodge at Punderson State Park is also the wedding venue. And reception site. We returned and I helped a little with the set up. This is mostly due to Emily helping and, of course, volunteering my services for same. Doesn’t bother me. Waiting around for four hours for a wedding to start would be insane. Not good.

The set up took maybe 30 mins. Now the wait begins. We sat and read and sat and read. It was very tiring. Difficult to not feel trapped.

The ceremony is at 430. We got ready at 3. So, I was ready at 3:05. I sat and read. Emily took about an hour. When finally ready, we headed out to the wedding area behind the lodge on the back lawn. There is a lake and lots of trees in full fall color. About as nice as Ohio gets. Weather was spectacular too.

We watched the whole area fill with customers. That was fun. Only sixty attendees. After awhile the music started and the usual escorting in of important people happened. I knew most but there were a few strangers.

Groom and best man took their places at the front. So far very standard. As I said, I like the usual wedding activities, nothing needs to stray or be new.

Time for the big walk, bride and Dad. I did not think the dress she chose was very becoming. Love her but not her dress choice. Groom was crying when she walked down the aisle, so was dad. I’ve known dad many years and he is emotional.

The vows were conservative though not completely traditional. Close enough. Bride’s cousin officiated and he was a hoot. Humor is always welcome. Makes the mundanity go away. Ceremony was under 10 mins. Not a record but who cares?

Em and I headed over to the reception, only 100’ away. I broke in the bartender. Outdoor portable bar, beer, wine and run of the mill mixed drinks. I managed to figure out a decent cocktail. We got ourselves some of the charcuterie and a table and did the pre dinner thing. Got to talk to people I don’t know and will never see again and a few I do know and still may never see again. Fun.

Staying with the traditional reception, after 30 mins or so we moved to the dining room and found our seats. All important parties made an entrance, announced, and took their seats. This took awhile, seems no one wanted to be left out.

when all were finally seated, dinnertime, right? No. Time for the speeches by best man and maid o honor and father on both sides and groom and bride who’s last comment was “it’s time for dinner, right?” Yes.

The meal was excellent by Cleveland standards. But I live by California standards. So meal was average and many things I did not eat. I just don’t have the midwestern taste in food.

I did have a glass of Cabernet, from Ohio, with my dinner which I can say was not completely undrinkable. Very close to it, I will say.

After dinner, we had the usual reception dances – father bride, mom groom, assorted others. We got to be in the anniversary dance but lost out to a couple married 45 years. Someday before we die, we might get the chance.

The dancing and drinking went on, unabated, for awhile. Everyone over 30 left including us. I arranged a ride to the airport for tomorrow and we went up to bed. There is no Uber way our here.

Back to our humble room. We packed and cleaned up and went to sleep.