"Summer Has Arrived in Thumb"
By Capt. Fred Davis
Published: Friday, May 31, 2013









The tourist season appeared to get off to a good start last holiday weekend. As the temperature warmed on Monday, many people were breathing a big sigh of relief saying, “Summer is here!”

Well, we all know summer is not here yet but it’s getting closer. Before we can change plans about what we’ll do on our vacation, it will be here.

Summer 2013 in our part of the world, arrives Friday, June 21. The exact time is a question of which theory, tale or idea you wish to believe. Scientist consider the summer solstice in our hemisphere to be the time the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.

So much for theories. I believe summer arrives when it actually warms up for longer than a few hours. When you can shed the jackets and sweaters and just enjoy the comforts of nature. When warm evening breezes present pleasant sleeping temperatures. When you can sit outside after dinner and fight off the mosquitos (and boy do we have them this year!).

But in our area, locals say summer starts when the tourists arrive and the summer events begin. The Farmer’s Market is where we can get fresh veggies, local honey, cage-free eggs, and all our own plants to grow. Many markets also offer locally crafted treasures.

Summer begins with a drive along the shoreline to view the lake — and boats of all sizes on the horizon. Many of us will enjoy fresh caught fish on the dinner table alongside the fresh veggies. We really know summer has arrived when you go to the ice cream shop and join lines that stretch for as far as you can see. It’s a real social time visiting with others patiently waiting their turn, seeing people you haven’t seen since last summer. You all have the same hope; they don’t run out of your favorite flavor before you get served.

I know summer has arrived when I can take an evening ride into the country (just a mile or two away) and watch white tails waving as the deer enjoy their evening meals. As you drive along the lakeshore, you see summer has come by the color of the water, sky and green, green fields and lawns.

Summer may not officially start until June 21, but don’t tell those wanting to visit our area that fact. We are all anxious to welcome them, and the businesses who count on them are ready and able to announce summer is underway. Store shelves are stocked, streets are swept, many harbors and ramps are in full operation.

Huron County really is the best place to visit now that summer has arrived! If it gets a little chilly, we have lots of places you can step into for a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

 

 

 

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