K-k-k-k-k-Katmandu: A Visit to Kalkaska County

Tourism began around the turn of the century as folks in the Midwest discovered the area as a place to vacation in the great outdoors.  Couple the Pere Marquette State Forest covering much of the county with over 80 lakes and 275 miles of streams and rivers, Kalkaska is indeed a sportsman’s paradise.  It was also the ideal place to bid Bobby a final farewell.

After Mark’s younger brother passed away in June, his friend John graciously offered his northern property for an ash scattering ceremony.  You know you’re traveling to no man’s land when the directions are as simple as the site to which you are headed.  “Cross river, pass Sportsmen’s Club, left on unmarked gravel road, first green cabin.”  Now I’m a city girl if there ever was one, but this place devoid of the hustle and bustle of urban life truly was spectacular.  Serenity radiated from the natural beauty.  Hmmmm … maybe men and their yearly open-air sojourns are onto something.

The hunting and fishing camp was a step above rustic.  After all, as Lisa so profoundly noted, the outhouse was pretty pimped out! 

Bobby's carpentry skills had been put to good use in helping to construct the sleeping loft.  If only the walls could talk, I’m sure there would be great stories to hear. 

After other family and friends had arrived, we gathered at his favorite fishing spot.

Most of us had never scattered ashes before, but I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to do it.  You just need to speak and feel from the heart.  John’s wife read an especially touching note, we released carnations and handfuls of Bobby’s ashes into the flowing waters of the Boardman River,

and the voice of Bob Seger reverberated from a boom box:

I’m tired of looking at the TV. news.

I’m tired of driving hard and paying dues.
I figure, baby, I got nothing to lose.
I’m tired of being blue.

K-k-k-k-k-Katmandu,

I think that’s where I’m going to.
If I ever get out of here,
I’m going to Katmandu.

We may have been winging it, but it was perfect.  Bobby is now peacefully swimming with the fishes.