Traveling Through Michigan - (Part II)

Picture # 1: I had heard various accounts of large "skeeters" in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, some claiming to have seen varieties as large as a man's fist. I scoffed at such exaggerated claims until arriving into Rapid River, Michigan around dusk. This specimen was large enough to take down the family's German Shepherd.

After questioning a local by the name of Ritch Branstrom, he informs me that this particular specimen was likely a descendant of the ones Paul Bunyan and his fellow loggers had to deal with during their time. Legend has it, the skeeters were so big the loggers had to hide under a giant iron skillet for protection. When the mosquitoes poked their "beaks" through, the loggers bent them over with a hammer, permanently locking them in place and preventing further abuse to the loggers. Eventually, all the mosquitoes were attached and flew off with the skillet. Tried to feed Murphy to him but the chicken-liver wouldn't come out of the left saddle bag, but it did scare him enough to make his reconsider the wisdom in his "undercarriage check" maneuver. Coward!

Pictures # 2 & 3: While I was busy photographing the first skeeter, his sibling was apparently busy sucking the air from both tires of the Freedom Machine. Rather than be left stranded in such an infested area, I made a quick trade and title swap for the "Speed Queen." I had originally mistook her for an old antique Indian motorcycle, but on closer examination, (pic. # 3) I could see it was an old Harley "panhead."

No yellow paint, which is to my liking, but as you can see, she was in possession of fully inflated tires which would come in handy right about now. I can only assume the rubber was too old and hardened for skeeter to penetrate. Either that or swarms of these beasts sit in wait for unsuspecting travelers like myself. I'm sure it has a boosting effect on the local economy of Rapid River.

Picture # 4: Actually, both of these creative pieces are the handiwork of a very interesting and unique gentleman. I met Ritch Branstrom after catching a glimpse of the old motorcycle. I had actually mistaken it for an old Indian Chief series judging from the front fender. Like I said, I only caught a last minute look before I was past it.

Ritch is a very talented and creative artist and designer who humbly refers to himself as a "Found Object Specialist." He has the uncanny ability to take everyday discarded/overlooked items and turning them into magnificent works of art. Ritch was so intriguing that I couldn't pry myself away without learning more. He's poured his heart into this unique form of sculptured art for years and as evidenced by his awards and popularity at recent art shows, he has truly become an artist in his own right.

Ritch's website, www.adhocworkshop.com really deserves a look and can serve as your direct source for beer can fish, birds, dogs, mosquitoes and flys or any other crazy indoor/outdoor and garden sculpture. His artistic abilities are reflected in his hand-built log home which has more character and unusual architecture than a team of architects could come up with.

Thanks to Ritch's generosity, I was given the unique opportunity to camp my first night on the water's edge of Lake Michigan. With a half moon hanging low in the western sky, I could look though out my tent at the moonlight reflecting off the waters of Big Bay de Noc and Escanaba on the western shore of the bay. This was truly Escanaba in the Moonlight.

Thank you Ritch and I am forever indebted for your kindness and generosity. God bless you and those two beautiful children you're raising. You are truly an inspiration and I am blessed for having made your acquaintance.