Since Covid restrictions and lock downs, it has been a while since Alan and I have traveled, let alone stayed in a hotel, about 2 years to be exact!
On our most recent ABC Adventure, we chose to stay at the Apple Tree Inn. There were likely more modern places we could have chosen, but we wanted to stay here because it had always been Alan’s parents favorite hotel, when they had traveled to this area. We arrived just as the sun set. The day had been hot and very humid as we explored Kalkaska, Grayling, Gaylord and Boyne City, before finally arriving in Petoskey, Michigan. The twinkling lights, which welcomed us as we approached the property, gave an inviting and magical glow to the trees surrounding the property.
Before our arrival, I had messaged the staff that we were retracing the steps of my in-laws, who had stayed here some 15 years before. I find that this personalization often leads to room upgrades. As the clerk handed Alan our keys, he said, “I thought that name looked familiar.” I like to imagine that he had remembered these two very special people. Entering our room, we were pleasantly surprised to find a large Jacuzzi and king size bed.
I am not sure if the room had been an upgrade, but the room was lovely. While perhaps a little more worn than its glory days, it was easy to understand how Leslie and Josie had fallen in love with it. The air conditioner, pre-set by the cleaning crew to a frigid 60 degrees, soon forced me out to the balcony to warm up! It was also a great opportunity to enjoy a wine cooler and appreciate the bay view.
Alan’s parents have always been two of my favorite people. Their love for each other reflected daily, in the 54 years of marriage, which they had shared. As Alan and I settled on the balcony, we reminisced about this love and our shared passion for travel. These people had taught us the value of play in a marriage. Perhaps this is why Alan is always a good sport about embracing every adventure with me. He has always held the best qualities of both of his parents. My Father-in Law passed away over a decade ago, but I can still picture him sharing a quiet waltz with his “girl” as they dance across this balcony under a rising moon. There’s was a love to admire and the memories will always be the jewels I carry as my greatest possessions.
Following our own waltz on the balcony, we finally return to the room, ready to settle in for the night. Simultaneously Alan and I begin to laugh, sheets, blankets, mirrors and wall were all dripping wet with the humidity which had built up as soon as we turned off the air conditioner!
So what is one to do? Crank the air conditioner, pull back the blankets and laugh at ourselves for being so foolish. Even after 38 years of celebrating our own marriage, we try to end every day with a smile, another lesson we had been well taught.
Apple Tree Inn 915 Spring Street, Petoskey, MI 49770 (231) 348-2900