Exfoliation

27 August, Day Eight

Siskiwit Lake

I set out this morning to make a 14-mile round-trip trek to Ishpeming tower. But I started late and eventually realized that desire to achieve my goal was replacing everything of beauty with anxious hurry. I traded my ridge-top quest for a path to the lakeshore and an exfoliating bath. I’d pay $100 at a spa for the feel of my skin following a vigorous rub of fine, clean sand and a bracing rinse in this chilly lake.

This question comes to my head: what is my life’s purpose and how does being here on the island serve that purpose? I could make up something, but truthfully I’ve no idea of the answer. With that great insight, it is time for lunch: summer sausage and cheese on crackers!

(Later) Now that my belly is full, I’ve more insight into how this journey serves me. I am learning to be with myself. I am learning both the practice and the value of slowness; to live outside of hours and minutes. I have days, nights at different campgrounds; the Voyager II schedule around the island. I have three shorter time markers: the lightening sky at dawn; the position of the sun when there is enough daylight for dinner and evening camp chores; and darkness, when I crawl into my sleeping bag for the leisurely onset of sleep.