#2: [29-Apr-01]

#1: [13-Apr-01]

21-Sep-2026 -- As I had just flown to Michigan for the purposes of promoting geo technology at Western Michigan University and also at Au Sable Institute, a confluence visit seemed like the most appropriate way to begin. I flew to Traverse City after viewing Lake Michigan and other wonderful landscapes below me, and was soon heading south out of town. The woodlands and fields were wonderful on both sides of the road.

As I exited the US and state highways, things became even more interesting. I do love these back roads. I drove south from State Highway 61 at what I believe is an unincorporated village in Redding Township. The yards in town housed some fascinating antiques and other curiosities, and I wished I would have had time to stop. But I continued south to Lily Lake Road, dodging some significant potholes along the way. It looked as though they had recently received a large deluge. I drove slowly east; the road deteriorated even further, but was still passable. I passed a wetland, forests, and some fields. I stopped at the property that I knew lay to the north of the confluence point on the road so as not to obstruct the owner's driveway. An occupied mobile home lay to the north of the road.

I walked south to the glass door that looked into a garage, knocking, but instead of any vehicle inside, I saw a manually operated wringer type of washing machine. A woman answered after a while, and I explained the purpose of my visit. We had an amiable chat. Given her clothing and the clothing of the children, I observed that they might be Amish or Mennonite. After receiving permission I promised to return when my mission was complete. When I walked to the south and passed the buggy, that was another piece of evidence as to their lifestyle. I also did not see any electrical lines around the property. I have had some nice chats with Amish in the past and this was an unexpected treat.

It was surprisingly an easy trek; the main challenge was squeezing under the gate. Rising up so slightly in elevation, I passed into the pasture and followed a trail. Hay and wood were neatly stacked, and I passed some milk cows. I was at the point in less than 10 minutes from the gate I squeezed under. Given the ease of access, I was amazed to realize that it had been 25 years since the last person visited this point.

It had been many years since I had visited a point in Michigan. The last one was during one of my university work trips and I recall it was quite snowy on the ground. Today was the last full day of summer, but already a fall chill was in the air: Temperature probably around 60° F. As is often the case in Michigan, clouds were abundant. The widest view was to the southwest; I was a bit disheartened to see a large oil rig to the east and wondered how much its loud sounds were disturbing the landowner here. I have visited numerous points along 44° north latitude, most commonly in Minnesota and South Dakota but all the way to the east coast as well. I’ve also been at numerous points along 85° West, all the way from here in Michigan south to Georgia. I kept my visit brief out of respect to the landowner and did not include the landowner's home in my photos or the video, which is located here.

I was doing well this year with my 14 visits back in May plus my one visit about nine days ago in Alabama. This visit now makes 16 points for the year. I had plans for one more before I left Michigan. As always, I thought about the native Indigenous population and the settlers who tend this land past and present. I have great respect for all who live on the land, including the family that is residing here now, doing an amazing amount of work without modern power equipment.

I arrived back at the homeowner’s house and this time had a very pleasant chat with the man there. We talked about geography, surveying, farming, latitude, and longitude, and more. The kids that were playing were dressed so nicely and were so cute, but I respectfully refrained from photographing them or the man who was also dressed so nicely and epitomized hard work and ties to the land. I then walked back to my vehicle, drove west, and then headed south along some more magnificent back roads to Kalamazoo and Western Michigan University, where I would spend the next two days. I arrived at 8:00pm.

I don’t want to discourage future visitors but I just would advise anyone wanting to visit this point to please consult with the homeowners. They are dear sweet people. Get out there and explore!