Creekside

Don't we all deserve a holiday break from philosophy? Sometimes I wonder how visitors would see our little Northport scenic sites if some famous person had grown up in the village. Had Thoreau lived on its shore or Annie Dillard written about it, the old mill pond would attract tourists from all over the world. As it is, the pond is enshrined in the memory of every kid who ever caught a first fish here.


This past year the pond was dredged, and more recently the viewing platform was expanded. When vegetation fills in again, this will be a pretty summer spot.



Let's explore downstream a bit. One of my minor dreams is to see Northport Creek renamed Wildcat Creek. Yeah, in my dreams....


Doesn't the footbridge look inviting?



If you lived along the banks of the creek, even if you only rented a house for a weekend, one of these comfortable lounging chairs by the gurgling water could be your place to relax. You'd also have a ringside seat on the seasonal succession of wildflowers--and some domestic ones, too, escaped or intentionally planted here. How many plants can you identify below?





The last downstream stretch of the creek flows behind the old depot building, behind which the caboose is parked at present.


Finally, the creek debouches into Grand Traverse Bay. Hi, Gerry! I know you're over there on the other side!