Treasures

I went snorkeling this weekend. Dove deep into the water and glided until my lungs burned.  I popped to the surface expelling water from the snorkel with a big puff of air.  Head down, legs kicking with flipper feet propelling my body forward quickly, an arm over arm stroke keep me going.  I didn’t stop for a long while.  Lake Michigan was clear and as I plugged along, my head firmly faced downward breathing steady through the snorkel I stared at the bottom.  The ripples in the sand raced by underneath me, broken up by large rocks and buried wood.  Depth increased but clarity was still sharp.  Fish darted in and out of hiding as my body went by on the surface.  It was beautiful.

Every so often I would glance back at the boat, spotting little bodies bouncing back and forth.  Beyond the boat the shore was spotted with more little bodies digging holes in the sand and tossing rocks back into the water.  They were having fun and watched over by Daddy, Grandma, and Uncle Alex

It’s been way too long since I let myself enjoy the water.  My Dad and I had treasures to find and as I put my head back down I assured myself I needed this.  It felt so damn good to swim in the lake.  Words cannot express the joy the washed over me and the amount of love I have for water. 

When the spot was reached (my Dad knew just the right place) I watched the bottom carefully as I slowly circled around.  When I thought I spotted something I sucked in air and dove down.  Depth was deceiving.  From the surface it didn’t seem far but as I dove the bottom seemed to dip farther as the pressure popped my ears.  It didn’t matter because it felt good to be submerged in the water.  I waved my hand over the suspicious object hoping it was something special.  This time a shell was unearthed and I turned toward the surface with a mighty kick.  My Dad tapped me on the shoulder holding a piece of a plate.  I just had to find one myself. 

I squinted my eyes and focused, spotting what was probably another shell, but still beckoned to be picked up.  This time it was a piece of plate too.  I clenched it in my hand and shot up.  Tearing off my mask I turned over the plate and saw marking on the back.  Pope Gosser China it said.  On the front was scalloped edges and a faint decorative design.

How amazing that at one time this was on a ship, being used to dine on by it’s patrons.  One can not help but dream and wonder about the treasures they find.

A few more small pieces I found, but the one with markings was by far the coolest.  I proudly hauled my findings back to the boat, loving the distance needed to cover to get back.  My eyes were still focusing on the bottom as I kicked toward the boat, not wanting to miss anymore hidden treasures that could be underneath.  The bottom is a treasure unto itself.  Bare of anything at times, the ripples themselves are lovely as you swim over them. 

I was able to really enjoy my time, sneaking in some snorkeling.  The children also enjoy the many hours that we spent out on the water.  They had their first try fishing and caught a few.  They were a bit uneasy around the fish, not wanting to hold it, but were very excited when one got on the line.  First experiences are always memorable and I love the interest and excitement on the cute faces of my darling children.

Noelle drove boat.  Max, Violette, and Uncle Alex snuggled while enjoying the motion and sweet hum of the boat, drifting off for a nice nap. 

We all soaked up the warmth, dipped and dived in the pristine waters of Lake Michigan and were under the umbrella of love from Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Alex.  It was a successful trip, again to Traverse City!