#1: [13-Apr-01]

29-Apr-2001 -- Ever since reading the article in USA Today, my friend and I were anxious to put a claim on a site. So after a fishless trout opener on the Manistee River, we decided that we would try to " catch" a confluence.

We began our journey by fortifying ourselves at the Suzy Q Drive-In restaurant, in Lake City, Mi. Talk about nostalgic, this place had waitresses with poodle skirts and still provided curb service. It was a good thing that we nourished ourselves prior to arriving at our destination, because it took a fair amount of energy to convince the land owner that we were not crazy.

After explaining what our mission was, Betty, whose family had farmed the land for generations, graciously allowed us to locate the confluence. Her farm is located just outside of Temple, Mi, in Clare County.

The site was located about 200 yards behind her house and was relatively easy to reach. Other than a little boggy area and a small drainage ditch it was easy walking. We were able to get right on top of 44N 85W.

It was a very successful trip and a great way to spend a sunny, warm Sunday afternoon.