A quick escape from the prairie...

We celebrated Independence Day by breaking away from the ties that bind...i.e., the green tape and T-bands that we use to tie our vigorous vines to their trellises. For three days, we set aside all thoughts of green to drink in the varied hues of blue. Jason and Becky have this power boat moored in Saugatuk, Michigan. It's a 30-minute steam up the channel from their slip to the open water.

There was room for all of us, plus fishing gear, scuba gear, and refreshments.

Jason rigged 6 lines for trolling. The guys pulled in three salmon, which amounted to about 25 pounds.

This is the only evidence of traffic.

Waiting for a line to trip. Then all hell breaks loose.

With only a few trips in the afternoon, there's plenty of time to take in the serenity of the lake.

Blue. It stretches to the horizon where it melts into precious silver and gold. Sometimes, it only takes a few days away to rejuvenate the spirit. I can now return to the rows of overgrown green with fortitude knowing there are three months remaining to manage the tangle of green we call a vineyard.

And when I tire of green, which I will, I can come back to the memory of a blue that stretches forever.