Connections, journeys and street names

On a recent road trip, I had the occasion to drive across Michigan's Upper Peninsula on my way home. I had never been there before, and I was struck by the natural beauty of the place, as the highway wound through quaint small towns following the shoreline of Lake Superior for much of the way, immersed in the fall colors.

The other day, I was driving south on Division, watching the street signs to make sure I didn't miss my turn. I passed, in succession, Lake, then Superior and then Michigan streets. Granted, I'm a relative newcomer to Sandpoint, but until that moment, it hadn't occurred to me that those three street names were describing a place. It was quite an epiphany for me.

I have no idea who named the streets. I can only imagine that he or she lived in Michigan's Upper Peninsula at some point and felt a connection between the two places over their shared beauty.

AARON WILSON

Sandpoint