Detroit: the hub center for lakes, picnics, and travel

PICNIC @ KENSINGTON METRO PARK


Detroit is a 'Strait of Lake Erie' and links Lake Huron and Lake Erie.Strategically located along the Great Lakes Water Way, Detroit emerged as a transportation hub. Detroit is a "metonym" for the United States automobile industry - world's traditional automobile center. Metonym, a figure of speech refers to association between two concepts. 'White House' refers to the official residence of the President of United States, the metonym use of the word is the President and his staff like Hollywood which is in the neighborhood of Los Angeles is a metonym for Film Industry. Detroit is a Home for the Big Three automobiles namely General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler.

The introduction, though may not have a direct reference to our picnicking at @ Kensington, has some say as the picnic spot is a 'lake area' as outlined in the beginning sentence. Good means of transportation enriches the quality of life in a city and as already explained Detroit City is a leader in the world and a metonym for automobile industry.

I wrote about our Canada visit and to the world's most famous address in my previous mail and had mentioned that we had availed a luxury minivan on rent for the journey. Distances are covered in a 'click a mouse away' manner in this rich country.

The van which we had hired for a week was with a motive to cater to our transportation needs/sight seeing trips in Detroit and around. We retained the same van for our Kensington visit. Since all the members of the family were available as a unit, we chalked out a plan to spend time joyfully. The picnic programme to Kensington Park was thus got evolved. We made the move leisurely on the morning of Aug10,2007 to the Park.

Kensington Metro Park falls on East of Milford Road and the drive takes about an hour's time from Canton.It is a unit of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority. The Park is a scenic 4481- acre recreational facility that provides year round fun for all ages.

The weather proved to be very ideal for an outdoor activity like picnicking. We reached the lake sight and parked the Van at a convenient location. The children wore the swim suits and jumped into the water along with parents and uncle. Those who didn't get into the water rejoiced sitting on the offshore and watching them splashing the water gay fully. The kids enjoyed playing and spending time in the pool of water, though there was a sudden alarm raised that some child was missing, which just within minutes was turned about as 'false', as no one was missing.

We then moved towards the large park adjacent to the lake. The park provided a picturesque landscape in its length and breath. We carried the lunch with items like variety rice, chips, curd bath etc. We sat in a shady place and did full justice to the lunch which had been prepared with a lot of interest by the womenfolk early in the morning.

We carried the games with us. We took turns in playing the shuttle in a competition like manner in order to create interest in the sport.

We then shifted our activity to the Maple Beach area. Boat rentals are available. Paddle Boats, kayaks and rowboats were the choices and we availed one rowboat and two pedal boats. Though the vast sight of the beach gave some feeble shivers for taking the boats ourselves , it turned out to be more daring and enjoyable. Pedaling the boat is just a child's play and in fact, my grand son was pedaling throughout the time. He also took pleasure in steering the boat. Rowing the boat of course needs some practice which was achieved in due course. The large mass of water provided a scenic view which was soothing to the mind. We all sang in chorus " Ale.. lo ; all elo..", you may recall that the old and award winning Malayalam movie Shammeen, begins with a boat song.

While steering the boat back, retracing the path, we had to do it against the current of water but no less difficult. We enjoyed the time staying in the boat and in rowing it.

The visit to Kensington Park was very pleasant and proved to be a big family get together.