Toad Junction
New Links: Toad April 2008, New Dock at the Toad
In 1988, after spending at least a week every summer in Charlevoix since their wedding, Jim and Ann bought a cottage seven miles south of town on small East Twin Lake. During the first lawn mowing, Jim noticed the large amount of toads jumping out of his way and the name of the place stuck.
In 2000, the addition to the cottage was added, creating two more bedrooms, another vital bathroom, a great big living room and a bonus walk-out basement!
The Toad is fortunate to have two towering white pines. A third was struck by lightning in the early 1990's but its stump still serves as an all-important hammock support.
After Jim died in September 1997, donations from the funeral were used to create a perennial garden in his memory. Many special plants from the gardens of friends and family members were transplanted here. The small white pine in the foreground was planted in his memory in 1999. Also, in 1999, Jim's niece Susan (Jerry's daughter) was married under the arbor.
The double-swing is a popular hangout for Grandma Walsh and her grandkids (Aidan seen heading for it now).
Aidan, May 2005.
From the lakeside,looking past Jim's garden toward the house.
In 1990, the Walsh's exchange student from Norway, Gaute Velle, helped Jim assemble this fireside swing. East Twin Lake is only 3/4 mile long and 1/8 mile across.
Memorial Day weekend, 2005, Ann and granddaughter Abby gather lilacs to take home.
Aidan reeled in this large mouth bass off the dock. Uncle Paul (Colleen's fiance) and Abby admire "Old Chomp" before releasing him.
Abby rises early most mornings to put together the Toad Junction Diner with Grandma.
Aidan and Abby fishing off the pier that connects Lake Charlevoix to Lake Michigan. Aunt Colleen and Uncle Paul stroll in the background.
Colleen and Paul at sunset near the Charlevoix lighthouse, May 2005.
Sunset on Lake Michigan in nearby Charlevoix.