Sublime kayaking and dynamite food on West Grand Traverse Bay

Kayaking on Bower's Harbor, on the way to Power Island for a gourmet picnic with Michael Gray, kayak guide. (Yes, actually, this is as good as it gets.)

Sunday morning started gray but calm and soon brightened on our way to Power Island, in West Grand Traverse Bay. Michael Gray, of Uncommon Adventures, was our guide, about eight of us, and he was also our chef. Once we reached the island, he pulled out the cooking gear to serve up pan-seared scallops, fajitas, a fresh and wonderful salad and various tasty things to fill in here and there. Was a fine, fine reminder of why we live here. The people on the outing were "test driving" a new trip that Michael Gray is planning to offer this summer--a day of paddling and gourmet food followed by a trip to a couple of wine tasting rooms. We went to Brys Estate for a private tasting in their elegant cask room and then to Left Foot Charley's deck for more tastings and a convivial finish to the excursion. Probably no need to mention that it was a mighty good day. Watch for a feature story in our August issue in which Michael shares recipes and cooking tips for making amazing food outdoors. -- Jeff Smith is editor of Traverse.

Michael Gray, of Uncommon Adventures, preparing pan-seared scallops and fajitas and having a generally good time.

Fellow paddler Heather Fortin, who does marketing for Left Foot Charley winery. Sunday's outing was the second time she'd ever paddled a kayak.