Every Year when we go up to Mackinaw Island we make sure to stay at a campground in Mackinac City. We go to the same one and we always love it. There are a ton of bugs but not too man bite. The weather is incredible and something to be recognized. The people are nice and seem to enjoy what time they have to chat with those of us who visit. Lastly, it’s just so calming. They have just enough to do in the area that you’re not worried about what to do for a few days. If getting drunk for the day is your plan then you can do that in a safe environment with a wonderful view of the water. When you go into town there are a few little shops that you can explore. They have a tiny plaza that has a movie theater, several fudge locations, haunted house, music, and some places to eat. One of my favorite shops is a weapons shop called Enchanted Knights. They have all forms of items that I enjoy. From sculptures of fairies and gargoyles to t-shirts with graphics on them. There’s also some necklaces with your astrology sign and wands from harry potter world that you can purchase. In the corner of the store though is my favorite section. Weapons. They have swords, knives, Zippos, arrows, Lord of the Rings crafted items, and throwing stars. 

The first time I discovered this little place of wondrously dangerous items I became entranced in the idea of owning swords. So I of course asked the guy about what was real and what was fake. He quickly gave me an answer with a smile and a clear description of everything I wanted to know. He gave demonstrations of certain ways people of the past used to fight with certain weapons that had a history. He told you how to hold the weapon in the correct fashion. He even sounded like a person who just was generally interested and cared about his job. No rather, someone who loved their job. Once we went through an hour of shopping I had made a decision on my first weapon. A sword and I got one that was of course, functional. I’m not going to own a weapon that doesn’t work. For weeks I messed around with it and carried it around when nobody was looking. I enjoyed the feel of it in my hands and I enjoyed showing it to people and educating them on what weaponry looked like when it was real. People were interested and it made a good conversation starter. 

So of course ive continued to go to him for the past three years and this past year I got to buy a little more than normal. We got very deep about functionality for when I travel. I like to be safe in those situations and so with his enthusiasm he lead me in the direction I wanted to go. I really do enjoy being able to see him and have him help me make my collection expand. Ever year he steps it up and surprises me with something I hadn’t seen yet. He always remembers me and treats me like I am a local who isn’t there once a year but all the time. It’s awesome to have someone remember what you like, who you are, and be respectful of you as a human. 

I can’t wait to see what this guy has for me next year. Until then my friend.