When I visit Rogers City I usually don’t venture too far from my parents’ house. On Saturday morning I went out for a run around town, which brought back a lot of memories. I snapped a few pictures.

I was surprised to see the Bike Shop is still open. I remember being in there to get bikes tuned up, buy grip tape and stickers for my skateboard, and watch electric slot cars races. I never did learn how to do a proper ollie on my board.

I practically lived at “The Courts” all summer during high school. I’d practice my game during the day and one or both courts were running several nights a week. We had a lot of fun on those short side rims. I wonder when the main court got the glass backboards, because we sure never had those. I can still remember the smell of fish being cleaned (that building is the fish cleaning station in the marina).

The RC Car Wash was a turnaround spot when we cruised main. I don’t know who came up with the activity, but thinking back now, it seems silly to drive up and down the street all night, waving to the same people over and over.

I ran by empty lots where buildings burned down, like the barbershop where Jack used to cut my hair. I ran by the now empty and closed A-P Super Service (Dodge dealership). I ran by our old neighborhood on 3rd street, but the houses have changed so much I wasn’t sure I remembered which house we had lived in.

This year makes it 20 since I graduated. I’d never want to move back, but I’m glad I grew up there. A lot of things change in a small town, but many of the same people can be seen in the bars and at the grocery store.