At least once a year, I make an epic work-travel screw-up. This time around, it was a thing of beauty because I arrived in the wrong Michigan City ahead of the 22nd annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run this weekend.

Let me explain. I wanted to fly to Traverse City. But I landed in Grand Rapids—and it had nothing to do with diverting for a mechanical issue, weather or anything else beyond my control.

Despite self-imposed travel hurdles, the author will make it to cover two events this week. Photo from the 2025 Boyne Thunder Poker Run by Matt Trulio

Somehow during a one-way flight-booking flurry a few weeks ago, I selected the wrong arrival city.

My first clue upon arrival was the airport terminal, of course. It looked so much bigger and nicer than it had when I traveled a year ago to Traverse City.

Except I wasn’t in Traverse City. I was in Grand Rapids.

After a brief but powerful moment of self-loathing, I sighed, laughed it off and headed to the rental car counter.

There are worse things, I told myself. You’ll get there. It’s fine. You’re human. Cut yourself a break. Breathe.

The lady at the rental counter smiled and agreed.

Turns out I only thought I was talking to myself.