The Hudson's: August 2008

Yesterday, I posted some videos of our trip to Rainy Lake. We went there the first weekend in August, and then the kids and I (Rachel) stayed for the week. Jay came late Thursday night and we stayed until Tuesday. 11 days total. I wasn't sure I could stay with my parents that long (or that they could stand me), but it all worked out!

It was just the vacation that I needed! It started off with Dana and Nat (and Alice) picking us up at the dock at noon sharp (2 o'clock Dana time). We headed over to Peterson's cabin, where the kids swam, and grown-ups chatted and enjoyed cold beers from the cooler. That is where I discovered my love for Bud Light Lime...way better than Miller Chill. Gordy, Kathy, Dick, and Sheryl were persuaded to take the little kids out for pizza, and the big kids took the boat to Sha Sha, where many teas were consumed. I had to drag myself out of bed the next day, and did not feel better until I forced myself into Kathy's "outdoor shower" (Rainy Showers Inc.). Speaking of outodoor showers, I was a true northwoods woman last week. I bathed in the lake, shaved my legs on the shore, and even brushed my teeth outside. I even persuaded Jay to skinny dip one night!

I had so much fun hanging out with some of my old high school friends (Dana, Tasha, and Karin) and their kids (Tucker, Piper, Alice, and baby Motts). The time I spent with them reminded me of the common history we share, and I am so glad that our paths continue to cross. It really seems like time melts away when we are together. Tasha and I even got a night out...to Mama Mia! And...thanks to them...my 21 days of exercise (more on that later) was rewarded with blueberry pancakes from Grandma's Pantry, and Coffees and Omelets from the Metro Landing. I love their coffee! Tucker and Berit renewed with summer love for one another (I am thinking of that song from Grease), and even shared a kiss on the tube! We went for another night at Sha Sha with all the friends, parents, and kids...and as usual there was not a lack of things to talk about! And of course, we got a picture of all the kids in the adirondack chair (last years picture won first place in the photo contest!)

My birthday was a blast. My sister and her kids came up north (Jason had to work). The kids played on the beach, and made a great big "river" and "pond". With a little prodding, they even jumped off the dock (or were gently placed) into the water and swam to shore. We went for a long boat ride, and with the many cocktails consumed along the way, had a little dance party to Jimmy Buffet. We stopped at our favorite swimming spot and jumped off the boat. Even Gus swm in the water (with his mommy holding him tight). The best part had to be when we got home. The only way we could persuade the kids to go tubing behind the jet ski was if we went with. I don't think I ever had so much fun tubing...Berit just loved it! She kepts saying "faster, daddy, faster!". Even Papa Gordy felt compelled to tube...several times! The evening was topped off by tender ribs, moist chicken, corn on the cob, and lemon cake with lemon frosting. We even tried out our french press that night (still perfecting how many scoops of coffee, however).

Sunday, Dana, Nat, and Alice picked us up again on the pontoon. Only this time, it was destination Voyageur's National Park, for an overnight camping trip...kids and all! That was EXACTLY what I needed to rejuvenate myself. It seems as if in the last few years, I have become so wrapped up in work and parenting, that I forgot just how much Rainy Lake and Voyageur's has shaped who I am. One day, we went to Anderson Bay, and hiked to the top where we got a great view of the Lake. That was a great moment for me. I was there with my family, looking out over the dark blue waters and towering pines. The call of the loon will always have a place in my heart. We found a blueberry patch, and the kids sat right in the middle of it and ate the blueberries as they picked them. There were moments on the trip when I was surrounded by complete silence...something you can never find in the big city. We played on a cobblestone beach, and I couldn't help but wonder what event in geological history, as the glaciers receded, created the perfectly rounded stones. Nat took us to the "crack in the rock", and again, I marvelled at the geology. I studied the lichens growing on rocks and trees, and was impressed at the diversity...a sign of excellent air quality. Later on, we hiked the portage trail to Peary Lake, which was completely calm. The only visitors, besides us, were a family of loons (mom, dad, and 2 young...much like the Hudson's!). A Bald Eagle towered over, and the loons gave out their alarm call. Dana and Nat took a picture of Berit standing on a rock, with the beautiful, calm lake in the background. I wished, at that moment, that my children will grow to love Voyageur's the way that I do (despite the many mosquito bites there are now suffering from!).

I realize that very few people get to experience what I got to growing up...having a national treasure in your own background. Many people woudn't even know to appreciate it, let alone visit it. I guess part of that makes me sad that they will never see its beauty, but another part makes me happy...as the one of the things I like best about the area is the complete lack of people. When I am there, I feel as if I am part of a hidden secret, that only a few people know.

Anyway...thank you Dana and Nat, for reminding me just how much I love it up there. Okay...that was kind of cheesy, but I had to get it out there. I was truly inspired, something that hasn't occurred for a long time and something that I needed to happen. I don't expect everybody to feel that same way I do about the place. I do hope, however, that everybody finds their "sense of place", wherever it may be.

Please enjoy the pictures!