Up North with Friends

This weekend was our annual "Fall Get Away" for six friends, Donna & John and Tom & Marilyn, Mark & I. This weekend has been an annual rite since 1991. We came to know each other while working at Garment Graphics. Our first get-away was at Halcyon Harbor. The tiny resort on Lake Superior is no longer there. Some of the cabins along the lake may remain privately owned, but there is no hint of it's existence now when you drive by on Hi-way 61, just north east of the Silver Creek Cliff tunnel. But the memory was made and Halcyon Harbor and that first get-away weekend is dear to all of us. We had no idea, back then, that this tradition would survive nearly 20 years. We've had all sorts of accommodations, from the very primitive cabin at Halcyon Harbor, complete with a pliers that operated the faucet and a bathroom only accessible by passing through someone's bedroom to a three bedroom home that included a separate six-sided gazebo on the shore. No matter where we are tho, we always have a lot of fun and there is never a shortage of food or beer! Sure we see each other once in a while during the year, but this once-a-year-get-away is special. We started out always going to the North Shore of Lake Superior; Halcyon Harbor, the Cliff House near Lutsen, Blue Fin Bay, Grand Superior Lodge, Superior Shores, Beacon Point, East Bay Hotel, Beacon Point....sometimes we've gone back to the same place a couple times. We've gone down the Mississippi to Alma, Wi, Mackinac Island, Famous Dave's Cabins in Hayward. Sometimes the weather has been warm, sometimes it's been snowing. We look forward to traditions; being near the Big Lake, picking rocks and drift wood, pancakes prepared by my Mom at Split Rock, my Mom sneaking into our hotel ahead of time and placing chocolates and leaving a bottle of champagne before our arrival. (You see, originally we went up north to celebrate our anniversary which is coming up on October 15) This year we spent our Up North weekend at our house in St. Michael. My Mom and sister, actually mailed a package which arrived on Friday afternoon, complete with chocolates, a DVD of a campfire and a beautiful bowl just so they could be a part of the annual get-away just as tradition dictates. See....it doesn't really matter where you are, just that you DO! We love being together. We had fun here shopping the occasional sales in Buffalo, playing dominoes, drinking beer, sharing what art we're making. No matter where we are, each year is a little different, uniquely special. The important thing is that we are together. Here's to lasting friendship, traditions and things we look forward to. In this crazy world, it's nice to know there are some things you can count on. Share some joy this week!

Double Bonus

Even though I already posted about one of my favorite destinations, I want to add these photos after returning from the North Shore. We had a wonderful time in Duluth. We've been going on our fall outing since 1991. We started out going to the North Shore every year, then mixed it up a bit with a couple years in Hayward, Wisconsin and another in Alma, Wisconsin. We travel with our friends, Tome and Marilyn,Donna and John. The fall colors were beautiful this year. We had great weather although today was a bit brisk. It didn't rain until we were on our way home. Enjoyed being outdoors on the shore, looking around Canal Park, shopping and driving the Skyline Parkway. We had lots of good food, too much as usual and plenty of good cold beer. My sister Gloria and her husband dropped by for a visit, too. A favorite Get-Away, to a Favorite Destination...ahhh...double bonus!

Favorites: Lake Superior

One of my favorite places and my birthplace; the North Shore of Lake Superior. I grew up in Silver Bay. This weekend I'll be returning as part of our annual fall get-away with good friends, Tome, Marilyn, Donna and John and of course, my best friend, Mark. :) The lake is magical. Loud, yet calming. Deep and foreboding yet peaceful. I look forward to sitting on the shore, thinking, rolling stones over in my hand, enjoying good friends, good food and being near this incredible treasure.