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!