The Great Outdoors ... modified

Laura's post about the BWCAW reminded me of the many trips we've taken to that neck of the woods. Every year the Hub and I go North to Lake Vermillion, which is on the BWCAW border. We rent a cabin and do some hiking, do some sightseeing, some sleeping, napping...

When I say "cabin", this is really a misnomer. It's a Nice Cabin. Hot tub, fireplace, big kitchen, gorgeous sunsets on the lake. We've been doing this for about 15 years now, going to the same resort and usually renting the same cabin. This year we're shaking it up and trying a different cabin on the same shoreline -- the resort is situated on an island and we always get a cabin on the far peninsula, so we have no neighbors except the moose and occasional mink or badger who hang out in the nearby bay.

We invited friends to join us for a day or two UP There, but when we tried to explain why we love it so much, words failed (I know. I'm a writer. Words failed?) Our friends like to go on cruises in Europe and the Caribbean and when I explained that we just sort of hang out, go shopping in Ely (population very small), hike out to a small waterfall ... our friends looked flummoxed. They're accustomed to being on a ship, traveling, docking, doing an excursion, then hopping back and moving on.

It's interesting, isn't it? The idea of cruise doesn't really appeal to me. And the idea of a cabin weekend does not appeal to them. And yet, if you had asked me, I would say that in 99% of everything else we are the same. We grew up together, we went to high school together, we have the same likes in music, etc. But when it comes to relaxation ... totally different. And you know what's even more interesting? I was talking to a salesman about where we go (on Vermillion) and he said, "man, that's a great spot, isn't it? I love to go hiking at ..." and we were off and away, discussing our favorite trails, etc. A total stranger and BAM, we know each other.

What a varied and interesting world we live in ...

J L

P.S. If you want a taste of the resort where we go every year, check out Mayhem, Marriage, and Murderous Mystery Manuscripts. I set it at the cabin where we stay. I also dedicated it to the resort owners.  ☺