Ahh. I enjoyed my break from my little corner of the Internet. Two full weeks of it was spent on a trip to northern Minnesota where we rented a cabin on an island on Burntside Lake. It was rustic (no running water and no electricity,) remote, quiet and disconnected. Two families with a total of five kids ranging in age from 8 to 15 and four adults.
Our island was a 1/4 mile paddle to an official entry to Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA.)
There really aren't adequate words to describe what this trip meant to me. Really there aren't. I mean, how do I put into words the gratitude I felt for being able to take a trip like this? For being in complete wilderness? For seeing my daughters so peaceful, playful and curious? For adventures into lakes where it felt we were the only humans to have been? To fall asleep to the sound of a loon?
And to feel so unencumbered by the ritual of daily life at home? I mean by biggest decisions of any day were whether to read in the hammock or on the dock. Or paddle south or north.
Travel always gets me out of my own head space. I feel stronger, more patient, more relaxed, and more beautiful away from the daily ritual and constant inner dialogue running through my head. Vacation Dana is such a pure version of myself. I really like Vacation Dana and BWCA Vacation Dana was over the top cool.
We also spent a few days along the north shore of Lake Superior and spent time camping at Tettegouche State Park and exploring both Grand Portage and Grand Marais. We hiked, ate self-proclaimed world's best donuts, learned about the fur trade, combed beaches for perfect rocks, devoured frozen custard, and howled with wolves in Augusta State Wildlife Area near Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Our family then split off from our friends and spent a few days in Chicago. We walked miles and miles and saw a sampling of all the great things that city has to offer including the Art Institute, Millennium Park, Willis Tower, Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier and shopping along Michigan Avenue.
Travel is good for the spirit. Home is good for the soul.
-dana
10 comments:
Beautiful words, Dana. And, the photos are wonderful.
what an amazing trip!! so many wonderful images and i'm sure memories, too. as our kids are so close in age, i love seeing your adventures! my kids would LOVE a trip like this...!!
Beautiful. Glad for Sweet summer memories for you. We talk about going to the Boundary waters some day. We on the other hand know nothing about canoes : ) Would we be able to appreciate it without canoes? You all are brave to do what ever you are doing standing up in the water. Janita
What a fun trip...I have to admit seeing one of your instagram posts then thinking...no she is not at the Boundary Waters...BWCA must mean something else in the south!
So awesome. What a neat trip! I love all of the pictures and comments. I've started blogging again, so if you stop by, you might see some new stuff. :)
It looks like you had an amazing time in beautiful surroundings and reading this post has given me a peaceful start to my day x
Northern Minnesota is such a beautiful area. Whenever we go back to visit it is my most favorite place in the state to be. And that rocky shore of Lake Superior! Beyond words! Did you happen to stop and see Split Rock Lighthouse? Gorgeous!
What a beautiful post! I was so moved by your reflections on vacation. Made me realize I desperately need to find that vacation-mode. I've always wanted to visit the Boundary Waters, so it was great fun seeing it through your experience. Welcome home!
FANTASTIC!! It looks like a wonderful time to renew yourself. I wish I could go there. I hope that you will be able to hold on to that feeling a long time.
It looks like you had a beautiful vacation. Something about lakes and water and wildlife is just so restful
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