The time I spend with my family and dear friends at the Cabin in northern Wisconsin has become my favorite time of the year! Every August Steve & I pack the boys and "accessories" into our family vehicle and trek halfway across the northern part of the United States to the small town of Minong, Wisconsin -- population 524.
Famous for being the headquarters of
Jack Link's Beef Jerky, this welcoming community is situated an hour south of Lake Superior amongst sandy soil, birch trees and pines. Its many lakes and scenic waterways are a draw for city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle in exchange for fishing, boating, hunting and everything outdoors!
What began as a friendship in high school has blossomed into a life-long bond. Karin and her family have graciously welcomed our entire brood for the past 8 summers and we've watched as our children have grown -- the grocery bill increasing with each subsequent year.
Our mid-August family excursion has included the start of several annual traditions: Minong Days, a trip (or two) to Hayward, kayaking down the
Namekagon, the Midnight Chunky Dunk, early morning fishing, swimming at the sandbar, sailing, a picnic on Pancake Island, Haakon's birthday party, a wedding anniversary, boating on the Minong Flowage with a stop at Sand Island and several others. We'll soon have to extend our stay beyond 10 days to accommodate all the fun!
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| Rendevous Supper! |
We've made some new friends too! The Boisen's introduced us to "Rendevous", a trading fair for mountain men during the early 1800's. Two years ago, Jim & Judy replicated this event, staging trading tents, knife-pitching and finishing the evening off with a traditional barbeque.
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| Rendevous |
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| The Cabin on the lake |
What began as the Gulbrandsen cabin-getaway has become their year-round family home. Each year has added another element to the cabin compound. This year Erik built a little cabin near the lakefront -- enabling us to enjoy the beautiful sunset bug-free from this in haven in the woods.
Another highlight to my week is a visit from Karin's mom, Ardis and sisters, Kristin & Jennifer - who have become like family to me! I even think we have begun to look alike - I fit right in, don't I?
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| The Northwoods Girls |
My boys (Steve included!) anticipate our Cabin trip each year. Dinner conversation includes Cabin talk for weeks before we leave. The waders made the trip with us this year but were never used -- there was less time for fishing but more time spent sailing and being just plain silly on the lake!
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| Dan & Matt became expert sailors |
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| Jake in his pool-boat |
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| Jake taking the plunge |
We visited family in Ashland - thanks JoAnn, Todd & kids! Swimming in Lake Superior was refreshing and fun watching the kids enjoy the high dive.
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| The three guys - forced smiles, of course! |
Amazingly amidst all the family activity, Karin and I were able to spend together as friends too -- riding the gator to her weekly bible study at
The River Church (its a WONDERFUL place!) and exploring project options at the local yarn shop.
We had a wonderful trip -- it came to an end way too quickly. September
is here, school has begun and daily routines are back in full-swing. I
treasure the memories made this year as well as in years past and am
already looking forward to more in years to come!
So - what's the point in my writing about my trip? Perhaps not much -- other than I've learned to treasure the dear friends who have joined my life's journey. Some have been family -- siblings, cousins and in-laws, and others have been friends....but grafted in as family along the way.
God created a wonderful gift when He placed us together in community and I am thankful for those in mine.
