You may remember the book and ensuing movie Running in the Rain about a man and his dog, how they grew together through love and forbearance. And so it is with humans and animals. A profound relationship grows over time and tolerance. I also think that a similar bond develops beyond people, the earth, and the elements. Planting a garden and digging in the soil brings a sense of purpose that I have not found any other way; pounding feet to dirt as I run transports my mind to another level; standing outside, whether in wind, rain, snow, sleet, or sunshine conveys peace that is special and strengthening.
I spent the end of May at our cabin. In the north woods I reconnect with the beauty and power of forest, lake, and trails. Even with various jobs and responsibilities at hand, something exists in these woods that I have not found anywhere else. The simplicity of cooking, the fresh air, the excellent exploration possibilities, and the endless stream of projects exhilarates. I purchased a bagful of groceries at a small store about 15 miles from the cabin, added various pavers and repair items from a hardware store, tossed in two beautiful flower pot arrangements (thrillers, fillers, and spillers), and sped on to our log cabin. Everything I bought can be considered an essential – even the flowers that happily greet the eye. Priest Lake really demands a waste-not environment to preserve the splendor.
Now to work. We have a large lot that pours down a hill to the lake. Typically we gather on the east side of the lot-centered boathouse (actually a floatable/kayak storage area now although there used to be a boat), however there is abundant space to the west. I raked, snipped, clipped, and drug out miscellaneous hunks of junk stacked next to the boathouse and designed a pleasant retreat – quiet and private with a beautiful view. 16 trips up the hill and back down with paver in hand, I built steps from the picnic area to the beach.
Finding two old boat dollies, I repurposed one to wall-art and the other to a low table next to a tired but suitable Adirondack complete with a flotation device head rest. Having had two giant trees felled and cut into rounds last summer (to prevent a crash onto my sister’s cabin) I hauled them one by one to craft a land pier of sorts. An old wench placed by the steps adds flavor; large granite stones complement and retain my rounds. Ahhh! Old wood has been drug to either the art creation area or the burn pile. A ruined piece of plywood that I had left out to saw in half to drag up the hill I rediscovered leaning on the opposite site of the boat house – placed there, for unknown reasons, by my brother-in-law. I await his reaction when he finds this hunk towed across the beach and neatly ensconced under his deck. Touché, I say.
Now for the truly fun part – the rain. Having never been at the cabin in May the cold air and intermittent rain surprised me. Last June we arrived to 108* (a record); this year catching 58* is a pleasant shock. 30* nights on our sleeping porch require a mound of blanks and a bit of shivering. The best part, of course, is running in the rain. For some magical reason, from drizzle to downpour it feels warm and soothing even though it is actually icy cold. Most of the droplets fall from the waterladen clouds, but other drops fall from the soggy branches of evergreens that cover the area. As I run I’m forced to dodge puddles and potential slippage, an obstacle course for fun. Whether it is because it is May and snow covers the mountains nearby, or whether it is sheer luck, I have seen more does with fawns and an occasional buck than ever. Timid but curious, I greet each with a smile and friendly greeting. Whitetails, the majority of deer that appeared this year, are so tiny with beautiful coats and bright, flipping tails.
One amazing aspect of my daily outings is the ability to transport their inspiration back with me to Nevada. I re-imagine Priest Lake, re-sense the forest smell, and immerse myself in memories. So if you spot me grinning as I jog by when it seems I rudely forget to wave, realize that I am back in the north woods, in reverie and peace.
