My intentions for today’s post was “Signs of Spring”. When we woke up this morning, spring had vanished under this blanket of white. In spite the setback, Sarah and Michaela found some interesting photos, so I will post their “winter” photos here, and try for spring later in the week.
In the photo below you can see that Marble Mountain is in the shop for a facelift. Here we are sanding the old finish off the walnut sculpture. After that, we will reseal the cracks with flexible putty to keep the water from penetrating the log. Finally, we will add a protective coat of stain and sealer; then we will be ready to let the marbles roll.
We pulled the kayaks out of storage a couple of nights ago and early the next morning Michaela (our daughter) was on the lake exploring. Here is her description of her foggy morning kayak trip on Boot Lake shortly after ice-out.
When I got up it was dark and foggy, and I had that early morning feeling which comes from getting up at unaccustomed hours. I walked down to the kayak rack in a mist and a brisk wind. The birds were singing crazily in the trees, as I pushed the kayak into the water. The loons, geese, swans, and ducks were creating music that cannot be made with any human instrument. The fog blanketed the lake and enveloped me, making me feel as if I were part of it. Through the mist appeared a swan, perfectly white and looking as if it should be a picture. Unfortunately, I was not close enough to get a photo. Entering a shallow bay I saw a fishing lure; a jitter bug, red and white, hanging suspended in the water. As the fog lifted I could now see a beautiful drake wood duck swimming under a tree that was dripping with dew. I was hoping to get close enough for a photo, but the drake had different ideas; he took off with a great show of splashing and calling. I was disappointed, but as I paddled under the tree, three more ducks exploded out of the branches; I nearly jumped out of my shoes. Realizing I was getting hungry, I decided to pick up my pace and was soon pulling my kayak up on shore. By Michaela Ahrendt
Summer night sky.
Half Moon Trail shoreline.
Foggy morning kayak trip.
Today I have the opportunity to introduce our videographer, J.Morgan Legreid. This talented young man created our first resort videos while still in high school. Dave has produced a couple of simple videos, but most of our projects have been created by J.Morgan. Check out his profile and enjoy this creative production.
Today I am excited to introduce another guest contributor, Caryn Sullivan. A professional writer and annual guest, we look forward to her participation as a contributing blog author, as she shares her experiences here as an urban professional recharging her emotional batteries!
Making Memories at Half Moon Trail. by Caryn Sullivan.
I arrived at Half Moon Trail eager to spend some time alone before a friend joined me for a few days. When I entered my cozy lakeside cabin, the silence gripped me unexpectedly. Realizing the room had no TV, I was unsettled, for I end most days with its chatter in the background. Gradually, my mind adjusted to the quiet, much as eyes adapt to sudden darkness.
Throughout my getaway, two thoughts poked away at me like the woodpecker on the tree outside my cabin. Become one with nature. Live in the moment.
I’d packed these sentiments, shared by others, along with my clothing, books, and toiletries. They proved difficult to honor, though, as I remained bound to home through my BlackBerry.
It’s tough to become one with nature or to live in the moment with an ever-dinging device in one’s pocket. Yet, I was unable – or unwilling – to part with it for long. The BlackBerry is my conduit to others when I feel disconnected and it’s the tool from which I manage much of my life. Sitting on the shore of the pristine lake, I allowed scheduling concerns to compete for attention with the cries of a loon and the elegance of a rare Lady Slipper on the shoreline. Becoming one with nature, I concluded, requires concentration and commitment.
I ventured outside my comfort zone and mingled with guests until my friend arrived. Rain or shine, adults were casting their lines with their kids. Guests from every generation played games inside and out. When evening arrived, grandkids roasted marshmallows for grandparents over a blazing fire.
Throughout the week, I noted how other adults were listening to the loons and the laughter of young children with an ease that should accompany a week’s respite from life back home. They had discovered the splendor of northern Minnesota and figured out how to overcome the demands of their own lives so they could enjoy it year after year. They were living in the moment.
By week’s end I had concluded that digital connections are not the things of which memories are made. Memories of time at the lake are born of fishing lines and worms, paddleboats and ping-pong competitions. The sparkle of the lake in the morning, and a walk through a rain-dampened forest with a dear friend are more unforgettable and enduring than the ding of the BlackBerry announcing the arrival of yet another email.
I woke up this morning to a robin singing outside our window. This spring is shaping up to be the earliest I can remember. The kids and the neighbors are taking their best guess at when the ice will go out. I have already been proven wrong; the neighbor says “3 more days”. Our first post featured a photo by George Pfoertner and today we include a photo by Sarah Neighbors. Both special guests, who also happen to be professional photographers. Thanks George and Sarah for the many great shots over the last couple years; we look forward to many more great vacations! Check out their profiles to learn more.
Welcome to the Half Moon Trail blog. This will be our opportunity to showcase some great photos and videos of the resort, plus give you an inside look into our lives here on Boot Lake. Walk with us through the seasons and get a taste of what it is like owning and operating a family resort. Some of our past guests are talented, professional photographers and writers. Over the years, trading weekly vacations for photos, videos, or writing, we have developed quite a portfolio. This blog is a perfect venue to showcase some of their best work. We have included a profile of each guest contributor to the right. Return weekly for a glimpse into our lives here at the lake, plus some great photography and video. This blog will be an extension of our deep-seeded philosophy that we are in the entertainment business. We hope you enjoy the ride.
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