The name is Upnorfjoel, and I have finally arrived there! After the seven month layoff dictated by the nature of our "camp", the blessed season of summer is almost upon us and camp is officially open!
My blog of late has been filled with all kinds of stressful themes. And now, as always, I am amazed how this place strips those emotions right away. In just a few hours they are pushed to the back lot somewhere, and replaced by clear, crisp air, bright lime-green maple leaves just unfurled, and thousands of bright diamonds glistening off a pristine northern lake. I don't really think it gets much better!
A hundred years ago, "southerners" were lured to this place, coming by train from the big city with all kinds of claims about the recuperative powers of the climate. The emphasis was on cures for physical ailments like tuberculosis and hypertension. But when you read the old literature, you don't see anything about stress. Maybe that's because there wasn't any back then, at least as we know it. It's more likely that they just didn't have a label for it. But there is no doubt in my mind that what we suffer from today is at least severely diluted by the natural qualities of this place. I can feel it at work!
Thankfully, the place has again survived the severity of a northern winter. No repairs or fixes needed. Just the normal replenishment of fuel and firewood, cleaning out the spider webs and unfolding the furniture. (All northern furniture folds somehow!) This is all a blessing that gives us the opportunity to instantly begin recreating and not working! It isn't always so!
It's fun to reacquaint with friends and neighbors who share the same love of the place. Catching up on the seven month gap in time away from here.
Even my dog seems more lively up here. But then they do say that dogs have an instinct to "feel" their masters stress and emotions. So she is probably just mirroring my mood. You're welcome, girl!
Now on this first day of the season, I am ready to hit the hay. The magic here started at 3:30 this morning with a pack of coyotes yipping and yelping not too far off in the woods. I saw the early sunshine sparkling on the lake. Had the best fish sandwich I can remember at the little restaurant over on the bay. Smelled the cherry blossoms as I drove up the peninsula through the endless orchards this afternoon. Took the hayride through the woods with my daughter this evening. Sat close by the campfire as the sun set at near 10:30! And finally took in a sky full of bright stars just a minute ago.
......And that's just the first day. God bless this place. No wait; He already has.
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