I NEVER EXPECTED to be one of those Minnesotans who would, each summer, go Up North to the cabin. But, thanks to the generosity of in-laws with lake property including a guest cabin, that is now part of my experience.
Thrice since May, Randy and I have headed Up North to the cabin, most recently in mid-September. Each visit leaves me feeling at peace. Relaxed. Content. Refreshed. Thankful for this place of solitude and natural northwoods beauty.
As soon as the van swings onto the jackpine-edged drive leading to the cabin, I feel like I’m entering another world. Those slim, tightly-packed evergreens set the scene, defining for me the essence of Up North. I especially delight in walking the lane at sunset, golden light filtering through the stand of pines.
And then there’s the lake. Horseshoe Lake. Water mesmerizes me. The stillness. Or the lap of gentle waves against shoreline.
While I don’t like being on water and will only enter to shoulder depth, I like being near water. Lounging on the beach, the sun heating the sand and warming my skin. Book in hand. Beverage nearby.
It’s as if time ceases here. Here, where the sky and the water meet and loons cry and an eagle traces the shoreline.
Here, where only months earlier I gathered shells with my 5-year-old granddaughter and waded into the lake and lay on a hammock with my two grandchildren cozied beside me.
This lake place holds memories now of half-moons and pink skies and star-filled darkness. Of campfires and s’mores. Of little feet pounding the dock and sandy toes. Of waking up to a sunrise that writes poetry across the water, into the day, into Up North at the cabin.
TELL ME: Do you have cabin memories? I’d like to hear.
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Beautiful pictures!!
Thank you, Jillian.
ONE WORD that I was thinking first thing this morning – ESCAPE 🙂 I remember those days growing up and even into my 20’s at times of doing nothing, having a lazy day, etc. I have been trying to find more of those lately because it is a GREAT way to reset, refresh, recharge . . . re anything. Happy Day – Enjoy!
Going to the cabin is most definitely an escape. I’m thankful you are finding ways to escape also.
Nice work capturing the essence of up north lake life. We are fortunate to have this experience on a daily basis and good to read your thoughts as a reminder for us not to take our life for granted.
Thank you, Sue. You have a beautiful lake home in a beautiful natural setting. And I know it’s especially lovely right now with the fall colors. I hope this finds you recovering nicely.
Looks like a wonderful time, Audrey. Makes me long for the woods! ❤
Oh, Penny, going to the cabin is always a wonderful time. I especially love when the grandchildren (and their parents) are there with us.
Growing up in North Country I totally understand the peace people find when nesting in the woods and along the lakes. 🤫 don’t tell people or it will be exploited.😂🤣
Oh, I think folks are already discovering the wonders of Minnesota. I recently read an article about Duluth becoming a favored relocation city for those concerned about climate change. The story highlighted several individuals who recently moved there from California due to wildfires, flooding, the high cost of living in CA and more.
Great… more California people with loads of money pushing the housing market out of reach of people who grew up in the region! Sorry, climate change is real that I know, but I also feel very protective of our great state.
Yes, relocations to Minnesota are among many factors affecting housing prices.