The summer solstice had just passed saying goodbye to spring and welcoming the long days of sunlight. What better way to begin these summer days than camping in Northern Wisconsin? Earlier in the year, one of my old college friends had reached out to see if I would be interested in joining him at Lost Lake. A place we have visited a number of times over the last few years. With great memories of fishing, exploring the numerous lakes in around the Chequamegon National Forest, and relaxing by the fire under a star filled sky, I couldn’t wait to return for a few days. Having spent a lot of time working over the last month and a half, my goal was to spend my time relaxing and catching up on sleep when possible.
The best of plans… My first morning I tried to stay in bed enjoying the cool, fresh air with great difficulty. I even tried reading for awhile to put me back to sleep. Finally I slipped out of bed as quietly as possible and walked to the shores of Lost Lake to welcome the day. Soon the sun was shining into the forest and the lake started to come to life with loons, osprey, and fish jumping above the water. With my cup of warm tea, I sat at the waters edge just watching the calm lake and all of the birds fluttering from branch to branch in search of their morning meals. In time, I was joined by others taking in the morning sun before heading back to the cabin for breakfast. Through the day there was exploring and fishing to be done. Not a lot of success on the fishing portion of the day however I did come across a few bogs to examine. These are fascinating landscapes with sphagnum moss covering nearly everything in these low pH environments surrounding by water. Not a lot of plants can survive in these places.
Night once again returned while cooking smores over the mesmerizing fire as the flames danced around our marshmallows. In the darkness the stars littered the sky like glitter dancing in the air. What a calming and humbling sight to end this beautiful day in a forest of Northern Wisconsin. On one my last trip to the bathroom, there was a large moth just hanging out under the outside light. It was a Cercropia moth remaining motionless allowing me to grab a couple of photos before saying goodnight. Moments later I was crawling back into bed, more calm and relaxed than the night before. There’s nothing like a day hanging out with friends in the north woods to feel life’s stresses float away….if even only for a few refreshing moments.
