There is no other way to describe this weekend but Perfectly Heavenly.
Extending Friday off in addition to Memorial Day created a much needed four-day weekend and getting away for 2 of those days brought us much needed relaxation and good old family togetherness. The sun was out in full force for the first two days in a row and temps 70-80. It was bliss!
If you follow my blog you will know that I recently shared that we will be frequenting the central part of Wisconsin more often. My parents have purchased land and a very roomy trailer in Lake Delton, Wi at a place called Pioneer Park. This park is not new to us, as my grandfather before us also had his hide-a-way at the same park for the period of about 15-30 years ago (give or take a few). I spent many a summer with he and my grandmother learning my way around the park; the most traveled routes to the pool or clubhouse. I grew up bringing friends middle-school age on up. We carried the tradition into marriage; it is where we honeymooned and where our daughter brought her young friends to. It was our escape and our home away from home and conveniently only about a 2 hour drive.
My grandfather died and we made the decision as a family that we should sell it. It allowed us as a young family to travel much more around the U.S. then we would have otherwise. In fact, in route there Friday we spotted an old-fashioned pop-up camper exactly like the one we used during those traveling days. It was easy to set up, and compact. Here is a shot of the beauty!
But life is ever changing and seems to have come full circle around. There have been many a day my husband would say how much he missed that retreat. He really began to love it and become attached. So when my parents mentioned they would like to look at returning there and purchasing another plot for the next-gen family homestead, we threw our hats in and expressed our extreme interest! They have had a few weeks getting to work out quirks and repairs needed. When our 33-week pregnant daughter and son-in-law suggested we all meet out there for our first all-family (6 of us + dog and baby) the plan was set! To think we will soon have the 5th generation claiming this special and sacred place a part of their heritage!
(Here is where I apologize for not taking more pictures of the site and park itself. Maybe another post.) Instead I will proceed into our 2 ventures to Mirror Lake. Conveniently just across Ishnala road from the park, my daughter, SIL and I took their Blue Heeler/ Australian Cattle dog out to the park to see the sites. They are avid paddlers (canoe) and wanted to see Mirror Lake, as it is know for it’s peaceful water and attracts many a kayak or canoe! (Here is also where I also apologize for neglecting to get a good shot of the lake- but take my word it was beautiful and many other boaters there would back me up on that!) We spent our time on 2 paths: Echo Rock and Fern Dell -each different from the other but I would recommend both, no doubt.
Echo Rock path was 0.6 miles but will good incline as you are going to reach and view the overlook of the surrounding sandstone rock formations. It’s wooded with a natural sandy path. Between it and the connecting Ishnala Trail we saw the views from the heights and the serene and lush foliage of the creek of the Dell. Here are some shots:
Our Saturday consisted of a big breakfast, Mirror Lake adventures, naps for some, games for others, discussion of where to hang the family sign outside, where to reposition the woodpile and water pressure cleaning the huge picnic table back into many more years of service for the growing family meals. The evening with laughter and lots of good food (on the picnic table!) followed by Scrabble, the first of many campfires and the debate of whether the noise ( we heard but didn’t see) was squirrel or racoon. Ending with a sky filled with faint glimmers of stars.
We were to leave Sunday, but weather proving to be spectacular again we first took a hike on the Fern Dell trail. This trailhead is outside of the park area itself and is a healthy 3 miles. Its pathway nice and wide, surprisingly with the same sandy ground… until you get to the “dell” with the low lies streamlets creating some nice and muddy sections. The kind our grand-dog loves but my memory still has not recovered from my own slip and fall and break from the mud. I am now more deliberate in my steps and fear it a little less each time. In one area we rounded the bend to be lead down the pathway of these tall beauties and we all had to stop and take it in!
I had to get a picture of my growing favorite, the apple blossoms!
The whole weekend was a trip down memory lane. The stories often told, and some just being triggered by something of the surroundings. Time to sit and breathe and smell the smells of lawn and mud. The warm breeze sitting out on the deck. A lazy pace with no expectations of anyone. It was the perfect time to start our new memories. Begin new traditions. Look, with happiness and excitement ahead to the future that will hold (at least) 2 more little feet soon!
An Only Child's Song 