Up North

We just got back in town today from our trip around the state. In short, to spare you the volumes of details, we visited friends and family throughout Wisconsin, regularly seeing in a day four different parties separated by at least an hour of driving. It got to be grueling but was well worthwhile. However, the affects were at times serious. I remember one such day.

It began with us breaking camp, loading the canoe, paddling back across the rather large lake, packing the car, driving four hours, visiting with friends for two, driving for more than another hour, and visiting again with more friends and at whose house we spent the night. Well, that last hour of driving found us in sad shape. Let's just say we've got pictures of me doing the eggbeater to 80's music driving our wagon down the interstate. We've got pictures of Andie, in the passenger's seat, doing the Hammer dance. The dog actually forced his head beneath the blankets in the back seat and refused to move until mental stability had returned to the captain's quarters. Poor dog.

There were, of course, normal times, even good times. While up north, we visited Andie's former camp, called Manitowish, and wandered around the area for a few days of camping, canoeing, and fishing. Our favorite times were in the evenings when the loon would let out its haunting call over the open water. There is something entirely unique about the North Woods. We left the north to news of my sister Dani's first child, Natalie Marie, being born; we shared the first few days with them at their home in Oshkosh, along with the rest of my immediate family. I do believe Andie and I ate and laughed more in those few days than we've done in a long time.

Unfortunately I've just been given the nod, so I need to wrap up. Tomorrow we go fishing with Andie's Dad and Grandpa, the four of us in one small boat. Hopefully none of us comes back with new earings.