So I am going to spend tonight and tomorrow night packing up all of my stuff. I am going to move out of my container and into a tent. All my stuff is going into another container that will be shipped back to the states. I probably won't see any of it until early next summer. I will be living out of my rucksack and sleepingbag for the next two weeks. It is fine by me because that means I am that much closer to going back to NY. As of now I am scheduled to leave here on the first of Feb.
I have been taking some great photos and will post some of them soon. I have been excercising on a regular basis again. I am back down to six-and-a-half minute miles. That is the best that I have been able to run. That is even in the dark at 4AM on gravel and at elevation. I think that I am going to change from trying to run fast to trying to run far. I would like to attempt a marathon in the next year or two(if anyone is interested in joining me).
I have several hours of video footage that I expect to splice into a semi-coherent disc for all of you once I get back. If any of you have photos or video of the family or of events from the past year or so, please email them or send me a disc with the data on it. Don't be afraid to send too much.
Can't wait for the twins!!
Laters Gators,
-Bert
63 Years of Memories....
63 Years of Memories....
that's what I have now. The photo below shows the chair on the point which for so many years was my father's favorite after-supper place to contemplate and cast for walleye. As much as I feel guilty about what's happened, I know he would understand and even say there's nothing to forgive. He lived life fully and moved on many times. I'm the one with the unique experience of being attached to a beautiful place for my whole life. And despite all my best efforts, yesterday the 'cabin' was sold. I signed the papers and, truth be told, a weight was lifted. A new life lies ahead without the obligations, but with all of the wonderful memories. My unrelentingly positive attitude says this is truly how it is, but my heart is still sad.
There are some things in life for which the balance between the obligation and the joy of ownership often cannot be sustained forever. It became clear that I was no longer up to the task of taking care of the place quite a while back. However, knowing what needs to be done and doing it are often far apart. Finally, no choice was left. It had to be sold.
Now it's gone. No more worrying about how long the grass or how deep the snow is up there. No more sublimely pleasurable early morning cups of coffee sitting on the dock when the color of the lake is like pale blue glass and the air is completely still. No more endless repairs, high taxes, and utility bills. No more late nights around the fire pit with friends and family - warm from both fire and friendship. No more frozen pipes or emergency calls to the furnace guys. No more saunas and midnight skinny dipping that make you feel like you'll live forever while your connection with nature is confirmed by the gazillion stars of the milky way and the loons calling out in the dark. No more concerns with low well water levels or water so hard and full of iron the clothes turn yellow and your newly washed hair feels like brillo. No more finding the way home by boat in the dark after a long day on the lake feeling like this is the only place you really, really belong. No more praying that the boathouse will make it another year without collapsing. And ultimately, no more making new memories with friends, family and loved ones. No new memories, that is, at Half Bay, Lake Vermilion, Tower, MN. New life... here we come!
How do you thank a place for memories?
1 comment:
While two weeks in a tent doesn't sound appealing to me personally, I share your enthusiasm about being closer to coming home. We have missed your online chats but always go on the assumption that no news is good news. We all look forward to seeing your videos and photos. AND YOUR SMILING FACE - VERY SOON! Stay safe!
Hugs, Mom
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