Today, we will be leaving 'our' Gichi, and head back home. It has been mission accomplished. Batteries recharged. Souls refreshed. But it will not be good-bye to this wonderful lake - instead, see you soon. The pull of the North Shore can only be resisted for so long.
Superior. Just the name itself speaks such volumes. This lake is to other lakes what Denali is to other mountains. It stands out. It is massive. It is magnificent. The Ojibwe nation called this lake Gichi-gami which means "great sea". To many today, just like from yesteryear, Superior is almost like a holy place. It is a good place to talk to God, to see His creation, to get your "batteries recharged". For those who live in Minnesota, it is by far and away, our crown jewel.
For a state which has much of its land ensconced in prairie or farm land, a short drive up north puts you in an area which more resembles the coastlines of Maine or northern California. It does happen just that quick to get here. And due to the somewhat unique nature of this lake, the water in Superior is always cold. When the breeze comes in from the lake, the North Shore of Minnesota can be dozens of degrees cooler than the Twin Cities. When the lake is angry with storm, the pounding surf on the rocks is something to behold. It is something which cannot be described - only experienced.
It is a great place to enjoy special occasions with loved ones. We have been to weddings up here. Today is our 45th anniversary. There are beautiful campus' up here. One of our former pastors, who was also an author, did some of his writing up here, while sitting on the vast shoreline. Even a blogger like myself has penned many articles up here as well as a short story.
Further up the North Shore, the quiet and the still become more so. The smell of the fresh lake air is almost intoxicating. Food tastes better, sleep comes easier, days go smoother. It is a fun place to explore, and each time we come here, we try for either a different experience, a different time of year, or both.
This time of year, the Lupine are in full bloom. That just adds what is already a great experience. In the fall, the Mountain Ash trees are full of vibrant orange berries. In the winter, the smell of burning poplar trees is in the air, and there is a quiet hush over the landscape. The winters have a unique beauty, many times matching the majesty of the lake in the middle of June.
Today, we will be leaving "our" Gichi, to head back home. It has been mission accomplished. Batteries recharged. Souls refreshed. But it will not be good-bye to this wonderful lake - instead, see you soon. The pull of the North Shore can only be resisted for so long.
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