Sometimes a person just has to get away

We live in what is considered by many a great space of 10 acres. We have great views away from our living room. We enjoy a sense of solitude. And, as I have stated in previous posts, the wildlife is abundant.

There are times, however, when a person just has to get back to her/his roots. We took advantage of the predicted mild weather to head FURTHER north to be close to where we both lived at one time in our lives. We found our way to McDougal Lake Camping area. It is located on Hwy 1 between Ely and Silver Bay. There are 21 sites. And if a person times it right a good site or two can be found.

We got what we think is the best site of all of them. While Joyce is a great parking helper, a few of the other campers helped in getting the camper into the space that was available. This campground has been around since 1967.All the gentlemen who helped and have been going there for the last 20 years had not witnessed anyone successfully placing a trailer of our size in that spot. Challenge accepted, was my way of thinking.

 It took about 30 minutes, but in the end, Joyce and I were rewarded with a great space to enjoy the time we were there.

We have camped in the BWCA, in the Montana mountains in the back of our Dodge Caravan, in state campgrounds using larger tents, but with our camper in this area is where we like to return. We both agree we are not going back to tent camping. Our bodies have “evolved” past those stages in our lives. A soft bed, a heater and adequate night lighting works better for us now.

I still can make a one-match fire. I still make a great bacon, egg and fried potato breakfast on an open fire. Actually, I can make just about anything on an open fire. It is a great way to pass the time in the “wilderness.”

We took our kayaks along and had a couple of opportunities to explore the lake. We took advantage of the hiking trail to get some exercise as well.

I took Joyce to visit the place where our then family of four lived for a summer when my dad was first starting to work at the Isabella Job Corps Camp. When I entered the Knotted Pine, it was like being transported back in time. The bar area has not changed in 46 years.

  

Oh, and by the way, we had timed our trip to this area to witness the changing of Mother Nature’s colors. She was dressed beautifully.

Did we have fun? Yep. Will we go again? Yep. It just seems like the thing to do this time of the year because sometimes a person just has to get away.