Here I am back at Big Pine Lake…for at least the 55th time. I went for a run this morning and wrote an entire post in my head. I just looked back at last year’s Big Pine Lake Ponderings and I realized it is the exact same post I had in my head…so you can read it here. This is the first time since we have had kids that I can remember being here without them. I am missing them and my mom. But the time is still sweet, and somehow centering.
The history here is rich, memories are strong, and the lake calming, even when the waves are crashing the shore in strong winds. Last night we trolled slowly in the quiet water, watched the sun go down, caught weeds, and a couple of fish in between. The conversation was rich. We laughed, remembered, sang. We enjoyed the smooth rippled water, the clouds, the loons and watched an eagle swoop up a fish. As we passed where the old boat house used to be, and the store with a grape bottled pop machine on the porch, I could almost see it, hear the voices of the past.
I love this place.
Your description was perfect – I could smell the mixing scents of boat engine and lake water, and hear the sound of the water softly lapping against the side of the boat. I miss it, and I wish I could be there with you! I miss you!