Ending the Old, Beginning the New

The dust of the old year has settled, and we are off and running in the new one.  The holidays were a whirlwind, as we readied the cabins and the lodge for the merriment that followed.  Over Christmas, several cabin folks and neighbors joined us in the search for Christmas trees, singing carols around the piano, and enjoying all of the delicious treats that come with the season.  As if that was not enough, we continued in the week between the holidays with skiing, sleigh riding, and more eating.  We also threw in a good dose of cooking, in preparation for our New Year's Eve party.  The days were completely filled, and thus, the time flew by.  Doesn't it always? Just when we are having the most fun of all.

For New Year's this year, our dinner theme was South of A Border.  We found interesting stews to make from Argentina and Peru,  a tasty rice and beans dish from Costa Rica, and some incredible Mexican recipes that Paul collected while he was in Alaska.  Our food and tastes truly are global when you can bring so much of the south into the north.  The flavors warmed our mouths and bellies on a cold winter's night.  It felt like comfort food of a whole new genre, and was just what we needed to keep us satisfied as we drew around the midnight bonfire.  The fire was having a tough time cooperating initially, but that did not dampen the spirit.  As soon as we counted down to the appointed moment, calling out "Happy New Year!" in our loudest voices, the lake responded with a deep groan of its own, accompanied by a generous rumble.   A magnificent start to 2013, I say.

Fresh Ice on Gunflint Lake

As I reflect on the many moments of the holiday season, a few stand out as jewels to be shared.  The first was the gift of ice skating.  It's been about five years since the lake froze solid with no snow in the forecast.  The first day of skating gave everyone mirror-like ice, clear to the bottom.    The whole eastern half of the lake had frozen overnight, presenting a smooth, clear surface, interrupted occasionally by frosty cracks.  Everyone delighted in not only the thrill of skating again, but the ability to see the rocks on the floor of the lake while skimming over the top.  It really was magical.  By the second day, frost flowers had started to bloom on the surface, dotting the icescape, but not deterring the skaters. We missed the reflective quality, but still delighted in the swiftness of the blades.

Skating is a generally a short-lived activity for us at Heston's.  In years past, we attempted to keep a rink open, and even tried a time or two of flooding one.  But our location midway down the lake is so vulnerable to the northwest winds, any thing we do gets snowed over in short order.  The best skating is now over, though a small patch remains open in front of Diamond Willow.  The two fellows named Jim, who were staying in the cabin, brought shovels while skating, employing the tools in probably much the same fashion as they had when rink skating as kids. They also carved out a figure-eight, and made a path to the landing.  Until we get more snowfall, a wee bit of skating remains for anyone so inclined.

The Belgian horses of Okontoe Family Sleighrides

Another memorable time came on our annual sleigh ride.  This year, the young folks decided that we would not be singing traditional carols while riding along. Instead, at one point I heard strains of an old Pat Benatar tune, which made me giggle. Would I ever have thought, back in the eighties when I first heard that song, that someday I would be riding a sleigh in the Northwoods hearing it again?  A second new non-tradition emerged in the form of horse puns and jokes, which kept us alternately laughing and occasionally groaning.  Afterwards, we enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Patten family in their early 1900's log cabin, bathed in lantern light while we enjoyed hot cocoa and peppermint lollipops.  We estimated that this was perhaps our seventeenth year out on the trail at Okontoe.  It was a beautiful as ever.

It is fitting to end the year by celebrating in old ways and new.  The joy we find in the company, and the memories we create will keep us glowing as we begin January.  We hope that you all had a wonderful holiday as well, and we wish everyone all the best in this New Year.  Thank you for being a part of our lives!