Up North. Much more than a place; it’s a state of mind.
Are we there yet?
Slow down. There’s no speed limit, Up North.
Marvel at the magnificent pine trees.
Listen. It’s quiet up here, but not so quiet. The breeze
in the trees; the birds; noises the woods make.
Watch a squirrel navigate from branch to branch on the
tree-top superhighway.
Smile a little. An eagle glides effortlessly over your head.
Breathe deep, really deep. The woods have a smell all their
own. Fresh, sweet. Let it fill you.
The loons are calling you to the lake.
Stroll out on the dock; the waves quietly lap along the
shore. Skip a rock across the water — three, four, plop!
A motionless heron watches from his one-legged perch.
Feel the sun on your face, the sparkles on the water.
Sit back. Put your feet up. Notice the ripples on the lake
— a fish jumped.
Feel a thrumming hummingbird whiz past your lawn chair.
Watch the clouds roll slowly by and the sky glow pink with
the sunset.
Pull on your favorite sweatshirt, the soft comfy one that
reminds you of the woods.
Set another log on the crackling campfire. Hold your
marshmallow stick down near the coals. Puffy, toasted
golden brown, a wisp of steam escaping: perfect!
Relax; let your shoulders sag.
Soon, you too will arrive, Up North.
copyright 2004, Julie Engle/Edgewild Resort
