Loons

The upper midwest is dotted with crystal clear lakes. Driving north from Illinois up into Wisconsin, after about 4 or 5 hours of driving the landscape changes. Lakes, pine trees, and the atmosphere of VACATION prevails. A trip up this way is not as spectacular as a trip out west to the mountains, but it certainly has its own unique appeal. This particular lake is almost "muck-free" which is amazing. Even people who prefer pools to lakes would be tempted to swim in this crystal clear lake, which is aptly named Crystal Lake. There are several lakes I've noticed with the same name, but in my mind this is the only true "Crystal" Lake. You can literally walk around this entire lake without encountering any lake muck yuck stuff. It's a supreme swimming lake, clean, quiet, and with a minimum of "critters." From our stay here, I only have a couple pictures, only one that's being posted, unlike our Wyoming trips where I have hundreds of pictures. That doesn't mean this place is any less special. Just different.

What this picture doesn't show: The miles and miles of bike paths in this region, winding up and down tree covered hills, going through quaint towns filled with ice cream shops and supper clubs. It also doesn't capture the smells of the pines, campfires, and that distinct "lake" smell that reminds you you're not at home.

But the greatest thing about these northern lakes has to be the loons. There is nothing more magical than that sound. Not far from here, we spent the night at an extremely densely wooded campground by a lake. I had the weirdest sense that we were in a very special place. I don't know if it's simply what happens when you're deep in the dark woods, when the cries of the loons echo over the lake, but these backwoods lakes have a lot of appeal. It makes me wish I had a secluded cabin where I could cozy up and read and write books, taking several walks every day, breathing in that magical air. I think it's from the loons.

My kids want to head west again this summer, a huge undertaking. We may not be able to work it out. But if we don't, I can think of other vacations like this that may not be as spectacular, that may not produce as many breathtaking pictures, yet may leave us restored and renewed the way only nature vacations can. I think we would be fine here.