Stan writes: Everybody says they don't like the commercialism or materialism surrounding Christmas, everybody says it, but I think I am the only person I know who actually does anything about it. This year I told my three daughters, Jennifer, Marcelline and Missy, that all I wanted from them for Christmas was a story about one of the happiest days they have experienced so far. No bottle of booze, no mittens, no golf kitsch, no bad art. Just a memory on paper. Each one read their "piece" at Christmas and I found it to be one of the most enjoyable Christmases I have ever had. I will share my gifts with you here. Enjoy:
One of My Favorite Days
By Jennifer Blethen
In the Autumn of 2004 I happened upon one of my favorite days. It was actually planned for lots of fun, but I wouldn’t know just how special it would be until the day was over. I got up that morning already packed to go on a rock climbing and camping weekend. After showering and getting some coffee into a travel mug, I went downstairs at the appointed time and knocked on my friend, Rob Vaughn’s door. We then proceeded to his car, stuffed in all our gear and headed North.
After many hours of good conversation and laughing we arrived at Tettegouche State Park . This was my first time climbing on the North Shore of Lake Superior and it is one of the best places I have ever climbed. We parked the car, loaded our bodies like pack mules and found the trail. It wasn't far to go as the water was just a quick jaunt through some woods. We walked along the cliffs to the meeting spot and found a few of our friends already there.
Putting down our stuff, we made introductions and hugged hello’s. I walked to edge of the cliff and took a deep breath. I was surrounded by beauty. In front of me the water extended out as far as I could see. To my right and left, rugged cliff faces dropped down 400 feet below to the giant lake. And behind me was dense forest and lush foliage. It was a beautiful crisp autumn day, my favorite kind! And as it was a bit chilly that morning, we had our coats on, but the sky was clear, the sun was shining and warmth was starting to fill the atmosphere.
We all unloaded our gear and offered up our snacks and yummies to each other while setting up for the first climb. Setting up is always a bit of a challenge. Finding rocks, crevasses, and trees to hold our ropes and fit our gear into isn't always easy and takes a bit of ingenuity and time. Getting all three strong points lined up and a rope over the edge however, is extremely rewarding and makes a person feel smart and happy. And that is just how I felt.
We all took turns climbing and when it was my turn to go over the edge and repel down to the bottom it was very exciting! One reason this is exciting is because usually a person climbs up and then repels back down. In this case we are situated on top of the cliff so we have to go down first in order to climb back up. This way there is some pressure to know that you will be able to make the climb back up, because if you can't your friends will be pulling you back up. Another reason this is exciting is because you are directly over the freezing cold water. The tradition is, once you reach the bottom you are to lean back in you harness and dip your head in the water. As it was nearing winter and definitely not hot enough to have wet hair, I opted to just splash my hand in the water for all above to see.
I climbed up the cliff with ease and joy as we had started on an easy route to get the hang of the day. I felt strong and healthy as I used my whole body to pull myself up this cliff. My life in this moment felt sure and happy as I placed it in the hands of my own strength and ability and also in the hands of my trusted friend at the other end of my rope. The clarity in my mind, the health in my body, and the happiness in my heart made me feel so alive. I knew I loved myself.
By the middle of the day the sun took the place of our coats and extra clothes, that were now strewn about in heaps next to our gear. We had eaten lunch, set up and climbed several routes and our faces were sore from smiling. Then night drew near, our coats were put back on and we packed up our day. New friends were now old friends as we headed to Finlandia state park to camp for the night.
By Jennifer Blethen
In the Autumn of 2004 I happened upon one of my favorite days. It was actually planned for lots of fun, but I wouldn’t know just how special it would be until the day was over. I got up that morning already packed to go on a rock climbing and camping weekend. After showering and getting some coffee into a travel mug, I went downstairs at the appointed time and knocked on my friend, Rob Vaughn’s door. We then proceeded to his car, stuffed in all our gear and headed North.
After many hours of good conversation and laughing we arrived at Tettegouche State Park . This was my first time climbing on the North Shore of Lake Superior and it is one of the best places I have ever climbed. We parked the car, loaded our bodies like pack mules and found the trail. It wasn't far to go as the water was just a quick jaunt through some woods. We walked along the cliffs to the meeting spot and found a few of our friends already there.
Putting down our stuff, we made introductions and hugged hello’s. I walked to edge of the cliff and took a deep breath. I was surrounded by beauty. In front of me the water extended out as far as I could see. To my right and left, rugged cliff faces dropped down 400 feet below to the giant lake. And behind me was dense forest and lush foliage. It was a beautiful crisp autumn day, my favorite kind! And as it was a bit chilly that morning, we had our coats on, but the sky was clear, the sun was shining and warmth was starting to fill the atmosphere.
We all unloaded our gear and offered up our snacks and yummies to each other while setting up for the first climb. Setting up is always a bit of a challenge. Finding rocks, crevasses, and trees to hold our ropes and fit our gear into isn't always easy and takes a bit of ingenuity and time. Getting all three strong points lined up and a rope over the edge however, is extremely rewarding and makes a person feel smart and happy. And that is just how I felt.
We all took turns climbing and when it was my turn to go over the edge and repel down to the bottom it was very exciting! One reason this is exciting is because usually a person climbs up and then repels back down. In this case we are situated on top of the cliff so we have to go down first in order to climb back up. This way there is some pressure to know that you will be able to make the climb back up, because if you can't your friends will be pulling you back up. Another reason this is exciting is because you are directly over the freezing cold water. The tradition is, once you reach the bottom you are to lean back in you harness and dip your head in the water. As it was nearing winter and definitely not hot enough to have wet hair, I opted to just splash my hand in the water for all above to see.
I climbed up the cliff with ease and joy as we had started on an easy route to get the hang of the day. I felt strong and healthy as I used my whole body to pull myself up this cliff. My life in this moment felt sure and happy as I placed it in the hands of my own strength and ability and also in the hands of my trusted friend at the other end of my rope. The clarity in my mind, the health in my body, and the happiness in my heart made me feel so alive. I knew I loved myself.By the middle of the day the sun took the place of our coats and extra clothes, that were now strewn about in heaps next to our gear. We had eaten lunch, set up and climbed several routes and our faces were sore from smiling. Then night drew near, our coats were put back on and we packed up our day. New friends were now old friends as we headed to Finlandia state park to camp for the night.
That's Jennifer in the photo above. (Don't tell her mom, though.) In January Jennifer is heading to Hawaii. In the photo below are Jennifer, Marcy, Maxwell, Danny, Stan, Kathleen, Missy, Emily. -- Not pictured were Christmas Day guests Stephanie and Greg.
More to come.
