Our old friends Jean and Niel invited us up to their new cabin on the 4th of July. I was a little reluctant, having a place on a lake ourselves, (even if it is a muddy little lake), means that you shouldn't go anywhere for the 4th, you're already there. But we couldn't pass up a chance to see their new place- nestled in the forest with it's vaulted ceilings and lovely windows looking out at the birch and pines of Northern Wisconsin.
Scroll to the right and stay on the dock, when it goes down you scroll down, when it goes left, you scroll left.

The highlight of our trip was quite unexpected. On the neighboring Spider Lake chain the tradition is to hold a boat parade, but not before patriotic songs are sung, led by Uncle Sam himself. Thirty or more boats festooned for the occasion braved the dreary weather. We were invited by Barbra and Katherine to this affair, two very warm and gracious hosts who were entertaining the troops at this fabulous 1920's cabin decked out with original furnishings and complete with a boathouse, an absolute utter thrill for me.

Northern Wisconsin is rich with early examples of rustic log architecture and lake-style furnishings. This area was developed in the first part of the 1900's by wealthy folks from Chicago with good taste! A classic example is Spider Lake Lodge with it's sumptuous appointments and fabulous rooms. Niel and Riley joined me for a photo safari and this was the big game we bagged. I only had a few minutes to look around but I got a few shots. I'd like to come back sometime and really do the place justice.

In the afternoon Jean rented a pontoon boat and we explored their lake called Lost Land Lake and it's neighbor. These are called the "quiet lakes" because they have a speed limit of only ten m.p.h. It's called Lost Land Lake because at one point the surveyors "lost" the lake during their map making process. The last picture on this section of dock features the family and Riley, Niel and Jean's dog who endeared himself to us by coming over for a little cuddle every once in awhile, much like his human counterpart.

The last item on the agenda for the weekend was to complete the dock. What is a lake place without a dock? Thanks Niel and Jean,
we had a great time.