My husband and I drove to northern Minnesota, an area of charming old-time resorts, kitschy shops, and rustic cafes that serve local favorites like walleye, wild rice soup, hot dish, and many kinds of pie. (Raspberry rhubarb crunch anyone?) We try to make it up there once a year, sometimes in spring, sometimes in summer, and most often in autumn when colorful leaves add to the beauty of the North Shore.
But this was the first time we’d been there during a pandemic (made the reservation 6+ months ago). It was easy while in “vacation mode” to forget for brief pockets of time that anything was wrong or different. But then reminders jerked us back to our present reality. Shuttered shops still not open for business, closed restaurants (some permanently, some offering only take out) and signs reminding visitors to stay out if not feeling well and to observe social distancing measures, which, thankfully, is fairly easy to do in our state’s many open spaces.
But some things—the more important things—were the same as ever: Beautiful, seemingly endless Lake Superior with its steady waves lapping the rocky shoreline, miles of unspoiled trails through woods aromatic with conifers, and lovely little wildflowers gently waving in the breeze as if to say hello.
Sitting on the deck of the simple little cabin we stayed in, a cup of coffee beside me, warm blanket and a good book on my lap, and gazing out at the serene water, I was reminded of another who does not change.
While the world around us seems unstable and unreliable, God never changes. He is there. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I am so grateful.
While we are in this strange sometimes scary time, and we can’t do everything or see everyone we want, what’s most important is still within reach: A God who knows us personally, who loves us as we are, who is listening and acting, though we don’t always understand His ways.
A timely reminder we can all be thankful for.
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So glad you were able to get away to such a beautiful place.
There are many things that haven’t changed, like love, faith, the power of fiction, the loveliness of bed etc. Thanks for the great reminder that God’s love has never changed and will never change, Julie!
Rather than having no change, there are many things that have improved in this pandemic, like the free time and the rest from our usual lifestyle.
Of course there has been bad bits (like delays and cancellations of activities), but there’s much more to be grateful for.
You’ve got Becky’s book to read on your way! How nice! I’m going to see if I can get a copy too.
Lovely pictures of what seems like a peaceful time. I’m far away in Virginia, but am wondering where this cabin is – Grand Marais?
Between Lutsen and Grand Marais, Betty.
On a very small scale, compared with yours, imagine a wild and beautiful location in the far north of England, just below Scotland. We met in these hills, married, then unexpectedly, found a house needing lots of TLC, which meant we could afford it. No longer locked down quite so forcefully, we’re locked out, indefinitely, from the ancient church we love – No stained glass, no other traditional fixtures, except the font. . The East window looks straight up to the hills. These simple whitewashed chapels are typical of the Borders. Instead, we sit outside the church, in an even more ancient space, at the foot of an old yew tree – four figures old, no exact date.
In theory – according to ever-changing laws – people are now allowed to drive here, to walk in the countryside, but they can’t do this, can’t walk along the shores of a small lake, see and maybe name the wildflowers because local people have blocked every parking space to keep others away.
Your comment touched me, Esther. Sounds like you live in a wonderful place, which will hopefully re-open to locals and visitors soon.
Love your photos and the relaxing atmosphere of this post, Julie! What a great chance to get away from it all and be reminded of a God who never changes. Lovely!
Hi, Julie. So glad you had a great road trip and get-away. There’s so much of God’s beautiful world to see and enjoy. Not to mention it’s not that difficult to stay socially distanced with the type of trip you took. And with fewer people around, there’s fewer congestion, pollution, and human drama to deal with! May the Lord continue to bless you and your writing!
Thanks for bringing Stay with Me on your getaway, Julie! It was such fun to spot it in this post. 🙂
The view from your cabin is stunning! I’m adding Lake Superior to my travel bucket list.
My parents had a cabin on Upper South Long Lake, in Crow Wing County, near Brainerd, & my 5 siblings & I spent almost every weekend, up North! My dad had a project every year (building new dock section; a roof on the outhouse & shed, etc.) I moved to Ohio w/ the now ex husband, and thought about moving back to MN, (after the divorce) where extended family is, but, I didn’t want to take my 4 children away from their paternal grandparents… I miss the lakes of Minnesota, and I miss being able to walk along the shore line & find agates and other pretty rocks…I miss the sound of the loons on the still water early in the mornings (also my favorite time to take the canoe out!) THANKS for sharing!
I see that you’re reading “Stay With Me.” I love that book!
Spring Beauty and yellow violets! Both are blooming all over MN right now. We have a small patch of woods that is carpeted every spring in Spring Beauty–it practically glows the blossoms are so thick.
Looks like a beautiful get-away! I know the feeling exactly. We took a three day trip to the land of fictional Mitford and Father Tim known as Blowing Rock, NC. They were testing the waters with limited hours, masks and sanitizer. As much as they wanted customers yet they were apprehensive. Our much loved Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream Store was sadly shuttered for now.
Our stomachs were yearning for something other than takeout. One of the popular restaurants allowed limited seating and we couldn’t resist. The meal was delicious and the social distancing allowed for a more intimate dining experience.
We take precautions to protect others as much as ourselves. And we are thankful to God who gives us strength.