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Running errands on this blustery Veterans Day was not the most pleasant of experiences, so, when my husband suggested we take a break, drive out to the “Point” and look at the big waves rolling into the east bay, I had no problem saying yes.
We often drive out on this strip of land connecting town and the Coast Guard station, look at the view and watch the waves. Sometimes the harbor is calm. Sometimes it is turbulent, but it is always majestic. The breakwater, the coast guard station, the little town— all look miniscule and oh so unimportant set against the vast body of water known as Lake Superior.
Today an east wind slams in the East Bay of our little town’s harbor and sends waves crashing onto shore. Gravel and rocks scatter on the pavement and we park our vehicle out of harm’s way as do numerous other lake watchers.
Earlier this morning, I had noticed the waters of Devil Track Lake churning and wind forming whitecaps, but they were nothing compared to what I saw on The Big Lake. Residents of the area fondly call this huge body of water The Big Lake or just The Lake.
Lake watching comes as second nature to those of us who live on or near The Lake, something I didn’t give a thought when I moved here over fifty years ago. Coming from the Cities, I was accustomed to lakes everywhere. After all, Minnesota is touted as “the land of ten thousand lakes.”
I found myself amused when people would actually talk about The Lake as if it were a person. I paid scant attention when locals commented on The Lake. “Yup. Lake’s mad today.” My heart was changed one beautiful early summer day as I drove down the Gunflint Trail to town, the Big Lake spread before me shimmering in the sun and I found myself thinking,” the Lake’s in a good mood today.”
That’s when I knew I would never move.
As I watched huge waves crashing onto the shore, I felt humbled yet somehow good. Having a raw force of nature as a neighbor reminds me of my place in the universe, makes me appreciate its beauty and to always, always respect its power.
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