From The Editor

By Sheri Davich 

Aug/Sept 2012 Lake And Home Magazine 

I met Bill and Lisa Bradford of Cedar Falls, Iowa, in writing for this issue.  I never met an Iowan before  Handsome couple and seemingly normal, until you find out they journey more than five hours one way, twice a month, year 'round to spend time at their vacation home on Whitefish Lake in Pequot Lakes.  That's just crazy!  What would motivate them to do this? What makes Whitefish so special?  we discussed it, and our conversation turned downright philosophical.  we came to the conclusion that Whitefish is a haven for them because it is a "go to" place rather than a "being" place.  We decided that people need their "go to" places.  Places where bills, work issues, home chores and other responsibilities are not invited.  we all need a breather, a sojourn in the eye of the storm.  The lake can be such a place.

Those of you who make similar treks know that, from the moment the car is packed and the kids settle in with their blankets an pillows, everyday life goes on the back burner.  Even bickering and bellyaching from the back seat can't ruin the mood.  Despite traffic and weather conditions, the "getting there" is a necessary part of the experience.

There are rituals - the strategic bathroom breaks, the grocery shopping for supplies.  And will it be Wendy's or Burger Kind for dinner on the road?

And once you arrive at your destination, your senses go into overdrive.  Maybe it's because you've had the opportunity to transition while on the road.  At the lake, colors are more vivid, sounds are sharper, foods smell and taste better.

Here's an example.  In everyday life, skies seem limited to sunny (blue), cloudy (gray or cloudy with precipitation (dreary gray).

For the complete "From The Editor" article, pick up the Aug/Sept issue of Lake and Home Magazine.  It will  hit the newsstands next week!

Contributing editor Sheri Davich lives in Pequot Lakes, Minn.