We made it! No more dreaming. This is real!
Enjoying our first meal … award winning menu … so many choices …
After unpacking and checking out the beach, we were hungry and headed to The Lodge. The Lodge boasts Minnesota’s largest native rock fireplace, a 200 ton work of art which stands in the 30 by 80 foot dining room. Do you see the walls and ceiling? It is brilliantly decorated in designs of the Cree Indian and has never been repainted.
Naniboujou is Cree for ‘the god of the outdoors’. Back in the 1920’s, Naniboujou was created as an ultra-exclusive private club, boasting charter members Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey and Ring Lardner. A membership of 1000 was originally sought, but when the black market crashed on “Black Tuesday”, the club began to fail. We had heard, the hopes included boats loading from Chicago with Naniboujou Lodge as the ultimate destination. Tim and Nancy Ramey are the owners and hosts … grateful their guests ‘return seeking a quiet, peaceful, and natural environment. They come to gather their senses and to replenish both body and spirit in a place called Naniboujou.’
After dinner, we went to the beach, until the cool weather sent us inside to the solarium. Then our senses told us we needed sleep! The rooms are cozy. We all slept well and went together for a marvelous breakfast (yes, food delightfully prepared by someone else will continue to be a recurring theme)! Becky, Leslie and AnnMarie headed into Grand Marais to explore. (We had stopped at their Food Co-Op before arriving – what a great Co-Op – we highly recommend!) Pam and I wanted our time out on the beach, as close to Lake Superior as we could be. The 3 Ladies headed out, to return for Tea at 3!
Pam spent her time on one end of the beach … I was on the other. Every now and again, we’d connect, but mostly enjoyed our quiet, reflective, meditative time. #onthebeach #withlakesuperior I marveled at her creations. Here are a couple:
I spent my afternoon, evening and part of the next morning, contemplating on life, giving thanks … and using an awesome 8 foot log … and a beach filled with stones (I focused on the white ones) to create an alter of sorts. I ended up with this. When I found the big heart stone, I knew I was finished and placed it in front of the log. More details are on a recent Instagram post here.
Photo by Leslie
Photo by Becky
While in Grand Marais, Becky couldn’t resist the sun and warm stone beckoning her. Once again, allowing the gift of Mother Earth to fill her up!
Photo by AnnMarie
Tea Time was at 3pm. We dressed up and decided to enjoy it in the solarium. Oh my, it was prepared with table cloth and lace, dainty dishes and gold silverware. The sandwiches, biscuit and cookies were a tasty delight!
Pam, Me, Becky ~ AnnMarie and Leslie (The Hat Ladies!)
We spent the rest of the day, hanging out. Some took naps. Some read. Some played on the beach. Some painted.
Leslie enjoyed her time with a butterfly!
She didn’t divulge that conversation!
AnnMarie painting.
Photo by Leslie
Pam and AnnMarie on the deck. We had beautiful weather!
Photo by me
That evening, we had a campfire! It was a special time. Heidi joined us for a bit, then Matthew and Greg spent the rest of the evening with us. Fire blazing, Lake Superior’s gentle waves, along with the moon and stars … made for a night to light our hearts for a long time.
Pam was our great fire-starter.
Photo by AnnMarie
Photo by Becky
Then we headed in for our last sleep at Naniboujou Lodge. (For this trip!)
With moonlight shining on our pillows and the gentle waves singing us to sleep.
Next Up: Our last day – Coming Home – Re-entering the Real World … Ooftah!
Thank you for joining me/us on the journey. We’re glad you’re here.
Please “Like” and “Share”!
That weekend was like the secret sauce of a once-in-a-lifetime experience! (yes, it WAS that special). But we know this is just the first of many Naniboujou weekends to come!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want more and more secret sauce!! It was special, indeed!
LikeLike