I grew up in Kansas, where the summers were hot and muggy. As kids we played in the rivers to stay cool but usually by late August they would be a deep rust color from the surrounding clay. They also had a strong odor to them, making them very unpleasant to swim in. So it was an extremely pleasant surprise when our family moved to Minnesota and I got to experience the fresh clear water of Minnesota lakes at age 13. The contrast was both stark and memorable, and I remember it often as my family and I spend our summers on the waters of Minnesota and Wisconsin lakes.
Since those early teenage years, I have been able to realize a dream that is common to many in the Midwest, purchasing my own lake cabin. And 
while it is a dream fulfilled, I have never taken for granted the beauty and grandeur of the environment that is created by all the lakes here in Minnesota and Wisconsin. An aerial view provides a broader perspective as each lake is vastly different yet beautiful in its own way. Yet, ownership has allowed me the privilege of experiencing a way of life that is a respite from the demands of the daily routine.
Lakeshore Dreams helped my wife and me find a perfect spot in Western Wisconsin, near the town of Siren. Cabin ownership began as a hobby for me but quickly became a way of life for our entire family. In the midst of today's hustle and bustle, with an always quickening pace, we have a place on earth that always operates at the same pace. It runs on "cabin time." The cabin is a place for us to get away, physically and mentally. Friends once asked, "how can you go to the same place almost every weekend?" I explained that it may seem like it would be the same every weekend but the cabin experience presents itself differently each time we go there.
One example of this is the ever changing mix of wildlife. The other day, I sat on the deck and tried to count the different species of birds, but eventually lost track. There were eagles and hummingbirds, chickadees and goldfinches, blue birds and cat birds, green herons and grey herons, orioles, loons and everything in between. We learn something new about nature every time we go to the lake.
We have also learned some life lessons that we won’t soon forget. The original structure on our property was a very small 3 season cabin. We had always wanted to build something bigger but just couldn’t bring ourselves to take down many of the tall pines that filled the property. Somehow it just didn’t seem right.
Then on June 19, 2001 a tornado went through the area and knocked down most of the trees that we had wanted to preserve. With our primary obstacle removed, we decided to build a new cabin in 2002 using as many of the fallen trees as possible. By working with Hank Petit of Ojibwa Log Homes of Winter WI we were able to build a new log home closer to the shore, giving us a beautiful view of the lake. More importantly they were able to use the fallen trees for flooring throughout the main level, for the tongue and groove paneling on the lower level and for the railings and posts outside. It was comforting to know that the trees were not wasted but will continue to provide their natural beauty for years to come. We were able to bring comfort and life from the destruction of a powerful tornado. Tragedy is not always what it seems at first.
Oh the cabin, a wonderful place to hang out with family and friends. And going to the lake is indeed a way of life, a very good life. Thank you Lakeshore Dreams for fulfilling this childhood dream of mine....oh yeah, and the friends who asked us how we can go to the same place every weekend? They are cabin owners now as well, and they totally understand.
Editors Note: If you have an interesting or unique lakeshore story you think others would enjoy, contact us at info@lakeshoredreams.com. We would love to hear from you.
