Campion’s Retreat

Campion’s Retreat

It’s been a while since I’ve personally posted. Since Norm passed in May, time has been grieving, cleaning, making decisions, and all that goes with losing a loved one. Fortunately, my family and friends have been quite supportive. I never thought I would go this long without travel—that is just not me.

Lucky me, my son, Eric’s, friend Jim Campion invited me to join two other friends, Gini and Chuck, and Christy, Eric’s girlfriend to three wonderful days at his home on Washburn Lake, Minnesota. It was the first time in many years I had traveled without my laptop to work—just three days of relaxation. I wasn’t sure if I would know how to do that. I was wrong. The company and the environment kicked in quickly.

After a delicious homemade blueberry waffle breakfast with all the trimmings, we went out four wheeling–a first for me. Going through the beautiful natural trails were rough and beautiful. I enjoyed the nature as well as watching the GPS to see where we were going. Not that I could have easily found my way back, but I had somewhat of an idea. However, the most exciting aspect of the four-wheeling were not all the bald eagles and expected wild life, but a flock of about eight or ten wild turkey quickly running across the road into the brush. Unfortunately, they were so fast, I could not get the lens cap off my camera fast enough to capture them. Once they hit the brush, they disappeared. There was an oil painting my grandfather painted when I was a child of a similar scene, and this brought that memory to life—what a treasure.

The Pickled Loon Saloon

We stopped at The Pickled Loon Saloon for lunch before we headed back. Gini, Christy, and Chuck were on the 4-wheelers behind us, so they got our dust. Gini liked the puddles and it reminded me of Eric when he was little and never wanted to miss a puddle.

Loon on Lake Washburn

Our next adventure was the pontoon boat on Lake Washburn. What a treat and relaxing. There are so few homes on this beautiful lake. There was no way I expected to get into the water when we arrived at the sand bar. The temperature of the water was 78 degrees. My pool is 88 to 92 degrees and I’m spoiled. The sun was warm, the temperature was in the 80s and I did it, I went in the lake with everyone else and loved it. I still can’t believe it and neither can some of my friends.

For dinner Jim grilled a great filet and an absolutely delicious salmon. We had grilled potatoes and salad and a lovely relaxing meal. After dinner we played 10,000 (which had another name—put I don’t recall it). I can’t say I had the scoring down well, but the others did, so I did just fine and even won a game.

Christy & Gini Kayaking

The next day had the speedboat, kayaking, and pontoon boating again. Our evening was a huge campfire where Chuck roasted the brats, accompanied by salad, corn, and baked beans.

The three days flew by and it was time to go. I’m grateful to my new friends for getting me back in my travel mode. It was much appreciated, enjoyed and needed. Thank you Jim for inviting Eric’s mother.

The FlipOGram was done by Gini.  Streaming link: http://flipagram.com/f/Zru1UhesbP

Maralyn D. Hill

Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.