Lake Chelan

This past weekend we looked through a virtual keyhole into the past as we drove over the bridge highlighting the lit up beachfront of Lake Chelan and bringing us right past the beautiful Campbell’s Hotel at the entrance of the little town that was part of a number of our summers while our kids were growing up.

Over the years, on our trips here, we have slept in a camper, in tent trailers, pull trailers, or even just in a van, with the kids sleeping under the stars. We stayed in a motel with my parents once and rented a house once, but this was the first time that we stayed in a B & B . . . just the two of us.

The novelty of just showering and heading down to a ready set table was not lost on me. Neither was the fact that, after our delicious breakfast, we only had about a three minute walk to the campsite where our grandkids were just finishing up theirs. I tell you, this is the way to camp!

We packed up our beach bag, beach toys and towels and as we looked about the lakefront it was evident that no one had missed a beat during our years of absence. Campers and locals alike, are still claiming their favourite spots near certain trees or picnic tables. Large families get their grills ready, hand out potato chips and slice up watermelons, while young moms run after toddlers and older kids take off to the water with their water toys.

Lake Chelan is the largest natural lake in Washington State and one of the deepest lakes in the country.  It is cold and refreshing in the hot desert heat, but if you should happen to lose your tooth in that water, there’s not going to be any tooth fairy looking for it.

Every summer vacation we spent sitting on the grass and looking out over the lake, one of the kids would point out how it sparkled like diamonds. I noticed it again this weekend. The mountains, orchards and wineries surrounding the quaint little town with its ice cream parlours and boutique shops, add a hint of a Tuscan feel about the place.

We celebrated Tehya’s Birthday evening at the water slides. The view from up there is gorgeous and brings back memories of our own kids having their first thrilling experiences at the slides. No news at all though, that pretty well only a four-year-old can convince me to go down a slide with her!

On Sunday morning we took the grandkids to the old Variety Store in town, where they each got to spend five dollars . . . such a simple way to spend time and just so much fun to see their careful choosing of their individual treats. We stopped for something cold to drink and held hands as we walked back to the campsite.

Old slides and photos neatly organized in cubes or albums have not had the same effect on me as the actual retracing of our steps this weekend. I realize I am the same person, but different. It's alright to be older and, although I would never want to take away the sense of adventure of youth, I also remember the insecurities and growing pains that go with it, leaving me with a sense of how God has worked in my life. I feel blessed and content in how and where He has led me to this day. A gift to cherish.