by Mark G. Sullivan

Created on: July 05, 2009

It takes four hours to reach my location but only two to pass the stress line. Ah, you ask, what is the stress line? For me living in southern Wisconsin it happens when travelling to the northern part of the state. As I pass Stevens Point, my halfway marker, the stress in my body starts to slide away. When the 210-mile drive is finished, a feeling of total relaxation has set in. Now the time has arrived to enjoy the little things in life.

Within an hour of arriving, I am watching the storm clouds approach. My perch is a long pier jutting out into the waters of Big St Germain Lake. The gentle lapping of waves against the pilings calms me. No doubt in a few short minutes that will change for flashes of lightening bare a warning. Yet until forced to move, my feet remain draped into the clear water below. I watch intently as thousands of tiny minnow's race back and forth. Could my toes be their next meal?

As rain starts to fall, the large clear umbrella provides protection. As the drops smacked the taut material, small streams of water went running in many directions. As I am easily entertained, it became a goal to connect as many of them to create one big runoff. Reality set in for it was either keep the umbrella upright to stay dry or get wet while giving in to my inner youth. Youth won.

The next morning, Akio, my golden retriever and I are sitting quietly on a stone bench as the wind blows through the deep green leaves. Yesterday's rain has left a fresh clean smell to enjoy. While breathing deep I watch the squirrels chase from branch to branch disturbing the crows nearby. Soon their loud cawing has changed this serene scene to one of wild commotion. It seems even the mosquitoes have been wakened from their slumber and now have made it their mission to move me along. They do succeed but not until I'm done enjoying the moment.

Akio takes the lead as we continue. With no destination in mind, his nose is our guide. He pauses often to check out scents the passing rain has brought alive. A trained eye would know a bear has left a deep paw print close. Certainly, the dog has taken an interest but not me. No, I gaze at a large cobweb highlighted by the morning sun. The intricacy of the fine strands positioned to trap the next meal has resulted in the camera being brought to my eye. Maybe one of the photos will be worth keeping. If not, just the chance to see this wonder is reward enough.

Our walk continues in quiet. Every now and then the golden glanced back, checking to see if I am on the same path as he. On one such occasion, he came running for I was nowhere to be seen. Little did he know that my interest was drawn to an opening in the trees. As he looked for me, I gave him a soft whistle, one that he has become accustomed to hearing. Soon Akio is leaning against my leg, waiting to start in a new direction.

Within five minutes, we've come to a rocky overlook of trees bordering a large lake. As Akio wanders, I am captivated with the view of eagles soaring effortlessly. With wings spread, their graceful wind dance is a picture of beauty. As one drops out of sight, another appears, climbing, turning, and twisting for no one but me to watch. A screeching noise brings my eyes to a nest in the trees below. There, young eagles are demanding attention from the adults. For now, they will have to wait.

How many minutes passed I am not sure. At some point, it became apparent that the stress responsible for my long days and short nights was not going to be part of this vacation. These next few days are going to be spent enjoying the little things in life that rejuvenate the soul.

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