Priest Lake 2009

This year, like all the others, was windy and rainy- while the sun escorted us out on our way home. Our same group each year, a few added and a few left behind, witness the ticking of the clock in year increments- with most of us heading into mid-life, and kids getting louder and crazier, older and cuter, our nights around the fire aren't as wild as in years past or as late, conversations have more of a political air than they used to, bodies creak a bit more, and lounging occurs much more frequently than hiking or biking. All the efforts, the discomforts, the laughter and silly drunken men, the giggles and tickles, bumps and bruises, and food galore make this a memorable weekend.

It is a group unlike any I have ever known. Year after year I learn more about these people, these friends, I watch them grow and learn to appreciate and love them all more- for all of their greatness and idiosyncrasies endear each one of them to me in ways I never would have anticipated.

Here's to another year at Priest Lake!