I M Perfect lady

This was in October of 2016 – WIND began doing overnight adventures in Ontonagon.

My friend who lives there invited us – and our friends began meeting each other.

We stayed in a cottage and planned a few hikes.

 

The second year we stayed at a new friend's place along the shores of Lake Superior and we did a class on glass blowing – another new friend was our teacher.

This was much harder than it appeared – but fun and a great teacher.

 

We then stayed at the Township park and had a wonderful spot right on the shores.

We hiked on trails in the Porky's and rode our bikes – and swam.  Familiar faces on our Ontonagon camping trips.

And then we added boats – which was a great idea – since we were camping on the shores of Lake Superior.  

 

In 2021 we began staying at a special place, hosted by this wonderful woman.

It was the year we couldn't reserve a spot at the local Township Campground – and she generously opened her home to us.  And, we gladly accepted.

This was our 5th time staying there.

 

It has become an annual place for us to retreat – on the shores of Lake Superior – West Campground.

Over the years we all have gotten closer, shared laughs and sorrows.  We have become soul sisters.

My friend – she is the conduit to WIND girls to form new friendships in Ontonagon.

Our groups have mingled and jelled together nicely – we even commented this past trip how there has not been any drama – we are all so wonderfully meshed together – in a loving kind friendship.  

Our times together have laughter, wisdom and life experiences shared.

We blend so well – it is pure joy when we meet.

Oh and we love doing projects – or so I think.

Each year we do a few and they have become some of my prized pieces.

 

I treasure this time of year when we haul out tents and boats to her place.

We feel right at home – and love returning each year.

 

How lucky am I – to have friends who have friends who become friends!

 

WIND turned 13 years old this summer. 

The women I have met and the adventures we have been on – and the friendships who feel like family – overwhelm me.

 

What is so heartwarming – is for all that I have lost – more have I gained.

These women have filled my heart –

I have volumes of memories of all that we have done over the years.

The ways in which we have grown and explored new things.

Revisited old actives and added new ones.

Who I am and how I see myself has changed over these many years.

I am better because of the women who call me friend.

Even if WIND ends – I believe we will still enjoy many adventures together.

We came together as women in new directions – some of our lives were swiftly changed into a direction we were unfamiliar with – and yet we have overcome.

We have leaned into our direction and have grown because of it.

What I love about  WIND is the women I have gotten to know.

How they each brought to me a stronger part of myself.

I learned from them.

And have become a lot more self assured. 

All of our adventures, whether weekly meetings or when we camp – have given me back a whole self.  

 

It is so interesting. In the early conception of WIND.  My intentions were to join together women who feel lost with women who were further down the path and could shed some light on life. I kinda believed I was the one leading – only to figure out many years later, they were leading me.

 

My heart loves our group and I have found peace and a space to grow and be me.

Unconditional love grew in WIND.

 

I love you all!