Some people say Lake
Superior is a fountain of youth. The lake awakens creativity. The light
acknowledges forgotten corners. A walk to the shore makes the world appear
fresh.
Every time our family
visits this part of Lake Superior we laugh, make up plays, tell stories, look
at the lake and, of course, trek to the beach. One annual pilgrimage is the
journey to the Sand River beach which also is the portal to one of Superior’s
finest treasure houses—Bathtub Island. I have written about Bathtub Island many
times before but, since it renews each year, I must write about it again.
For our trip there, we
load up our bags and packs with blankets, towels, sandwiches and various
versions of toys and games. Small purple and yellow plastic pails for building
sand castles, a set of bocce balls, big and little Frisbees and a nerf football
are part of the paraphernalia which we haul along the sandy pathway down the
dunes and along the beach until we get to our chosen spot. This year the wind
was cool, so after dragging over extra logs to sit on, we erected a wind break
with blankets draped over driftwood walls. But we needed some ties to attach
the blanket to the driftwood. The island gods must have heard us talking because
one of us went swimming and discovered a bundle of short blue ropes in the
water!
Once we had our space
figured out, each one of us established his/her own way on the beach. Bocce
balls clunked together and debate ensued as to whose ball was closest to the bellini.
Little fingers dug deep holes in the sand and the fire keeper kept flames going
so smoke didn’t fill the eyes of the person who was sitting downwind of the
pit. Then the food came out and we tried to keep sand out of the sandwiches.
There were races up and down the water’s edge but all the while that glorious
place offshore beckoned.
There is something
magical about Bathtub Island as hundreds of people now know. At one time, about
20 years ago, the tiny rock and three treed place felt the feet of few folks.
Today streams of pilgrims venture to its shore and become renewed. In the
middle of the island is a shallow sandy pool where young children can splash to
contentment while adults can dive off the far side into crystal clear freezing
water. The day we were there a couple of brave souls swam to the large
whale-like rock off the west side of the island, but most ran around to enjoy
the expansive view from all sides. And those who couldn’t stand the cold 50
meter wade to the island stayed on the shore and took it all in with a smile and
awe.
The island is a funny
place. It reminds you of being on another planet, of being removed from
stresses of life and organized leisure. Yet the rocky outcrop is so small and
so close to the shore. Perhaps because the island is devoid of colourful
plastic (no one takes or needs a toy out there) or maybe it is the challenge of
the cold, suck- in- your- stomach walk out there that creates the special feeling.
However, there’s one thing with no debate. Bathtub Island is a magnet. Add to
that the presence of the children, with their laughter and sheer joy as they
make their long run down the beach and the spell is cast. So thanks Kids for
making us feel like kids again.