Wabi Sabi North Woods 2018

When college friends convene in the sugar bush 

Prior to this August, my last trip to Phillips was in January of 2017. That time, we toured an honest-to-goodness maple syrup farm (maple trees = sugar bush), took an icy walk on Price Lake, and spent a Sunday morning writing to our senators because: nasty women. 




This time at my friends' up north cabin, our aim was the Japanese wabi sabi, which means finding beauty in things imperfect and impermanent. So zen. There were a few new faces, a pontoon, the occasional portrait mode, and arguably the best grilled corn in creation. 


No really, the subject of corn was actually argued vehemently. Fritz's Korean barbecue — which included said corn — was delish indeed. She also made her famous margaritas and grilled jalapeño poppers. 


For my part, I came prepared with rice krispie treats and curry chicken salad, plus fixings for tortellini pasta salad, lemon bars (which I turned gluten free for sensitive stomachs), and scrumptious lemon poppyseed pancakes with blueberry sauce. 









To move our bodies between eating sessions, we hiked to some of the local falls, then later had a swimming and floating party on Price Lake. "Take her to sea, Mr. Murdoch!" 




The diva pup, Gia, got a lift from the pier to the pontoon in queenly style. Not pictured: Mason, the black lab who prefers to stay out of the sun and out of the spotlight. 





As the sun went down, there may have been a throwback to college with a quick game of beer pong. There also may have been birth chart astrology readings by our hostess with the mostest, as well as some debate over whether or not s'mores are terrible. They're not and anyone who disagrees can leave now. 




Before our last sleep in the north woods, we had an impromptu group sing of Paul Simon and attempted to floss (as in the dance). In the morning, we enjoyed the aforementioned pancake breakfast, snapped a group pic, and headed for home, our brains full of new memories and our hearts a little fuller too, let's be honest. Until next time, all you wabi sabi sugar bush friends!