The Spirit of Trips Past

Written by Melanie Collins
I used to think every trip had a story, but I have since learned that every trip has many stories. Even the same event can be told with amazing variety, depending on whose doing the telling. One of the best parts of spending your summers at an outfitting resort is getting to be a part of everyone's summer vacation. I used to love picking someone up at the airport and listening to them tell stories of past adventures in the woods as we drove out to the lodge. It seems everyone gets a little nostalgic recalling his or her first canoe trips. Then as I watched our guests prepare to embark on the present trip, they would recollect the time so-and-so left the fish unattended and a turtle got off with supper, or what's-his name decided to play a prank by filling you-know-who's back pack with rocks, or the time the kids beat their parents in a race around the island. When people return from a week in the woods, its always fun to hear the fresh tales of who misread the map and who was crowned "king of the Fire Pit" this year.
As a new year begins, be sure to spend some time with the Spirit of Trips Past. Pass down your version of the story to your spouse, kids, co-workers, whoever will listen. Keep the legend of Uncle Joes' world record walleye alive! Some stories may be sentimental, like the story of the first time your daughter took a trip with you, or the last time you went with your grandfather. Other stories will be full of adventure, like the giant storm that you almost didn't survive. Still others are just plain nostalgic or comical. As you tell your story, others will tell theirs, and the stories will just get better and better and the memories will last longer and longer. There's no better way to pass on your enthusiasm for the wilderness, than to share the experiences that helped you get that enthusiasm.

Share some memories with the rest of us.