in good company

Victoria Day weekend was chilly and blustery in this part of the world, however the weather didn't alter the enjoyment of it one bit. There are plenty of things to write about my w/e, such as photographing a 7-day old, 5 lb, newborn baby boy, but the real enjoyment of this w/e started Sunday night.

A toasty warm cabin from a wood stove fed a few hours of euchre with good friends until the early morning hours. When sleepiness, (or maybe it was losing 5 straight games), finally beckoned us to bed, my body fell easily and heavily into unconsciousness. When morning dawned and the weather was still windy and cool, we sat back in our chairs, warm drinks in hand and watched the amazing surf outside. Having a southwest view means seeing no signs of civilization, and especially on windy days like this, you feel as though you're looking at the ocean rather than a lake. There is no electricity or water in this cabin. No cellphones or computers. There is instead buckets to collect water for washing, a propane stove for heating water, a small solar panel used to listen to music and an outhouse with a dutch door so that you're never without a view.

You would think cool, windy, wet weather would mire what is typically a sunny, warm long w/e, but somehow we found ourselves hoping we would get stranded inside this small abode only to continue enjoying the simplicity of doing nothing more than playing cards, sharing stories, reading mags, and taking a snooze. The pleasure came from having no agenda and being with old friends who appreciate slipping into "doing nothing". It was only one night, but when we eventually faced up to the fact that we had to return to our respective homes and responsibilities, it felt like we were away for much longer. I can easily say it was one of the best times I've spent at my cabin for the company, the weather, the games, and the escape from what at times feels like constant "doing". It was wonderfully relaxing and purely pleasurable. I hope to do it all over again soon.