It was October 1984, and I was in small-animal veterinary practice in Ashland, Wisconsin. The location was our favorite camping spot in the area, called Birch Grove, a dozen miles or so northwest of Ashland, in the Chequamegon (sha-WAH-mih-gun) National Forest. We had just hiked around the more westerly of the two little lakes between which the campground is beautifully situated in the lovely late afternoon. Ah, I remember it well!
Squiddy, balancing on the rock, was about 5½ and Batty, riding in serene comfort on my back, was about 7 months old. That little dog in front of me, Foxy Lady, was the first of the three best it’s ever been my pleasure to know, and I’m planning to present her in a new post soon. The slide has deteriorated considerably over the years, and I worked for almost two hours to restore it to as close to its original condition as possible. CD made this photo, and I’ve loved it ever since I first saw it.
krikitarts 
What a delightful silhouette you all make. No wonder you love it. The sun must have been in just the right position to backlight your heads.
That’s the lighting I need now. The details of my face were a lot better back then, and i’ve come to appreciate back-lighting more as I, um, grow up…
What a beautiful memory – it made me smile :).
This always makes me smile, too. I wish I could take your along on a hike around this little lake. You’d love it. Must do a post dedicated to it sometime soon…
I grew up sailing, so where there’s water I’m happy :). It would be a wonderful hike I’m sure.
It is a wonderful hike, Cindy, and yes, there’s water, but you won’t find enough for sailing there. The only watercraft I’d recommend on this little lake are (in order of preference) a canoe, a kayak, and (if you’re into fly-fishing) a float tube.
Canoeing is very peaceful, so how about we hike and canoe? :)
Deal! This is about 4 hours east of our cabin, and I can combine the hike and canoe excursion with a visit to my musical partner in Ashland. And we will serenade you. Let me know when you can come (in the summer), and we’ll see if we can make it work!
Wait!! What about fishing. Is Mikey allowed to come and fish? :)
Well, of course–but the fishing declined over the years that I went back after moving away. It seems that people were not into the catch-and-release level of the sport, unfortunately.
That’s a shame :(.
A beautiful keepsake, Gary…what a moment to capture. Well done, CD. :)
I’ve told her so many times over the years!
Good for you! :)
A golden moment, Gary. Beautiful.
A most apt descriptor, M. I think it was Galen Rowell who came up with the term “Golden Light” for the early and late hours when the sun is very low, and when I hear the term, this is one of the photos that immediately come to mind. Thank you!
Sweet photo of a touching moment.
I just love going back to that spot nowadays. I manage it nearly once a year, and every time I can do it, the girls–as little ones–and Foxy, of course, are there with me in spirit. I wish I could share more eloquently what a very special place this is been for me, ever since I discovered it, somewhen in the early 1970s. A memory treasure!
This is such a lovely image..a golden moment..very touching indeed!
I can still hear the red-winged blackbirds calling to each other as they flitted around just above the surface of the water. It was truly magical!