When Travel Becomes Tradition

“Home is where the heart is,” an expression we have all heard and used… Whether it is your actual home, a secret spot you love to visit, or just those certain people that you feel most yourself with, we all have a place we call home.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of my extended family members this past week in a very beautiful and relaxing place called the Forest Lake Club, somewhere completely new to me. However, these family members of mine have been frequenting the Forest Lake Club for over 50 years. It all began when my Great Aunt and Great Uncle would visit for months at a time every summer. And so the tradition began. And the tradition has continued, even though my Great Aunt and Great Uncle are no longer with us.

I was introduced to the 4,700 acres of outdoor recreation and relaxation last week and saw for myself what they found so magical about their annual visit. Lush trees, grand lakes, and rolling hills surround this special place in Pennsylvania. It was during my visit that I was introduced to many old friends and family members of my late Great Aunt and Great Uncle, and heard stories of how they filled their days many years ago. Their time spent there wasn’t much different than ours. Between swimming in the lake, hiking, kayaking, golfing, hunting, etc., there was plenty to do. I learned about how my Great Aunt would swim to an overhanging rock, quite some distance from the shore of Wolf Lake, every day. As a tribute to her, nearly twenty members from our family trekked the open water to simulate her long expedition to the infamous rock. We smiled, splashed, and treaded nearly a half a mile of Lake Wolf and loved every moment of it. We all took a “shot” at our very first shooting range, which was exciting. We hiked through the curvy trails that outlined the water. The air was so cool and clean, and all of the trees were so tall and full. I enjoyed walking in the soft grass and spotting the lightning bugs after the sun went down. Late in the evenings we reminisced and laughed about stories from years ago.

It was so lovely to understand first hand why the Forest Lake was and is still on the calendar annually. I can see why my Great Aunt and Great Uncle called the Forest Lake home for several months every year. Sharing my first experience there with my wonderful family and creating new memories after hearing so many previous stories was my favorite part. To me, my family is where my heart is… and how great it is to share time with loved ones in such a special place that is so deep rooted!