Camp Christy

How about a couple little stories to help set the stage...

First, Christy on waterskiing:

"I was trembling. So scared. The boat was going so fast. God, I couldn't imagine how my brother-in-law must have been feeling. I mean, he was the one on water skis. I was just driving the boat."

Next, Christy on her umbrella policy (following a minor tow rope incident):
"I have the best, and most plentiful insurance I could possibly buy for Camp Christy. The insurance agent I worked with is a family friend andknows me. She just kept sharing 'what if this happened' and 'could you see that happening' type scenarios. They all seamed completely plausible, so I went ahead and got everything she was selling."

This was one of my introductions to Camp Christy, early Saturday morning while zipping around on her speedboat and debating whether or not to give waterskiing a try for myself (uh, no). For being 30-something, unemployed and living in a cabin in the Wisconsin north woods, Christy has mastered Full Throttle living.

Another introduction to Camp Christy was the cabin itself. Upon arrival and even past my departure, it was hard to tell what was most plentiful. The walls filled with hooks overflowing with swimsuits in varying degrees of wetness. The farm fresh fruits, veggies and herbs filling the fridge, counters and vases (Christy's dad and many of her relatives are local farmers, and her sister and mom are terrific gardeners). The libations; an eclectic mix including fresh pressed strawberry juice, booze and Capri Suns. Or books out in the sunporch, organized by extensive world travel guides, self help and fiction and non-fiction.

My time at Camp Christy was definitely intoxicated detox. While there was some imbibing, the intoxication came mostly from being outside, exercising, socializing and the breath of fresh country air that is Christy. Not so oddly, these were the things that detoxed me as well.

Friday night we searched out the best Friday fish fry in the state. The County Line fish fry. It was hopping! Exactly what you'd expect. Country music, elderly waitresses, 1980's promotional beer posters with pictures of scantily clad hard-bodied men and large-chested women hanging on the walls above pool tables, funny looks when you try to order a microbrew and broiled fish (Christy....). While leaving we made sure to grab a couple cards for local businesses, including Mushroom Gatherer and Quilter, from the cork board by the exit.

The following morning we were up early. Christy to got out for a swim - over 3 miles! Me for a double digit run. We met back at Camp for bacon, fruit, pastries and strawberry mimosas. Then went SUPing behind the boat. SUPing I've done, but never towed behind a speedboat. Full Throttle living...

Out of our suits and into our workout gear again, we took off on bikes for a 10 mile ride to Baronette, enjoyed lunch and custard, and then biked back. Baronette is a small town. Possibly unincorporated. Not densely populated. Love the frivolous use of fractions (3/4 and 15/16th just incase you were wondering) in their street names.

That afternoon Christy's parents took me in as their own and we all enjoyed a leisurely pontoon booze crooze. We saw wildlife, city parks, camping and the like. Afterward it was back to Camp for a delicious dinner Christy whipped up. I LOVE scallops. Especially when cooked perfectly. Somehow Christy "just guessed" her way to grilled pancetta wrapped scallop perfection! Another cruise on her boat, a campfire and s'mores closed out a perfect day.

My last morning there we biked into Cumberland and loaded up on goodies. Sausage, wieners, beef sticks and beer from Louie's Finer Meats.

Then continued our journey to Main Street where we befriended the newest shop owner in town and got an exclusive inside look at her store and newly renovated apartment above the store. Although our creative juices were flowing of what fun business we could start, we thought some bloody mary's couldn't hurt. We headed to Hill Top. An institution, even though as we were pulling into the parking lot Christy was saying "I'm not sure why everyone comes here. It's in the middle of nowhere, it's ugly and the food isn't that good." It was the pickle garnish. So good.

So many other additional stories I'd love to share, but leaving Full Throttle living has been a bit exhausting! Counting the days until my return to Camp Christy.