Vacation of Firsts
Vacation of Firsts
It was 1:30 am Wednesday at Fiddler’s Green, and Cowboy made it clear he wanted to take me outside for a walk. How could I refuse his big, dark, handsome, yet cute presence and gentle ways. Sure enough, we padded quietly and directly out the door of the lighted and still-busy restaurant onto the cobblestone pathway.
Cowboy led me around the corner where it was darker. When I hesitated, he turned intuitively around and assured me in his knowing way that it was ok. This happened a few more times as I followed him along the side and back of this well-established meeting and eating place. As Cowboy continued on, (I don’t know how far back the land of Fiddler’s extends) I decided it was time to go back. He reluctantly agreed and accompanied me back. With silence the whole time, Cowboy seems to me a comfort of the soul and a protector in his heart; and one of the sweetest Black Labs I have ever met. I understand all the Islanders know Cowboy the dog.
July 2011 was my first trip to Washington Island, WI for my “Vacation of Firsts,” termed accurately by Islander Sue Gourley. Sue’s husband of 21 years, Rick “the Professor,” and Dave, my boyfriend of nine months, have been friends for 32 years. This was Dave’s 32nd year traveling “north of the tension line” as he appropriately calls it. We celebrated Rick’s 60th birthday at Fiddlers where Rick impressively jammed for hours on guitar and sang with other talented musicians. You have probably all experienced it. This is also, of course, where the Cowboy story took place.
My vacation of firsts also included: First time ever fishing, getting a worm on a hook, catching perch, golfing, showering outside, and peeing in the woods. Leave the debt ceiling to Congress, I went for the first time to Mann’s Store and got a great-looking bright blue, tie-dyed shirt and pink hat. When I wear them, I let the world know I was on Washington Island. I may not know where Casey Anthony is, but I know where to go find the best basket weaving in the great state of Wisconsin: Sievers School of Fiber Arts.
Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony may not be making music together anymore, but you can still hear future American Idol contestants impressively belt out some great Beatles songs and other performers beautifully sing original songs written by Islander Julian Hagen.
There are many wonderful moments, experiences, and people I got to meet on your welcoming Island, and each one is a story in itself. Thank you Washington Island for my “Vacation of Firsts.”
by Stephanie Stone
