Located on the tributary of the Clearwater River and just
three miles south of Seeley Lake, Placid is a perfect getaway. That first
glimpse of the lake, after rounding the corner near the dock and boat launch,
is a stunning one. Bordered by Douglas fir and Ponderosa Pines, Placid is a
quaint but beautiful lake. It is quite literally a visual postcard forever
framed in my mind.
We spent most of the weekend boating back and forth across
the lake with everyone trying their hand at wakeboarding and surfing. Thanks to
all my large gulps of water from crashing on the boards, I stayed thoroughly
hydrated in the heat. In our down time, we sat around the picnic table telling
stories and observing the curious and gluttonous habits of campground
squirrels. I also enjoyed meandering down the road that circles the lake and
admired the thousands of lily pads that embellish the lake’s edge. When evening descended, I always lingered at
the dock to photograph sunsets in hues of orange and red seemingly too vibrant
to be real. The spectacles of nature never cease to amaze me.
On our second evening a thunder storm put on a mesmerizing
performance over the lake. Every few minutes another grumble echoed down from
the sky quickly followed by a flash of lightning. Each bolt looked like a
luminescent tree limb branching out. And despite my grade school warnings about
not going near water when there’s lightning, I couldn’t help but walk to the
end of the dock for a front row seat of the show. At one point, lightning lit
up the sky in a shade of violet so brilliant it took my breath away.
When the final morning of our trip arrived, I stayed in my
sleeping bag extra late letting my senses soak up every last bit of nature around
me. I listened to the buzz and hums of insects as they bounced off the tent
walls. The scent of propane and smoke reminded me that breakfast was in the
works, and perhaps a last minute s’more. I pictured the morning lake in my
mind, smooth as glass, with small groups of loons drifting along on it.
I had loved every minute of camping, but that final minute
came too soon. After a quick run into Seeley to grab a chocolate/vanilla
swirled ice cream cone from the iconic Ice Cream Place, we reluctantly set our
sights toward home. But with dozens of pictures on my camera and the scent of
smoke still embedded in my clothes, I knew I was taking a piece of nature back
with me.
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