My friends Tim, Tamera, Erik, and I decided we wanted to have a private celebration somewhere out of the city and away from all the stress of the
regular New Year's Eve social life. Tamera had heard of some cabins in the
North Cascades that offered discount rates in the winter. So, we called up
to make reservations. They informed us that there was no need for
reservations; just show up by 4 p.m., and there would be plenty of cabins
to choose from. We drove about 2 1/2 hours north from Seattle through
beautiful scenery, until we arrived at Baker Lake Resort, in Concrete. We
were allowed to choose from several cabins, and settled into the one we
liked best. The cabins faced north overlooking a lake that seemed surreal.
It is located at the northwest base of Mt. Baker, which could be seen in
all its glory when the clouds permitted. Because the nights are long at
this time of year, we brought several games, candles, and lots of food and
beverages. The generator would go off at 10 p.m. sharp. On the last day of
1995 we headed off for an exciting adventure through the surrounding wooded
area. At one point we came to an opening in the foliage; we could not
believe our eyes. There was about a mile of nothing but waterlogged stumps and mud. Without a word spoken, we all charged for what we later
named "Stump Land." We played on the stumps for a while, then picked a
nice, big, flat stump for a picnic. As it often is in the winter, there
were low lying, thick clouds all around, twisting themselves through the
trees. While eating we felt as though we had arrived in "Alice's
Wonderland." As the sun set, we decided to make our way back to the resort.
Upon returning we were informed that we would be the only tenants for New
Year's Eve. What could be more secluded than that! Although "Stump Land"
was a great find, it was only the beginning. At 10 p.m. we found ourselves
in the middle of the lake in a row boat. At midnight - absolute silence,
the moon, and snow. We continued to enjoy the beauty until complete
exhaustion. When we rose in the morning Tim got directions to a natural hot
spring. We dressed and began the first journey of 1996. We found the
springs and relaxed awhile, then continued on to a fabulous waterfall. We
knew we would have to get back to the city soon, but all agreed that it
would be a great new year.
Cheryl Woodruff
Seattle
