In 2005, our son-in-law asked if we might be interested in sharing the purchase of a cabin. With two toddler daughters, he had visions of idyllic days at the lake. We saw that — but also lots of chores. We came upon what we thought was the perfect solution for a retreat: ownership in the Superior Shores Lakehome Association, just north of Two Harbors.

Each house is perched on the edge of Lake Superior and has eight owners. They are not necessarily people you know. The beauty of it is the purchase price and expenses are split eight ways, and maintenance is provided by a capable staff. Each owner gets the use of the lake house six to seven weeks each year. There is a shifting schedule, allowing for enjoyment in all seasons. It was the perfect answer for our family, and we signed on.

Among our happy memories: Combing the rocky beach for agates and sea glass; roasting hot dogs and s'mores around the campfire; hiking trails filled with wild raspberries, hidden fairy villages, and baby fawns. Who can forget the morning there was a bald eagle perched in a birch tree just outside our window? There also were scavenger hunts, pickleball contests, card games, swimming in the pools, and soaking in the hot tubs. The smooth, aqua lake with loon families swimming by, or the indigo lake with its white caps crashing in to shore.

Those toddlers are busy teenagers now and their visits are few and far between. But our memories are for all time. It is our hope that generations of our family will continue to enjoy the tranquil and ever-changing seasons "by the shining Big-Sea-Water" (to quote "The Song of Hiawatha.") This one's for you, Kate and Sarah!

Nancy Olson, Bloomington