Lighthouse Resort, Fence Lake, Woodruff, Wisconsin 09.10.2026

This was the place I first discovered water ~ at least in a vast, encompassing sense. Where I learned to swim, to boat.. to watch the light from a new day’s sun scatter across its surface.

Though Fence Lake comprises nearly 3,500 acres ~ an unfathomable expanse for a 7 year old’s eyes ~ a small bay at its southern end is where we’d gather annually. Mom with her book, Dad with his fishing gear, and my siblings and I with our wide-eyed sense of wonder.

It’s where we first heard the celestial lilt of a loon at dawn, or the staccato hoot of an owl at night. Where we discovered the rugged bark of pine trees and the sound wind makes as it meanders through branches, needles, leaves. What acorns are and how much racket they can make falling on the roof of 1930’s-era cabin.

Over time, we became stronger swimmers, bolder navigators and eventually, adults. Jobs and life changes would distance us and the visits became more infrequent.

Occasionally, though, we still find our way back ~ to reminisce and wonder.. What the world looked like when it was new. How far can that lighthouse beam can travel? How many stars are in the sky, and where does time go?