Upon first entering ‘Wild Wind,’ our eyes devoured every detail possible until our brains revolted into a state of relaxation.
Chandelier ships swayed from the ceiling as the lake waves brushed against the pier, sending the house to a gentle sway- noticeable only if you were still. The stylish seats dawned denim material that was actually quite comfortable to everyone’s surprise.
The open concept kitchen, dining room and living room allowed a constant feeling of connect among our family of 6 adults and two dogs, while the bedrooms provided more than enough privacy if we wanted to hide away.
Sophie and Sadie, our lab mixes, quickly made themselves at home by the dining room table that housed silver but realistic crab napkin holders that rested on themed dinnerware.
‘Wild Wind’ provided anything we could have possibly needed or wanted during our stay in the ways of fishing needs, extra bedding sets, grill, laundry needs, fully equipped kitchen and more silverware than one could ever imagine.
Stepping out onto the gazebo, we were met with a warm breeze that slowly chilled as we crossed the pier toward the center of the lake.
A swinging bench etched with pelicans was stationed next to a large picnic style table with storage bench seats where we could leave our fishing poles, tackle boxes, etc. for the week. Life jackets, a large net and several other necessities were located in the bench seats, as well, and a large life ring hung in the center of the upstairs deck.
A small staircase led us down to the lower portion of the pier’s deck, where a bench stretched most of the distance of the deck to a sink along the side.
During our stay, we happened across many forms of wildlife including otters, two snakes (one dead, one alive), several lizards, many types of birds, cranes, and a few kinds of bugs we care not to remember.
While the girls took to reading, fishing morning and night became the boys’ lifestyle, quickly leading to a daily journal-style entry of the “Chronicles of the Beast”:
Day one: No one has seen the beast, but he's snapped two lines and continues to be a tyrant to the boys. Perhaps it lies in wait for
girl power. To be continued...
EDIT: THE BEAST HAS BEEN SEEN. He appears to be a swordfish, at least two feet long.
Day two: The house is relatively still apart from a constant but dull sway brought on by the lake meeting the pier. The boys, I believe, are dreaming of capturing the beast, the dogs of never-ending treats. "What shall today bring?" I wonder, as I sit along the white marble counter eating Fruit Loops with marshmallows in a paper bowl.
The excitement of potentially catching the beast grew with each passing catch. As the sun began to set and the lake grew dark, crabs had begun to take the stage and danced below the lake’s surface in the pier lights.
The boys caught several fish but were weary as they thought they had seen a snake the night before. The “Overwatch Tower” had officially taken form when the girls set down their books and peered over the upstairs deck, watching for potential threats that turned out to be twigs drifting by.
Day three: The beast breathed a sigh of relief this morning as the boys ventured to New Orleans only thirty minutes away. However, the boys came across a small fishing shop nestled in The Big Easy and stocked up on lures, weights and shrimp galore. Hold fast, beast, because the boys will be back.
Day three (cont’d): Though the beast has yet to be caught, Jeramey sought a slightly more obtainable creature this evening. With the sun setting against a purple, orange and pink rippled sky, he slowly fell to one knee before me. He presented a brilliant, sparkling sapphire lure designed especially for me and asked, “Will you marry me?”
Day four: As much as I would love to leave you with a cliffhanger as the entry before, I am much too excited to leave it at that. The events unraveled before me and I exclaimed, “Aww, stinky!” (‘Stinky’ being a term of endearment we have adopted over the last six and a half years.) I embraced him and smiled, “Yes!”
Due to the excitement, the beast had thwarted capture once again.
Day five: Storm clouds surround us, but the only rain we’ve seen is a brief patch this morning. I believe the lake possesses hypnotizing properties, as I am entranced each morning by the lapping of waves against the rocks beneath us. How many creatures reside in this lake? How many monsters are looming in the depths that exceed those of our beast?
Day seven: Today brings the end of our stay at the ‘Wild Wind’ on Lake Pontchartrain. Though the boys fought hard and exhibited great perseverance, the beast will live on for another day.
Farewell, beast.