After 23 years, Don and Chris Hanson have sold Scottish Lakes High Camp. They are handing it off to an energetic, young couple, Justin and Austin Donohue, who are ready to take on the adventures of running High Camp. They will be adding mountain biking and keeping high camp open year round.
23 Years… Derek will be 20 in June and has never missed a year at high camp. His first time was when he was 6 months old, if you don’t count the trip he made in utero when I was 3 months pregnant. Thomas, my nephew, has probably made 15 of the 20 years.
They grew up with High Camp as part of their life. Many people own vacation cabins. We belonged to High Camp.
From the time Derek could walk, he felt at home at High Camp. We arrived on the snowmobiles (after the snow cats were retired). Derek would grab his little duck, a book, and head over to the lodge where Chris would be waiting with hot apple cider anguish to hear his stories and see how he had grown.
Many of Derek’s firsts were at High Camp… his first sledding, his first ski, his first ski fall
His first hike was up Mac Express. He counted blue diamonds the entire way encourage by the stories that there was a stegosaurus buried on the ridge. He was greatly disappointed to find a pile of rocks. We kept trying to tell him to use his imagination but he was not having any of it.
Derek caught his first fish at Lake Julius.
Attended his first wedding at Glacier View. His first and only time as a ring bear. Sarah wanted him to hold the real rings. I was so freaked out that he would drop them in the snow.
First time on a snow mobile. First time dog sledding on a snowmobile. First time falling off a dog sled.
First time using an out house, sitting in a wood burning hot tub, enjoying a sauna.
Derek learned to survival ski at High Camp. A requirement if you are going to ski with Jim.
He learned to make quesadillas on a wood stove. High Camp is where Brooke taught me that nachos can be made anywhere.
Derek learned to unplug. Something many kids these days never learn. High Camp is about family. Playing games. Taking naps. He embraced it all.
Derek had so many firsts at High Camp, as we all did …
Brian’s first time on cross country skis. I am pretty sure it was his last. He decided Wild Bill Hill was better suited for building jumps and snow boarding.
Thomas skied and snow boarded for the first time.
Brooke’s first trip with a boyfriend was to High Camp. Jim and my first trip dealing with Brooke having a boyfriend.
Derek and Thomas built their first piece of snow furniture. Jim is fond of couches. Given time, he will also create an end table.
My women’s group got to experience an igloo for the first time. We all fit. Later that night was our first and only attempt at glamour shots.
My first attempt to ski through the mud. Ended up on my face. Took Derek down in the process
My first time putting synthetic gloves on a wood stove. I am happy to report, it was my last.
My first emergency bivy. Who needs a tent? Or the warmth of a cabin.
My first time breaking and entering. To my defense, it was rain really hard. Last thing, Jim Aga and I wanted to do was spend another night in a tent.
High Camp is where the women’s group learned never to follow me unless you have a headlamp.
My first time carrying 6 pairs of skis. I also learned that people will follow you anywhere if you carry their skis.
I know our story is similar to so many other people. High Camp really is a community of people assembled around the nurturing spirit that is Don and Chris. Though Don has been gone for several years, Chris has kept the spirit alive. We all look forward to meeting Justin and Austin. May you touch many lives and enable people to build lasting memories.
