The Bench at Windy Point

​If the bench at windy point could talk
it'd tell you all so much
Like a little boy named Norman
as he hiked and played and such

We would talk of scouts and campfire girls
and families on a walk
and hand holding teenagers
who tarried there to talk

One spring Norm carved initials there
for Barb whose heart he'd won
and many years later they're
having even greater fun

The children came and grew to share
this spot for which they care
Jay practiced climbing rocks
and mined for garnets there

Jodi pretended to cook and clean
She entertained all with class
Jimmy built camps on the rock
And ambushed all who'd pass

We've come around full circle
as we sit here hand in hand
watching as the sun goes down
We love and laugh and plan...

                   -Barbara Jack-

The Bench at Windy Point

Windy Point is a point sticking out from the shores of Lake Wenatchee. The trail goes right in front of it so it is a favorite spot for all walkers or hikers on their way to the trail to hidden lake. It's rare to see walkers go by with out going up the 5 or 6 feet to the landing where the bench sits. A massive old pine tree sits just below the path and you can tell by looking at it that the wind buffers it a lot of the time. It is very difficult to find a time when things are totally calm there. A beautiful spot.

We don't know just how old the old bench is but it was there when Norm's Grandfather, Jim Jack purchased the Jack cabin in the spring of 1936. He gave it to his son William (Tick) Jack, Norm's father. Norm was born 3 months later. The 5th generation of Jack's is now enjoying it with their friends. The initials Norm carved in 1957 cannot be found anymore. The wind, rain and heavy snowfalls work like sand paper on the old bench. It's good the builder made it thick. Norm and I will probably never see that spot without the bench, but our grand kids could. They are now all in their 20's. It is almost time for the 6th generation to start joining in on the fun. Many of our friends and family have come to spend time with us there and everyone loves a walk to Windy Point. One of my favorite memories of the almost 60 years I have been a part of it, is racing by in the boat and spotting my Mom and Dad walking along the lake trail or sitting at Windy point. This place was not their family place but reminded me and them of places they loved in Canada. There they would fish, smoke fish, and play cards. They taught my brother and me to love trees, lakes, digging clams, a new road and meeting new people. I believe it is very important for parents to pass on the loves of their life to their children and grandchildren.

In case you were wondering, I have mentioned it might be nice if Norm would carve our initials into the bench again. No news so far! But then I have to remember it is much harder for us to get up and down to the trail as well as walking on something uneven. Two weeks ago we spent the weekend at the cabin and I made the clam chowder while the family and some friends of Jim's worked on the stream, cut down a large dead tree and then bucked it up and carried a lot of it up to the wood cutting area above the cabin. Then they split a lot of that. Youth is underrated. Now we are ready for another summer.

Nothing can take away my memories. I encourage you to write about the memories you hope will stay alive in your family.