Dear Maia and Isaac,

It’s not your typical Monday. Today is my day to visit MY Grandma Pearl Hartt. The last time we visited Pearl Lake, the monsoons prevented us from hiking to the dam and back – so today I hoped for lots of sweet sunshine – and I was in luck! And, it wasn’t too hot for the dogs, either!

It’s always glorious to wake up to the wildflowers in the campground, so we weren’t in a terrible hurry, By late morning, we headed to Pearl Lake and had a picnic before we hiked around the lake to the dam Grandma had built back in the 60s.

I can’t put into words how spiritual this walk is every time I take this hike. I can almost hear the laughter of my family at the table playing games after dinner – before the internet! I can feel the willows whipping my legs as I cut through this land with my cousin, Patrick Okey, to hunt frogs before the was a Pearl Lake. I remember being filled with fear when Patrick and I lost a frog under Grandma’s bed! I relive feeling a sense of family, of being loved – things I have not felt as strongly since I was a child and young adult. I said today was Koko’s initiation into the family! My ancestors approve.

I have another site with the history of Pearl Lake State Park (currently being revised, so browse through the blog posts to find what you need for now) – https://pearllakehistory.travel.blog/

After the Pearl Lake Hike, we went to the Clark Store for ice cream. I had promised the dogs – and they know exactly what ice cream means. Unfortunately, the ice cream was closed for the season, so we had yogurt before heading back to camp for our last night at Hahns Peak.

Love Ya’all, Cathy Hartt (the other Grandma Hartt)

Looking for a unique gift from Pearl Lake or Hahns Peak?

I have a new Pearl Lake Souvenir section in my Etsy shop with old-time postcards, wildflower note cards, tote bags, water bottles, magnets, and more. I will be adding more handmade items in 2024, including hand-painted clocks and tiles. Visit today! www.ArtfromtheHartt.Etsy.com