Return to Hack-Ma-Tack

Every year we look forward to our visits to the Hack-Ma-Tack. This tradition dates back to the time we rented the Panella cottage on Mullett Lake, when we would make a special trip with the boys for a dressy night out. Often we'd get to sit in the big curved window, with a great view into the woods. It was always a special occasion, one where we would laugh and smile and reflect on our great good luck as a family.

In more recent times, our Hack-Ma-Tack memories include all of our adult children. A favorite was my birthday in 2011, when a "happy birthday" phone call from Joe and Ashley while Ken and I were having dinner in the HMT bar turned into a last minute visit. They took off from Washington at about 7:30 and got to Black Lake by midnight.

That same year (2011), we met another September 16 birthday girl, Peg, celebrating in the Hack-Ma-Tack with her son and daughter-in-law. We had such fun with them we made a date to celebrate birthdays same-time-same-place in 2012. They didn't make it, but we found out it was because her kids didn't make it up. So maybe we will see her this year!

Another favorite was taking Jonna and Tomi to the Hack-Ma-Tack for the first time. If memory serves, I think Adam paid the tab that night, or at least split it with us. That's a milestone in the life of a parent.

And of course a milestone in the life of a child is being able to bring your parent to a place very special to you. Here's Pa outside at the HMT in 2011. We walked him out front to look at the channel; here he is walking back up toward the restaurant, all spiffed up in his khaki sweater and slacks. Watch out, Pa, there's a speed limit here, you know.

We'll be at the Hack-Ma-Tack on our 25th anniversary (July 2 this year), and we were there for our 20th (pictured below). Our dining companions that night were Adam and Emily, and Jen and Mike.

One of the neatest things about owning the Black Lake cottage was being able to pick up our Hack-Ma-Tack tradition. We hadn't been at the HMT with the boys for some time when the pictures below were taken - 2007, the year we bought the cottage.

So, the beat goes on. We'll be at the Hack-Ma-Tack next week during Felicia Bernardini's visit, on our anniversary, my birthday, and a time or two in between. Life is good.