Days in the 1980’s in the Copper Country were peaceful and packed with fun, family and adventure. We played outside from sun up to sun down. It was an ideal area to grow up. We’d drink water from the garden hose — most everyone did back then. Especially children. Crisp, clean air. Bright blue skies and a real relaxing time. The summer was our oyster.

Racing to get outside to another beautiful sunny summer day was the epitome of summer fun. Our days consisted of endless fun and loads of life long memories being made. We had so much fun in every way possible. No days were ever exactly the same. That’s what made the 80’s exciting.

We did most of our activities as a family and it was much more fun that way. Baseball was always our main summer fun. We had two bats and two balls. The bases we used were simply old ice cream bucket lids usually from Jilbert’s or Kemps. Batting, catching, and base running kept our days filled. Our games went on for hours.

Occasionally we’d switch it up so it could be be any other fun game or an adventure of some kind. We would race, build multiple forts, and play anything we decided. We loved to have giant bubble blowing competitions. The biggest or longest lasting as the winner. Kickball was another favorite game. We played that quite a bit. Everyone could kick and field, so it was always quite competitive. Yet, pure fun.

Once in awhile, we would go fishing or camping. Fishing was always a huge adventure. It was kind of like opening a cracker Jack box. So much could happen and it never had a dull moment. We caught lots. The fishing fun was a lasting lifetime memory too. The worms, the bites, the weather. It all added up to a stellar day.

We caught many fish amongst other memorable odd animals here and there. Orange and white mini bobbers were my favorite. We packed lunches in brown bags. We’d fish for several hours a day. It was relaxing and peaceful. My favorite part about fishing was casting, and spending time with my family. We rarely went home without fish to eat. We had our favorite fishing spots as most people do.

Other summer favorites included picking worms after a rainfall, staying outside in a warm rain underneath anything as shelter, or climbing trees. We also typically played on our jungle gym daily as well. That which included doing pull ups, swings, and climbing every which way. Competitions were inevitable. That all made it much more exciting and memorable.

One moment we all would be having a blast on the jungle gym and the next moment it’d be a race to our bikes or something else. The best part of the days were being able to have so much incredible fun together. We did so much together. Biking games, playing with our pets, working together. Even summer chores were fun to me. The summers went by way too fast.

Camping was another huge favorite summertime adventure. We preferred tenting as it’s more rustic. And it felt more relaxing. Camping adventures would become lifetime memories. Each different place, each highlight and each day — it was all exciting. We camped at a few different local campgrounds, beaches, and along Lake Superior.

Camping is still a personal favorite to this day. But camping back then, as a child, was easier because it was only about playing and relaxing.

Our favorites were swimming, camp fire, playing together and running around, and drinking lemonade. Night time meant whomever was awake last, snuck out and scratched the tent. Then tried to growl like a bear realistically.

Hot weather made it more fun, yet cooler weather meant more time by the fire. Both were memorable. Especially the swimming, the fun meals and stargazing. Ending the day as it began. Enjoying each other and possibly a smore or two.

After camping it would be a relief in a way to be back home. Being home was the best place always no matter how much we enjoyed camping. Where I grew up, I’d occasionally playe in the tall grasses on the edge of our yard. Home was the place where I felt the most at peace.

The days of summer, especially in the 80s, were memorable and went by much too fast. Each afternoon someone would run out to our bright green newspaper box next to our mailbox. Generally it would be whomever saw the paper being delivered.

The newspaper was always a highlight to the day. It was a big deal of who got to be the one who read it first. Then passed it on to the next person. It was another favorite to our summer days. The paper was a highlight and a way to wind down for a bit.

Reading was always important in our family. Mom would take us regularly to the Portage Lake District Library from the time we were toddlers and and up. It helped to have books for cold rainy days or night time reading. Reading is by far one of my favorite all time memories despite my love for the outdoors.

The library back then was simply amazing to me. Books galore and a quiet peaceful atmosphere. The old library had dark wooden stairs and we would enter from the parking lot entrance and into the children’s area. The smell of books was divine and the staff was always super nice. There was a delicious tasting water fountain. As we grew older, we eventually and explored the upper floors. The old library was tall with multiple floors. It was the highlight of a stop when going into town.

The 80s went by too fast for sure, and it was an exciting, relaxing and peaceful time all around. The spring and summers especially flew by. Getting outdoors and enjoying the weather to the utmost was always on the agenda. Making time for family and fun in every way possible. Learning to bike, play baseball, go camping and learning to swim, fishing, and making lifetime memories. The 1980’s in the Copper Country were a true blessing.