There is a spot of Earth I claim for myself. It permeates some of my greatest memories.

The air is indescribable: soft, light, and warm, with bouts of refreshing cool breezes fragrant with honey suckle. The landscape is wild, lush, and boasts impossibly green rolling hills framed by smoky mountains.

Nestled in these mountains is a crystal clear lake that snakes itself through the canyons and rocky cliffs. From the air, the lake looks like the Caribbean Ocean along the shores.

The water, hundreds of feet deep in places, is so pristine that you can see the fish peering up from the depths. Long rays of sunlight shimmer gold on the deep green ripples creating a dappled effect on the surface.

At first, the quiet is oppressing...only tiny waves lapping against the boat bottom. But then your ears focus, and you hear the breeze fluttering the endless supply of leaves on the trees, the sweet chirps of a thousand feathered creatures, and rhythmic buzz of a million mating bugs.

We, of course, destroy this tranquil setting by hours of wake-boarding, waterskiing, and genuine heartfelt laughter. But the lake doesn’t mind. By late-afternoon, we’re exhausted and let the setting sun warm our bodies. Right before the sun disapears over the treeline, the water emits a steamy haze signaling a magical time on the lake...when the water is warmer than the air.

By nightfall, we’ve packed up the boat and made our way up to the top of mountain to our cozy, family cabin. The deck over-looks the moon reflected in the lake. The black sky holds a dazzling display of stars.

The summer months of June, July, and August are my most favorite months to claim my spot of Earth. But Fall taking over the lake is just as majestic to witness. If you watch the edge of the water and woods you may catch a tree-full of golden leaves fly off the branches and flutter through the air, falling lightly on the sun-dappled water.

With all the posh places in the world, I feel most connected to this little-known spot in the almost non-existent town of Albany, KY (locals pronounce it allBANEee). Selfishly, I hope to keep its beauty and integrity all to myself.

(So, shush, don’t tell!)