The Redick Family At Duck Harbor
Everyone who has ever visited always asks the same question: “How in the world did you find this place?” It is certainly a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Huntington, Long Island, but it was just what our young family needed! We purchased our home in The Woods in early 2001 and eventually moved here full time in 2003.
It was quite different then; we had the only boat at the original access area, and we were the second full-time family here. The kids, Bob, and I learned quickly to love the slower pace. We didn’t anticipate the early bus route or the distance to the closest Target, but the peacefulness made up for that.
During 2005, a lake home became available, and we made the move. Waterskiing became a priority each summer, and with the help of Skip Hillier and the approval from the Fish and Boat Commission, we were able to have a slalom course on the lake. The kids and Bob practiced and competed in tournaments, where they all became nationally ranked, while I continued to excel as driver and spotter 😎.
As the years passed, Bob continued to maintain a successful wood recycling business on Long Island and opened a sawmill here in Tyler Hill. I started subbing in the Wayne Highlands School District once all the kids were in school and eventually began teaching 2nd grade at the Damascus School.
When Bob passed away in 2012, many assumed I’d move us closer to family. However, I had a job that I loved, and the kids were thriving; more importantly, Duck Harbor was our home.
Fast forward through family visits, 5Ks, go karts, ATVs, ER visits, snow days, bear/eagle/bobcat sightings, endless lake summers, new friends, graduations, engagements, weddings, jobs, and here we are; Sarah and her husband, Kyle, live in Browndale; she is a school counselor, and he is in HVAC sales. Nate is an airline captain and lives in Phoenix. Ellie and her fiancé, Adam, live in Camp Hill; she works in the financial services industry, and he works in commercial real estate.
I have retired and am blessed to be the home base for our family. It was a long winter, but that will make the grass seem greener and the sounds of the birds much sweeter once spring arrives.
PS: A typical browse through the Sunday NY Times real estate section brought us here!
