What is up North?

If you live in Minnesota, you've heard the term "Up North" more than a few times throughout your life. But what exactly is "Up North"? Most people would characterize is as any place more than a half hour north of Minneapolis. And to some extent, they would be correct.
But for me, it's something different. While yes, technically, it is north of where I am now, it's more about a sense of place. A place where most of my daily cares don't exist. A place where that inner caveman can sort of thrive. There's something innately naturalistic to catch your dinner, fry it on the shore, and eat it. And P.S., I would die as a caveman. Yes I can catch the fish, but when it comes to pulling and cutting out bones, I'm horrible. I'm worse than a color blind kid trying to solve a rubics cube. I can't tell you how many fish bones I get stuck in my teeth. But that's another story.
Every time I go up north, time moves so much slower. So much more relaxed. The wind carries different sounds and smells, and sometimes I get lost in it all. Reading a book on my couch is a much shorter hour than reading on a dock. I got through two books this past weekend. I can't recall the last time I've done that. It felt really good.
Could I ever live up north all year, or camp in the wilderness for more than a month? Probably not. But I'd be lying if I said I never wanted to try. If I had an escape route, I would love to go hang out in the Rockies for a month. Just to see if I could. Speaking of that, I think I'll go biking through the mountains next month. Just to see if I can.
As I write this, It's really just a distraction from going to the gym. I know I need to go, but I'm not looking forward to spending the next hour and a half wearing out my shoulders.....
So with that all said, happy Memorial day.