chapter 535

9/13/2019

Family Camping

savoring the moment

Got the family (with a few exceptions) cabins at Woodford State Park in Vermont after discovering how nice it was last winter snowshoeing. They all made it up nearby Mt Olga this week as well. It was a milestone for this group although Colleen and I had completed it last winter. This weekend's weather was cool and a little drizzly but not overwhelming. Little Lucas' first hike. At the end he said he liked it and wanted to do it again. That was the big payoff for the weekend.

Lucas was our leader, pausing to make sure everyone was not lagging behind. He just had to have a hiking pole.

On the way down I stopped him by the nice ferns for a forced smile, but he was happy for the adventure.

Little Red Riding Hood Hazel determined to hold on to trekking pole in full mimicking mode.

Started the Friday the 13th (oh no) night out with a steak dinner after cocktail hour. Loved the Pilot Rock grill from Cherokee Iowa with the infinitely variable cook height. It actually outperformed our Weber gas grill.

Colleen was the main cook, making blueberry pancakes the next morning checking for complete doneness. She's a pro at outdoor adventures.

link to Sticks & Stones Video

Hazel was amazing, so mesmerized pushing stones around with her stick for an hour. What's so intriguing? Later she used an inch long twig to push around tiny pebbles ! Then there was the Star Wars ninja large stick swinging moments. She liked to put dirt on the steps and chairs for us to brush off for some reason.

Hot chocolate in the morning was good, Hazel couldn't have any, but ALWAYS watching what big cousin Lucas was doing.

After breakfast Lucas said he really really wanted to walk down by the lake. After a few more whines, we relented and did walk down to the Adams reservoir before going on our big 1.6 mile mountain climb with fire tower.

link to Family Canada Fishing Video

There is a long tradition of camping trips in my family. Mom played a big role in the camp cooking department as well as Dad. I bring back this video link because I spent so much time preparing it and how nostalgic it is to me. This site was on an island on a Quebec lake named Camatose where we'd go for a week or more. A lot of details are shown. I was always a documenter (with my Brownie Hawkeye). Dale is in center looking at something? Martin motor on left, Evinrude on right. WW2 gas cans. Coleman cookstove with white gas. Wash basin on tree with mirror. We went with the Van Gorder family. Got hit with a micro blast storm that swamped the boats and I almost died (but didn't) having been out fishing at the time.

The reverse angle with bad contrast. Mom not wanting picture taken. Bacon, Oatmeal, coffee, Mr. Big Top toast.

Our Vermont event was a full success for everyone even with the not so ideal weather. Didn't know if it would make or break us but just maybe there will be more to come. It was a milestone and a special moment to remember. But will the grandkids blog about it 60 years from now? Nah.

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