Just Got Back from Campin'
We just got back from a three-day, Labor Day camping trip not too far north of here. We were able to get one of our favorite sites that backs right up into a woods with some great trails. (Same spot we had a month ago.)At the end of one of them is this view of Lake Michigan.
.
We swam there and up the beach where Duck Lake connects to the big lake and the water temp is always warmer. We had sunny days and "smoky" nights 'round the campfire.
Later that night, around 8:15, the sun set as a perfect red ball on this horizon. It takes about four minutes for that red circle to disappear once it hits the water. (We forgot the camera that time.)Kip (our Westie whose full name is Rudyard Kipling) came along. He just watches all the fun from inside. One night we had four extra friends for dinner; and we even had the newlyweds with us all night. That was a first since the wedding.
.
It was a fun little get-away. I did do some writing one morning. The next two chapters are in draft form. I'll try to get one posted before Wednesday morning, but in the meantime...that's my excuse!
posted by .Tom Kapanka | 10:11 PM
14 Comments:
Your Westie is a doll. I suppose your readers will let you off the hook since you were busy camping. If a person has to be busy, that is the way to do it.
Check out my blog when you have time. I finally got the first installment together regarding the story about the twins (my grandfather and his brother) and their disappearance when they were little tikes. As you may recall, for nearly a month I have been saying that story was forthcoming.
I am looking forward to reading more about your parents and the table.
I love that "smokey" campfire smell. That's the best thing about smoking. That, and the smell of the trees, first thing in the morning. Oh, and the swimming, and the fising, and...
Heck, I love camping. It sounds as if you had a wonderful time.
Summer is almost over :-(
I meant "fishing". But you knew that.
Yep, your Westie is a cutie. My friend Gina's neighbor has a small dog similar to your Westie and he watched us from his deck as we had our BBQ but I was able to sneak him a couple of small pieces of steak. How could you possible resist such a cute little guy like that?
I used to go camping a lot but it's been a few years since I've been out the woods with my tent and sleeping bag. That's a nice camper though and I wouldn't mind camping in something like that.
Glad you had a great time.
What a wonderful excuse!
Look now Tom that pop up stuff is ok for camping if that's really what it is anymore, but just think what you could do with a 31' completely contained sleeps six with TV and DVD player and enough storage to move your whole house in, 10 cylinder Ford Triton engine with less than 40k miles on it?
Complete with shower and the usual other washroom facilities...three burner stove with oven, cable and wired internet hook up...now that would be camping as long as you had your fire upwind from the open windows and outside instead of inside.
lol ain't sleeping close to the groun' no mo no mo.no siree no mo no mo
peace
mark
Got up to write and look what I see. Thanks, folks, you made my morning!
SQ,
I'll be over to read that soon. We've been waiting, but I know how that can be. =)
Josie,
This was a different summer for us...mostly I suppose because of the prelude before and adjustment after the wedding. Funny how one wonderful day can affect the months before and after it. But it's been a great summer. I'm never quite emotionally ready for fall.
J_G,
He was very well behaved. The campgound has a leash rule so he prefers watching from his perch to being tied up. One morning a man was walking his Rottweiler and kid came by walking a dog smaller than Kip. The little dog was yapping away and tugging at his leash as if he wanted a piece of the Rottweiler. The Rot just looked at him politely, and Kip just watched from his window as if to say, "Drop the tough-guy act, fella. He could have you for breakfast."
LGS,
It was the best I could come up with. =)
TWM,
No mo No mo! I grew up sleeping on the ground, but I'll admit kind of camping is far more comfortable. I like sleeping in that drop-down bed surrounded by the night air and sounds.
Believe it or not, this unit has everything you mentioned except the motor of course. (Oh, yeah, and no internet. =)
We were happy that the smoke went toward the woods but we did close the camp-side windows just in case. You know campfire smoke. It always goes in the direction where you choose to sit.
Nice trip. I want an RV, too. One day. A little one. A Roadtrek.
Rhea,
I was thinking of your "Boomer Chronicles" when I covered the Baby Boom in the above post. I'd be curious to know if that seems an oversimplification of the times.
I'd get an RV as soon as it's practical. If you check Craig's list, you can find very affordable "like new" models at far less than half the "new" cost. That's what I'd recommend. Take someone who knows RVs with you when you begin shopping.
This place looks a little familiar. Is it a state park? or is it the one a little further down the road? Maybe a different one all together. I use to work at the state parks here. I was a park ranger for 6 years, it was a great time. My husband and I both grew up camping and both love it even now. We have an RV as well, because, well, I don't like the tent with kids. We tried when our Em was little but she just has to be awake for everything so she would stay up later than us! Anyway, we got about 4 week long trips in this summer, would have been more but with my father-in-laws passing it kind of threw things a bit off schedule. Next summer we get right back into it, I am sure! Okay, sorry this is long, I will be quiet now!
Julie B.
Hi, Julie,
I'm writing from Spring Hill camp where we've taken the high school on retreat.
It's not the state park (couldn't get in there); it's the County Park (which is just as nice around the perimeter) up by Duck Lake. By the way, if you're not familiar with the swimming area where Duck Lake meets Lake Michigan, it's perfect for little kids. Lots of shallow, war, crystal clear, water, a small water fall and your choice between the big lake with big waves or small lake with warmer water. Lots of families your age there. Well, I've got to go jump off a 1,000 foot ZIP Line with the kids. YES! I'm up to it. =)
I haven't been camping in years. I'd have to start hunting again for that to happen, but my wife won't cook my kill. Maybe that's why we're into inviting nature into our backyard.
i thought kip was a stuffed toy dog, but apparently not.
Hi,
I've been reading down the posts till I got to this one to see Kip. Interesting story you are telling here.
Kip is sure looking well and I hope he has no after effects from his unscheduled medication ingestion. They sure are adorable those Westies and I do miss mine. I still have her sheepskin rug on the floor in our family room.
regards
jmb
Post a Comment
<< Home