Left home/Home on Wednesday, much later than we had hoped (as usual when we're going away.) Fortunately we still had daylight when we arrived at the campground, and we were able to pick the "perfect" site. It is shaded with Hemlock, Pine and River Birch (which I only know because my lovely daughter is forestry expert.) Shade and a level spot are the two main criterion for choosing our spot. However on this trip the trees are more of a rain umbrella than a beach umbrella in function. We've had a fair amount of rain. The park is remote, heavily forested and beautiful. Our campsite is right on Kettle Creek, which is a large creek, nigh to river. It's not trout season now, so fishing isn't at it's prime, but you can cast your rod right from the site and Barry has. He's fiddling with his rod & lures now. We've settled into camping mode now that we have some semblance of order in our site, the initial "grouchies" which we all were exhibiting initially, have flown, and peace has covered our little home away from home. Yesterday we had some intermitant rain, but also saw enough sun to make some wonderful memories. We explored the lay of the park by car, visited the dam, lake, and park office. We had the camper's breakfast with "real" bacon and eggs; mom only gets real bacon on rare occasion, and forces the healthier turkey stuff on the family most of the time. We went for ice to the "Dam Store," yes that's really its name. The sign reads, "the best dam store around." Sara and I went to the lake beach in the afternoon while dad fished below the dam for a while. There was one other family at the beach, but they also were chased away by a brief cloudburst. It was followed by lovely sunshine and we lingered. We had the thrill of sighting a pair of Bald Eagles and we watched them soar and roost for probably over an hour, it was a special gift from our Father. We also saw some interesting water birds, brown in color with spear-like beaks. They were diving birds and we watched them bob and dive, and dive again. They looked like the Anhingas which we had seen in South Carolina last year, but these were smaller. We don't have our field guide so we'll have to look them up when we get home. Dinner was forced under cover of our awning by the rain last night. We finished up the day with a double feature of The Waltons, which was new to the kids and they enjoyed it. It's lunchtime now and we've lounged around the site all morning, due to the rain which continues to shower. We had a Great Blue Heron visit our site this morning, passing by on a 'fish-walk.' Barry's still been able to fish a bit in the rain. Barry and Sara just ran down the road as bears have been reported to be visiting the campground, and of course they need a better view. I like the view from here thank you very much. When they return, we're heading to the "big" town of Renova, for gas and supplies. Dutch oven dinner tonight, with chicken and zuchini. If the weather clears maybe a hike. Our Father is good and the though we'd prefer a vacation with sunshine, being together as a family and making a few memories is more than enough to be grateful for...and we are.
