CAMPING: A LOT OF EFFORT BUT A GOOD TIME!

Back in July, 2020, the Tri State Family Camp was cancelled due to COVID-19.  A bunch of us who typically attend camp decided to go to Bayshore Campground on Pymatuning Lake [near Andover, OH] for the two week period - since we had already scheduled the time off.  There were probably twelve families involved.  

Everyone cooked their own meals.  Remarkably, the pool was open.  We visited openly and played games off-and-on.  There was lots of visiting and deepening of friendships.  The kids and youth kept busy with bikes, scooters, volleyball and 'four-square-in-the-air'.  Talks late into the night around campfires were normal activity.  Eating together and sharing foods was wonderful!  

I'm thinking of this because many from that group are together this weekend at the same place!  We do this every Memorial weekend and Labor Day weekend.  Great fun!  Wonderful fellowship!  This weekend we're enjoying seeing Ken and Jessica Whippo and Braelyn and Daniel while they're here visiting from Alaska!  😊

Deb and I keep a camper primarily to stay involved in these two events!  Just last night, she and several sisters played card games till midnight while I slept with my good ear down!  I hope my snoring didn't bother them!  😂

We started camping when we were newlyweds - using an old canvass tent I inherited from my dad.  Eventually, we graduated to tent campers and had at least four different ones over the years with our family!  Then, we finally bought a hard-top, fifth-wheel camper.  We loved it and used it a lot for about five years, but it became difficult to hook up and pull, so we now have a smaller camper that suits us just fine!  

I confess that getting ready to come is a drain!  On that day we always talk about selling the camper!  But once we get here and settle in - we have such a good time.  We relax!  We read!  We nap!  We eat!  We visit with family and friends!  

When our family was growing up, we camped because it was [at that time] an inexpensive way to have a really fun vacation!  We made tons of memories with our three T's at the Jamestown camping area [a few miles from where we are now].  For many years we shared our vacation camping trips with Charlie and Laurie Mahosky and Marshal. Barbie and Jesse!  Oh my!  What fun and what memories!  On rainy days we'd jump in the car and Charlie would take us adventuring!  We often wound up at Presque Isle or Kinzua Dam.  

Memories - pressed between the pages of my mind!  

Well, I've gotta go - I'm frying potatoes, sausage and eggs for breakfast!  Woo Hoo!  Can't wait!