To say that going on a camping trip like the one we were on this weekend was out of character for me is an understatement. I’m pretty sure that the last time I did any real wilderness camping was in the late `70’s when I was in Boy Scouts —- and my experience on that trip pretty much turned me off to the outdoor lifestyle for a good long while. Despite this, though, I had no second thoughts when plans were announced in February for a family reunion at a campground in Pennsylvania. Part of this was because it had been several years since this side of the familly — my Mom’s brother and his kids — had gotten together on a scale like this and I was looking forward to seeing everyone again. In addition to that, though, as I have on many other occasions over the past few years, I felt like I wanted to do something new and out of character and at least see how it went. Two years ago, it was skydiving, on our second date, with my wife Kellie. This year, it was roughing it in the woods of Pennsylvania with my cousins and their kids. I’m really glad I went.
There were alot of things said and done this weekend and a great time was had by all. What was really great to see was the way in which pretty much everyone there — at least among the adults — pitched in to help with all the work that needed to be done to make this a success. I was a grill chef and worked the cleanup crew for several meals. Kellie helped out all over the place and was the campfire chief on Saturday night — and did a much better job than the Friday night crew too !. On Saturday morning we went canoeing and kayaking on Lake Arthur at nearby
Morain State Park, which was really fun. My shoulders ached at the end of the day (and still do) and I got more sun than I’ve gotten in a long time but it was worth it.
Before this, the last time everyone had gotten together like this was in 2001 and there was talk at the end of the weekend about making these gatherings a more regular occurence. Given that there were several people there this past weekend who I hadn’t seen in a long, long time, I hope that this is the case.
Now, its time to get back to reality and the upcoming work week…..including a jury trial on Tuesday which I’m sure I’ll have something to say about.
July 25th, 2005 at 9:11 am
Skydiving, eh?
You’re a braver man than me.