~Tales from the Camping House~

Words fail me when I try to describe the peace and quiet, the total sense of relaxation that envelops me when I arrive at the Camping House., as Sandi's youngest son named his grandparents rustic cabin many years ago. It is one of my favorite places on earth.

This haven is far from the sounds and cares of civilization. I think I've mentioned before that it lacks electricity and running water. At night it is totally dark with only the lights of heaven to infringe upon the darkness. The only sounds are those of nature. It is a nearly perfect getaway.

We arrived at Sue's home around 4 PM and spent some time visiting with her and enjoying the view from her log cabin home.








We loaded all our gear into Sue's John Deere Gator which Sandi and I call the JD and drove through the woods to the camping house. Sue and Sandi rode in the JD while I walked over with Sandi's dog Sara. It was pure joy for me to be able to walk through the woods, by the pond to the house all the while letting the quiet and wonder of this place wash over me.

After a lovely dinner which Sandi prepared (there is a propane stove in the cabin), we took a walk around the pond



where I took pictures of wild flowers.











We read awhile by oil lanterns, but gave up early and went to bed. Needless to say, I slept very well. It was quite chilly but I wrapped myself in a couple of blankets and slept with the windows wide open.

We awoke to fog and drizzle so, after a breakfast of bagels and home made jam, we spent the morning reading and chatting. Sandi is in the middle of a knitting project and divided her time between her book and a sweater for her latest granddaughter, Evelyn.

By noon it had cleared and Sandi and I ventured out once again. This time we walked an old roadway to a field where the view was fantastic.



I couldn't resist taking a picture of this uprooted tree. I plan to do a scrapbook of wild flowers and nature someday soon.



Sandi and Sara at the edge of the field.



A view of Keuka (one of the Finger Lakes) Lake.

Lunch was my job. I made wraps, a vegetable salad and fruit. I guess it's the fresh air that makes us eat so heartily. Food sure does taste good. The afternoon brought more rain, which brought more reading time. I actually finished my book by the end of the day.

Speaking of the end of the day, it did arrive. About 5:30, we started to pack up and get ready to head home. We decided to stop at a lakeside restaurant not too far from the cabin for dinner. We persuaded Sue to join us, thus extending our visit with her for a bit.



Sue in the JD.



Sandi and I beside the pond.



The sun was setting over Keuka Lake as we ate our dinner.

We arrived home rested and relaxed and ready to take on the world.