Labor Day 2015
An extended weekend-whoo hoo! On Friday evening we headed out to the Ocoee for a weekend of outdoor fun. When we hit the road, I sent a text to Roxe (the campground host we love) to let her know we were going to see her and Blaze in several hours. She responded a little later and said the campground was full but we could stay at the decommissioned site by her place. Whoo Hoo! After all the restroom, dinner, fuel, and coffee stops we ended up not arriving until about 12:30 a.m. Instead of taking the time to set all the hammocks and tarps up, the boys and I slept on the bed that Johnny built in the back of his truck, and he quickly wrapped his hammock around a tree at the rivers edge.
The following morning, we set up our village. Can you find all four hammocks? (When we got back home I talked to my grandma (Memaw) on the phone and she asked me if we slept in a tent or our swings :) We were all along the river's edge.
We then traveled over to Rock Creek (an outdoor gear store) for their season closing sale. Finally-I have a nice new pair of shoes--for 1/2 price!
Back at the campsite-the dam was on, the river was flowing-so you can guess what the guys did....
A little later, Johnny and Blaze headed out for a fun trip down the Ocoee. For some reason, John didn't want to go. We were really grateful afterwards-the water level was up a good bit from normal and they flipped twice (once at a pretty rough place).
Back at the camp--we had some hungry guys. Here they are washing their dirty bowls.
On Sunday, we let Johnny out to paddle the upper part of the river. The boys and I headed to the rapid Humungous to watch the rafts and meet Johnny.
Guess what Jackson finds?
And of course, you know what is behind his back. A beautiful gift for his mom. He is the sweetest.
Later, John Gannon, Jacskon, and I went for a float down the Toccoa River. Here were the expedition leaders...
Can you guess the water temperature?
At one point, Jackson became concerned there was a snake underwater. Why in the world he did this-I have no clue. He has swam next to snakes and just moved back a little and said, "Hey-check this snake out." Anyway, to calm his fears, John took the camera and made pictures all around him underwater to show him there were no snakes near him. Gotta love some brotherly protection.
They boys practiced their surfing skills at every rapid!
A very hard rain adorned us for a spell.
We also found another rope swing on down the river.
On Monday morning, as Johnny went down the middle section, I took the boys swimming at Smiley. This is Jackson's favorite swimming/playing spot. It worked out great. The boys had made a friend at the campground and it just happened that his family showed up as well!
Finally, we picked up Johnny at the end and headed toward home.
The morning coolness was refreshing, and it didn't take the boys long to start playing. John packed one of his infamous bags. As he has aged, the bags have just gotten bigger. They found some rocks that served as a great table and the imagination began. I joined them for a battle. I have yet to figure out how in the world I am always the first to be defeated.
Next up, a little rock throwing/skipping, sword fighting, and the flowing river (admiring the beauty).
As for me--a chair, my ukulele, the wonderful sound of flowing water, the big blue sky, and an uncluttered mind that was meditating on all good things.
A little later, Johnny and Blaze headed out for a fun trip down the Ocoee. For some reason, John didn't want to go. We were really grateful afterwards-the water level was up a good bit from normal and they flipped twice (once at a pretty rough place).
Here they are on the second flip of the day. After the first wave, they went airborne down into the second. The result--coming out of the 2nd wave straight up in the air! I must say that this was quite an impressive site which led all the people watching to shout and clap at the antics.
Have I ever told you all how much I love this man? Well, I don't even have the vocabulary.
And of course, you know what is behind his back. A beautiful gift for his mom. He is the sweetest.
It was pretty hot--actually it was VERY hot in the open sun where we were sitting. This is how the boys solved that problem. Did we have an extra set of clothes with us? Of course not.
Later, John Gannon, Jacskon, and I went for a float down the Toccoa River. Here were the expedition leaders...
Can you guess the water temperature?
At one point, Jackson became concerned there was a snake underwater. Why in the world he did this-I have no clue. He has swam next to snakes and just moved back a little and said, "Hey-check this snake out." Anyway, to calm his fears, John took the camera and made pictures all around him underwater to show him there were no snakes near him. Gotta love some brotherly protection.
They boys practiced their surfing skills at every rapid!
We found a pull off spot under some trees to wait for the rain to pass. Turns out-it was a great place-complete with a rope swing and old antique vehicles.
We also found another rope swing on down the river.
On Monday morning, as Johnny went down the middle section, I took the boys swimming at Smiley. This is Jackson's favorite swimming/playing spot. It worked out great. The boys had made a friend at the campground and it just happened that his family showed up as well!
Finally, we picked up Johnny at the end and headed toward home.
We patiently await until we can live like this everyday. Live a Meaningful Life!
You have such a beautiful family. Your blog exemplifies what life should be about...love, life and family. God bless you all!
ReplyDelete