We needed a fix. We had been confined, it felt like, for far too long. We escaped for the weekend to Chickasaw State Park. It was close to home if something were to happen, but far enough removed where we felt the peace and serenity of camp life. This was Lottie's first camping trip and we had no idea how she would like it. She loved it. Despite her sensitivity to light, she loved being outdoors. This was one of her first experiences in the great wide open world. She loved the cold water, the sand in her toes and the fire. She would have jumped in it, if we had not kept such a good eye on her. She was mesmerized. Of course, the other kids were looking so forward to getting away, getting dirty and being free. It was a great visit. We enjoyed the beach area for the afternoon, where we played in the sand, dug trenches and sand castles and waded in the lake water. Then as dusk was approaching, we headed back to camp for dinner over an open fire and of course SMORES. We sat around the campfire until it was time fore bed. After awakening bright and early, we had the best coffee in the world. Coffee is so much better through the French press, which is what we take camping. And, we are forced to sit a drink it as soon as it is poured, because when it gets cold there is no nuking it in a microwave. We spend the day walking small trails, fishing and just relaxing.
Enjoying the little things as they come...that is camp life. The chill of the morning, wrapped in a big sweater, with a hot cup of fresh coffee. The crackling of a fire and the smell of burning wood. Nowhere to be. No rush. Just peace.
