Adventure 928: A View from the Perch/Cle Elum Family Camp/41

Glorious day two. Same weather. Bright sun, calm water until the thermal winds rolled down from the mountains in the afternoon. However, it being Saturday, the entire beached filled and then filled in secondary parking. What is wonderful is the chill nature of the revelers. Participants were mostly families, everyone sharing the space in a manner that demonstrated that better angels still exist. I expect much the same tomorrow. We started the day with Mimi serving blueberry pancakes, fried eggs to order, and fresh fruit. Before breakfast, Bonnie drove her car down to the lake to insure we had beach front. We frolicked the day away playing in the water. It was Angela and Sawyer's turn to cook dinner. They served a fabulous Greek/Lebanese spread, and Mimi served her angel food cake for dessert. We sang happy birthday to everyone. It was quite a rendition, proving once again that life is good, especially today.

Mimi hard at it at the griddle.

Puzzle number one complete. Many hands make light work.

Not yet ten in the morning. Most beach spots filled.

Steve resting after unloading the water toys.

Sarah.

Emily.

Leticia.

Angela.

Bonnie giving paddle board instructions to Khylia.

The armada leaves the beach.

Sawyer and Khylia heading out.

Falcon.

Bonnie, Leticia, and Angela enjoying an afternoon libation.

Happy birthday everyone.

Adventure 927: A View from the Perch/Cle Elum Family Camp/40

We woke to an absolutely perfect day. The wind stayed calm until 2:30 P.M., which meant we enjoyed the water front most of the day. Water toys filled the lake, sunscreen glistened off bodies, libations flowed, and a good time was had by all. Late afternoon, grandson Sawyer arrived with his gal friend, Khylia, making our family compliment complete. Bonnie and Steve prepared a nice dinner, Greek influenced, and we all feasted. One snafu surfaced. The alarm on holding tank for the sewer system made itself known. Thankfully, the landlords reacted quickly, sending a man out to pump the tank and reset the alarm. Unfortunately, the pump on the system is shot, which means we have to ration water use in the coming days. This isn't as easy as it sounds with fourteen people. Worst case is that the pump truck returns since it is unlikely that a new pump will arrive and be installed before our scheduled departure. Septic tank systems required attention and maintenance, but are often neglected until things bubble up crude in a way a little less romantic that the old Clampet's sitcom with Granny, Jethro, and Ellie May. Nonetheless, it represents just another first world problem, and doesn't alter the fact that life is good, especially today.

Mimi at 5 A.M. enjoying her morning routine: coffee, muffin, NY Times games, Spokesman.

Perfect morning, perfect day.

Bonnie and Sarah enjoying their morning routine.

Steve and Emily enjoying theirs.

Break out the water toys!

Fortunately, the beach is firm enough to drive on, making the portage of toys much easier. As a bonus, the truck provided shade for Mimi and Angela.

Libby catching a few rays.

Steve manning a kayak, followed closely by a shark named Sarah.

TC and Falc checking out the action down the beach.

Mother, daughter confab.

Grandson, Sawyer.

Libby tending to her baby, "Tommy".

Sawyer and Khylia relaxing after their drive from Portland.

Sarah and Emily playing a game of speed.

Bubbling crude.

Traditional family card game: Skipbo.

Not so speedy now. After a day of fun, some mandatory screen time.
 

Adventure 926: A View from the Perch/Cle Elum Family Camp/39

Day one was wildly successful because every one arrived safely. The house we've rented is a 12 out of 10. If there is a fly in the ointment, it would be the excessive wind that blew all day. Even if that remains the case, the house is so delightful that we'll manage nicely. We've not been to this area before, and it is quite lovely, nestled as it is on the east foothills of the North Cascades. After every one settled in, we set out the taco spread. Giggles ensued between every bite. After dinner, Steve brought out a late birthday gift for Libby made for her by their Aunt Rita-the traditional cross stitch of the Irish blessing which was originally stitched by Anne (Steve and Libby's mother), and given out at every family wedding since. In this case, it was to celebrate Libby's fortieth birthday. Brief stories, a few tears, and much joy followed. Then, despite the wind, we ventured to the water for an evening frolic led by Falcon, Sam (Angela's dog), and Sarah. A fun time was had by all. Mimi and I are tucked into bed. In the back ground our kids are chattering, giggling, and otherwise enjoying each other. Needless to say, life is good, especially today.

Mimi, smiling after inspecting this year's family camp spot.

The view from the back deck.

Libby arrives!

She brought her only child, "Tommy".

To the beach!

The Williams' arrive!

Balcony babes.

Game room antics.

Steve unloading the bikes.

Sarah celebrating a good shuffle board shot.

Family camp always includes a puzzle table.

TC, from her good side.

Bonnie working on this year's Christmas list.

Libby showing off her Irish Blessing.

Angela checking in with Sawyer, who arrives tomorrow.

Falc and Zam testing the water.

The wind blew at least thirty most of the afternoon.

Em and Zam heading back to the house.

Adventure 925: A View from the Perch-Little Eden Camp-Homeward Bound/38

Thanks to traveling mercies, we made it home this morning, traveling much faster than Lewis and Clark, no portage involved. We covered 4000 miles on the trip. The only deaths reported lay smashed on the windshield, front bumper, and grill. No deer were hit. We're glad to be home. We unpacked, ate the leftovers from our dinner out last night, and gathered the mail. Judy began the wash, and I took the car to the car wash to scrub the bug carcasses off. A good time was had by all. It was nice to spend time with family, and especially enjoyable to travel across part of the country in the midst of the Lewis and Clark expedition (Via Undaunted Courage on audio). Traveling that country makes their accomplishment even more impressive. And like the adventurers, we were quite glad to see to see the trip come to completion. Finally, as usual, life is good, especially today.

Home away from home: Mo-Z-Inn.

Perhaps a new tradition.

Adventure 924: A View from the Perch-Little Eden Camp-Homeward Bound/37

After an overnight drenching rain and rolling thunder, we awoke to a bright morning in Glendive, MT. We hit the road around seven, joining what we thought was excessive traffic heading West. Our typical road trip finds us eager to get home.We usually push our limits. We decided to smell some roses this trip. That' why we visited the Badlands, and that's why we stopped in Missoula tonight. It was a good decision. We had time, so we visited the city park in Livingston for lunch, which was decked out with a slew of American flags, most of which were wrapped around the statue of Sacajawea. We continued to journey along with Lewis and Clark, which led us to ruminate about house arduous the trip was. Imagine portaging boats and gear over mountains, making wheels for carts from felled trees, negotiating with Indian tribes sans knowledge of custom or language, pulling heavy boats against the current. Truly remarkable. Perhaps it's just as remarkable to cruise along at over eighty miles per hour along a paved road in a computerized automobile, passing large trucks, RVs, and other vehicles along the way. I guess it means we've come a long way. It also means life is truly good, especially today.

A little bit cool for lunch, but a nice break nonetheless.

A view from our hotel room. Somewhat better accommodations than Lewis and Clark enjoyed.

For our last night on the road, we chose a well run brew pub.

 
Not quite Tucson quality, but a pretty good burrito anyway.

 

Judy's salmon flat bread was absolutely delicious.