Thursday, July 28, 2011

We survived our first camping trip in 20+ years

Sadly, it has come to an end. But, what fun we had and what memories we will carry with us!

We were out on the lake early this AM. The lake was like glass and we just wanted to sit there and take it all in. We leisurely paddled down to Gary H's favorite fishing hole and watched him try to reel in a gigantic trout. It was a nice one! Unfortunately, it will only be a figment of our imaginations as it made one gallant effort at the last moment and made its escape. Maybe he should put a fishing net on his wish list.

We paddled slowly in the other direction. We didn't see a single magnificent bird this morning. Do you think they knew the weekend crowd had started to arrive? They were probably soaring over the more secluded forest areas.

Check out time and we were all packed. We said our goodbyes to our camping buddies, Gary & Vicky, Jim & Jackie, and Gary and Anne. We thank them for making our adventure so much fun. They showed us we can still enjoy the great outdoors.

Would we do this all again? You bet. We have our list of all the things we will remember next
time: jackets, warm clothes, matches, newspaper, hiking shoes, and much much more. We may even own a tent by then! Wouldn't that be something!

Thanks again dear friends for sharing your spirit of adventure and your enthusiasm. We will continue to strive to make it to 24!

Location:Little Grass Valley Reservoir

Our Geocaching Day Starts with a Paddle and ends with a Game!



Up early and out on the lake! Beautiful! Almost as smooth as glass. The mist was drifting off the lake in the morning sun, creating a feeling of intrigue. One swish of the paddle and the kayaks slid along the water leaving a small ripple in their path. It was quiet and you could hear the call of the birds in the distance.


We headed down the lake, following the shoreline. Our eyes were searching the tree line for any activity. Aahh, a moment of beauty as a bald eagle came swooping from behind. We could only enjoy the moment as the sun was directly behind the eagle, preventing any pictures.

We paddled a little over 2 miles. We saw several osprey along the way. No matter how intently we watched, they always took us by surprise--usually coming from behind. They were so graceful in flight, we couldn't help but be entranced. So mesmerized that by the time we remembered the camera, it was too late. Let's hope the memories linger a while.

We will also have memories of mama duck and her babies all in a row. We encountered them as we pulled into shore at the end of our paddle. They seemed undisturbed to have us so near. We could get close but mama would keep them herded together just out of reach. Never hurried, but certainly avoiding any possible harm. Casual in their movements, they gave us ample time to take plenty of pictures.

The best time of the day to paddle. A moment we wished would last a while. We knew, however, the breezes across the lake would soon increase and our beautiful moments on the water would be over for the day.

Our adventure for the day was a drive to Quincy. A couple of us needed a Quincy cache to complete a Challenge Cache. We were so close, how could we not go. Several of us piled into Gary & Vicky's new car. Our trip was up and down a long windy road with lots of switch backs. Good thing those of us in the very back seat didn't get car sick! This may be a geocaching/kayaking/hiking vehicle, but there are limits on what is acceptable. We managed to pick up several geocaches and saw some points of interest. One old bridge had us intrigued and we had to stop twice before it gave up the cache. We failed to find a couple that must have been missing, but we did find the one Quincy cache we needed. Success.

The fun really began when we arrived back at camp. Gary C. had stayed behind to catch up on his poetry reading and to create a Ladder Golf Tournament Ladder for us. We were all set to play but first, Gary H. & Vicky hosted our cocktail hour and dinner. Another hit with pulled pork sandwiches and home made coleslaw! It was good. Eventually, the game was on. It was a double elimination so we each played at least two games. It went back and forth. Some of the games seemed to take an awfully long time. It wasn't our fault that we missed the ladder or we kept canceling each others scores out. Everyone just had to be patient. So patient, in fact, we were still playing well after dark. We could barely see the ladder against the trees. Time to bring out the lanterns and head lamps. The game kept going. At last, Gary H. was declared the winner. It was a well fought battle between Gary and Jim. They had established their skills practicing the night before. They were definitely at the top of their game.

Fortunately, we were finished just shortly before 10:00. That is "curfew" time in the park. It is time to settle down and avoid any loud noises or celebrations. We calmly took our places around the campfire. Time for more cowboy poetry with Gary C. Ok, some of the choices this evening were questionable. Just take me at my word--you wouldn't want me to repeat them. But one was about friendships and the forming of new ones. So very appropriate for us on this last night of our camping experience. We take home a lot of memories and definitely a more solid friendship with everyone present.

Location:Little Grass Valley Reservoir



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Pancake wine for breakfast?


We were all responsible for one community meal. Our meal was breakfast this AM. Of course, we opted for pancakes (blueberry), bacon, smokey links, and a variety of fruit. In keeping with the spirit, Vicky brought her bottle of wine with a fun label: Pancake wine! It fit right in. We opted to save it for later, but we did enjoy mimosas with our pancakes.

After breakfast we went kayaking on the lake. We actually spotted a bald eagle! It was beautiful! It wasn't long before we also spotted a couple of osprey and then deer on the hillside. What a way to start the day! In addition to our sightings, Anne spotted a Western Tanager and Gary H. and Jim caught their limit of trout!

That afternoon Gary & Vicky, Gary & Anne, and Jim hiked to to top of Mt. Baldy. Jackie, Larry, and I just enjoyed relaxing at the campsite. They told us about the spectacular views and we told them about our experience. We had two military jets fly over. They were so close and so loud we were sure they were coming in for a landing at our campsite. Fortunately, their speed prevented them from staying very long! Quite a sight!

During cocktail hour we brought out our ladder golf game. instant hit. Gary H and Jim quickly established their superiority. It's all in the technique and clearly Larry and I have not mastered it!

Dinner that night was another special treat. Gary & Anne were in charge and they set the standard high. It was Anne's birthday. Their campsite was decorated in the spirit. For dinner we had stew that was delicious. The hit, though, was the wine they brought to the table: Plungerhead. And to go along with that, the birthday party hats were plungers! It was quite a sight to see 8 older adults sitting at the table with plungers on their heads. Even the camp hosts came to see! We asked them to take our picture to commemorate the moment.

The evening ended with a couple of rousing games of the Answer Game (can't remember its real name) and more cowboy poetry from Gary C. Fun! Fun! Fun! And all before park quiet time at 10!

Location:Little Grass Valley Reservoir



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And so it begins

The great camping adventure actually started last week with the planning/packing part. I know we used to have one of every necessary camping item . It must be somewhere, but where! I give up. Guess we will have to buy one and add it to our collection wherever it may be.

The car is packed and we are ready to go. The plan is to meet at Awful Annie's in Lincoln and caravan from there. So far so good. We only had to go back home once before we really truly could say we are on our way. We spotted the others immediately. It is hard to miss a line of vehicles parked along the road with kayaks on top. Lunch was great.

Our destination was Little Grass Valley Reservoir. It is somewhere between Marysville and Quincy off LaPorte Road. It isn't that far away should we want to return. Our kayaks were in the water shortly after our arrival. It was a little wavy because of the afternoon breeze, but we still enjoyed a paddle around.

After our paddle we sat around the campfire and visited. In an earlier discussion we decided that each couple would plan one community meal. In addition, we would bring wine for everyone with unusual labels. We had more fun with that!

For dinner our first night was hosted by Jim & Jackie Spriggs. They make a mean steak with beans and a cucumber salad. I definitely need the recipes!

It was campfire time the rest of the evening. I don't think Larry and I have ever experienced a poetry reading on a camping trip. Tonight was different. Gary C had his Cowboy poetry books with him and read several exerts to us. We all listened intently. The others have enjoyed poetry readings from Gary before (always cowboy poetry). I think we can add this to our list of likes. They did make so much sense when you considered the subjects.


Location:Little Grass Valley Reservoir



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Monday, July 25, 2011

Should We or Shouldn't We?

It has been a while. Is it time to retire our limited art of blogging or is it time to start describing our activities again? We are doing so many more things since we first started geocaching but we seem to be geocaching less. Our emphasis has changed. Numbers are no longer important. What is important is to enjoy whatever it is you are doing. Walk a little slower along the trail between caches. Take time to "smell the roses" and watch the wildlife. Life is too short to rush from one spot to another just so you stay ahead of the rest of the geocachers. It is definitely time to regroup. Enjoy the adventure and if there is a cache nearby, go for it. If not, continue to enjoy the adventure. Take advantage of today as tomorrow may never come!