As expected the ride up routes 17 and 209 was pleasant and relaxing. Traffic on westbound I-84, light. Soaking in the sights, I was once again reminded of what a beautiful State we live in and how much Nature pleases the mind and the senses. The green is as green gets; plush and thick; as nice a carpet as you would want covering the rolling foothills of the Catskills. When friend Ray arrives tomorrow, one of our morning coffee chats has to include our recollections of being at this campground in the early 1980's. We camped here in our pop-ups with little kids who are now in their 30's and 50's. One of the (many) items lost in the RV fire in Georgia was my Log Book. It was near full and documented every aspect of my early years of family camping. I would be telling you the sites we occupied, the costs, the amenities enjoyed and most of all the good friends that joined in the fun with their own families. I refer myself to these photos of the good time from long, long ago. You've seen them before.
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| Six families Easter Sunday |
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| 1981 Coleman Ticonderoga |
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| 2018 Winnebago View |
What terrific memories. What will Ray remember and enhance my own of 'the good 'ol days?' (Turns out not much more than me. Made me feel good.)
Regardless, new memories are made during each outing. Arriving early, before the start of the club's "official rally days," Friday through Sunday, we found an empty line of campsites along the stretch that looked newly developed.
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| When the weekend arrived, all were filled on both sides. |
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| John and Dawn were cozy on an end site in the cul de sac. |
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| Sites were spacious. This one, next to me, was soon occupied by Ray and Sue. |
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| Behind me, a 180° sweep |
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Site markers were new, attractive but set far back and
unlit for the night time arrivals. |
FRIENDS
By the time all had arrived, the highlights for me centered as always around friends, food and campfires. Members in attendance included: John/Martine, Larry, Tony/Doreen, John/Carol, Johnny and friend, Danny, Erve/Bert, John/Dawn, ACR, and Ray/Sue. Members who stopped by for just a day visit included Bob/Sharon, Jack/Noreen and my neighbor from back home, Gregg.
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| Thank you to the gal across the way for taking the photo. |
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Neighbor Gregg, from the River House
also has a place in nearby Ellenville. |
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| Tony & Gregg. Thanks for stopping by. |
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| Noreen & Jack |
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| Bob & Sharon |
And I must include pets present and those "related" to me:
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| There's Dawn's "Lokie" (sp?) |
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| Husband John's "Titan" |
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| Granddaughter Sara's "Burleigh" |
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| Daughter Marybeth's "Ollie" |
FOOD
Friday "Meet and Greet", Saturday's "Pot Luck Supper" and Sunday's "Left Overs". Use your imagination
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| Potato casserole |
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| Ziti |
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| Mac and cheese |
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| London broil & onions |
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| Franks & beans |
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| Homemade cole slaw |
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| Homemade soppressata |
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| Kielbasa |
CAMPFIRES
Sunday arrived quickly and a few of us departed. Ray/Sue back home and I headed for Henniker, NH for an overnight stay at Keyser Pond Campground. Monday I'll be in Belfast, Maine visiting my cousins John/Barbara. See you there.
