Camping at Big Lake
In an attempt to escape the heat, our family decided to join our friends, the Lewis’ for a 4 day camping trip to Big Lake. We rented a pop-up tent trailer and loaded every cupboard and crevice of it with camping equipment, clothes, food, toys and extras. We were tight on space because we had a full carload with two adults, four children, and two dogs. Jamming everything in the trailer and on the roof of the car was part of the fun though. Katie and Lauren invited the neighbor girls, Lexi and Lauren.
They were so excited to be able to bring friends and part of their anticipation started a week prior as they planned outfits and activities. We arrived at the campsite on a Thursday afternoon and immediately got to work setting up camp and pitching a tent. The four girls slept in the tent for the two nights we were there and it worked out great for them to have their own quarters.
We had campsites right next to Doug and Tammy. Day one consisted of building a fort in the woods, playing hide-and-seek, and taking a walk with the dogs. Sweet Pokey is 12 years old now and this may well be her last camping trip. There is no doubt that she enjoyed her time rolling around in the grass and exploring the openness of the outdoors. Pokey and Frito both slept in the tent with the girls and were well spoiled. At night we sat around the campfire, made smores, and told stories.
The next day we all went fishing in Big Lake. It was beautiful with the sun shimmering on the water and the green trees embanking the lake. Although it was windy and choppy and the young ones were a bit cold, I know we all had a great time. Lauren caught two trout, Katie caught one, Kory caught two, and I caught one. That evening we had fried fish, mashed potatoes and corn.
The second day we also played Apples to Apples and took some time to read as the girls made up games in the forest. They got some hair-brained idea to play a few pranks on the people in the outhouse. When a woman went into the restroom, the girls stood outside chanting “Polly want a cracker?”, and then they’d sneak into the restroom and replace the soap on the sink with a Saltine cracker. I sure hope the women got a kick out the girls’ shenanigans. Where do they come up with these things? Day three consisted of a huge breakfast of bacon, eggs, pancakes, cantaloupe, watermelon, breakfast burritos, and hot chocolate. Then it was time for some play, reading, and fellowship before packing up and making the five hour drive home. Although it was a lot of work, this was a great opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery, cool weather, and great friends.