We have come to that sad day each year in the lives of most campers--at least in the northern climes--when we have to face the fact that the water is being turned off in the parks and camping becomes a survival exercise rather than recreation. But we finished with a flourish. On Friday, after four enjoyable days at Pere Marquette, we packed up and headed back north. We had arranged to meet some of our camping group at Lake Darling State Park in Iowa, one of our old favorites.
Lake Darling has undergone extensive renovations in recent years. The lake has been drained and dredged, the campground redone, roads rebuilt, and excellent facilities added, including shelters, year-round cabins, and a beautiful lodge. The park is named for Iowa cartoonist/environmentalist, "Ding" Darling. On Sunday, in commemoration of Ding Darling's 140th birthday, they featured a one man show by Tom Milligan called "A Conversation with Ding Darling." Afterwards, birthday cake (!!) and tours of the new cabins.
We also had visits from Butch and Harriet's baby sister Mary and husband Leon on Saturday, niece Kelly and boyfriend Caleb and old friends John and Karen from nearby Washington on Sunday. The weather was impeccable and the campfires unmatched. Ken's smoked pork roast on Sunday night provided the final flourish on the finish.
Lake Darling is one of Verizon's Black Holes so we had no internet or phones for four days--hence, no blogging until we got home. Now it's time to clean up the Christmas wrappings and lick up the cookie crumbs. The laundry is in progress and the refrigerator emptied, but we still need to haul in all of the dry food and liquids. Then one more trip to the dealer for a couple of repairs and winterizing. Lucy the Gray Ghost will be surrendered to her first winter behind the garage until a spring trip rescues her from her exile.
Meanwhile, other adventures and challenges are on the horizon. This Saturday, I will be going to Maquoketa to the Maquoketa Art Experience gallery for a book sale and signing with several other eastern Iowa authors. Nearby Maquoketa Caves State Park of course is the basis for Bats and Bones. If you live near, come and visit us between 11-1.
Saturday, Nov 5, will be our third annual 'Book Bums Writers' Workshop.' Fourteen other authors will be joining me for a full day of writing trash-talk. The following Tuesday, I am scheduled to work the election for 16 hours and less than two weeks later we leave for St. George Island, Florida and our biennial family far-off fling.
My actual writing is on the back burner until all of this is over, but A Campy Christmas just came out in audible format in time for you holiday travelers and The Space Invader is doing very well.
Meanwhile, other adventures and challenges are on the horizon. This Saturday, I will be going to Maquoketa to the Maquoketa Art Experience gallery for a book sale and signing with several other eastern Iowa authors. Nearby Maquoketa Caves State Park of course is the basis for Bats and Bones. If you live near, come and visit us between 11-1.
Saturday, Nov 5, will be our third annual 'Book Bums Writers' Workshop.' Fourteen other authors will be joining me for a full day of writing trash-talk. The following Tuesday, I am scheduled to work the election for 16 hours and less than two weeks later we leave for St. George Island, Florida and our biennial family far-off fling.
My actual writing is on the back burner until all of this is over, but A Campy Christmas just came out in audible format in time for you holiday travelers and The Space Invader is doing very well.
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