For several years, we have been coming with a large group to Howell Station campground below the Lake Red Rock Dam near Pella at State Fair time. Several in the group had grandchildren showing animals at the fair and would drive up to Des Moines from here. Last year, this trip was the last time Butch successfully towed the trailer. He even rode his bike a short distance and participated in all of the gatherings. A month later he had started a steady decline of balance, speech, eating, and memory problems resulting from the whole brain radiation treatment he had had in the spring. But we made a lot of wonderful memories here--biking, hiking, campfires, trips to Pella and the Tassel Ridge winery.
So it has been bittersweet to return this year, but all in all, a wonderful trip. First of all, the weather has been fantastic. Chilly mornings, pleasant days with wonderful breezes, and cool nights. There is no state fair this year and we are missing some regular members of our group. But my long time friend Joanie agreed to join me and we make pretty good camping buddies. We agree politically and have similar likes and dislikes. We are both 77 but neither of us has fallen out of bed or tripped on the steps. Our group is still not sharing meals because of the virus, but so far Joanie and I have had pork chop sandwiches with coleslaw and sweet corn, brown sugar chicken and rice salad, and last night shrimp boil packets cooked over the fire. We have done a couple of hikes and of course made the requisite trip into Pella to the quilt shop and the bakery.
We have had a campfire every night beginning with a beautiful sunset. Last night we had a special treat with a concert from Ken on his guitar. I had a rough moment when Ken broke into "Working Man," Butch's favorite song with memories connected to our trip to Ireland ten years ago. But the choice was much appreciated because it seemed to make Butch a part of our campfire circle.
Today is another beautiful day. We will probably do some hiking and biking; maybe play a few games. Tonight, although we have not been sharing food, Vince and Letha will do a fish fry and we will each bring along our own sides. One of the few drawbacks to this campground is very poor internet. I am having trouble adding any more pictures, so I'd beet upload this if I can!
Today is another beautiful day. We will probably do some hiking and biking; maybe play a few games. Tonight, although we have not been sharing food, Vince and Letha will do a fish fry and we will each bring along our own sides. One of the few drawbacks to this campground is very poor internet. I am having trouble adding any more pictures, so I'd beet upload this if I can!
RSS Feed