We've had some amazing sunrises lately.
Okay, now I'm focused! Friday, which just happened to be CH's birthday, we high-tailed it out of town to go camping. We met a couple of people that are in our camping group for the weekend. One of the ladies is expecting a baby in November, so we gave her a surprise baby shower. Her husband knew about it, but she had no clue. One of the ladies did an amazing job with getting everything together:
The mom-to-be (for the 3rd time...or 4th...they had twin girls the first go-round!):
Mom-to-be with 2 of her girls. This will be the 4th girl!
Even though the gathering was small, it gave all of us a chance to get to know each other a little better. Another couple came by for a while, but didn't camp.
Saturday morning, CH, Laika, & I went for a walk. This campground has a lot of trails all over the park.
They have little "resting areas" at various spots along the trail:
CH & I taking advantage of the bench while Laika explored the woods:
A Tulip Poplar: Tennessee's State Tree:
The trail:
CH & his dog:
Laika enjoyed getting into the creek:
She had a blast running in the field:
Another "Resting Spot":
The weather was perfect: not too hot during the day, low humidity, and cool at night. It was cool enough that we didn't have to run the air conditioner, and we used our comforter. It just wasn't cool enough for a fire, although some campers had one.
Saturday afternoon, we ventured into the nearby town and had lunch. We like to eat at a local eating place if we can, and we just happened to see a billboard advertising such a place. We drove by it and missed the turn off, but we ended up going back because there were a lot of cars in the parking lot. That's a sure way to find a decent place to eat! It didn't disappoint, either. The food was good, and the employees were extremely nice. We will definitely be going back next time we camp at that campground. We got a chuckle over the sign on the door:
I guess it's okay to go in without shoes (or pants!), but don't forget your shirt!
That night, we grilled hamburgers, and then made "Dutch Oven Caramel Apple Pie". Well, kind of. I couldn't find the Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls, so I used the Pillsbury ones in a can. It was still really good. It would've been even better with vanilla ice cream on it.
(Pre-baking)
Sunday morning, we ate breakfast, cleaned up camp, and came home. We were only a little over an hour from the house, so we got home around noon. MS & his girlfriend, and YS & his girlfriend joined us for our regular Sunday evening Mexican dinner.
All in all, it was a much needed weekend. This school year has started out extremely hectic, so it was good to get away and not think about work. I didn't even read a book this weekend, which is something that I usually do when we're camping.
As we came home, this is always a welcome sight:
So glad you had a nice, relaxing weekend ... hope you're refreshed and ready to face you week. Are you feeling better?
ReplyDeleteWe'll see that sight in almost 3 weeks, as we usually go through Knoxville on our way to Hilton Head (it's a little shorter to go through Atlanta, but we'll be leaving at a time that will cause us to get to Atlanta right at rush hour - afternoon on the way down and morning on the way home). I'll think of you when we see the sign!
That sign in the restaurant cracked me up. Lets just hope they wore looooong shirts! Lol
ReplyDeleteI agree with you - if the parking lot is full it is generally a great place to eat.
What a lovely surprise for the expectant mother. After a few babies, it is always nice to get something "new". So glad you take the time to camp. It really is good for the soul. Have a fantastic week!!
ReplyDeleteYour camping weekend sounded heavenly, especially with the cool nights.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that the tulip poplar was Tennessee's state tree. It's one of my favorite trees.
Have a great Monday!
Looks like a fun weekend! That Dutch oven apple pie looks good.
ReplyDeleteI love that kind of weather... I'm not a camper, but I love being outside with cool evenings - no humidity during the days.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun surprise! baby showers are always fun!
I still remember the view driving into Blount County from K-town when I worked there back in the early 80's...still ranks as one of my all time favorite views : )
ReplyDeleteYour posts always make me want to go camping. Have a great week!
What a nice surprise for the mom to (again) be.
ReplyDeleteI don't like tulip poplars -- that's what fell on our house years ago! It was in the neighbor's yard, but when it went, gravity was stronger than ownership. ha ha
Our weather has been awesome too -- perfect for biking!