Rocky Bend, Again

We love Rocky Bend! So it's the perfect getaway when we have weekend commitments at home: we can camp and we can attend family functions.

This weekend was especially JOYful.  We arrived at camp late Friday afternoon to find that our good friends Jerry & Angie were set up and waiting for us, and Miss Joy had already set up her new vintage-inspired canned ham camper.

Not only have we known Miss Joy practically all of our lives, but she's the mother to a State Trooper - of course, that's close to Jamie's heart - and, with her formal title of Dr.,  she served on my dissertation committee several years ago.  We were delighted to have her join us on her first outing in her adorable canned ham.

Ol' Grillbilly Jerry marinated our steaks and fired up the grill while we ladies prepped the rest of our dinner.  Miss Joy's appetizer of cream cheese and butter with a stir-in of herbs and garlic hit the spot; I was hungry. Did I miss lunch again?





Becky and John came for the grillin' - another great feature of camping close to home - and brought the potatoes and salad, and with Miss Joy's loaf of bread, dinner was complete .

We visited by the fire pit until deep into the night.
 

Miss Joy decided it was time to turn in, so she made her way back to the canned ham only to realize that she'd inadvertently locked the door. Oh, no! It's a good thing our two public safety officials know a thing or two about unlocking locked locks. Success!

A screwdriver and a flashlight - always a must have!

Lesson learned

Jamie shared his best campsite breakfast burrito the next morning, and we enjoyed listening to the river rushing over rocks and around trees.

Breakfast - Sara & Kayleb joined us Saturday morning 

The Flint River was out of its banks, minor flooding evident at Rocky Bend.  Throughout the weekend, the water level was dropping.  We were amazed as we watched various markings go from completely covered to completely uncovered over several hours.

Flood waters at Rocky Bend

Notice how far up the boat ramp the flood waters run

Saturday afternoon Grillbilly started up his magic again when he put a Boston Butt on the grill and a dutch oven of baked beans on the fire; dinner was, yes, quite delicious.

Pulling butt

Frying bacon in the dutch oven to add to the baked beans

This cook is pleased with his iron pot!

We lazed around the campground, soaking in the spring sunshine, reading a few chapters of a just-arrived Amazon delivery, smelling the grill and poking the fire.

On Sunday, Jamie and I joined his parents in Hopeful for a special baptism service and then family lunch at their home.  Afterwards, we headed back to Rocky Bend for our Sunday afternoon nap, lounging riverside; ahh, sleeping to the sounds of the river rushing past . . .

My Sunday afternoon nap view

But all good camping trips must end.  Monday's coming. 

We're counting down the days 'til Friday because we're heading out for Spring Break.