A holiday weekend and the campgrounds were booked with reservations a year old. No worries. We took the offer to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bed) to my brother's lake house on Lake Blackshear.
I suppose the neighbors on this gorgeous Lakeshore Drive may liken us to Cousin Eddie; after all, the SolAire stretched the width of the front yard from Friday afternoon until well into Monday.
Fortunately, the weather cooperated. Low humidity and the shade of pines allowed us to sleep in the camper without air conditioning. A gentle breeze created by our handy oscillating fan and cross-ventilation allowed by the screened windows and door made for a pleasant three night's sleep.
Our weekend entertainment began with a boat ride to the northern end of the lake for dinner at Lakeshore Grill. A delicious start!
Passing under the train trestle that crosses Lake Blackshear
Lakeside Grill: boat right up to the dock for casual open air atmosphere and delicious seafood
On the ride home, we managed a seven minute viewing of the International Space Station. Rising in the southwest sky, the ISS darted across the night sky, exiting to the northeast. Maybe the best view we've ever had: being in the middle of the lake reduced the potential visual obstruction of the horizon. On Saturday evening, we caught another terrific view, a bit shorter, but still fascinating. With room to lie down on the pontoon boat, the rest of our boat ride consisted of stargazing and satellite tracking: the nerd in us shines brightly! (This video was taken while on the water, so there's a lot of movement.)
In actuality, we did "nothing" all weekend, but the sounds of waves lapping against the dock or rocking the pontoon produced a state of relaxation all of us needed. The dock offered sun and shade, television and music, food and drink. So peaceful.
William about to devour a turkey & grilled bacon BLT on the dock
Just checking out the fish!
Gorgeous day to be on the water
A gaggle of geese float by : eastbound in the morning
and westbound in the evening
Sunset on Lake Blackshear, Saturday, May 28, 2016
We were less hurried getting to Boat Church this weekend. Pastor Ken's lakeside sermon and the music were, again, a wonderful worship experience. Glad we went.
Boats gathering for Sunday morning worship
Relaxed and recharged, we are ready to face our week of responsibilities.
I couldn't get away from home fast enough! It had been a stress-induced, time-crunched week of state testing, honors events, and graduation. Add to that, the need to grocery shop in preparation for a Saturday evening party.
So, Jamie headed out earlier than I did to set up the SolAire at Georgia Veterans State Park on Lake Blackshear. What a relief to drive up to our already-set-up site, situated at the rear of the secondary campground. Seclusion, despite a late-spring sold-out campground! Just what I needed to wrap up the last, hectic week of the school year.
Perfectly placed at Georgia Veterans State Park
Food prep for a big crowd is typically tiring, but completed in the relaxing atmosphere of the SolAire with a view of the woods, this self-imposed task became joyful. Just what I needed! With Jamie sitting in the same room with me while I checked off task after task, I was reminded of the many days my granddaddy did the same for my grandmother while she prepped meals for our weekly family nights. Togetherness. Cherished time.
By mid-afternoon the preparations were complete and we headed over to my brother's lake house where the young folks had the tables and chairs set out near the water, offering a lovely view for dinner. But it rarely fails: plan an outdoor event and a rain shower is a sure bet. Fortunately, the weather radar alerted us to the possibility in time for tablecloths to be stripped.
A quick rain shower cooled the air. Can you spot the rainbow? Check the cupola for the pot of gold!
The rain passed soon enough, the decor replaced, the meal cooked by my chef extraordinaire -- thank you, Jamie! --, guests arrived, dinner was served, and another party was in the books. What a pleasure to celebrate our long-time friend Jeremy and his June bride-elect.
Love that my chef also is a display artist
Friends since fourth grade: Sara, Jeremy & Ashley
Jeremy & Kari opening gifts with happy mom Pam
Sunday morning we sped back over to the lake house to join Lynn & Tim for a ride to Boat Church. We'd heard of this weekly service, a ministry of Warwick United Methodist Church, but we'd never been. A large crowd had gathered both on land and on water. We enjoyed a wonderful worship experience led by our previous Camilla UMC pastor, Ken Myers.
Tying onto the boat beside us; a crowd has gathered on shore.
Returning to the lake house, we delighted in feeding some mighty hefty catfish. Pictures don't show it, but these cats were huge and they gulped the feed in one snappy grab after another.
Time to pack up the SolAire and head home; another work week beckons.
