The boys rode bikes around the camping loop while Paul and I got things set up. We successfully figured out how to hook up the tent garage with the rainfly, so we were pleased that we weren't total idiots this time (unlike our garage setting up FAIL at Fairystone).
The lake was exceptionally clean, and no one woke up during the night sick with stomach pain and vomiting this time around. More success!
The boys can't get enough swimming during the summer months. It's one of their favorite activities. I enjoyed running the trails in my spare time (and Paul biked them).
On Friday we took a side trip to get in some history at Appomattox Courthouse. It's only fifteen minutes away. Here are the boys in the jail. They were suitably impressed by the big chain bolt in the floor and walls.
The little village was simple and quaint. There were people in period dress telling stories throughout.
The picture below is the backside of the McLean house (brick). The parlor inside is where Lee and Grant met to end the Civil War. The guides were excellent and I think the boys were able to realize what a monumental moment this was in history.
We walked all over Appomattox Courthouse. So many interesting things to see! But eventually, we headed back to our camp.
At Holliday Lake, we attended five ranger programs. The rangers were so knowledgeable and the boys adored their programs. Below, the boys are learning how to build fire by a number of different methods.
Another day, we attended a critters of the lake class, and the boys caught water scorpions and minnows and other tiny lake life critters by net.
...what a family fun time.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like an awesome park!! How fun!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful trip! Both from the fun had while camping, and the trip to Appomattox for the history. At least you got to see it, before the SJW's & Antifa get there and try to tear it down!
ReplyDeleteIf you ever want a fun but long-for-you trip to camp at a state park, look up Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds state park. A ton of fun, especially for the age your boys are, and the tent sites (all 7 of them) are nice.
What a wonderful experience for all of you! These are the special times for family to share and make going back to school so easy, and they have lots of stories of places and things they've done to share! Life is so good!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip, lots of fun and knowledge gained. I am still swimming here, I was the only one at the beach.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like Heaven for boys! I have not heard of this lake, or water scorpions! Now you will really have to go back later in the fall and roast marshmallows. That is a beautiful big tent, it must have been something else to set up. I do remember when there was sickness on the last trip, with much throwing up. I think my favorite picture is the boys as they jump in the water. Pure joy!
ReplyDeleteOh, we have that tent! Is it an REI Kingdom 4 or 6? We bought the 4 last year with the garage and we LOVE that tent! The garage certainly is helpful. We could store our gear and cook in there when the weather was rainy or cold.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great trip! I would like the hands-on fire-building class. I would think that would be really helpful knowledge.
I like Appomattox. I didn't know the state park was so close by.
ReplyDeleteNice getaway and this Fall another trip there sounds like it would be even more fun!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteWow !!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this virtual trip to this beautiful park my friend!
i enjoyed each bit of this picnic you shared as i were with you guys .
Wonderful and very sweet photos,kids are adorable
Greetings from the UK. Glad you enjoyed your trip. I like camping.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.
What a fun experience! Looks like everyone had a good time. We used to tent camp quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteOh, so wonderful! So happy y'all had a great time. Your camp setup looks great, and the boys? I'm always so glad to see them. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Sorry I haven't been around much. Just got internet back and we are getting back to normal, slowly but surely.
ReplyDeleteMy brother and I visited Appomattox Court House in 1977, when we were both on TAD to Quantico , Virginia. It was an impressive thing to stand right there where the War Between the States ended.
We did some camping when our kids were about the age of your boys. I hated camping, to tell the truth, having done a lot of "camping" in some of the worst parts of the world for months at a time. But I felt like it was something all children should experience at that age.
Glad you and the family are doing well.
It sounds perfect and looks like a great place to camp. The boys are so cute and growing up so fast!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I love the pictures of the boys in the lake!
ReplyDeleteYou were kind of in my neck of the woods. I'm glad you had such a great time. The camping grounds were beautiful. I think that's where the local 4-H holds camps. When I worked for the health department, I went to Appomattox regularly, and Larry lived there many years ago.
ReplyDeleteThat does look like fun! I love camping with our boys. It looks like there was a lot to do there.
ReplyDeleteI have been dying to go camping with the kids. I was so sad that it's already fall and it's cold as well, but I hope I can use the warm week of October soon..
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