Days 30,31,32: 8/28,29,30, Cranberry Lake, then HOME

210 miles to Cranberry Lake and then home to Gouverneur. Camped at Cranberry Friday and Saturday nights, then home on Sunday.

Friday morning and we are busy packing. I'm getting things arranged in the camper while Amy is helping Cam and Cody get their stuff together. Thursday night we (Cam, Cody, Zoey and I) "practiced" camping by sleeping in the camper in the driveway. Everyone survived the night, so the weekend camping trip was a go. By 10:00 AM we were on the road. We stopped in Long Lake for a rest break and even got to watch a sea plane take off. Lunch was McDonalds in Tupper Lake. We also had to do some last minute grocery shopping in Tupper Lake. Shopping with Cam is an adventure. If she had her way, we would have left the store with one of every item.

We checked in at Cranberry Lake State Park about 2:30. Alfie Bigarel met us with a truckload of firewood. Alfie and Karen (Kathy's sister) have been long time camping buddies. We camped together when our kids were babies. The original plan was for Karen and Alfie to bring their camper up and camp with us for the weekend. However, the rainy weather forecat scared them off. Alfie watches the Weather Channel 24/7, and he was convinced that there was a "perfect storm" brewing for the weekend. So they left their camper home. They did drive up and sit around the campfire with us each night.

It rained Friday night, but Saturday was partly sunny and pleasant. I had forgotten how much energy it takes to chaperon two kids, 8 and 5 who are brother and sister. We had a few minor scrapes, spills, meltdowns, and attitude adjustments, but I would not have traded the time with them of for anything. Campfire time with grandchildren is precious. It is amazing how much they can find to do when there is no TV, video games, or DVD players around.

Justin and Amy drove in about noon on Saturday. We all went for a hike, sat around the campfire, and in general, just relaxed. For dinner we went to The Lodge, the local hangout in Cranberry Lake. Saturday night the guys (Justin, Cody, and I) camped in a tent while the girls, including Zoey and their dog, Bailey, camped in the truck camper. And of course, it rained during the night. Fortunately the rain was light, and not too bad. At daybreak the rain stopped. Everyone, including me, was anxious to get home and cleaned up. By 9:00 AM we were packed and ready to leave. I arrived back home about 10:30 Sunday morning. Now, laundry and a shower.

So, after 32 days and 6,723 miles I have come full circle.

I'll write another post tomorrow. I have accumulated a bunch of reflections and observations during my trip that I want to remember and share. This trip is what I needed, and it more than exceeded what I hoped for. Thanks for following along.

Later.........