“Good news, it won’t be that hot this weekend,” Ron said, coming around the back of the trailer and checking the electricity.
Checking into site A27, we quickly discovered that the 50 amp electricity didn’t work; however, the 30 amp did. Since we needed to run the A/C to survive, the lesser voltage would suffice, but we couldn’t run everything normally. With a forecast in the 80s during the day and cooler at night, we shouldn’t have any issues.
Maps brought us into Trap Pond along back country roads or dating Ron. Thankfully, we had no issues. Because of repair work on the campground bridge, our regular entrance has a detour, and we must come in the back way. A sinkhole near the bridge caused the problem and the disruption of normal use. According to Carolanne, they started work at the beginning of summer, the worst time possible to do it.
We arrived safely around 5:00 p.m.
After Ron showered, we headed to the McFarlin’s for dinner, enjoying street tacos prepared by Carolanne and Troy. Using the outside table, we ate outside, enjoying the cooler temperatures, serenaded by the sounds of nature. Dinner conversation revolved around the arrival of Easton, who was due in just over three weeks. Excitement at his arrival highlighted the evening. Laura, grandma-to-be, smiled from ear to ear as Carolanne updated us on the latest pregnancy news.
After filling our bellies, we helped carry the dishes inside, clearing the table before saying goodnight. Returning to the Atlas, I went to bed to read while Ron enjoyed a beer outside with the pups, savoring the last moments of the evening.
Laura texted at 8:30 the following day, up and ready to go; she invited us over for a keto breakfast casserole. Ron declined, so my old friend and I enjoyed a quiet breakfast together as the rest of the family slept.
Loading up the kayaks in Carolanne’s truck, we drove to Trap Pond for a leisurely morning on the water.
“Dip your paddle to the bottom,” Laura said.
Expecting the paddle to go deep into the water, surprise flooded my face when it touched the bottom less than two feet down.
“They opened the damn when they began work on the bridge. I had no idea the water level had dropped so low.”
When we turned our boats towards the beloved trails, getting stuck in the mud didn’t cross our minds. Unfortunately, the trails no longer existed, and thick mud replaced the water where we once kayaked. Looking at the base of the trees, you could see the roots, once invisible. Islands appeared in places once covered with water.
With no idea how long the bridge would take to complete and not enough rain to keep the pond filled, God only knows how low the water level will get before they damn it back up. Hopefully, they will get the beloved waterway back to normal levels soon.
After our morning of kayaking, Laura dropped me off at the camper for a shower. Sauteeing zucchini and squash for lunch, Ron returned from grocery shopping just in time to eat. Watching the British Open, we napped while the pros battled the rain and bunkers to complete the third day of the championship, Billy Horschel clinging to the lead as Dan Brown double-bogeyed on the 18th, giving up his one-shot advantage.
Arriving at the McFarlin’s, we found them swinging on the porch, occupying their first wedding anniversary gift to each other. Painted many times, with a hidden L-bracket supporting a once broken swing, they looked cozy, having weathered 27 years since then together. Mike’s healing meniscus repair didn’t allow him much movement, the brace preventing him from straightening the leg; under strict doctor’s orders, he had no weight bearing for four months, and he struggled with the lack of activity. Walking down the stairs one day, his knee buckled, the meniscus tearing from the root, causing him the need for surgery and forcing him to slow down.
Hummingbirds entertained us as we sat chatting. Males and females visited the feeder for some sugared water inside. Hornets tried to invade their space, but Laura, ever vigilant with the fly swatter, kept them away. Taking a trip down memory lane, we talked about past visits. Looking at the radar, we saw rain in the forecast and decided to move our evening cookout from our camper to the house, which had more room for us.
Ron returned to the trailer for food and to feed the dogs while Laura and I headed to Hobby Lobby. In need of fall supplies for my shop, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity when I had it. Michael’s, the only craft store near me, which had much higher prices than the Christian-owned business.
Carolanne and Troy finished decorating Easton’s nursery while we shopped. The space-themed room now awaited the future human entrance into the world. With contractions already starting, hopefully, Easton will come soon, bringing the joy of new life with him.
Troy grilled hamburgers and hotdogs over charcoal as we prepared the side dishes. Another family dinner on the porch filled our hearts with love. Laura and I did the math on the beginning of our friendship, which started in 1986, just after my father died. Me, 16 years old, and Laura, 14, our friendship spanned multiple decades, with many memories to fill in the gaps.
After much discussion, we decided on The Frozen Farmer to cap off our evening. Who can’t resist Strawberry Pretzel Salad ice cream with broken cone pieces on top? Not me or Laura. Ron opted for a scoop of Cookie Dough, Carolanne got her favorite, and Troy enjoyed a milkshake.
“Preggers,” the nickname given to sweet Carolanne in her pregnant state, made me smile. Little Easton moved every time she sat down, happy to stay quiet when Carolanne had things to do.
Returning home just before ten, Ron and I said goodnight, then drove back to the Atlas and our puppies for a restful night’s sleep.
Walking the pups the next morning before church, I took pictures of site A17. At the end of the A-loop, it had no neighbors, with a view of the pond and plenty of space to walk the pups and host friends. Ron put the site on his list for future bookings.
Sunday morning started slowly, sleeping late then leisurely reading my Bible, while Ron did his morning routine. After a breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon, we got ready for church at Narrow Way with the McFarlins, then lunch at Pizza King before returning to camp to pack up.
Another wonderful weekend with our Delaware family! God willing, we will pay another visit in Sept. to meet Easton.
