Clear Lake State Park
It is time again for our 3rd annual 4th of July camping trip. Like the last 2 years we met several of our friends and family at the Clear Lake State Park near Atlanta, Michigan. This year we occupied 6 campsites in all.
On the 4th we all came together for our traditional potluck picnic. We counted 24 people for the picnic this year. We were even joined by several non-RVers. We enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, meatballs, salads, beans, kabobs, pies and more. It makes me hungry just thinking of all the food. We then played ladder ball and bocce ball. Later in the evening we sat around the campfire and ate Smores. It was a great time.
This year the park introduced a host camper. Not sure exactly what he was responsible for (and either was the park worker I asked) but I think he had something to do with the bike parade. My nephew even won 1st place for his patriotic bicycle decorations. I think the fact that he was also one of the few riders wearing protective gear may have helped persuade the judges as well.
My brother-in-law talked me into heading into Atlanta to do a bit of canoeing down the Thunder Bay River. Six of us went, including my niece and her girlfriend. I believe the two of them had a little more fun than the rest of us. I have never seen a canoe go down the river sideways before.
While I was off floating down the river, my wife found some Alpena strawberries and made jam. Alpena berries are some of the best in the state. I sure am glad she found them and took the time to make the jam.
In the evening, we took a ride out into the state forest area to look for elk. Along the way we stopped at what we loving refer to as “Enright Rock”. This was a good opportunity to take a couple of quick snapshots.
I asked this young man how he would rate the time he had at the picnic this year.
He gave it his best highest rating!
He said it was simply PHENOMENAL!
This was another good 4th of July. I can’t wait for it to come around again next year.
