A Quick Musing: SUGAR PINE CAMPOUT, year 12

We just got our trailer back from a $6,000 bent frame repair. We were thrilled that it was reparable and that the insurance accepted the claim without totaling it. Happily, we headed up the the hill to Sugar Pine for an annual three-day outing under the open sky. Things are never simple -- blowout on the way . . .

Not just a blowout, but one that damaged the side of our trailer.

Just before we left town, we noticed that the air conditioner cover had been damaged, either when it was in the shop or when it was on the tow truck on the way to the shop. So by the time we got to Sugar Pine, our lovely trailer looked like the walking wounded. It is now back in the shop, BUT, it did not spoil a glorious time in the mountains.

Our camp hosts: Jon - 2008 Placer County Fair 1st Place & Best in Show brewer for his home-brewed brown ale . . .

. . . and Darlene, the hardest working, most generous, welcoming, gracious and loving woman on the face of the planet.

We had lots of adorable dogs join us: Our dog, Dylan . . .

. . . Clyde & Meredith's pup, Barclay (all dressed up for the event) . . .

. . . Barry, Collette, Ryan & Sarah's dog, Ginger (sweetest dog on earth) . . .

And a few other cuties we failed to get pictures of. Mini & Sierra, and 7-month old puppy, Daisy. We enjoyed them all.

It seems that all our former baby, toddler & child visitors, while still attending, are no longer little kids. They're all now smart, attractive, fun-loving young adults. Sofia is our newest Sugar Pine camper and we think she loved it, accept for naps, of course, and what fun to have a toddler with us again.

Collette brought Sofia a fishing pole (and fish) and taught her how to use it. She forgot the license, but, fortunately, no rangers came around inquiring.

Sofia took her catch around to show it off . . .

. . . and let her grandpa try his hand at it.

Nancy blew bubbles for Sofia. She got the "Sofia stare" we all know and love.

Collette and Nancy, together, made Sofia a beaded braclet -- lovely.

There was swimming and boating . . .

Barry brought the "Chick Magnet" . . .

. . . and Meredith took her sail boat out on its maiden voyage.

(This picture was facing properly in my file. The blog picked it up sideways and I was afraid to try to fix it. I didn't want to lose everything I'd done by trying to fix one little problem.)

Everyone brings great, yummy food to camp -- and LOTS of it. I suppose there are things that could happen to us here, but starvation certainly isn't one of them!