Elsewhere

Many or most people are more adept with their cell phones than I am; they do all sorts of activities and tasks with them. I personally find the small “keyboard” frustrating, the voice to text feature hilariously ineffective and rely on my laptop for anything major, including blogging! So, I was away on a camping trip and somewhat off the grid and didn’t write a single word. Being out in nature provided many highlights though. I was delighted to watch a couple kids in the campground playing soccer with their dad. I smiled at a group of men trying to play volleyball without a net. While walking around the state park, I exchanged “hellos” with other campers sitting around their fires. John took a nap while I finally finished “Theo of Golden.” It was a struggle for me since I dislike being forcibly “inspired” aka emotionally manipulated. The book wasn’t horribly written but it was over-written, predictable and SO sentimental. I figured out the big reveal early on and wasn’t impressed. Yet I’m glad I read the book because there were nuggets of wisdom in it; I look forward to discussing those at least.

John and I had gorgeous weather the first day and chose a quiet campsite away from everyone. Due to his Discover Pass, we camped for free! As always, John provided the best food, including French toast, eggs with bacon and cheese, loaded baked potatoes, mini tacos, fresh veggies and salad and my favorite, hot dogs cooked over the fire. Luckily, we also did a lot of walking. 🙂

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is right by the Green River which is aptly named. This part of the river is Class 4 water though, so it’s not appropriate for swimming or boating, unless you’re an expert. The people on the shore were mostly enjoying the sun while their kids threw rocks into the water. Some, like John, were clambering over big rocks. I’m not graceful nor do I have good balance, so I stayed put!

The current was strong and I’m sure the water, coming from the mountains, was cold. I didn’t test it. 🙂

The other direction of the river was a little less turbulent!

During our walk through the woods, we spotted many trilliums. They have a unique structure of three. Their presence signals a healthy forest environment.

Although they start out white, trilliums turn pinkish purple as they die. It’s interesting that they become more beautiful at the end of their lives, isn’t it?

On our way home, we stopped in Black Diamond to look around and also visited Flaming Geyser State Park. The geyser used to be quite impressive but now it’s just bubbles in a pond. John didn’t want me to be disappointed, so he brought his lighter and produced a small methane geyser.

All in all, it was a very successful trip; John and I got along well although he did mostly everything. I offered to help and sometimes he accepted, in spite of my inability to do the tasks exactly as he wanted or envisioned. John is kind and thoughtful, but also a bit controlling, as I noticed when he reorganized the items I had put back into the refrigerator. LOL My contribution was paying $130 to put diesel in his truck!

Tonight I’m looking forward to watching Season 2, Episode 3 of “Deadloch”–what a crazy black comedy! It’s very over the top but with fascinating settings in Tasmania and Darwin, Australia. I’ll also nibble on my Chocolate Macaroon brownie from the Black Diamond Bakery, an incredible place if you’re ever in the vicinity. And Mari, who was traumatized about her stay at the vet (wild with rage and wouldn’t eat), will undoubtedly sit happily in my lap.