Fishing and Tortoises

One final photo of the new hatchlings as they are sunning themselves in the morning. All are now hatched and eating on their own so they will be going to their new homes this week.








Our fishing trip to the Sierras was wonderful. The children (and adults) made some wonderful memories that will carry them through the years.

First fish!!

We started going up to the same campground in the early 1970s. It is a spectacular place to visit with incredible mountains, pristine lakes and a nice campground. When we first started going up it was a first come system. Nowadays one can make the reservations online and be guaranteed of getting a spot to camp. This is a nice change because the location is six hours away and rather difficult to make a change with so many people going.







We always went up with another couple, Ken and Barb, whom we knew from our Navy days. There were many laughs and great memories made. They brought their daughter who was the age of our sons and she was a champ. She would gladly clean all of the fish while the boys happily observed. We keep trying to arrange for them to join us for one of our trips so we can make more memories with this next generation.





It was wonderful this year as the children are now old enough to go down and fish on their own. It is soooooo nice when you do not have to spend your fishing hours untangling fishing line. The older children now help the younger ones.

Nightime stories and sm*ores around the campfire are always a highlight of the trip.

Heating rocks to warm the sleeping bags before we crawl into them. Does it look familiar, Barb?

All were ready for bed early and some even fell asleep before dark.

Who could tell that the new parents were missing their little guy the first time they were separated from him?

Our sons left a few days early and backpacked into the campground. Starting at an elevation of 7000 feet, they ascended to 9700 feet and had many tales to tell once they arrived. Their first night was spent at the trailhead near their vehicle. During the middle of the night they were awakened to a bear attempting to break into their vehicle -- less than ten feet from their tent. I know they must have been a bit more apprehensive about the remainder of their journey after that. Again, many memories were made. Here they share pictures with Dad.








Some of the best things about the trip are returning home, climbing into a warm shower and sleeping in your own bed. The tent sleeping in the cold is getting harder each year. Perhaps it is just because I am getting too comfortable in my life. Each year I say that it will be my last of sleeping on the ground, but I surely would hate to miss the great times.



In other news this week.......my correct tub has been delivered and installed!!!! So, thirteen months, many battles, wasted time and $$$ passed, we appear to have a functioning tub once more. I know for a fact that I would never buy an Aqua*tic appliance again and will now work at putting the bad memories behind and enjoy my relaxing baths.



And now I must go and check out what everyone else has been up to this week. Thank you for visiting.