Cityretreat

Saturday was the big, blowout party and people continued to pile in. We spent a pretty lazy day roaming the property. We took a couple hikes in the nearby hills (I guess they are mountains too, just not as steep as the AT). B&C bought property next to N&P so we scoped out their new digs. Land is for sale on the other side so we hiked up the property line to check it out. C considers, though I'm hoping it is a fleeting idea in the excitement of the weekend, since it is a 12 hour drive from our house, but I digress.

I caught up on some reading, awoke the slumbering pup for a few trips around the pond and down the driveway. I worked all weekend trying to get her in the water. We tried from the one side of the pond where the water is a little more shallow. The most progress I made was belly deep. I dove off the pier and swam over, hoping to coax her in, but she wasn't buying it. That said, she was everyone's favorite guest - her smile and happiness with being outside contagious to all.

Music played all day from the various guys on their guitars. Horseshoe tournements marked the passing of time with reigning champs challenging a new group to take them on. We lit boxes of sparklers by the campside, first time for O who is just eight years old.

And just like that we pack up to leave. The trunk is piled high with tents and gear. We roll down the hill and anticipate turning our cell phones back on with equal dread and curiosity. Stella sleeps in the backseat, snoring all 12 hours, dreaming of Jackfest '09.