Grace informed me this rock was our bear protection, if needed.
I am not sure why we always wait to camp until it is cold. Last weekend we went to Fairy Stone State Park and spent Friday night. It is about an hour north of us in Virginia. Now that the kids have grown up some, camping is lots of fun. Still a lot of work, but no crying babies involved.
We hadn't camped since the spring. Can you tell how excited the kids were? It was super fun to watch them play and explore. Noah kept asking his sibs, "Who wants to go do nature with me?" Silly kid. They made up some game where they were gathering pine needles to survive. Reminded me a lot of camping with my family as a kid and how we would play and play. Jason and I just sat by the fire and relaxed. It was nice.
Jason's new hobby of dutch oven cooking has drastically improved what we eat while camping. He kept us full of yummy food all weekend and we did tin foil dinners with the kids for the first time. I was surprised they all ate them. Of course, there wasn't much else but pine needles.
The next morning we went fishing. Didn't catch a thing. But it was a beautiful day and the kids all got lots of practice casting.
On our way home, just 5 minutes after leaving the park we saw our friends, the Freemans. They were clearing brush from the drive accessing the land Dot grew up on. Her land is right outside of Basset, NC (the huge old Basset furniture plant stands empty and sad in the little town.) Dot is my Relief Society Pres. and in my book club. She grew up in the rural south as the 2nd youngest of 11 children. Her father died when she was 3 and her mom supported and raised all of her family on this land. Dot's family has owned it since the 1850's.
I have heard Dot talk about her early days so often, and their farm. It was delightful to see the actual place. The home burned many years ago (chuck full of antique furniture and keepsake heirlooms). Dot and Bill keep the grass/weeds cut, I learned this is called Bush Hogging here in the south. Bill has a 1940's tractor he keeps running to work out here. It really is a small bit of heaven. This big clear hollow surrounded by trees complete with small lake that Dot leaned to swim in. The tree to the left of Dot and Bill in their picture is over 100 years old. It sits right above a small freshwater spring that feeds the lake and used to provide water for the house.
There is something about ancient trees that touches me. Solid, solitary witnesses to the life all around them. I have learned so much from Dot. She freely shares stories about her family and growing up in the south. Knowing someone personally who lived during segregation and the civil rights movement has been fascinating. Dot was raised to love and respect all her neighbors. Not common in those days in the south. But her mom needed, accepted and gave help to all who offered. Color of skin was not an issue in their family.
Dot is the only member of her family, I think Bill is the only member in his also. (Dot calls her husband Sam. I always forget to ask why!) They are wonderful people. True pioneers that have helped to build a foundation for the gospel of Christ in NC. I am a recipient of the blessings of the time and sacrifice they have given the Lord over decades of service and love. Somehow actually being at Dot's childhood home was really special for me. She has deep roots. Mine are not as deep. They are long and strong though as they connect me to my loved ones.
