Only three Rivertarians celebrated the holiday this week: Jay, Ted, and me. Tim and Pat weren't able to make it down. We had beautiful weather with clear skies and temps in the 80s.
The grass looks okay for this weekend's event, so we didn't have to do any cleanup. Actually, it looked like someone else had been there doing a little cleanup of their own - what pallets we had are now MIA. And they left an empty box in the fire pit. Probably our old "buddy" Duwan. The word is (according to Freddy) that he will be bringing a camper down to the camp for the new owner to use for a week. Not sure which week yet, only that it's coming. We were also told that if we had anything at the camp that we wanted to keep, we should take it now, as Duwan would also be doing a "clean sweep" for Dan. Sounds like Mr Gilkerson is on his way to taking over the camp. Guess time will tell, but if it goes that way, I'm sure we'll have to make a new "regular" spot.
We have certainly learned over the last couple of years that things have a way of changing, whether we like it, or want it, or not. We shouldn't be too surprised if the River Day location has to eventually change also. What makes it hard to accept is that the camp is the "birthplace" of National River Day. Years and years of memories at and around that place.
No one did any fishing this week (familiar story now), but it was tempting to make the hike out to the rocks. Maybe if the water had been just a
little bit lower, I would have taken the bait. We've fished less this year than any other that I can remember.
We took a stroll downriver toward the big rock, just to see what the river gods have washed up. Nothing of interest, but there seems to be plenty of wood around. We didn't really collect any, and burned up what we did drag in.
Enjoyed a nice quiet afternoon on the river, and it's always good being with good friends.
Happy River Day!
(I almost forgot: we DID have the best fire on the river!)