Gordaen’s Blog

I’m not so sure that wilderness is the correct word, but it started with ‘W’ so that’s what I am going with. This weekend I stayed in a tent with my girlfriend away from one or two of the niceties of modern life, though I was amused to see that the tent had a small flap used for sneaking an electrical cord in…

I quickly found the tent stakes to be useless, unless you are the kind of person who likes to pretend s/he is Superman and capable of easily bending metal. Even using a rubber mallet and tapping them slightly caused significant bending as soon as a pebble was touched. Straightening the stakes repeatedly and trying over and over finally made them work well enough for the low wind conditions of the site.

The weekend was mostly without any significant notes, or at least it was until the king of all raccoons came by. He jumped right up on the table, expecting some dinner. I’m not trying to be sexist in assuming he was indeed a ‘he,’ but, judging purely by size, it couldn’t have been female unless it was a highly energetic female pregnant with two Escalades and an H2. I sat by the fire and let a piece of kindling catch flame, ready to use it as a weapon if need be. Fortunately the raccoon wasn’t interested in the smores or Coronas, so he left without incident. I later wondered how much warmer the night would have been if I had hit him with the burning stick and he fled into the trees.

Shortly after the raccoon left in search of more inviting hosts, a series of mice came by. I don’t think they were aware of my presence until I stomped in their general direction and they fled.

We went along a trail to a lookout overseeing the bay. The view was terrific, and I wished I had the chance to bring painting supplies along. I settled for a quick snapshot with the camera.

Then we went out to Fragrance Lake. The only smell that I noticed was that of the sweaty, unfit visitors and the unleashed dogs. Actually, I didn’t notice those smells. The lake was truly pristine and absolutely beautiful. It was another scene worthy of painting.

The weekend was great and the weather was mostly cooperative. Next time I’ll have to either bring my paints or a 30 mile extension cord and a computer. Oh yeah, if you have children and go to a camp site, please do not let them shout loudly all day and night and the next morning too. Thanks.