We returned back to Effingham, Camp Lakewood, after a short stay in Sugar Grove for Brooke's graduation. We had to drive the truck to Sugar Grove and back because our car was being repaired after a coyote threw himself in front of us on Interstate 57 last week. What was he thinking? But, we have our wheels back now; and, the car is as good as new.
We were chased out of the fifth wheel when a tornado hit St Louis. Our area was under a tornado watch and we were in the direct path of a nasty storm. The local TV channels were showing some of the damage in St Louis and were advising listeners to take shelter. We packed an overnight bag and headed to Scott and Kristi's house some 30 miles away. Actually, they are closer to St Louis than Effingham is, but, they have a basement and there is no storm shelter in our campground. As it turned out, we were spared the high winds and tornadoes, but not the heavy rain. Luckily, nothing was damaged in our area.
Once all that drama settled down, Sean decided to try his luck fishing in Lake Pauline right behind our 5th wheel.
Here's Sean trying his luck in Lake Pauline just below our camper. He landed a small bass, a nice crappie, and a blue gill.
Sean figured he could have better luck if he had a boat and could get farther out into the lake. So, Kristi rented a row boat for us.
Here's Sean and me heading out to get some booty... I mean fish!
The boat idea was fun, but it didn't improve our fishing luck. You can tell from the picture above, we are really zooming along. Look at that wake! People were asking us if they could ski behind our boat! Ha!
Wednesday, June 5th
This is our last day in Effingham. We wanted to do something special, so we rented a pontoon boat and took a 2 hour cruise on Lake Sara. We used to live across the street from Lake Sara when we lived in Effingham several years ago and had three different boats here. So, we spent many hours on this lake back then and were anxious to see it again
Here is Sean, Kallie, and Kitty enjoying the ride.
Captain Craig at the helm.
We really enjoyed the boat ride and couldn't believe how many big homes have been built on the lake since we left about 6 years ago. Some of the boat houses were larger than the average home.
After returning from the boat ride, Scott and Kristi came over for supper. We had a nice meal and were sitting in the 5th wheel when it happened! Sean is looking out of our dining room window and says, "Oh my God...oops! Never mind". We all said, " what?" "What is it?" All of a sudden five heads were plaster up against the dinning room window looking outside. You didn't have to look very long to see it. A large black rat snake crossed our camp site and was laying in the grass! He is about five feet long and was moving very slowly.
We all sprang out of the 5th wheel. Sean and Scott approached the snake. Kristi and I started doing our snake dance! Kitty kept saying, "Oh my God....Oh my God!"
The snake coiled up in the striking position. I guess he didn't like our snake dance!
Finally, Scott and Sean managed to get the snake out of our site and into the woods. The snake was not aggressive and no one was harmed. But, my feet sure hurt from doing the snake dance on my tippy toes!!
Once we all settled down and the color returned to our faces, we took this picture of all of us except the snake, of course.
L to R: Scott, Kristi, Kitty Craig, Sean, and Kallie in front.
This was a nice visit with our family. But, now we must head to Rockford for our annual doctor visits. But, first, we will make a quick stop to see some friends near Lincoln New Salem State Park. Stay tuned.
No comments:
Post a Comment