the last piece

we pulled into camp, a camp that i grew up going to when it was at a different location.  but this spot i also grew up going to, mesachie lake, with church families camping and swimming. there is a smell there that comes just after the rain that reminds me of walking with my dad, and i can't help but think it is the only place in the world that smells like it, fresh and crisp.  the lake is stunning and clean and so beautiful, it holds so many memories, memories of walking on logs, rain, friends and our family.

we set up our trailer and settled into living for the next little while.  our days were easy, simple and lovely.  riding zip lines, finding unique trails, spotting bears, playing at the lake, boat rides, night fires, conversations with good friends, blessings all of it.

rachel had a great walk picked out for us and the thought of this walk was romantic.  a wild flower reserve. we each picked a flower to spot along the way and our eyes were open for them for the first few steps, and then the running started and then the rain and then the fact that we were no longer in the reserve but on a golf green...we tried. 

on our second walk we found a bear, a water walkway, spit bugs and sun.

we drove across the island to spend the day with my dad, his dear friend, the sheep and the bull frogs.  from there we took the girls to the place i first spotted my sweet scott, camp qwanoes. we walked the cabin lines and the back road, we shared the day with friends.  blessings, all of it.

i feel so blessed to be able to spend such precious amounts of time not only with my family but with those who have been apart of our lives for so long.  it is a blessing to walk through life with kindred spirits that are willing to engage you and challenge you, sit with you and invest in you.

 this was the last of our island adventures.  we left with full hearts and new memories and experiences.  i count it all joy.