First Day at Camp

Wonderful first day at camp on our last trip of the year. This one feels extra-special because it's a 10-dayer, so it promises the possibility of rejuvenation as only camp can offer. We arrived amidst the remnants of what was clearly the drenching of the summer. Coming from Montreal, we passed through North Hatley where the picnic benches and gazebo sat fully 6' into the lake. The Coaticook River was roaring its way north, having clearly reached the top of its banks the day before.

Today dawned cool and sunny, a brilliant if cool fall day. Tons of sun, remnants of foliage. Gary, a friend and classmate of Alan's from Dartmouth, came up for the day with his two youngest and we had a great day visiting, eating, walking, and fishing. Youngest son Gordon sported a Fenwick 5 1/2" fiberglass rod with a mid-70s vintage Penn reel. For such a young caster, a sweet little rod that he put to good use. He tried his tricks and talents on the dam and at Big Rock. No fish, but the promise of future fishing adventures clearly loomed for Gordon. Daughter Cora quietly surveyed the scene and took it all in. A true girl of the north country, we talked of the Indian Stream Republic, as well as the history of logging on the Averill Lakes. Laura, Gary's wife, is lucky to have had such precocious students in her home schooling efforts.

Visiting with Gary was a joy from memories of the Providence GD show to adventures 4-wheeling in the Berkshires, lots of great stories and a good friend. We had a wonderful walk down to Big Rock amidst the just past peak autumn foliage and then back to camp for some Coaticook maple ice cream. All agreed it was the best ever. Gary, like Alan, never could have maple walnut ice cream, but Coaticook's maple is the real deal.

As Gary returned to Johnson, I got the great idea to go for an early evening fall canoe cruise. The water was a bit cold getting in but nothing bad and the canoe ride was lovely. Views of Mt Averill revealed a stately lady with her colors just past. The Snares camp is shut up and the boats away. Lake very quiet and lovely evening colors.

Eveningwise, we headed up the hill to Hans's for a drink in his sun room. He proudly privisioned us with homemade cassis and pinot grigio -- yum. And we enjoyed a nice sunset and turkeys on the lawn, along with good conversation with a good friend.