Rain Doesn't Stop the Fun

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Memorial Day dawned here with clouds, thunder, lightning, and lots of rain.  Our plans  for the day were to go to a local state park with beautiful day area accommodations to grill, fish, hike, and relax. After looking at the weather forecast, we saw that there was a window of about 3-4 hours without rain, and we decided to go for it.




The skies were overcast, and the air was just a bit cool with a hint of dampness to it.  We thought we might find ourselves alone at the park... but everyone else had the same idea we did - enjoy the weather - rain or shine!  The lake docks were full of people fishing, and we were lucky to find a nice day use campsite close to the lake.


This particular lake is part of a state park, and has lots of wonderful amenities that making camping easier.  One of those things is two long fishing docks that extend way out into the lake.  Even with the weather being forbidding, the docks were full of families fishing.



This lake also has a beautiful beach area that is always popular with the children.  Several children - even in this cool weather - came running down the beach and went splashing in the water.  I really think children operate on different internal thermometers than adults!  You sure wouldn't catch me splashing in that cold water, but the kids didn't seem to mind it a bit!


After a family vacated the pavilion next to our camping site, we decided to inhabit the vacant site, after the rain started back up.  We enjoyed listening to the rain pour, as we stood around the indoor pavilion, and roasted marshmallows and ate watermelon.



Soon the rain tapered off, and the lake became quiet and still as glass.


Once the rain seemed to have stopped, we decided to walk through the woods.  We saw this gorgeous Lady's Slipper blooming along the trail.


I never cease to be amazed at the intricate beauty found in wildflowers!


The kids discovered some honeysuckle blooming in the trees.  We all got a handful of the lovely blooms, and sucked the sweetness out of each little bloom... what joy!


The trail was wide, well marked, and the fresh smell of rain was quite fragrant as we walked, sucking on our honeysuckle sugar...


Wild roses were popping their fresh pink faces out and their fragrance filled the air...


Oh how lovely to walk, and enjoy, the beautiful wildflowers blooming happily away in the midst of the forest green.


Not sure what this wildflower is called (need to remember to ask my son), but thought it was pretty, and took a picture to share.


At last we came to the little stream that came pouring out of the lake, headed downstream...


And the rain began again! We all took shelter under a large grand fir for a few minutes, and then decided to cross to the other side of the stream.


We entered a very thick forest of cedar and fir, and the large branches just about blocked out all the rain.  We also saw a little teepee of sorts, that someone had constructed.


We turned to walk back to the camp site, as it looked like the rain wasn't about to quit.  However, about halfway back, the rain stopped, and we found more honeysuckle....


As we drove home from a wonderful day spent at the lake, the clouds were parting, and the cool air was mixing with the warm soil that caused a lovely mist in the air.  We enjoyed the beautiful skies as we drove home, completely relaxed, and thankful to have spent the day outside, in spite of the rain, thanking the Lord for our family, our friends, and this great country we live in that we can enjoy such beautiful freedoms.  We are blessed!

16 comments

  1. We have 104 degrees of dry heat today. How I envy you your rain :-)
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand how necessary rain is, and we are very thankful here, because we have had such a dry spring. I hope you get some rain soon!!! Thanks for stopping by today :)

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  2. Such a beautiful landscape...I so enjoyed all the pictures you shared with us.Thank you.The weather in Germany is mostly cloudy,cool and only a little rain.We sure could use more rain.Have a splendid week.
    Hugs
    Caroline

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Caroline! We have a lot of cloudy weather here usually as well. This year it has been different, and we are really enjoying it! I hope that you get some sunshine soon! Have a wonderful week yourself!! Thanks for your visit :)

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  3. It's been so dry here, we actually need some rain. Your photos are just lovely! As usual! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the weather is a constant issue isn't it, too much, or too little, lol! I am glad you enjoyed the pictures, thanks for your kind words! Appreciate your visit today!

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  4. What a great adventure. It is so fun to be spontaneous and see what happens. Love all the pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was such fun... our favorite kind of fun thing to do, is to get out in the great outdoors and explore! :) Thanks for your visit today!

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  5. My phone screen is small but that unknown flower looks like a species of ninebark. It's a shrub believed to have nine layers of bark on the stems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the help Ronda! I looked it up, and you are so right, it is a ninebark species! It is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with me! Have a wonderful day :)

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  6. Whether rain or shine, this beautiful landscape and lake make for the perfect getaway, a chance for families and friends to truly enjoy the great outdoors, and what gorgeous surroundings, indeed! Marshmallows on the fire, creating both a cozy atmosphere and a sweet treat, must have been idyllic, while watching and listening to the pitter patter of raindrops dance on the roof, above you.

    Thanks for sharing your fun and festive adventure with us!

    Big Hugs,
    Poppy
    P.S. Thanks also for your kind comments at both Kris' and Poppy View!:))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your lovely prose about our adventure is amazing Poppy! You make it sound even more wonderful than it was, and it was a special time! I appreciate your visit, and hope you are enjoying your time with your family :) Appreciate your visit today!

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  7. Your adventures sound wonderful to me! I can almost smell the scents of the forest, and the freshness from the rains. Being around water is always a treat. I'm glad you were blessed to be with your family, and experience God's creation.
    Great post!
    Debbie
    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was such a wonderful day, and I'm glad you enjoyed the day through my pictures... it is my joy to be able to capture little glimpses of the beautiful world we live in. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! :)

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  8. You still managed to share some stunning photos and beautiful scenery!!
    Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my post about the Morning Doves. The Doves are back and we have 2 more eggs in the flower pot!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your sweet comment! I appreciate your visit so much... Wow, that is amazing, that the doves have laid eggs again so soon!

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