Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Patoka Lake at Pike

For the past several years, the Resor Family has gathered each August at Patoka Lake in Indiana. We have enjoyed loads of fun including swimming, Frisbee golf, miscellaneous games, homemade ice cream, and fellowship. This year was no different except for the location. Patoka was once again relocated to Pike. So we loaded up and headed off.

With Max packed to the fullest and hauling our camper, we traversed the 375 miles to reach the camping destination. Seven and a half hours later, we pulled into Pike Lake State Park. Everyone was ready to stretch their legs and get something delicious to eat. But first, it was time to set up camp. While we were finishing up camp, Uncle Tom kindly started a fire to be ready for our campfire pizzas and cherry pies made with sandwich makers.
Yummy!!

Mornings began with brunch. Everyone gathered for the mid-morning meal and then many of us progressed to the Frisbee golf course. Most days, the fellas played a round of golf while some of the ladies hiked the beautiful wooded trail that followed along and others explored the creeks and ravines.

While in the woods, we identified some blood root, long used by the American Indians as a dye for their bodies and clothes. We gave it a try!

Later in the week, the Throckmorton Family joined in the fun.

Swimming was always a favorite as well. Unfortunately, we usually made it to the small lake in the early evening. While the crowd had mostly cleared by that time, the sunshine was mostly gone. Nevertheless, we had a great time splashing, gathering mussel shells, playing keep away and relaxing on the beach. There was even time for some corn hole competitions.

Throughout the week we enjoyed teaching our extended family and friends the Virginia Reel. A big thank-you goes to the Webb Family for sharing the 1800's dance with our family several months back. We had loads of fun twirling and do si do-ing throughout the warm evenings. We were even joined by neighboring campers wanting to learn the historic English country dance.
The highlight of the trip was the Sunday service. Each year, our family plans a worship service open to all in the campground. This year, Uncle Mark was to give the sermon while Uncle Tom offered the communion devotion. Trey headed up the music and everyone enjoyed special music by "Steadfast," a ladies' group including Brittany, Aunt Laura, Haylee, Aunt Becky, and Martha. Splendid job, ladies! There were around 47 people in attendance with several campers joining in the fellowship. The most special part of the week was when Clair was obedient to the gospel and desired to be baptized, washing away her sins! Hooray! We proceeded straight way to the water and got that taken care of!

Uncle Tom was kind enough to purchase ice cream for the whole lot of us. Thank you Uncle Tom!!
MMmmm! Good!
Granny celebrated her birthday during the week as well. Happy Birthday!
Sunday afternoon saw us making the long trek homeward. Lots of discussion filled Max along with the intermittent quiet solitude of sleep overtaking many passengers.
It was a good trip.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I missed you guys at Pike Lake this year! Looks like you had a great time!
With Love,
Jessica

Providence Prairie said...

Jessica,

Good to hear from you! We missed you too! Pike Lake was a bunch of fun!