Cadillac Camping

Thursday, 8/28/08 through Sunday, 8/31/08

By noon, we were on our way to our next destination, Farmington, NewYork. We were going to camp in the Adirondack Mountains with Melody’s high school friend, Michelle. Somewhere around Erie, PA., we heard a sudden increase in the exhaust volume, and knew something had broken free under the egg. At the next pit stop, Dan investigated its source and found that the catalytic converter had broken loose where it connects to the down pipe. It had broken clean at the weld and could not be reattached. There would be no five dollar fix this time. The exhaust system was still supported and was not in any danger of falling off, so we settled in for a very loud push into Upstate New York.

It was another long day of driving, but we were rewarded with a familiar hug on the other side of the door when we finally reached our destination. Michelle refreshed us with ice cream and we headed to bed in eager anticipation of the next day’s journey. After a restful night’s sleep, Michelle gave us a tour of Historic Canandaigua while we bought Dan a New York fishing license. Michelle had made all the necessary preparations, and we headed out with cars loaded, looking forward to our weekend in the woods.


We had reservations at Eighth Lake Campground, just north of Inlet. Although it was Labor Day weekend, it did not seem crowded. The camp site included a fire pit, a picnic table, ample parking for both vehicles, and the mansion tent that Michelle brought for our comfort. We set up camp and settled right in to “outdoor living” as Michelle calls it. She had everything planned, even the delicious meals. What a gift it was for us.


On Saturday, after lingering around the campfire for breakfast and conversation, Dan rented a canoe and took it out on the lake to fish while the girls went to Inlet for a little shopping (and ice cream). None of us could believe how quickly the time went by! Before we knew it, we were sitting around the warm campfire after dinner once again, talking, laughing, and reminiscing about our adventures of the day. After a game of Checkers (that Michelle dominated), it was time to turn in for the night.


On Sunday, we woke up early enough to take a hot cup of coffee down to the lake and watch the steam lift off the water as the sun rose into the sky. It was so quiet and so serene…like those parts in the movie when the music hasn’t even started yet. You are simply captivated by the silent movement of creation. The ducks were pretty entertaining too-- walking right up, ready to eat right from your hand. We returned to camp to eat, put stickers on the Egg, pack up, and head out. Again, it was hard to leave. However, we were blessed by the extended time that we did have with Michelle.