Swartswood State Park, 7/6-8/2007

Harry, Mylene and I arrived at Swartswood State Park at about 5:00 PM and after taking care of some administrivia at the office we headed to our campsite (but first we took a wrong turn into the yurt section). We saw Denise and Walter and we set up our tents and unpacked--this was Mylene’s first time.

We decided to head into Newton and get some dinner. Debra drove up in her red truck just as we were leaving so we waited for her to unpack. Then, finally as the sun was starting to set, Sarah came along so we waited for her also. We ended up at a local diner at 9:00 PM. After an unremarkable but congenial meal we headed back to camp. Ken and David G. were there.

Saturday was hot and sunny. We spent the day biking, swimming, hiking and sharing the canoe we had rented. Swartswwod Lake is lovely, clean and cool but it’s overgrown with too much vegetation (bad for the fish). The Park is taking steps to rebalance the lake. Swartswood Lake’s beach does not provide garbage cans so guests must remove their own garbage with the plastic bags provided. I guess that’s a good idea?

We also ended up at several yard sales. Mylene got two crystal cut bottles for $1 and Harry got 30 LP records, two model sportcars and two lava lamps--8 bucks. God Bless America, but one lamp broke .

Sara Dowson came later in the afternoon. That night after dinner we all sat around the campfire eating s’mores. Walter and David G. had a chess game that lasted late into the night. It had been a lovely day.

Sunday was very hot, so after breakfast and packing up many of us headed to the lake. At about 3:00 PM, Harry, Mylene and I headed into Newton to explore the town. We to said goodbye Debra, Denise and Ken who were planning a hike.

I believe the expression goes, "A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL." I hope so anyway.

Joan