Eleven days ago we boarded our Delta jet to fly over two-thousand miles back to Atlanta and then on to our respective destinations: Cindy to Ohio, Barry to Maine. The increasing distances covered by our flights back to the U.S.A. reflect the reality that Beatitude and her crew are cruising further and further from home.
I have three more shifts to work in the emergency department here in Biddeford, Maine before Cindy and I fly back to our lonely vessel in St. George, Grenada. It’s unnecessary to say, but I’ll say it anyway, I’m really looking forward to our return.
Sandwiched between five-day runs of work, I flew back to Ohio over the weekend for a few days. Most of that time was spent with our two daughters at Camp Kennerdell, located along the Allegheny River in northwestern Pennsylvania. We drove over from Ohio on Friday afternoon for a weekend of fun and relaxation. Julie and Tracy, who live in New Castle, about an hour away from their camp, have a really nice setup on the campground, complete with an RV, deck, campfire, and ATVs. They were gracious enough to host Cindy and I, as well as our younger daughter and her fiancé, Murilo.
Allegheny River
Cindy and Julie at the Kennerdell Scenic Overlook
The whole gang at the scenic overlook
We had a wonderful time. Julie and Tracy cooked wonderful meals. We made and ate smores around the campfire each night. We set off fireworks both evenings. We played corn hole to our hearts’ content. Lilah (Julie’s dog) and Penny (Mariah’s dog) played together like best friends all weekend. We enjoyed watching them frolic and loving on them when we could. We took lawn chairs and sat out in the shallow waters of the Allegheny River to cool down in the heat of the day. We visited the beautiful Freedom Falls, not far from the campgrounds. We played games and otherwise enjoyed being able to spend rare time with both Mariah and Julie (and their significant others). And, of course, we had a blast ATVing around the countryside. It was a great weekend with our loved ones.
We ATVed to Rattlesnake Rock, overlooking the Allegheny.
The kids in the icy waters beneath Freedom Falls
I, of course, had to climb to the top of the falls to photograph the gang below.
Kissing beneath the falls.
Julie, showering, in the cold, cold water of the falls.
Sitting atop Freedom Falls
A family gathering in the river.
Mariah and Penny in the river.
Lilah sitting on a chair in the river. Look at that drool!
Penny taking herself for a walk.
Smores!
Loved spending time with our two daughters.
Campfire
Cindy and Tracy playing corn hole.
Look at that form!
Cool little camper we passed. Are those fins original or added?
Lilah and Penny
Murilo and Mariah
Playing fetch with Lilah
Julie and Tracy
On Saturday, we fly back to Grenada where we plan to hang out for the next four weeks before I return to earn a little more money. We’ll do some island touring and boat repair during that time, interspersed with the requisite dining, drinking, and relaxation.
Julie and I love to play Jeopardy when we’re together. Mariah assuming the role of Alex.
I was blessed to be with my daughters on Father’s Day. A Father’s Day hug.
What a great place, you two are surrounded by beauty, except in ER!!!
Lots of ugliness in the ER, but occasionally beauty appears. 🙂
You are leading an amazing life! Filled with fun,danger,joy and family! Continue your Journey with all because it is fabulous. I have been to the Allegheny River in Pa.
We’re thankful! Thank you!
What fun. Family time is so precious and surrounded by such beauty!
Thanks again for sharing .
Thanks, Sue! I’m sorry I missed you during my brief evening in Ohio.