Friday, August 31, 2012

Echos in the Night

9:00 pm

I'm sitting by the campfire here in Echodale, next to my little cousin Annika (she's almost 3 and cute as a button), and listening to the coyotes howl. There are a bunch of them down by the river. We had a wonderful picnic - Graham put on a huge spread with t-bone steaks with all the fixings. I think there was enough food for at least double the people!

Echodale is set in the river valley. There are steep cliffs on one side and rolling hills on the other, with the river snaking through it. There is a lovely man-made lake surrounded by large trees - it is like an oasis in the desert. Down at the far, far end is our picnic area. The trail that we saw at the campground this morning passes by the campground and there is also an off leash dog area (unfenced). For a beautiful summer day it was pretty deserted (perhaps school has already started?).

My great Uncle Olaf was here for the supper - he's 92 and sharp as a tack. He recognised me right away even though he hadn't seen me since 1996. He used to farm the place we were at yesterday (he's Melvin's father).  It was interesting listening to him talking to Arne as his memories were strong and he could still converse fluently in Norwegian.

It was Graham & Barb's 38th wedding anniversary, as well a Rolf's birthday so of course we brought a cake.

I'm beat so off to bed!



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