Are we still quoting from Sixteen Candles? I guess I still do…
And whenever I think about lakes I think about the Donger. As I did just now since I’m about to post a ton of pictures from our trip to Catoctin Lake on Sunday.
It’s been so hot in the DC area lately that Chris suggested we head for the mountains, and hopefully cooler temperatures. Instead of baking at our community pool, we could take a picnic to a nearby lake.
This particular lake was about an hour and a half away – a drive that wasn’t too painful, but long enough to require a little planning. And by planning, I mean that Chris did research and then Sunday morning, I asked him, “are we still going to that lake?” Then ensued a confused flurry of towels and bathing suits, followed by a stop at the closest grocery store where Chris ran in to pick up our picnic lunch. And by picnic lunch, I mean two pieces of fried chicken that only he and Eleanor would touch, a box of butter crackers and a can of spray cheese.
Luckily, it my “cheat day” for the low carb diet I’ve been doing and I had already consumed a hearty breakfast.
Then we were off to the lake!
Now, when Chris had proposed this trip, I – with my lack of lake experience – had pictured a quiet spot reached via brambly path. So I was more than a little surprised by the packed parking lot and crowded beach.
There were even lifeguards!
Not exactly “oh the humanity!” – but not far from it…
It was really pretty though if you looked at the view above the heads of the crowd.
I also liked all of bright umbrellas against the dark green foliage.
More importantly – the kids LOVED it!
Chris and I didn’t really swim since we had to keep an eye on the kids (of course that’s why!). So my pictures of him were more like this:
And (unprecedented!) he actually took some pictures of me. This was the only one that turned out though…
You see, there is a reason that I am the official family photographer. It’s just not Chris’ forte. He doesn’t have a lot of patience for setting up a shot and his sense of composition isn’t the best.
Here is a perfect example:
Seems like it would be a fine picture, but I’m turned at a strange – and entirely unflattering – angle. And check out my siamese twin!
But hey – good intentions and all that…
After we (meaning the parents) had enough of the lake, we took a short (and daughter-who-needs-to-rest-every-ten-paces friendly) hike.
And then my camera battery died. But you know – if you’ve seen one tree or rock formation, you’ve seen them all.
And NOW I have to get the kids out of the house since they are literally ripping it apart as I type. Think it’s time for the pool. Which is quite honestly more my speed. It’s walkable, the water is fish-free and I’m the one packing snacks.
Hope you’re staying cool!
