Pineview

The annual Zettler Pineview trip is officially a tradition. three years now we have been joining forces and taking over the first come first serve camping areas at Anderson Cove for a few days in June or July. The cove offers shady trees, improved campsites with fire pits, running water and bathrooms. Situated close to the sandy beaches of the reservoir, it is a short walk to the water's edge. Here the kids swim and build sand castles and skip rocks and spend hours in the sun. The boat ramp, steep as it may be, is a great place to put 'Ol Yeller into the water and pick up the kids to go swimming in the no-wake area where many others like to anchor their boats and enjoy the cool water.

This year was a blow out! I think at one point we had over 20 people at the sites and more than half of them were kids! What a time. As usual we over packed our kitchens and ate like kings, queens, princes, and princesses! No one went hungry or thirsty for that matter!

As it was the 4th of July weekend, we were all able to enjoy a fireworks show put on over the lake by the local town of Huntsville. It was a good show, but back at camp afterwards the kids needed more. Tim Butler provided the kids with snakes, sparklers and smoke bombs galore that he had picked up on a short excursion across the border. He had others too but refrained from bringing all the county's sheriffs down on our parade.

On the water the kids enjoyed mostly swimming off the boat. Unfortunately the new tube that I bought that was supposed to be so much fun ripped on the first pull. We were bummed. (the boat shop replaced it for a new one). A few got up on the wakeboards and others were just pleased to go for a fast ride on the waves. I still haven't cleaned the boat from that trip!

At night the camp was abuzz with music with the guitar playing of Indiana (Jeremy) and the harmonica and mouth harp of Gabe. We were in such a groove; those two were jammin! At least until the park manager came over to watch the show. Apparently after hours are quiet time so all the old fogies can get their beauty sleep. But he sat there and enjoyed the music until the two came to a close.

A few of us went down to the water for our traditional night swim. Only the brave partake in this ritual. Once at the water's edge you can see forever on the calm water. Lapping waves sing in unison with chirping crickets. The moon on this particular night was gorgeous. Now, you can't just edge in, no no. In order to fully appreciate a night swim you must plunge in head first all at once! It let's your body know that it is still alive!

Of course we played shoes. Gotta have the shoes going on. Several exciting games brought tears to a few eyes as they lost by only a point or two in the last innings. With several new players this year competition was fierce too.

A great 4th of July weekend to be repeated next year of course! Zettlers ho!