We've Arrived

After a three hour drive north we arrive at the Umbagog State Park at 12:00. The ride was slow as the van was riding very heavy with three boats, and six-days worth of fire wood and gear. The pontoon boat leaves the dock with us and our gear at 1:00 for the 14-mile ride to our island home. The weather is overcast but warm. The ride takes nearly an hour and I am glad we decided not to paddle -- 14 miles is really far by boat with a motor and unbelievably far without one.

The Park Ranger drops us off at the rear of the island. Paul and I transfer our pile of gear to the front of the island where the firepit and picnic table are located. We secure the tarps over the tents - rain is in the forecast. A&C scurry around exploring the island and calling out each new discovery.

Paul gets stung by bees twice. We find a hive in the ground at the base of a tree near the path to the beach area. Paul has not packed his epi-pen and I have a near panic attack. He is able to get the stingers out quickly, immediately ices the area, and takes Benedryl. It is then that I realize how remote we are. There is no cell phone reception and the nearest occupied camping site is a two mile paddle away.

We have a brief light rain before dinner. The rain does not stop Alix and Chance from swimming and fishing from shore.

After dinner, I break out the Indiana Jones and Star Wars Mad Libs. This year they are a huge success. I am so glad I gave Mad Libs another go.

The first item we forgot to pack is realized after the kids find marshmallow sticks. Sadly, the marshmallows did not get packed. With sad faces they ate their Hershey chocolate bars.

A&C are tucked into their separate tents just as the sky opens up to a downpour. Paul and I dig extra trenches. The rain continues through the night. Thankfully everyone stays dry.