Varied Skies

July 4th marks the birth of our great nation. For many, it sparks a family rebirth as relatives not often seen gather together, renewing the ties that bind and forging stronger relationships through shared experiences. Such was our case.

Last year, less than a month into our grand adventure, we celebrated July 4 in the Black Hills of South Dakota with a rodeo and fireworks display in Belle Fourche (Dancin’ with the Devil). We were excited, but alone. This year, having toured all 48 lower states, we motored to Lake Fort Smith State Park, AR, to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends.

We did not do a great job of capturing the festivities with pictures, but we gathered in a valley next to a small, but beautiful, lake.

Wildlife roamed freely, especially deer and raccoon.

We gave the state park a workout, occupying several campsites, a lodge, and a dining hall.

If the measure of a family gathering is the quality of food prepared and consumed, ours ranks high. From shrimp boils to huge breakfasts to hot Dagwood-like sandwiches and smoked ribs, we had it all. A commercial-grade kitchen aided food preparation as many chipped in cooking and preparing various dishes.

While food is great, shared experiences and laughs make for a truly memorable experience, be it a group hike or just sitting around talking.

The cousins enjoyed the pool and just hanging out.

After many smiles, we reluctantly packed up to put on more miles. But instead of taking us to some unknown destination like they have so many times over the past 13 months, those miles would cover familiar territory and bring us closer to another reunion…a reunion with our home, family and friends in Georgia.

Hodding Carter once stated that “[t]here are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings.” Many thanks to Aunt S and Uncle B for your tireless efforts in organizing this reunion, bringing us together, creating family memories, and reminding us all that our roots run deep.