Shelter from the storm
It's that time of year again. All across the US, staff and students are getting ready for the beginning of school. You might have thought this time of year happened already given the fact that stores were advertising back to school specials all the way back in June. '
While there are no doubt a number of schools that have started classes already, here in Michigan we are just getting ready to welcome staff back into the building. Sure, they have been poking around here and there since the beginning of August, but today is the first day they are officially back on the books. Then next Monday students have their official first day of school.
This is a busy time of year for both @mrsbozz and I, so we decided to work a few camping trips into the mix to give us a bit of solace in the midst of the chaos that the beginning of the school year brings. We headed up to the Rifle River Recreation Area which is just about an hour North of us to spend the weekend relaxing and preparing for the week ahead.
The recreation area is pretty massive though we have never really explored the entire property. A lot of our time is just walking around the general area of our campsite and then sitting around and relaxing by the campfire. The truth is, there isn't a ton to do in the general vicinity of this campground, so it's one of those ones were you just soak it all in versus heading out on excursions all the time.
The one exception would be the fishing dock. On Friday morning @diamonddave and I drove back to the fishing dock on Lake Grebe to try out luck at those slippery suckers. There were plenty of fish to be had, but most of them were pretty small like this guy. @diamonddave caught a really nice looking one, but like all the rest we ended up throwing it back. I realized the other day I might need to update my fishing tackle box. The fact that I am still using old film canisters for many of my lures should give you an idea of how old it is.
I think I'd like to pick up some more bass lures in the future.
It was a bit hot as the weekend progressed, but we had some pretty amazing weather with a nice breeze making it not too bad to sit out under our awning. Camping is one of our favorite things to do during the summer and though the prep and everything can be a lot of work, it's a great way to refresh our batteries as we prepare for the long nine months ahead of us. Especially for @mrsbozz. Her job takes a heavier mental toll than mine does.
I just wanted to share some photos from our camping trip and show some of the things we do to cope with the stress of a new school year. Other than that, all you can really do it take things as they come. That's life right?
School is starting for us too, and I kinda feel the same way—it’s exciting but also stressful. Camping sounds like such a nice way to relax before all the chaos begins.
Best of luck to you!
Luck with fishing is very hard....its rainy days here and we can easily find many fishes in the farmed fields. Those were the mini fishes...the place looks very good and spending time in such serenity atmosphere is quite blissful...
There were a few people here on this morning, but they were all pretty respectful.
There's a type of bait I saw in a documentary. It looks pretty cool. Find it and buy it. All I know about it is that it looks like a small, shiny fish, and it changes color underwater.
Sounds quite interesting! There are so many different types of bait, it is crazy!
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Yay starting another school year is actually stressful but beautiful because of the fact that when things end, another begins. You had a great way of coping to the stress and I adore the place you visited. The greenery vibes of the place calms my mind upon seeing the photos. To more of this!
Thank you! Before long I will be retired and I will probably miss the stress that this time of year brings!
hehe those film roll cannisters were so handy, used to store all sorts in them! Fishing is great, although it was always sea angling for me, rarely did I do lake or loch fishing.
Wednesday is the day the wee soandso's go back to school here.
I've never been fishing on the ocean. I'm not even sure I have been fishing on one of the great lakes. Just the "smaller" inland lakes we have here.
lol I think some of those "smaller" inland lakes will still be pretty big!
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Did you throw them all back because they were too small? And were they all bass?
They were all small bluegill. It would take a whole lot to make it worth cleaning them all to eat them.
Ah... That makes sense :) I had to look up what Bluegill is, even translated it into Russian. Never seen that fish in real life.
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What a lovely way to wrap up the summer! I regret not getting out camping this summer, so I may look for an opportunity in the fall, which is gorgeous in Minnesota.
Your film canisters made me smile. Those were so handy for so many things! And indestructible!
I'm hoping one day my wife and I can get over to Minnesota to do some exploring there. It seems like a beautiful state. I camped along the northern shore of Superior when I was a kid, but that has been ages ago.
Glad you got away to relax before the summer comes to an end and winter returns. Back to school will likely be busy for you, hopefully not too bad!
Brass lures really do work well and are much more durable. Definitely worth investing in some nice ones! My fresh water tackle isn't as good as the salt water, but I've been picking up more in recent years. Fishing can be fun even if you aren't catching anything, just sit and relax! Too bad the fish weren't real big, but still fun to catch!
Yeah, it was a good time bringing them in. I need to look at some of my gear and see what I can get rid of and what I can keep. We still have a few more trips planned, but we are in the heart of things now. It's already been a crazy Monday for me.
Well, stopping amidst the chaos to relax and ease the mind is important for our emotional well-being and camping is a good way to do that. Now you both are ready to return back to your duties reenergized. Sometimes I do this when I'm on the brink of an emotional burst. Have a nice day.
Yes, it's good to just take a breath or two like this. Thank you!