Seidelcamp 2009

This past weekend was the fifth annual Seidelcamp down at Chimney Rock Campground near Decorah, Iowa. It was a much smaller group this year, with just 16 or so people (compared with last year's 28). It was nice to have a smaller group, though, as it felt more cohesive. Also, each food group was responsible for only one meal, which was a treat.

Josh and I got there around 7 Friday night, set up our tent and hung out at the fire with everyone else. Dave's food group had made pulled pork sandwiches and pasta salad. Had a few cocktails but went to bed reasonably early.

We were the first ones up Saturday morning so we got the fire going and cleaned all the beer cans up from around the fire pit area. Jim and Bethany's group made breakfast of biscuits and gravy. I had absolute faith the sky would clear off for a sunny day of canoeing, but that never happened! I wore sweat pants and a fleece jacket on the river. Other than that, it was warm enough, if not sunny, and thankfully nobody tipped their canoes.

Jim let me putter around in his kayak for a while, and I think I will go that route next year. It's a lot less work, more fun and you can get yourself out of tight spots a lot easier.

Saturday night our group made burgers, brats and hot dogs. Josh manned the grill and I didn't do much as most of my work had been done in advance – potato salad, beans and bars. Another fun night of sitting around the fire with a group of really good people.

Sunday morning Chuck and Betsy's groups made pancakes and sausage, and then we packed up and headed out. At least it didn't rain this year, but sure am hoping for some sun next year!