I haven't been able to attend the Courtright trip every year due to various circumstances, but I was glad to have the opportunity to come out this year.
This iteration of the camp was somewhat more relaxing because of a variety of factors. The weather was comfortable, for one, and the temperature was low enough to keep most of the bugs away. A permanent porta-john has been installed at the site now, so there wasn't any need to scurry around with a shovel looking for an adequate "squatting" site while avoiding used spots (always fun to do at night -_-). The firearms afficcionados also decided to discharge their weapons in a more remote area, away from camp.
Since Dad and I were late-comers, we ended up at site that was a bit removed from the main hub, which was actually OK with me. The basic reason I've attended the campout in past years has been to spend time with Dad and chew the cud, and to get in some fishing. I've never really gotten into the other aspects of the event that some of the younger attendees have gravitated toward in past years... firearms, drinking, "dipping," and generally flailing the testosterone around.
I pretty much feel like myself most of the time, so I don't have that pent up need to "unwind" in various ways when I'm away from the family, but to each his own, I guess. Don't want to disparage or anything... I just feel more comfortable hanging with the older more sedate crowd, and I'm actually kinda glad that Dan set a "no alcohol" rule last year to settle things down a bit.
Anyhow Dad & I had a good time riffing our ideas, thoughts, philosophies, rants, memories while driving up and down the mountain, hiking to and from camp, and idling by the fire. He's a really fascinating guy, and I feel like I learn a little more about him every time I do this with him.
All in all, I had a great time and hope to be able to do it again next year.
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