by Cassi James

Created on: May 30, 2008

As I look back into my childhood, one memory in particular comes to mind. I was probably about 12 years old and my family and I were camping at Gold head state park. The sun was blazing and I could hear the sounds of the various bugs and things in the wooded areas. I was so excited to be there! We arrived at our cabin rental which had no television or anything for that matter. I think there may have been a light or two, but, that was it! The room my sister and I were to sleep in those few nights were bunk beds, that was exciting in itself! After we familiarized ourselves with the cabin, we set on our "adventure" into the park.

Now, I was a very big tomboy as a child. I loved exploring underneath and above everything; rocks and trees, you name it. I was just amazed by the silliest of creatures, bugs I knew as rollie polies. I would find lots of those little guys! I was also very into the orange caterpillars. No other color though, I knew those were poisonous! I would be in my little nature world, hands covered in bugs and such, just enthralled! When the bug adventure was over, I would move onto other parts of the interesting land.

On the opposite side of our cabin there was a body of water. I want to say that it was a lake, maybe? Anyhow, we took our poles and went waist deep into the blue. We probably weren't catching much, but the anxiety of the unknown creatures below mixed with the fact that we were trying was definitely sufficient! Plus the sun was shining and my sister and I were being silly just laughing, splashing, and having a ball.

After the fishing attempt, we settled into the picnic table in the back to chow down on hamburgers and hot dogs. Certainly, the highlight was the huge watermelon my dad had just cut into! I have pictures of all of us wet from fishing, chomping down on that juicy watermelon. Sun tanned and happy as we could all be! The evening was coming upon us so we then started to make our way back in the cabin.

Later on that night after showers and such, my grandmother stopped in. She decided to come and visit since she lived pretty close to the park. She, my sister, and I stayed up late night playing card games like go fish and old maid. We just had a blast cutting up and messing around at the table.

Though there may have been earlier memories I recall, this one was the most vibrant in my mind. I had so much fun soaking in the sun and fun at the park that weekend. There were several camping trips to follow, but, those are a whole 'nother story!

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