SPOT Camping Trip Recap!!!

Well.  We all survived!!  It was a great weekend to have a float/camping trip, which the SPOT class did this past weekend at Bennett Spring State Park and Lottie's Rustic Retreat.  We had quite a number of people attend...a good jump up from last year!  Attending were Brooks and Ginger LaRowe; Don and Lori Robbins, and their son Michael  and daughter-in-law Bree; Bill and Cynthia McKee, along with daughter Jessica and friend Jenna; Kevin, Susan, Ian and Colin Hurt; and Neil and Doug Stubbs.  Kay and Don Massey were there but stayed at their own farm, along with Liz, Anne Daniel, and Aimee Phillips.  Joining us camping on Saturday was Linda Conrad and Michael.

Everyone rolled into camp Friday afternoon and evening except for the Hurts and the Masseys who got there a touch early to fish, and the Conrads who got there Saturday evening in time for the bar-b-que. Lottie's is not a huge place, but was big enough to sleep eight...(although the lines for the single shower got a bit long at times!)..and it had a plasma TV so we could catch the Cardinals!  We floated the Niangua River on Saturday morning. It was a loooooong 8 mile float that took about 4 hours.  There were many twists and turns, spills and dunks, mishaps and swimming, that took place along the way, but it was a fun and hot (!) float....even with the nasty storm that blew in towards the end!  Some are still nursing their sunburns!

Some fished for trout each morning, and some stuck to the pond.  Trout fishing was very successful, with 55 trout being caught and brought home.  (All are at the blogmeisters house...so if you want any fresh trout just give a call!)  Many got up at 4 each morning to secure their spots on the bridge to trout fish.  Even the pond was a minor success as Don Robbins caught a good size catfish...and wished he hadn't!

With the exception of the blogmeister getting his arm scorched a bit, the bar-b-que was a hit.  Burgers and dogs for everyone, along with a variety of chips, salads, and desserts!  Great fellowship and dining abounded as the sun went down!

A campfire ensued, along with the traditional sacrificing of the marshmallows. S'mores were everywhere, until Mr. Massey wanted chocolate...then there was none!  Again great fellowship was present.  It was a relaxing, fun close to a very busy day.


Sunday morning the fisherfolk got up at 4 to catch some trout.  The rest of us waited until a reasonable hour then headed to the lodge for a great breakfast buffet!  Then is was back to Lottie's for a brief devotional.  Afterward, it was time to depart and head our separate ways.

It was fun, and at times maddening.  It sure will hold memories for those who attended.  This little narrative cannot cover all that occurred.  Here are a few pictures, with others to follow throughout the week!