Yearly Lake Roosevelt Camping Trip

In early August we made our annual trip over to Lake Roosevelt to spend part of a week with Jeannie's family.  This has become a ritual and we all look forward to it.  Jeannie was dearly missed but we continue on with our good memories of her and keep her close in our hearts and thoughts.

Last year just our family went to LR after we had did the annual Pearson trip and got evacuated from the campground because of a large fire nearby.  It was very discouraging since it was going to be our last trip of the summer and we wanted to end it on a relaxing note. I would have to say it was a little unsettling to come over the hill and down into the valley to this sight this year.

There was a good sized fire going just right across the lake from us.  It turns out that they put a very large air support crew on it and the breeze kept the smoke heading in the right direction so we didn't have too much smoky unpleasantness.

They had four of the smaller pontoon planes that scoop water from the lake running to hit the smaller spots.  It was fun to watch them fly virtually in formation as they came down and scooped up water and then dumped on the flames.  They also had numerous trips from some of the big prop plane retardant bombers going as well.  Here are some of the spectators.

The next day we were enjoying a nice time on the beach when we had a loud roar come over our heads.  I guess they decided to really get serious with this fire.  We were treated to about 3 trips from the DC-10 retardant tanker that was quite impressive.

I guess that is enough of the fire though.  They got it under control.  Now on to the main event.  We have really enjoyed this little cove the last few years.  Beautiful sand and plenty of things to keep the kids entertained. 

One of the things we discovered about it this year that kept us all entertained a bit was a steep section that made for fun jumping, diving, canon-balling.....ect. into the water.  Ok, lets see if we can all go at once and get a picture of this.......uh take #20 ok are we all ready this time? Go!

Oops I think we left stragglers behind on the beach again.  Well take #21.....

Oh and it wouldn't be fitting unless we got at least one picture of the tube that gets pulled around much to the delight of many...young and just barely older than young.  Here Jeannie's cousin Jan is getting a ride with some of the kids.  

Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of Jan telling stories to the kids but he kept them in rapt attention with all sorts of fun stories both real and fictitious.  It was so fun to have him and his wife stop by for a time with us.  I'm still hearing...."depth charge #1"...from my kids,  any of you that were there know what I'm talking about. :)

This was one of the other "main attractions".  Barb had gotten a big floating island for us to enjoy.  Here is a picture with all the cousins.  Much slashing, diving, and lounging was spent on this.

Now this was a new event this year.  "sunbathing"???  I guess our little girls are growing up and now they need to "sunbath"  Well they did just long enough for a picture anyway.  There attention span is still a little short for this sort of thing.  I'm sure we are not far off though when this becomes more of a main event for them.

And just when you thought you were going to make it through one of my posts without dead fish...yep, here they are.  Rainbow was one of the main targets this year.  The walleye fishing was a little slow at times.  Lane and I did manage to pick up 14 in a couple hours one morning but by in large we did more rainbow fishing.  Even some of the nephews got in on the action this year.

A final parting shot from inside our cozy camper.  Not sure these kids are ready for bed yet but they are ready for another day on the water....I think they are developing webbing between their toes this year.