It was camping-lite, with beds, lights, and a full-size refrigerator in the cabin, appropriate for Meredith, our first-time, hesitant camper. She was vexed on the first night when a chipmunk stole a fork and they were unable to build a fire, but things got better from there.
Elaine brought her nine week old puppy Milly, an adorable Brittany Collie mix. She sleeps like a babe and nips like a pup. I spent some time passing on sage dog rearing advice (ie. how to not make my same mistakes) and my friends got a kick out of hearing my singsongy sweet dog-baby training voice. It's strange to think that next time I see Milly she will likely be a full grown dog!
The area is home to state parks brimming with gorges and waterfalls, as well as Cayuga Lake waterfront, making for daily easy hikes with beautiful views.
We ate simple meals heated over Elaine's charcoal grill, at a picnic table adorned with wildflowers.
There were s'mores for dessert, once we procured enough wood to get good glowing fires going. And light boombox music, fireside chats, and board games before bed.
Being in one room when the lights went out was akin to sleepovers of our teenage years, except with real beds instead of an uncomfortable floor.
We also treated ourselves to a dinner out at Moosewood, Ithaca's legendary vegetarian restaurant, for healthy fare that was for the most part delicious, except for some well-intentioned but poorly executed shrimp...and what is shrimp doing at a vegetarian restaurant anyway?
Now I've got the itch to camp again this weekend, but few sites are available for Memorial Day weekend...the late bird must travel far to find a worm.
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