Exploring Farragut State Park
Saturday morning I decided I was due for an outing all by myself. Sometimes it's refreshing to just take off alone and do what I want to, at my own pace, thinking my own thoughts, with no obligation to carry on a conversation. First, I drove to a nearby Farmers' Market, where I purchased a few small items but took no pictures. There's something distinctive about folks at a Farmers' Market, both the vendors and the shoppers, but I'm having a difficult time figuring out how to put it into words. The vendors have a country look about them, as well they should. Many of the shoppers share that general look, which includes long (often-denim) skirts for the ladies, and jeans and cowboy boots for the men. The older folks often have a leftover-hippie air about them, as they earnestly peruse the stalls, carrying woven baskets or reusable shopping bags to contain their purchases. Nobody shows up in high heels and a short skirt, or a business suit. I was wearing shorts and a bright pink shirt and athletic shoes, so didn't quite fit the mold I've tried to describe. But I'm not a leftover hippie, either.
Next, I drove several miles to Farragut State Park, located on lovely Lake Pend Oreille.
Just inside the park entrance I noticed this elk near the edge of the road. There were two of them, and of course they began to drift farther into the woods as soon as I stopped to take a picture.
I was determined to have a picnic lunch by the lake. My initial thought was to set up my camp chair at the swimming beach on Beaver Bay and maybe even get into the water, but a) the sky had clouded over and it wasn't as warm as recent days, and b) despite that, the parking lot was as full as I've ever seen it. So I continued to a day use area and cheerfully carried my small cooler and thermos of iced tea to a bench over looking the lake.
The sandwich, muffin, and pickles came from my house. The blackberries and the cooky were Farmers' Market purchases. Yes, I kinda planned that.
Just a short distance down the road is a scenic overlook area. I parked my vehicle, set up my camp chair, and proceeded to enjoy an hour of reading my library book (review to be posted after I finish the book) with this lovely perspective to glance up at periodically.
I seldom explore the section of the park on the north side of the highway, so decided to drive around over there and refresh my memory on what is to be seen. I found some interesting things related to a Girl Scout Roundup held there in 1965, and much larger Boy Scout Jamborees held in 1967 and 1969.
Notice the picture in the plaque looks as if the poles are situated in a clearing. Now the trees have grown up nearby. An inviting path led into those woods, to plaques, signs, and poles related to the Girl Scout Roundup.
There were three plaques, but this is the only photo that turned out well enough to read what is written on it. Below are two enlarged sections of another of the plaques.
Even with this list, it is difficult for me to comprehend the amount of food and the number of cooks needed to feed 34, 251 growing boys!
If you would like to see more pictures of the 1969 Boy Scout Jamboree, I found some interesting ones here.
Wow, what a cool outing! I agree, there is something special about being able to go out on your own and just do what you want.
I have 3 littles, so that rarely happens, but it's magical. ;)
When I had three littles, an outing alone was certainly a rare treat for me, too! Now they are grown up so it's easier to get away.