Back from the Big Piney...

Well, that was the quickest trip, but I am so glad we went! I had to check the date to make sure that we really did go up on Tuesday and come back on Wednesday! It seems like we fit in an awful lot for a day and a half! Let's see...we did a 6-hour float trip; I read my book at the cabin while Tobin went back to the river to fish. Then, Tobin grilled a BIG dinner and built a fire after dark. We got a good night's sleep and drove to Montauk St. Park for breakfast at the lodge this morning!










Tobin was gung-ho to beat the oncoming storm, so we left super early and got on the river by 10 am! It was very hot, even that early, and the sun was beating down! It was a beautiful day and the river was so peaceful. We were the only people the outfitters put on the river, so we had it all to ourselves. The trees branched over the river in some places providing shade from the sun, plus a beautiful area to kayak through. The kayaks are fairly quiet as they move across the water, so we saw some wildlife as well. We also found a place that we'd love to live! There is a cabin in the background of the picture of Tobin that looks right up our alley!!
Tobin fished quite a bit. I totally forgot my reading book, but I never got bored. The rain did finally hit and the sky opened up on us for about a mile of our float. I thought I would hate it, and planned to paddle like mad, but the rain was warm and my hat protected my eyes. Here are a few shots of us in the rain!










I actually enjoyed it, but was also glad for the reprieve when the rain ended. We were soaked, but oh well. We stopped on a gravel bar and stretched our legs.










The resort we stayed at is wonderful! I just love the little rustic cabins, which are fully equipped. They shuttle us to our drop-off site and the 8-mile float takes us right to the campground, so we just have to carry our kayaks up the hill. They also have a lil' general store and a swimming pool! The people that run the place are so nice. Tobin said that they have his dream job for his retirement years. He'd love to be a river rat! OH! I have to include a picture of the little groundhogs that entertained us while we ate breakfast at the lodge. Apparently, the waitresses throw out any leftover produce for the forest animals! The chubby lil' guys sure didn't mind me getting a quick pic!