This is a late
blog post because yesterday we broke camp and headed home from what
was supposed to be a two week relaxing escape. Six months ago we
made reservations at Dale Hollow Dam Campground. We envisioned
bright fall days and crisp nights sitting around the campsite with
nice breezes blowing through open windows. That didn't happen.
Our trip started
great, an easy pull and smooth setup in our favorite site. We kept
getting a whiff of something, maybe an RV needed to go dump or the
wind was coming from the dumpster area. Nope. By the next day we
realized that it was coming from the river, every time they let lake
water through the sluice gates. Rotten sewer smell, enough to make
you nauseated. Whatever was in that lake bed was extremely nasty.
Be very glad photos don't convey scent.
So, windows
closed, air conditioner on. OK, we can deal with that for a day or
two, surely it won't last long. And it was ok at night, except for
mosquitoes. But then rain came, making it hot and muggy and stinky.
We explored around Celina, ate exceptional Mexican food at Los
Primos, shopped the Roller Coaster yard sale. Campground was nearly
full because it was fall break for several surrounding counties.
Kids, dogs, noise.
We kept thinking
it would cool off and that smell would go away. It didn't. Then
yesterday morning, the power went off for several hours. Now it was
hot and smelly and no AC. Enough already. No peaceful fall days, no
crisp nights, can't sit outside, might as well go on home. Life's
too short to waste time being miserable. At least we got a refund
for the rest of the week. And Callie cat was happy to be sprung from
the cat spa at Critter Clinic.
You've
got to know when to hold 'em
Know
when to fold 'em
Know
when to walk away
Know
when to run.
The Gambler, Kenny
Rogers/Don Schlitz
