Staff writer
Some of you may not have noticed, but I have been out of the office for much of the summer. I had to show my brother, Dennis, that having knee surgery wasn’t all that bad. Boy was I wrong, but let’s not tell Dennis that.
I’m back to work now, but before I returned my husband heard nothing but my daily aches, pains and complaints. I finally told him, before I went back to work I needed out of the house for a few days. He was more than willing to get me out of my slump and asked what I wanted to do.
Hmmmm … I think I would like a “stay-cation,” I told him.
“I want you to take the camper out to Marion reservoir and leave me there.” He was very enthusiastic and more than ready to oblige.
I quickly called a friend from Wichita and invited her to join me. Kenny would meet up with us after work each day and would be there on the weekend.
Let me tell you what, if you haven’t found the time to enjoy the many activities that are available to us right here in our area, then you are missing out.
Kenny pulled the camper, and me, out to French Creek Cove at 5 a.m. on a Thursday the earlier part of August. He helped me set up and went on to work in Hillsboro. I went back to bed in our nice cozy camper and slept restfully until about 8:30 a.m. Boy did that feel good. I haven’t slept past 7 a.m. in a long time and the extra perk was there was no housework to worry about.
About an hour later, my friend and ex-sister-in-law, Sandy Loveless, called to see how I was doing. I told her where I was and she came out that afternoon.
While we were sitting outside, an elderly couple pulled up. I invited them to get out and join us for a piece of homemade pie. We conversed for about 30 minutes, enjoying his tales and in the conversation and stories I found out that we were in a roundabout way related. So before leaving, we took family pictures, exchanged phone numbers and addresses.
My friend, Renee, finally showed up from Wichita, and after she set up her camper, we took our bikes out for a short ride around the quiet little campground.
Shortly thereafter, Kenny arrived and with the water up in the reservoir, it made perfect conditions to put the kayaks in. We paddled for about a mile up French Creek and then back around a few coves. It was the most relaxing excursion and so beautiful.
We also ventured into Hillsboro. We took a look around the town, stopped at the local bakery and enjoyed some fresh baked goods.
The following day we drove into Marion. Kenny and I showed Renee our downtown and she commented on what a beautiful community we have. We did a little shopping at the auxiliary and found wonderful fresh vegetables at the farmers market.
Both of these days were filled with fun on the lake and riding our bikes. Our days were filled with sun and cool breezes. It made for wonderful camping.
Sunday morning after breakfast it was a bit misty and we decided our little stay-cation was coming to an end. I couldn’t have asked for a better end to such a hard and trying surgery and to be able to enjoy all that we have right here in our own backyard. So if you need a vacation and can’t decide where to go, try Marion County and our surrounding area. It will be worth it, I promise.