Travel Log: 1998 Pine Lake, Part Three

July 23 – Shelly and Jacob were up first and into town for a paper. None to be found in Eldora, so they made their way through the departing RAGBRAI’ers to Steamboat Rock. No paper there either so back to the cabin. The kids ate breakfast and then we were off to the Hardin County Fair! The kids both had money left and were so excited about the rides and games and prizes they were going to win. We parked and entered through what must be the back of the fairgrounds and checked out the livestock barns. There were the usual cows and sheep in a couple of barns. Another contained roosters, chickens, rabbits, ducks and geese. We walked on to the next barn and outside was a dog show, while inside was a pig show (I was wondering where all the pigs were) Next was an open area where some local kids had some games set up (Little basketballs to be thrown through a little hoop, plastic balls to be tossed into buckets, etc.) Then on to the last two barns which contained all the fair contest entries including baked goods, quilts, veggies, flowers, photos, clothing, drawings and all manner of crafts. Looking out the door of the last barn told us we had walked the length of of the little fair, there were no rides and the only games were the ones we had past. Shelly and I could see on the kids faces that this was it. We waited for their reactions. “Can we play some games now?” Shelly and I were relived and proud of them both for trying to make the best of it. They bought their tickets and played some games. We stopped for some lunch and then decided to check out the other Eldora city park. The kids played on the new wooden playground called Twister Park (very nice) and then back to our cabin. Shelly took the kids swimming again while I stayed behind to prepare Hobos for supper. When Shelly and the kids got back we started the fire, enjoying it before letting it burn down to cook on. Shelly and I ran the boombox out one of the windows and listened to music while the kids roller bladed and played. Everyone enjoyed the hobos when they were done and we spent the rest of the evening listening to music and enjoying the campfire.

July 24 – Up and at it for our last full day here at the cabin. Relaxed and lounged until I served a late lunch of almost all the leftovers in the fridge mixed with a dozen eggs. Then we were off to Upper Pine Lake so Shelly and kids could go around the lake in a paddle boat. When they got back they talked me into a canoe trip around the lake. Back to the cabin, and then a hike. Shelly and the kids then drove into town to watch “Mulan” at the Eldora Grand Theater. They came back tired and we all relaxed, cleaned out the rest of the fridge, and went to bed. I am tired now and ready for home, as we all are.

Part one can be read here.

Part two can be read here.