2012 Camp-Out at Skip-Away Campground, Clermont, Iowa - August 4-12
The weather was perfect all week. Camping units came earlier than ever in 2012 with some arriving already on Saturday, Aug. 4. Iowa like other midwest states has had severe drought conditions this year with many counties issuing burn bans. We were able to have a campfire every night, however, as these are controlled burns in a fire ring. We had 17 camping units and another 5 on-site or rental campers. A total of 96 people shared hours with us. Some stayed at the Brick City Inn in Clermont, some in motels in West Union.. Some drove in for one day or a few hours to spend fun time. States represented were Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, South Dakota, Texas and Missouri. Many came for the first time and even surprised us. Here’s a special welcome to newcomers Ken & Dorothy Borah, Ron & Bonnie Burnes, Dick & Judi DeKoning, Mary Freundschuh & Gene Koliba, Darryl & Rita Henningsen, Ann Johnson, Marge Reishus, Donovan & Shirley Stensrud, and Gary White.
Evening meals were potluck in the shelter house. We grilled everything from steak & burgers to hot dogs, brats and chops. We had way too many desserts but figured we could diet NEXT week. There was a rush each evening to see who could be sure to eat Gibbs’ Illinois peaches. We had a good supply of Iowa sweet corn to enjoy. Thanks to the Sherman's. Following the potlucks some played "nickel", "dummy rummy", or poker. Being an Olympic Year, we thought about issuing gold medals but found that way too complicated! Some traveled to the gambling casino at Marquette.
As always the fellows enjoyed golf at the course between Elgin & Clermont. The ladies traveled to several towns and sometimes fellows joined us. One morning SkipAway manager Terry Baker surprised us with flowers & three dozen donuts. We are thinking she doesn’t want us to go to another campground ? ? ? Happy hour time was held every afternoon about 4 o’clock.
On Monday, nine ladies traveled to Elkader where they shopped at the usual shops including the 3-story building formerly a hotel. Bargains were plenty and lunch was enjoyed at the Irish Pub in Elkader.
Ten ladies went to the ever popular Horsefalls Store in Lansing and Carolyn Thomson who lives in Lansing joined us for lunch at the restaurant along the Mississippi River.
Wednesday a group of gals (11) traveled to visit the Soy Basics Candle Outlet Store in New Hampton followed by a great lunch at Klunder’s Kafe. We traveled on to Fredericksburg where we toured, tasted & purchased wine at the Engelbrecht Winery. Engelbrechts also operate a bed & breakfast on the site east of Fredericksburg. Check these places online by going to www.soybasics.com and www.thefarmhousebb.com .
Thursday was a full day with a group going to Peg & Steve Kittelson’s Woodland Designs, Inc. We saw them making handcrafted kaleiodoscopes which are marketed all over the world. They make these in a quanset-hut. Peggy also makes beautiful jewelry. Anyone wanting to check this out online can go to www.kittelsondesigns.com .
Was it Wednesday or Thursday (who can remember!) when a tornado watch was issued by the Weather Service? Everyone was asked to leave campground & Lodge to go into town where we gathered in the basement of the former Clermont School. About the time we got there, watch was cancelled & a welcome rain fell. This happened about the time we were to enjoy our evening potluck & all left their food behind, then got it out in time to eat anyway!
We left Friday open so winter Texans could "do their own thing". Ten traveled to Spillville to see the Bily Clocks Museum. Some went to Hawkeye to a shop that specializes in flowers, crafts, gifts; they had a Koi Garden too. Some went to West Union to shop and some fellows golfed again.
Friday afternoon we enjoyed Marc Frana as he played music, sang & joked under the shelterhouse. Tom Benson had pulled a huge smoker on wheels from friends between Janesville & Denver so he could smoke six turkeys for our evening potluck. Opinions were favorable. Was it better than roasting a hog? We’ll come up with "something" in 2013!
Gary & Jan Philipp surprised us Friday afternoon when they arrived following his first week of chemotherapy & radiation to treat his lung cancer. Was it just the best to see him looking so well. Smiles & hugs greeted them when they drove down from Monticello.
Saturday six carloads of men & women traveled to the Amish Community at Fairbank, followed by lunch in Oelwein.
Sunday morning we broke up camp, some ate buffet at The Lodge, some ordered from the menu at the downtown bar, others headed out in all directions. See you in Texas in the fall, the Good Lord willing.
We have reserved spots for the camp-out next year with dates being Aug. 4-11, 2013.
from
Mary Lou Benson
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