New gallery up!

Most of the trip is up there, with a big emphasis on the museums. A few notes though.

It did rain quite a bit. I wanted to do a lot more on this trip but God pretty much told me to sit down and read a book for most of the time I was there. It isn't easy to stay positive with constant downpour and mud and coldness all around you. Maybe that's why Chinese water torture is so effective. Nonetheless, there were some awesome moments.

One of the things I was hoping to do was chop wood. I know for most people this sounds very boring and back-breaking, but it is something I really enjoy. When I arrived at my dad's house, I found out that the axe handle was broken. Not to be deterred, I went out and purchased an axe handle for the axe so that I could have something to chop wood while at the campsite. Unfortunately, my dad left the axe at home for some reason. I was able to do some chopping, but using a little hatchet just isn't as satisfying. During a wood splitting session with the axe, I managed to cut my finger with my multi-tool's knife. It was a good hit too, but I must say that it was very clean. The cut was immediately bandaged and I credit the Leatherman multi-tool for the clean cut. VERY SHARP.

I did get to do some swimming, albeit between thunderstorms and often alone. However, I did get to be watched by four young and attractive lifeguards. I even went out there without my shirt. I don't have the most attractive midsection, but I let go of my self-consciousness and swam a few laps bare-chested. I did get the ladies to smile when I said to them that it's not every day I get to have four attractive ladies stare at me. I got a few smiles out of that.

I did do a little fishing with my dad but we didn't catch anything but seaweed. We did however find some cherry trees which I returned to later and harvested a few handfuls. They were tart but still good.

The real fun came when my Uncle Ron showed up a few campsites down. Not only did he come with an axe, but a number of logs for chopping too! He let me have at it, and I really enjoyed it. Later that day we had an awesome seafood barbecue, and I contributed some clams.

For all its mud and cold and wetness, the camping trip was worth it and I'd like to go again. However, depending on how next year pans out, I might just have to hold off as I'll be in my last semester at school.