We returned this weekend from our latest camping trip. We camped at Lake Louisa State Park outside of Clermont, in the central part of our state, not far from W*lt Disn*y W*rld. As state parks go, this one was unique. It was situated among rolling hills with a great variety of vegetation and landscape. The hiking was great, and that was our main activity. So many trails to explore! Some of them were equestrian trails, but despite the lovely weather we had (highs in the low 80s) we didn't see a single horseback rider. We also didn't see many hikers, and I have no idea why.

This campground is not the best choice for tenters, because there is almost no shade, but it was fine for us van campers. We found the other campers to be very friendly here. They were mostly snowbirds, who travel by RV from the northern states and Canada and spend their winters in our state, moving from campground to campground. Some were "full timers", too. Since the campground is only about five years old, the facilities (restrooms and showers) were modern and very clean. We really appreciate that, too.

Here is a collection of pictures which depict various memories from this trip, in no particular order. I have discovered that putting photos in a certain order on this blog can be too time consuming!

Little Son and Baby Girl are gradually learning to be helpers at camp. Here, Little Son is helping out in the camp kitchen.
Violin practice occurs only on the days we eat, of course. It doesn't matter if the location is a campsite. In fact, violin practice brought about some friendly neighboring campers as an audience. The result was that we have made new friends with whom we plan to keep in touch.
At night, right before lights out, we spent some quality time in the van, using it like a real RV. Here the male side of the family is doing some reading. Self-Reliant Man is relaxing after a long hike and catching up on his spiritual reading.
We caught a beautiful sunrise over Hammond Lake one morning.Little Son gets the credit for taking this great nighttime family foto (or is it a phamily photo?).
Both early mornings, over Hammond Lake, we witnessed the flights of between 4 and 9 hot air balloons. They never got much closer to us than this, though.
While hiking one day, we caught a sky writer writing across a strip of sky directly in front of us. Look at the picture. Already the plane has written "JESUS". By the time he was done, the entire message was "JESUS 4 GIVES". It was a case of perfect weather, and perfect timing!
Mommy is bringing up the rear again. There were plenty of hills. Puff puff.
We found a picnic table to snack at both hiking days, just where and when we needed them. Here Little Son captures our smiles after a refill of granola bars, applesauce, and diet soda.
This is what our campsite looked like most of the time.
Can't have a lake without taking at least one sunset photo. This was over Dixie Lake.
Just look at those beautiful cypress trees behind the children!
Here is Self-Reliant Man, once again, catching up on his (ahem!) spiritual reading.
One of the hiking trails was full of wild orange trees, and also a few tangerine trees. The tangerines tasted great, but the oranges were like lemons. They sure looked picture perfect, though. Looks can be deceiving.
I have to admit, it is not easy to keep all our hikers smiling. On account of the abundant sunshine, I did detect some whining in my group. I will chalk up the lessons on being a Happy Hiker to "Character Education". Yes, my children can be real characters, and yes, I am their educator. All of the time.

That concludes our 2008-2009 camping season, but we are already thinking about next year!