August, 2025
I was feeling lazy today, so I sat outside my camper for most of this summer’s morning, reading, and watching the world go by, and watching the lake, the sky, the birds, and chatting with people who walked by although there weren’t many of those since the campground wasn’t full.
But in the afternoon, I got off my chair and went for a slow, quiet drive in the country.
These horses were in a field that’s close to the campground, so most of the time when I drove anywhere at all, I would drive by this field. Usually the horses were out, but not always. Today they were closer to the road than usual.
Down around a corner or two, I came upon this windy road. I wondered why they built it so curvy. Looking at that road, and then driving it made me smile. 🙂
And then I came to Lake Sylvia State Park. I’d driven through here before, but thought another look might be nice.
Most of the campsites here are way too close together for my comfort, but a few of them would be ok. #23 (below) was spectacular. It backed right up to the lake (Lake Sylvia), and it had only one neighbor campsite, and there were trees and shrubs between this campsite and its neighbor campsite.
Then more slow driving ensued along even more quiet country roads.
I slowed (even more) as I passed the field below. Those cattle are an unusual looking color to me.
This one, below, was VERY busy … chomping, chomping, chomping.
But I whistled, which usually gets an animal’s attention better than yelling or calling to them does. And this fellow did raise his head even tho he didn’t seem too pleased to be distracted from whatever was in that grass.
But I whistled again. And he looked over at me with squinty, sleepy eyes … and with a few strands of grass hanging out of his mouth. But he seemed friendly enough.
Around a few more corners, up and down a few more roads, and then I finally made my way back towards the campground … passing that field again that had the horses in it.
They were further from the road this time, but I zoomed in with my camera.
And then I finally did make it back to the campground. After parking the big white truck in the campsite, I went for a little walk-about around the campground just to stretch my legs.
Here’s a view of my rig (the big white truck and Towhee the Trailer) in their campsite … and a little view of Lake Quigg on the left (no other campers were over there). Such a pretty place.
Such a comfortable day.
Don’t forget to check out the links on the right side of each of these webpages, particularly the links under the heading “Other Blogs and Vlogs That I Follow“. I just added a new one: “Ruth Aisling, Scotland in a van”. I found her vlog a few days ago and have watched the first two of them. She’s Scottish and adventurous and smart and kind. I think I’ll enjoy her travels. Feel free to watch her videos and enjoy them along with me. 🙂
I keep learning from you that a country drive on land can be really nice. But I still miss my boat. 🙂
Me too, Rob. I love this life on land, and I still miss my boat.
Goofy road, fun horses, goofy cow. 🙂
🙂
Coos! Ok, that’s “cows” in Scottish”. 🙂 Maybe they are a cross between brown Swiss cows and something else? You could stop and ask the farmer?
Ah yes coos, who wouldn’t know that, Babe? 🙂 Good idea, next time I’m out there, I will do that! I will stop and ask the farmer. Thanks.
Great photos. Really relaxing day.
Thanks Kinny. It sure was. 🙂
What a beautiful peaceful place to camp.
Love the cattle and the colour! ♥️
I sure hope I find out what those cattle are, Lisa. Yes, the colour of them was really nice. Thanks. 🙂
You live in such a beautiful part of the country! There seems to be endless possibilities for camping!
I don’t think I’ve found one campground in nine years of camping that isn’t really nice. Sure some are better than others, but the State of Washington has a super duper state park organization and lots of gorgeous campgrounds and lots of gorgeous scenery. But, you know, I bet Michigan does too.
That curly road is fun. The cattle sure are different from anything I’ve seen here in the US. There’s so much to see in the world isn’t there?
Indeed, so much to see in the world, nice sentiment Paul. I like the word “curly” for that road. 🙂
Oh I like this WAY better than those evil stumps!! 🙂
LOL! Me too, Steve!
I know a little bit about cattle, having been raised with them in the midwest around other ranchers doing the same (my folks did, I was a kid), but I don’t know what those cattle are in your photos. I’d guess they are Milking Shorthorn, or maybe a cross with that and something else. But Milking Shorthorn come is SO MANY different colors that your buddy might just be one of them. Were there milk cows in the herd? They aren’t bred for meat, but their milk is high fat and highly sought. Loved these photos, and the trip back in my mind to my youth. Really liked that. Thank you.
Gosh, I like that you share some of your life history, Lisa, thank you. I’ve been reading a book titled “Leaning Into the Wind”, short writings, hundreds of them, all by women who were raised or lived as adults in the midwest, where the wind screams down from Canada, where dust is ever-present, and the folks raise crops and cattle and such. At your suggestion, I’ve looked at photos of Milking Shorthorn online and they do look like my buddies could be them. I didn’t notice whether there were any cows in “my” herd … next time I’m out there, I will pay attention!
Love of all things, human and other animals and sky and earth. More than any religion on earth can comprehend. You give us that sense of things. The seriousness, the joy and laughter, the blessings.
Yes. And I receive that too, from my experiences and from you.
A lovely drive. So different to what we see on the telly or read in newspapers. Thank you.
You are welcome, Henry. Yes, different to/from what we see and read here too. I sure wish our “news” was more positive. I’m glad you (and your pals) are here. 🙂
This was nice! Thank you. 🙂 Just the perfect thing for me this evening.
Happy to provide the perfect thing. 🙂 Thanks Ruth.