Refreshing My Spirit

We just returned from our (mostly) annual family trip to Twin Lakes just outside Bridgeport, California.  It is a trip I look forward to all year for many reasons, mostly because it is simply one of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring places I have ever been.

The High Sierras are, after all, the land that Ansel Adams fell in love with and photographed extensively.  It's no wonder he became captivated with my beloved Sierra Mountain range.  The topography is simultaneously beautiful and fearsome with thrusting mountain peaks extending beyond the tree line and valleys nestling crystal-clear blue lakes.  The forest is lush and healthy and the wildlife abundant.  It's unspoiled nature--and "civilization" is only a few miles away.


We've traipsed through the eastern side of the Sierras visiting Sequoia National Park, but Twin Lakes's Annett's Mono Village is our favorite campground.

This year was marked by some interesting afternoon weather.  Raindrops greeted us as we walked the campground to find just the perfect spot for the seven families we vacationed with.  It was refreshing and beautiful, subtly cleansing.  Each afternoon of our eight-day stay we had afternoon showers, with a whopper of a thunderstorm one day.  However, even though we were frustrated by the thunder and lightning that limited our lake play, we welcomed the rain because of the severe drought conditions the Sierras have been experiencing.

In truth, this year, the mountains were a sad reminder of the drought our state is enduring.  The snow pack, which we can usually see so clearly, was severely diminished with only a few small glaciers still in sight.  So, the rain was a blessing.

The cooler rainy conditions also invited more wildlife into the campgrounds.  Deer always stroll through the campgrounds, but this year we even had daytime bear visitors.  No, bears are not the cuddly, cute things we think they are.  They are ferocious and intimidating, even the smallest ones.  One afternoon we were entertained by a young cinnamon-colored bear that went from camp to camp tearing through coolers, trash bags, and even ripped a neighbor's tent in search of a snack.

Everyone in our group enjoyed playing in the water in the canoe, inner tubes, SeaDoos, the boat, and splashing around throwing toys for Kevin, Paisley, and Cosie.

And the kids played some raucous volleyball and ladder golf:

Nights were somewhat subdued as we were not allowed campfires--no flying embers to catch the gorgeous forest afire.  Charcoal fires were permitted, but for food preparation purposes only.  However, the final night we enjoyed Chuck's famous "biscuits-on-a-stick" stuffed with Nutella, apple pie filling, whipped cream, and anything else we could think of.  

Mom Brown and I even (finally) went into Bridgeport Sunday morning to the Infant of Prague Catholic Church for mass.  Now that we finally know what time mass is, I will be looking forward to celebrating mass there again next year.

There were no accidental trips to Lake Tahoe, no near-choking, no lost car keys.  There was only one bear incident that I'm sure Chuck won't soon forget.  Mostly, there are lots of memories with new and old friends.

Most of all, though, I was so thankful for another safe family trip that refreshed my spirit.  It's so incredibly difficult to be in this beautiful place and think that this part of creation is not evidence of God's existence and goodness.  Until next year...