canoeing and camping trip

Last weekend, some friends of ours and we went on a canoeing and camping trip along the Juniata River in Perry County, Pennsylvania. 

It was so beautiful out there. We rented two canoes; the girls rowed one and the guys the other. The river was very shallow in some parts, so we actually bottomed-out on numerous occasions and had to get out and drag the boat. On the first night, we canoed for about 2.5 hours, and stopped along the way for swimming and going off of a frighteningly-high rope swing. Then, we parked out boats and set up camp. Elisa built a fire:

                                       

While the rest of us scavenged for wood:

Stephen used every opportunity to use his machete

Mark and Becky had to leave that night, so they were unable to camp. Here is a shot of the women before they left:

 The next morning, the four of us remaining rowed for about five hours to reach the canoe rental place. It was so hot, and about halfway through, we found a cold spring in which to wade, which was a refreshing oasis. By the time we reached the endpoint, we were exhausted, hot and out of drinking-water. It was wonderful to be back on dry land, but it was lovely to have been on the water for so long.

 We are thankful for good friends and beautiful scenery.