Lunch was enjoyed under a tent at the historic Old Manse. Nicolai is still spiking a fever and did not need much encouragement to take it easy (although he did paddle for almost a fourth of the journey). Photo courtesy of Evan.

Maya insisted on paddling and turned out to be quite capable. The women were quick to decide they would have a canoe to themselves, leaving the boys to engage in various forms of testosterone-driven behaviors, including crashing canoes into each other and racing back to the put-in point.

Karen, who shares the same birthday as Carl, is an outstanding volleyball player and here demonstrates her proficiency at piloting a canoe. Jeanine first met Tom and Karen at their wedding where Carl assisted Tom, clad in his tuxedo, into the hotel swimming pool. Fortunately on today’s outing all parties remained out of the water despite some close calls in the kids boat.

Tom and Carl were wrestling partners in high school and have remained close over the years. Tom was bigger and stronger, but Carl was quicker and better-looking.

Today we joined the Metzold family for a canoe outing on the Concord River. We embarked from the Southbridge Boat House and paddled up to the Old North bridge where we put in for lunch and conversation.

Today the boys learned they could earn money by weeding the flower beds. Maya enjoys weeding and does so for free. Nicolai has spiked a fever every day since his return to Concord. A trip to the hospital and then to his pediatrician have eliminated many possibilities, but the cause is still a mystery.

My favorite shot of the abundant flowers.

Father treats daughter to a tour of the gardens.

A long discussion with the children preceded this photo in which the major thrust of the conversation was whether the tail end of this beast was a stinger or not.

Larry’s garden attracts a number of beautiful butterflies and insects.

Jeanine and Nico enjoying the breeze on the foredeck.

After leaving Bayside we returned to Indiana and spent 2 days with Larry. We were treated to an excellent home made dinner (who knew Larry could cook? – reportedly he is a big fan of the Cooking Channel) and a full tour of the lake. Larry and I also partnered to challenge the boys to a number of pool matches. The fact that I shall not discuss the outcome should make the results apparent.

For my part, I took portraits of all the camp members and compiled a slide show. Pictured here is my favorite photo of the week.

When it came to the annual talent show, Jeanine and her “Bayside Moma’s” rap group stole the show. As soon as she returns, I intend to post the lyrics, which will complete the story.