Both Least Heat Moon and Steinbeck were looking to connect with average Americans. Camping in the Land Between the Lakes Hillman Campground gave us some of that connection.
We got a site right on the water and managed to get Sparty level. The site had lots of cigarette butts and other odd trash that we cleaned up before settling in.
The next day Jim arrived on the next site. He said our site was great – he had it many times before.
We were a little concerned when he said he had friends coming and they liked to party. However they were all friendly and they toned it down as it got dark. The croaking frog’s were louder.
We enjoyed having neighbors to chat with, share watermelon and borrow salt.
We were planning on renting a kayak to explore the lake but Jim said we could use his. Kayaking to the quarry we saw messages on the rocks – a modern day Elmorro. The sit on top kayaks were less stable so we left the cameras on dry land.
The nature center had nests for the Purple Martin’s that included a front porch.
Hematite Lake had Indiana Jones like stepping Stones that Mrs Ram crossed without falling in.
If there was a negative to our stay it was the heat and humidity. We were glad we were next to the water. It was so hot even Mr Ram jumped in.