A Day On the Sandbar

The sandbar is a jutting strip of sand and rock between Pelican and Fish Lake. Every summer weekend as long as I remember boaters beach themselves on the sand and kids, dogs, coolers, frisbees, footballs, and assorted inflatable devices come out. Everyone knows where it is, and cries of "see you on the sandbar" echo throughout the RV park Saturdays around noon.

The Fish Lake side is warm with a sandy bottom, so that's where most people swim. Jet skis are beached here too, and neighbors let neighbors ride them at will. Occasionally a boat will leave temporarily to take someone wake boarding or skiing, and we'll save their place on the sandbar.

Puppies and grown dogs often have their first water experience here. They'll fetch tennis balls for hours on end, and race each other to see who can get to the ball first. I've never seen a dog fight there - instead, there seems to almost be a communal spirit amongst them, big and small, old and young. When one dog gets to the ball first and swims it back in, I've seen them drop it in the shallow water so that the smaller dog can claim victory and bring it back to its owner.

After a couple of hours, the food comes out. Dips, spreads, crackers, cheese, chips, pasta salads, you name it. We often use the front of the pontoon as a buffet line, and our friends line up the dishes for all to sample. It's a good way to meet new people too - we've invited strangers to judge whose dip is better, for example.

Usually around 6 or so, we start the trek back to the public access, haul the boat out, and enjoy our supper. Last night I enjoyed t-bone steak and fresh veggies on the grill at a friend's house. I just wandered over and was invited to eat, so I did.

After supper the campfires are started. Sometimes I spend the whole night at one campfire, sometimes I wander around to see where the party is. I always have to do laundry Sunday or Monday though, because my clothes smell so strongly of wood smoke.

Life is good.