Five Days At The Cabin

Lilia enjoying the shoreline at Utica ReservoirWe’re just winding up a fantastic stint of five days up here at the cabin in Arnold, couldn’t have asked for more ideal weather.  We had a great time with Graham and Nikki, who joined us for a couple of nights over the weekend.  Both Graham and Nikki are keen kayakers so were looking forward to paddling on some of the highland lakes up the road from the cabin.  After a solid campfire the night Friday afternoon mojitosbefore we headed out early Saturday morning bound for Utica Reservoir.  It was a beautiful day up there and – apart from some very interesting specimens of Californian society drinking and causing a general ruckus on the banks when we arrived – we all had made the most of the beautiful mountain surrounds with a paddle around the lake for the girls and Graham, and plenty of swimming for Lilia and me on the banks.  We packed a lunch and enjoyed it on our own little private granite outcropping, making it home in time for Tinkerbelle’s afternoon nap.  Graham had a GoPro attached to his kayak, the video below shows his adventures around a portion of Utica as well as some sprint practice sprints back and forth along the lake in front of the cabin.

 Kayaking at Utica ReservoirGraham kayaking on Utica ReservoirGraham kayaking on Utica ReservoirLisa and Lilia at Utica ReservoirLilia enjoying the shoreline at Utica ReservoirPanoramic of Utica ReservoirLilia grabbing a snack at Utica ReservoirNikki coming in from a paddle at Utica ReservoirLisa and Lilia having lunch at Utica Reservoir

Lilia enjoying the warm weatherLilia on her way outsideLisa had mojitos on the brain so we all wandered over to the beach after Lilia’s afternoon nap on Saturday with a pitcher full of mojitos to enjoy in the sun.  Such a refreshing (and dangerous!) drink for a hot day…  Over the course of the long weekend Lilia stayed in the water many times until her lips were blue, I swear that girl is part fish.  Lisa and I both experienced one of Graham’s skis in the lake in front of the cabin, amazing how much effort it was to balance the boat compared to the über-stable sit-on-top kayaks that we’re used to.  Lisa took to it like a fish to water, I had a bit more trouble and got dunked once.  Our abdominals were feeling it after only a few laps of balancing, but definitely fun to give it a go!

Lisa on the skiNikki in the kayakGraham readying Lisa for a paddle on the skiGraham, Nikki and Lisa on the deckBeer can chickensLilia and LisaAussie BBQ breafkast coming upLilia enjoying the lakeSam and Lilia at the lakeLilia and Lisa at the cabin

Sam and Lilia at the lakeLilia helping Dad with the wrapping paperIt was my birthday yesterday and what better way to spend it than with my two ladies.  Lisa sneakily concealed the stack of presents pictured here, a cache of gifts and cards from California and Australia.  Lilia enjoyed her role as present delivery girl as well as official present un-wrapper, I think for Christmas we’ll have to wrap up a few balls of wrapping paper because if yesterday is anything to go by I have a feeling she’ll get more enjoyment out of unwrapping presents than what’s inside.  Thanks for joining us Graham and Nikki, hopefully we can have a repeat next summer!

Happy birthday Sam!Lilia with a birthday delivery for Dad

Banana blackberry muffins for breakfast  Kayaking at Utica Reservoir  Graham doesn't mess around with his wines...Saturday night campfire  Arnold singletrack  Arnold singletrackRead for an afternoon at the beach  Surely this is lucky?

2 Comments

  1. Looks like a great bd weekend. Glad the weather (and animals) cooperated.

  2. Tu Familia Quintero

    Fun in the sun and on the water! What lovely days and ways to celebrate your birth, Sam.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *