I wandered down the side road at the top of the hill wondering what goes left must go down if it’s that well used – it came out around the corner at a slightly better angle.  Not perfect, but a much better position for that cable to be hooked up to.  We asked Jordy to help out, in reality it should have been that bright orange beast, as his winch is bigger, better  & stronger – however that would have been thinking to soundly, which in the heat of the sun and the wondering didn’t occur.   

I took the tree protector and tied it around the base of the tree, and we secured it to the truck (making sure to turn back the bolt in the shackle  a ¼ turn so when it gets tight you can undo it – see I am learning).  Luc then became Jordy’s Winch Wench and pulled the cable down the hill to the F150 and they secured it.  With the Turtle Tank in place & secured and the Winch Wench having attached the cable  to the tow points Jordy was ready.  With Winch remote in hand, tucked safely behind his door they started.. slowly.. deliberately  & methodically moving the truck up through the pit and the hill..

The tension maximized in the winch line as the front of the truck was pulled down, we safely tucked the children away behind the trees.. the front of the truck again strained and the taunt line was maximized.  I started wondering if the line would snap.. trying to take video but also knowing that the line could slice me in half – and truly I didn’t want to be the next casualty on the trip..

The winch line made a sound, Jordy worried and checked it – and alas there was 2 flat spots in it… but the truck was half way up so there was no rest for the wicked.. we continued  watching as the truck inched its way up the hill to the top..

Alas a breath was taken in and a weight lifted off the shoulders as we knew that no one would be left behind, but some would be better prepared for the next round through them these here parts..Now almost an hour after we started we could move on to the next amazing location – Lodestone lake..

Lodestone, our back yard, only 20 minutes from our real home – it’s amazing.  It is unfortunate we didn’t get a chance to show anyone the peak as it is a 360 degree view up there of all around you – but to take 22 trucks up and have to turn around would not be an easy task – perhaps next time without the time delays we can experience that.

We arrived at Lodestone, which had the first official outhouse (very much appreciated by some) and applied the 4^th layer of OFF for the day.  Resting there enjoying the photo opportunities and contemplation the serene nature of watching the fish jump and children playing on the logs enjoying life as it’s meant to be.. free of societies need to be like everyone else.. free to run after the toads and skip rocks..

Alas it was time to move towards gas, ice cream, beer refills and ice.  Jordy and I scooted ahead at this time to get home quickly, taking of course all shortcuts down – figuring we’d be well ahead of the crowd to take a shower! (yes ok I got to take a shower ahead of everyone with no fear of hot water running out.   Even during our May event with 150 people we never had that many trucks in our driveway at the same time.. quite an amazing sight.  The kids ran towards the swings and played, people sat down at the tables.. and I checked on the Robins eggs.  They had finally hatched, but alas were lame little pink blobs still!  I packed up what we needed, beer, ice, BUG ZAPPERS!