Day 31

Well, the weather forecasters were right. We had rain starting about 1:00 am with light rain continuing until about 9:00am. The two kids in the other tent were up for some of the storm so they ended up sleeping in until about 8:45. This place isn't the best for rain because instead of gravel or grass the campground is mostly sand and dirt. Not good for flip flops or feet. Think grocery store feet to a whole new disgusting level.

My kids are really enjoying this heat because I'm not wanting to cook so they get cereal. They can probably count on one hand the number of times I've purchased cereal in the last few years and they're getting it every day now! I almost choked on my granola when Brayden recited from his box that it only has 10 grams of sugar per serving. They're going to have to go into detox when we get home!  Ryan thought 10g meant 10 gallons so at least it wasn't that bad!

Once we got ready we headed to the ranger station to check in and check out anything fun to do in the area. The girls flooded my arms with brochures of zoos, water parks, and aquariums while I tried to figure out some hiking trails for us to do. I really wanted to take advantage of the overcast morning to get moving in the forest down the Batsto Trail for a little while.

We stumbled upon a historic village on the way so Ryan suggested we go see it since this is a history trip. Inside the visitors center there was a wonderful display where we learned all about the animals in the area as well as the iron works industry the small town was built around.

  

The village had been restored several times but looked as it had back when it opened in the late 1700s. The village also had a gristmill, blacksmith shop, wheelworks, as well as a general store. The kids loved reading all the prices of things at the general store, especially that toys were only 29 cents per pound!

  

 

We hit the trail with clouds still helping us and enjoyed the walk. It's always nice to get back into the woods after a break. Laney navigated us through the trail as well as through several spider webs. I like her taking over my job!!

   

About halfway through the hike the sun popped out for good so we were pretty soaked by the time we finished. We stepped back in the visitor's center for a snack and to soak up the air conditioning for awhile.

Brayden suggested we hit one of the libraries close by next so the kids could check their email and I could update the blog.  We found one in the tiny little town next door with a tiny little kids area. The all enjoyed a few minutes to hear from everyone and respond.

Next door to the library, Eagle Eye Laney spotted a cupcake place. Of course. They don't see the socks on the floor 6 inches in front of them, but they can spot a cupcake shop from 300 yards away! She said they were winners of Cupcake Wars so we just had to stop in!  Of course, they were scrumptious!

The kids were anxious to swim at the lake so after the quick trip back to the campsite we changed and headed to the beach.A New Jersey lake beach is quite a bit different than a Pensacola Beach! My kids are so spoiled with their crystal clear blue-green waters there was no way they were stepping into the rust colored lake. We talked about tannins from the pine forest causing the dark color but they decided to play volleyball on the beach instead.  They've been inspired by yet another Olympic event.

Once the sun got low we played on the playground and swings then headed back to the campsite for the night. Since it had been so long since we'd read we made it through four chapters before everyone's eyelids got heavy.  Tomorrow was going to be another fun day of exploring!