Guilford Lake State Park June 8, 9 and 10, 2007

Made it here from Columbus, a rough 134-mile drive. We got set up at the Guilford Lake State Park, which is across the lake from Rich Bryers’ summer home.

Ray and I waited at the picnic table behind our RV’s waiting for the water taxi.

Then out of nowhere the water taxi and area guide arrived.

Rich then took us on a tour of the lake explaining the history of the lake and the area.

Next stop was Mark’s, the Friendly Tavern of Lake Guilford. Just like Cheers, where everyone knows your name!

After grabbing a beer the weather was turning nasty with wind gusts and rain fast approaching, so we made a dash to Rich’s house for a fantastic spaghetti dinner that Rich prepared. What a great host.

Things cleared up after dinner and Rich then took us for a driving tour of the lake and surrounding area. We saw beautiful views and interesting historic buildings and heard local lore. We hope to explore more of this in the next few days.

Saturday Rich picked all of us up again in his deck boat and we toured the lake. The weather was clear but cool!

Here is a photo of Rich’s place from the lake.

Saw some baby ducks and their mother. We fed her some bread for the little ones.

For dinner we boated back to Mark’s Landing. Upon arrival we spotted the pirate boat at the dock. This group dresses up like pirates on the weekend and boat along the shore throwing candy to the kids!

Rich is quite the handy man when it comes to furniture refinishing and house refurbishing. At his house he has made a clear laminated table with memorabilia from his life. It is really neat. Then for Mark’s landing Rich made a similar table with the history of the area imbedded in the clear poly top. We ate dinner at “Rich’s table”

Barely made it out alive after the locals heard we were Gator fans!

Sunday Ray and Linda departed to meet up with their son and his family in Bryson City NC.

Bye Ray and Linda we had a great trip with you guys, with many special memories.

Spent the rest of Sunday enjoying the RV State Park and the great weather, high near 80, slight breeze. It was perfect weather for grilling out, which we did and had Rich over for dinner.