My tarp shelter.



I am not overly pleased with the Guide Gear tarp. I like that it is 12x12. I like that it has loops all over as well as grommets. I like that it came with a pair of nine foot folding poles (I did not take on this trip). I do not like that the loops/grommets are not symmetrically placed on each side. I do not like that the tarp had major condensation on the inside even in such an open configuration. Perhaps a steeper pitch is needed so the condensation runs off. This tarp does not appear to be available for sale any more.

I kind of like this smokey picture. The piece of burlap sack was blown to flame using the "tinder tube."



Where's the beef? Here's the beef and chicken. The plates were full before the rice went on.



I had actually forgotten to take pictures of the meat and chicken in the coals. This picture was an afterthought only because the last guy to grab his food was cleaning up. I actually stopped eating to take this picture. The sacrifices I make for you guys...

And here the last to get his grub.



I overheard him telling his wife on the phone that I fed him four pounds of meat. I guess if you factor in the mound of rice with dinner, he wasn't too far off. My guesstimate is we each had about a pound to pound and a half of meat plus a comparable about of rice. Or what I call just about right.

At one point, this log reminded me of an alligator.



The lake at dusk.



My view first thing after I get up.



The morning sunrise.



From our vantage point overlooking the lake, we watched various schools of fish swimming around. We also saw one large solitary fish cruising. It looked pretty good size from a distance. I would estimate 4-5 feet, long and slender shaped and light colored. I know there are tilapia and carp and well as bass in the lake, but am not sure what the other fish was. And yes, fishing is allowed, but catch and release only.

One of the things that surprised me was that there was not another soul there and we had the whole place to ourselves. Yes! Man camp, as my wife calls it, was great. An extra night or two would have afforded the time to test out my new knife and wood gas stove. I guess those items will be tested next time.