Herkimer Diamond Mines
The Piper clan has had this trip to the Herkimer Diamond Mines on the calendar for a while and when Shannon and I decided to join them, there were no camping spots available at the KOA (part of the Herkimer Diamond Mines Resort) so our intentions were to drive up Saturday morning, hang out for the day and then head back home. On the spur of the moment, Friday afternoon, we packed the car and decided to wing it. Hey, you never know if you’ll be able to pick up a site due to a last minute cancellation.
Arriving at the KOA Friday evening, we found that the campground was completely booked — actually overbooked. The site the Pipers had reserved (where we had decided to crash) was occupied by a Boy Scout troop, who, despite the request by the main office, was not moving. So much for that scout oath, eh.
Enter Shannon’s cousin Heidi and Rick to save the day. They had booked the last site in-between the camping and cabin locations which had plenty of room for the Piper and Comins clans to setup tents. We had a few drinks around the campfire, caught up on our what our families had been up to and admired the energy the four kids displayed.
Heather & Adam Mining
Joe & Rick Mining
Elizabeth & Brian Mining
The next morning, Rick (breakfast chef extraordinaire) & Heidi made a big breakfast for the entire lot of us before we headed over to the mines. Thanks to Heidi, coffee was all ready to go when we got out of the tent — how sweet is that? The layout of the KOA was pretty nice as you could walk from the camping area over to the mining area. Armed with hammers, gloves and glasses, our motley crew set off to get rich.
It didn’t take more than 30 minutes to find that mining is not easy work. In fact, I think its safe to say that my mining days are now behind me. I was, however, able to display my aerobatic routine on the playground, much to my wife’s embarrassment. Notice those abs of steel on display.
Cirque de Gary
There was a lot for the kids to do at the campground. A couple of playgrounds, a swimming pool, Frisbee golf, a camp parade and outside movies were all on the schedule. I think the most fun was tubing down the Mohawk River and in the late afternoon heat, it was a nice way to cool down.
Joe, Brian & Elizabeth Launching Tubes
Mighty Joe Monkeying Around
Adam & Heather
We had a big dinner on Saturday night, a few more drinks and another campfire. Between all of the exercise and the heat, the adults were pretty tired, but I have to hand it to the kids, they maintained their energy level well after dark.
On Sunday morning we packed up and were treated to breakfast at Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner. Thanks Heather and Brian. Crazy Otto’s claim to fame is the Guinness World Record for the largest pool table omelet. I can believe it based on the amount of food they brought to the table.
It was a nice weekend and I’m looking forward to getting together again in the fall at Letchworth.
