Lake Nacimiento

After our first camping trip was blown right out of the water (literally), we spent a couple of relaxing days at home and then wondered where on earth to go next. We decided to check out a lake that we had never been to before, Lake Nacimiento, near Paso Robles. 

"We" forgot Levi's fishing pole at home, and as soon as he realized this (about an hour or two into our six-hour drive), we began promising him that we would buy him a new one as soon as we got to "the store." Who knew that there are no Target's (or anything remotely similar) along the I-5 between north of here and anywhere? Well, thank goodness the camp store at the lake had one fishing pole in stock, and thank goodness that Levi couldn't care less that it was a pink Barbie pole. He was plenty happy to have a brand new fishing pole. 

Momma caught the first fish, and it was her only fish. I really need to get a new hat.

Parker filling up his squirt gun in the bait tank. 

Our campsite, with a view of the lake in the background. The lake was at less than 50% capacity, so the water would have been much closer to our campsite if it was closer to full. 

That's our Levi. Black eye, no front teeth, food all over his face, messy hair, hat askew. I think we should have named him Bruiser. Or Chuck.

The boys couldn't wait until dark to start our fire and roast marshmallows our first night. 

As soon as Levi woke up on our first morning, he insisted on making himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It kills me to watch him try to spread the peanut butter without intervening, especially since it's that "natural" peanut butter that hasn't been genetically engineered to spread easily.

Drinking hot chocolate with a spoon...

You can see this house's private dock splayed high and dry on the rocks here...too bad the water line wasn't as high as it could be!

Jared with his bass...

Parker caught the biggest white bass of the trip...he was so happy.

Levi looks a little skeptical of his catch. He loved touching the fish, though.

It was fun to fish within sight of cows...that's a change for us! 

Now here is how I want to be camping, in a vintage yet perfectly restored travel trailer. How come no one is on board this train to daydream town with me?

Momma.

Happy boy.

Silly boy.

Jared helped both boys fish with a new kind of lure.

Levi waking up on our second morning. I promise, the toilet paper roll was for wiping his nose, the campground was furnished with perfectly functional toilets.

Daddy and Parker reeling 'em in on our last morning.

Big fat bass.