We had some really hot weather up here in Michigan and it seemed to last forever. Of course it didn’t last forever, but for my two nights of camping at a local state park the heat hung heavily in the air even late into the night.
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I hadn’t camped at this park for a few years, not since Katie and I camped there and struggled with noisy kids partying all night just a few sites away.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/448810187_10228841976407947_3340205667748742820_n.jpg?w=1024)
This time it was much more quiet. I was in my favorite site at this campground, full shade, with lots of privacy. I went there specifically to watch the birds that hang out in the trees surrounding the site, many of which I don’t see at home around my feeders.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dsc_1992.jpg?w=1024)
And I went to give Penny an opportunity to see a campground for the very first time. Her dad brought her over in the evenings and we sat around and talked.
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She sat around and observed. Everything.
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I didn’t ask her to get into the tent for a number of reasons, one it was too hot inside the tent, and two she isn’t really happy in the tent yet.
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But she did get to watch people and dogs and kids walk by and begin to realize she didn’t have to bark at everyone.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/448558569_10228841965247668_6636564364596888114_n.jpg?w=768)
It wasn’t easy for her. Watching dogs walk by, listening to noisy trucks as they hauled trailers past our site was hard.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/448662823_10228841966847708_5559696274369936474_n.jpg?w=768)
But little kids on bikes? Now that deserves a big bark, mom!
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/448763871_10228841972327845_3186100210904562958_n.jpg?w=768)
We still have a lot of work to do, it was all new to her. But I can see potential.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/448702151_10228841972487849_3113985916531722009_n.jpg?w=768)
There are, of course, a lot of memories at my favorite site, memories of camping with my Katie-girl. And I think she was there with me last week.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dsc_2060.jpg?w=1024)
I miss her so much, even while little Miss Penny is bouncing around distracting me. Penny says that’s OK and I appreciate her giving me some grace.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dsc_2023.jpg?w=1024)
On my last day at site 16, just before I started packing up and while I was feeling sad and missing Katie, a female cardinal arrived. She hopped around, up on the picnic table, underneath it, across the parking pad, always keeping an eye on me.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dsc_2037.jpg?w=1024)
I kind of think Katie sent her. She made me smile, just like Penny does, who, I’m sure, was also sent by Katie.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dsc_2043-2.jpg?w=1024)
There’s lots of summer left. I hope I get to take Penny to another campground before the end of the season.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dsc_2053.jpg?w=1024)
And I figure by next summer she just might be ready for a real adventure, even if it’s camping in our own backyard.
![](https://dawnkinster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dsc_2074-2.jpg?w=1024)
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June 28, 2024 at 9:56 pm
Hi, Dawn! Glad that you enjoyed a quieter weekend at one of your favorite spots. Katie was probably filling Penny in on all the park had to offer and the best spots to pose for treats. Thank you for taking us along. I understand the sadness of losing and missing Katie is profound, even though you have a loving, bouncy puppy to keep you on your toes. July 7 will be the one year anniversary of my puppy, Henri, coming home to help heal my heart. I still miss Gracie everyday, but know that she (and her big sister) is always with us. Henri recently learned (was taught) how to undo the seatbelt, just like Gracie used to do. I hope you all have a nice 4th of July and that Penny does not get stressed out from the fireworks. Stay cool and hydrated! I look forward to see where you take us next! 😊
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June 28, 2024 at 10:18 pm
Oh, it sounds like a perfect campsite. So glad it was quieter this time. I love the birds, always love the birds. Sigh, Katie will grow up one of these days, sigh. 🙂
Loved that sky photo … and memories.
Ok, if I ever bring my trailer across country to this campground, #16 it is! 🙂 Thanks Dawn, your photos are so gorgeous.
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June 29, 2024 at 9:33 am
I think Katie and Penny talk a lot. That cardinal? A happy accident that your girls knew you needed.
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June 29, 2024 at 10:34 am
Love that cardinal caught in mid-jump!
Does your hubby ever camp with you? I love that you were close enough for visits. A nearby getaway. I think I could get into that, were I not already living alone and already spending oodles of time with just me and my son’s cat for company.
Lovely photos.
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June 29, 2024 at 11:16 pm
There is much truth about cardinals visiting from departed love ones and this little cardinal bouncing around you proves it!
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