An Afternoon At Gowanda's Slovenian Club Picnic

6:02

7:34

It's 6:47 and I woke to a threatening sky, as dark blue clouds hung over the lake. Now, however, it's beginning to brighten, although lots of clouds still fill the sky, especially over Bemus Bay. It's a balmy 67º and rain is expected this afternoon like yesterday. Let's hope we get some, unlike yesterday's brief drizzle. It's 8:50 and I paddled for close to an hour, one of the only boats on the lake. It was a good morning for birding, herons, ospreys, and perhaps an eagle. 

Kayak Morning

Great Blue Heron

Bald Eagle On Long Point

Osprey

Osprey

Sunday was geared around our afternoon trek to Gowanda for the Slovenian Club's picnic at the Collins Conservation Club. Our morning, however, was the same. I got in my paddle, took photos, and enjoyed a late coffee with Evie. We knew rain was predicted, so we decided to prepare for it. Evie decided the lawn needed mowing and spent part of the late morning mowing although she had enough by noon and I finished it up for her. It was not much fun because of the heat and humidity. I also decided to put the cover on our boat just in case it rained and we pulled down our porch curtain. All of this was for showers that never happened. Typical.

Lunch was easy and light, some ramen and I watched my show, then read my spy thriller, set during the  Cold War until  2:00 when both of us showered and were on our way to Gowanda by 3:00. We love the drive through the beautiful countryside along what is called the Amish Trail. It took just over an hour to get to the picnic. It was so crowded that we had a hard time finding a place to park. We bought our tickets, fifteen bucks a piece and the food and drinks were free. We were lucky to find a seat at a picnic table under the pavilion because the temperature had to be close to 90º. This is our fourth picnic and it's never been so crowded. We got beers, beef on wick sandwiches, hot dogs, watermelon, and a salad of onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, typical of Slovenian fare.

The Polka Guys

The polka band was great, especially the three guys on the two accordions and a button box. I have to admit it was uncomfortable seating there in the heat and only one brave couple had the nerve to polka, an 80-year-old woman and a 94 year old man. 

Polking With His Cane

We talked with them later and they were great. She's Sicilian, married to a Slovenian who grew up in Gowanda. Both flew in from Boston just for the picnic. And the guy used to be a dance teacher. They were great. When we left we introduced ourselves to one of the band members. We remembered him from previous picnics and he invited us to the party at the club later. And as he has done in the past, he brought his homemade cole slaw and kielbasa. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay but it was fun to talk with him. Our drive home was fine, with a brief shower and little if any traffic.

Evie With Accordionist

Same Guy, 2017

We were home by 7:30 and relaxed on the front porch for a half hour, as the long day began to ebb. We then watched some TV, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, a new series on Prime.