An Overcast and Humid Morning

Adieu, Jim And Elaine

7:44

It's 8:15 and all four of us are up because Elaine and Jim are leaving by 9:00 and driving to a family gathering on Grand Island, about a two-hour drive from here.  It's surprisingly quiet on the lake for an August Sunday morning. It's now 9:50 and Jim and Elaine just left for their family gathering and we are back to listening to CNN. 

Beginning Of Our Walk To Lake Erie

Chautauqua Creek

Yesterday was a great day as the weather cooperated and we had fun things to do. I did get up early enough to have a good paddle before the others woke. We were in no hurry but by 11:00, we decided to take a half-hour drive north, to Lake Erie, and take the path along Chautauqua Creek to the lake, about a half mile. The path was covered with tree limbs and leaves so the drizzle did not bother us and once we got to the lake, it stopped. It's a great view of the lake and the beach, for some reason, was covered with rocks perfect for skipping. We mostly meandered around the inlet before heading back to the car. We drove down to Barcelona's pier before driving home. As we drove through Westfield, there was an outdoor market, food booths and dry goods in their square. We had to stop because Elaine noticed a vendor selling tie-dye shirts and dresses and at their gathering today, everyone in the family was supposed to wear tie-dye. They left with a shirt, dress and top and it made our day. We briefly walked through the Octagonal Westfield Library because it's such an interesting building. 

Lake Erie Beach

Guys On Driftwood

Skipping Stones

An Octogenarian And His Young Wife

We didn't arrive back at the lake until almost 2:00 and were hungry so Evie made up plates of last night's dinner, popped them in the microwave and we had chicken, ratatoille, and noodles for lunch. We then relaxed until 3:30 when we had another ferocious game of bocce, won once again by Elaine and me. 

Smackdab Reunited

By 5:00, we were showered and gussied up and ready to drive to Jamestown because they were having free concert by our favorite local band, Smackdab, in front of the Comedy Center. We had to park a quarter of a mile away because it was a busy place. They had stands selling beer and food as well as merchandise and just as we arrived, the rain stopped and the band was able to start playing after 15 minutes so we had perfect timing. We found a bench to sit on and listened to the music and people watched for maybe an hour before we decided to go to dinner. 

Gathering Of Locals

Ah, Family

We drove to 4th street and parked a few minutes walk from the Brazil's Craft Beer And Wine Lounge. Unfortunately, the bar and all the tables were packed so the sent us downstairs to their coffee shop, the Laybritnh Press, and we were able to order drinks and dinner. It's a vegetarian place, perfect for Jim and Elaine who are vegetarians, and the menu is quite extensive so everyone found something they liked. We stayed until 8:00 and were home by 8:30, tired from our fun day. Once again, the Atlantic City Pie was the highlight of the evening. We stayed up late, wow, till 10:15 before going up to bed.