Our fifth annual midsummer cook-out at Roger’s

Hello Hikers!

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Fabulous afternoon get-together at Twin Ponds

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hot out on the big lawn but just right in the shade  —  no bugs  —  the rain and lightning in the forecast passed us by

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a bit cooler than usual in the pond, thanks to the chilly nights this month

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but it was gorgeous once you managed to ease in

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I didn’t eat a single bite of dish-to-pass, but everyone else was all over it and I guess it was a big success as usual

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We had some kids with us for the first time  –  they really add a fun touch  —  that’s Emmie, who last hiked with us into our famous mid-February cook-out in 15-degree weather in Danby SF

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No official head count but we had at least 80 people, the most ever

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My yearly moment of truth:

If you start to follow our weekly hiking adventures, you’ll soon realize I never show photos of myself.  To make up for that, I have to undergo a close-up shot of myself in my bathing suit at every cook-out, diligently enforced by Liz.  This year it went one better  —  Liz chased me down in the pond as I was trying to get in gradually, while Hobit took photos:

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I knew what’s coming so I dieted this time in hopes I could whittle down my puffy middle in time for the photo ordeal

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Liz was pretty aggressive

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at the end, she was strutting

So how did I do with the diet?

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For whatever reason, we have a wonderful time at this cook-out every year  –  this has left me with a deep pool of great memories, and very strong affection for our group

We all owe thanks especially to Roger and Gunilla, and Liz for the food operation, and her daughter Nicole for doing far more than her share of the grilling

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