Kara and Scott Head South!

What an amazing Weekend in Hidden Cove with the Moores!

We planned on setting out early Friday morning, however we had a bit of a rough start to say the least! After we packed the car with our pillows, luggage, and plenty of snacks and wine- we set off at noon. Scott was our designated driver, Lauren graciously rode in the backseat with Bosco, and we were off!

To help break-up the long drive to Hidden Cove, we stopped at Smith Berry Winery to sample some of their delicious wines. The wines were yummy, and the the winery was beautiful. We each purchased a few bottles before we set off for the remainder of the drive.

We reached our destination around 6:00. After unlocking the property gates, we quickly began setting up the camper and pop-up, before taking a tour of the property. Scott, having never been to Hidden Cove before- was instantly in heaven!

Set-up went quickly with everyone helping. We hopped on the golf cart, with Lauren as our guide sitting in the back. Lauren directed Scott through the many paths of the property, as well as through the streets up to The Summit and "our" property. Bosco seemed to really enjoy the breezy ride!

Just as dusk was coming- Jack, Lei, Sampson and Quincy arrived at Hidden Cove! Dinner was started. Lei made a delicious meal of steak and rice, and I contributed some gooey brownies which hit the spot! Due to the extreme heat, we enjoyed our dinner in the pop-up before heading to Mojo Lounge for some wine and laughs!

We woke up feeling well rested. At some point during the previous night, Lauren's cousins Chris and Nick arrived with several friends. Lauren was a wonderful host and cooked us a breakfast of bacon and eggs while Scott and I met everyone.

After breakfast, I decided to hopefully earn some of the much talked about platinum points by helping Lauren stain the sign posts that would be placed later in the weekend.

Everyone was hot, and we decided that it was time to hit the water! Jack gave Scott his first lesson in riding the jetski. Despite the numerous stories of the difficulties in riding these, Scott was optimistic. He quickly learned it was not as easy as it seemed!

After getting the hang of it, we set off for a ride. Scott was impressed by my skills :)

Next came a relaxing boat ride around the lake. Everyone including the doggies put on their vests. Lauren pampered Bosco- who is afraid of water- during the ride!

We stopped at Jump rock to do some swimming.

Just as we arrived back at the dock, the weather changed and it began to pour. While Lei cooked another delicious dinner, Lauren and I set up a happy hour in the Gazebo. Everyone enjoyed a HUGE selection of cheese and crackers, followed by a chicken dinner. The night ended with an intense game of flip cup.

Sunday was another busy day! We awoke to a breakfast of waffles, cinnamon rolls, and sausage. Next Lauren, Scott, and I set off to explore the nearby caves.

The day ended with Scott and Jack placing the path signs. Lauren, Lei and I supervised- providing lots of helpful advice :)

After a quick shower and pack-up, we started our journey back to Columbus. Thanks for showing us a great time during our weekend away! We are looking forward to returning very soon!

Wild Weekend with Mike and Melanie

Alot going on this weekend, we are purchasing another lot for Hidden Cove and then spend some fun time with Mike and Melanie Bobson.

We both ran into heavy traffic but finally got in around 10ish Friday night. After unpacking the cars, and stocking up the fridge, we all headed down to Mojo's lounge and just enjoyed the rest of the evening and started making plans for Saturday.

After tending to annoying dogs in the morning, Jack took the boys to the Falls.

The boys had to get wet and Jack & Lei looked for turtles, but alas none could be seen by the naked eye. We needed Zoey and Mazey -THE TURTLE HUNTERS!

After our morning stroll, it's off to the courthouse to finalize the deal. We are purchasing the lot that is next to the road. We are halfway to abandoning the road and putting up a gate at the top!

YEA!

We arrive at the courthouse and meet up with the sellers.

The deed is done!

Mike and Melanie are very pleased with our new acquisition.

Mike then prepares a magnificent breakfast to celebrate.

Then we're off....... Forever Moore, here we come!

We take a nice leisurely cruise to Wax on the other side of the lake.

The dogs are ready, unfortunately, Jack is not.

Melanie and her doggie nephews (Quincy and Samson) are totally enjoying the water!

Time to head back, and Captain Mike is taking control.

Jack is enjoying the role of passenger.

Mike & Melanie head off on the gator to take in all that Hidden Cove offers.

Now it's time to enjoy some steaks and drinks and wind down for the evening.

Mike takes charge and dinner is almost ready.

We all head down to Mojo Lounge to chill.

The perfect ending to a perfect day.

A great day, great company, and great beverages!

Sunday morning, Jack & Mike take out the defective kill switch from the waveblaster jet ski.

Jack is earning platinum points, while closing up Hidden Cove.

Until the next time... Can't wait!

Truitt Family Getaway

What the heck am I doing! I've never done blogging before so I have no freakin' idea how this going to turn out.


Truitt Family getaway to Hidden Cove Resort.
We packed up the van with 6 people (Karen, Lynn & Ryan, Dan & Aimee and myself) and Guinness (Ryan's teacup poodle) and food and drinks and clothes and the rest of the house. We were packed like sardines. Hit a little traffic but all was well. I had worried because Miss Aimee had been sick but she got to feeling better. 5:30ish departure put us down there 10:45ish. Pulling in to Hidden Cove I know why I decided to become a platinum member. The trail lights to the exquisite polygonwrongonal were on enhancing the beautiful paw paw trees. Upon entering our spacious, clean and organized camper we find a beautiful welcoming note with a bottle of wine from our gracious hosts.Now I know what it's like to be treated like royalty. We unpack (ourselves and the van) and Dan & Lynn proceed to make a fire. A quick call to the proprietors and we find (as a platinum member) we have a fully stocked fridge (Aimee stating "and I mean stocked!") in the gazebo and all the vehicles are gassed and ready to go. It was my pleasure to show 3 newbies (Dan, Aimee and Ryan) around. With a trip down Hemlock Way we arrive at the pontoon boat (Forever Moore) Ryan exclaims about the stars and never seeing a sky with so many stars! Talking and enjoying a few around the fire leads to an early morning bedtime (3am).

A beautiful day awaited us as we start with bacon and eggs and mimosas (as my sister-in-law Jill would say, "you can't drink all day long if you don't start in the morning."

Dan & Aimee getting mimosas

A quick Gator trek around the resort, with a trip to Holly Falls, then my (potentially) A frame property then on to the upper estates.Enjoying the recently renovated roads.We then made our way back to one of my favorite local landmarks (the cave). Not having the headlamps we just made a quick gander and enjoyed the cool air from the cave before heading back. We readied the Forever Moore and get set to take the jet ski's to the ramp. I ride the jet ski back to Hidden Cove's private dock and Ryan & Dan take the trailer back. We decide a trip on the pontoon boat is in order and a trip to Jump Rock is first on the list.

Guinness's first time on a boat.

Seeing the beautiful Nolin Lake is awe inspiring for the first timers (as it still is to me).

Jump Rock was a huge hit with the crew.

Dan made his first climb on the Jump Rock wall. Dan and Aimee spend a lot of time jumping into the water not only here but off the boat and at Smiley Rock (more about that) later. After tiring ourselves out a little we decided to check out the dam .... You tell me what it looks like to you. We all had our opinion but I won't go into that here.
Over to pigeon cave for a look then ... out of gas ... not a problem our hosts had both tanks filled. Quick switch and we are on our way to the marina .... opps, no wallet. Looks like a trip back to Hidden Cove for money and a restock of beverages.
A little thunder holds us back a little, but no rain.

The crew of the Forever Moore

Soon we are off again but this time Dan wants to try the jet ski. Okay around Brier Creek ... not so quick, this guy is a natural. There was no stopping Dan once he got on. He fell off once and just effortlessly pulled himself back on.

..

Out to the main lake.Showing his balancing skills Dan is the master of the jet ski ...

Not so fast Dan, here comes Aimee!

Another natural jet skier. Dan and Aimee ride the jet sky all the way to WAX. Both of them pretty tired so we try to tow the jet ski ... nope not working, so I offer to ride the jet ski back I think everyone knew it would be a long trip back so Dan offers.
Ouch Ryan, looks like that burn might hurt. Dan (on the jet ski) leaves us behind.
Hidden Cove is a great place for romance

Not one fall for Dan all the way back. But right before Brier Creek Dan runs out of gas. So we figure a way, sort of, to tow it back with Dan on it. (It wasn't till the next morning as I woke up I remembered the reserve switch for the jet ski gas ... idiot.)

Dinner time Karen makes us kabobs, mmmmmm!

Afterward another blazing campfire (thanks Lynn) and listening to music ...

What song has Dan and Aimee up and dancing in the dark? None other than Boot Scoot Boogie! After jet skiing all day you would think they would be tired. Up in the morning to pancakes and bacon. then a little quiet time at one of the most popular sites on Hidden Cove Resort. The Mojo Lounge or is this the library? Still looks like lounging to me. Me, I take off to earn a couple platinum points :).

But this crew doesn't sit still for long, not with all the amenities at Hidden Cove. The lake is calling and so is the Forever Moore. Stock up the beverages and cruise back over to the always popular Jump Rock for a little more water fun. Dan and Aimee take a lover's leap.
Hey, us old folks like a little romance too!

Captain Brian and his first mate.

After another trip about the lake we head for Smiley Rock! Smiley Rock is (I think) a first for Hidden Cove goers. We were looking for a new place to swim and play and heading back to Brier Creek we found a nice little spot to set the anchor and play. With my crooners playing in the background this was just a great day for me to watch my family interact and truly enjoy one another. Dan & Aimee in the shallows at Smiley Rock

Here Dan and Aimee are the first to jump in. Then Lynn and Karen. I was just chilling with Ryan and Guinness. Ryan ,with a messed up hand and taking care of his Guinness, was a little reluctant to play in the water. After being called out by Dan (and me assuring him I would watch Guinness) he decided to take the plunge.

Now, Guinness (till the first day) has never been on a boat or tried to swim. No one knew what she would do if put in the water and Ryan was more than just a little apprehensive about the prospect of it. But with Ryan in the water it was time for Guinness's first swim lesson.

She's a natural and Ryan is as proud as punch!

Looks like it might be time to get an extra small doggie life vest. Guinness did a great job and everyone enjoyed watching her first time out. After Dan and Aimee watched 2 girls jump off the rock they decided to check it out. After a little scouting they decided to take the leap of faith. After a couple times it was my turn to be called out by Dan. So of course I am going to take on the challenge Dan shows me how...and I show Dan how...and Aimee shows us both how.

After another grat day on the lake we head back to the resort for dinner. After dinner we decide to partake in another Truitt pastime at the Mojo Lounge...

Tripoly.

A card game played with pennies. Soon (all too soon) it is time to call it a night. It will be a morning departure. No one was ready to go! A great time was had by all and now time to cram back into the van for the trip back to C-bus.
Thank you to Jack and Lei for being such gracious hosts and allowing my family to build memories that will last "Forever Moore".
Brian