Trout Camp and the Big Rock
By Janice Boling
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The rock fireplace at Trout Camp in Suches, Georgia
The Big Rock was a great place for a campfire. We kept one going night and day during Trout Camp.
Janice in long coat
I was warming up by the big rock. It put out a lot of heat. Through the years, parts of it broke off but it still did the job.
A muddy road
The road to the big rock was always muddy but there was no use in complaining. Who said life always had to be clean?
Men at the Big Rock
Len, Tony, Gomer and a couple more men enjoyed the fire. Once we got the rocks hot, this natural fireplace could keep a crowd warm.
Two friends stand by the fire
Gomer and Alan warmed themselves by the fire at the Big Rock.
Hambone at the Big Rock
Hambone loved Trout Camp although he usually went home sometime after dark.
It was hard to ride a bike in the mud.
Sometimes it was almost impossible to get a truck in, much less a bicycle.
Frank and Tony sat by the Big Rock.
Frank has an extra beer in his pocket which does not surprise me at all.
Friends at the Big Rock
This was a favorite spot during Trout Camp. Jerry, Larry, Gary, and Hambone seemed content.
Gomer had a bus and a truck load of firewood.
He came prepared to stay a week or two camping right in front of the Big Rock.
Gomer's truck was loaded down.
He also had a wash tub but it was not for bathing or doing laundry. I had no idea why he bought it along.
Shawn and Gomer kept warm by the fire.
People gathered by this fire, just like they did at most campfires. Fires were very comforting, especially in chilly weather.
Phil and Teresa stay warm.
Phil and Teresa were regulars at Trout Camp. No doubt, they knew how to have fun.
Gomer and friends
These four good looking men were gathered together in front of the fire pit, better known as the Big Rock.
Gary arrives.
We had a bus, trucks, and campers for shelter but the fire offered another type of warmth and comfort.
They all had big smiles.
It was an unusual day with a lull between horseshoe games.
Tony and his uncle at the Big Rock.
This is the most facial hair Tony ever had -- he had quite a beard going.
Wood for the fire
Everyone worked in construction so scrap lumber was plentiful.
A group at the Big Rock
Rhonda, Lisa, Raymond, Gomer, Trish, and others warmed up by the fire. The Big Rock was the end of the line for driving beside the creek. Camping spots ended there.