Elm River Chowder

Labor day weekend we went to Clay City Illinois to the Elm River Chowder.  This is something Daniel and his family used to go to every year growing up.  As Daniel would explain it, you park in a cow pasture, watch your step and walk into the woods.  Where you would gather around waiting for soup that was cooked outside in big cauldrons under an open fire.  Then gather as a family to eat and talk.  Then scavenger other family plots for dessert.  After which all the kids would go down the big hill and play in the creek.  Well....with Daniel, being known for his "fuzzy memories", I didn't know quite what to expect.  Sometimes he is a little exaggerated....but with this.....not so much!  In fact, I almost think he didn't quite exaggerate enough.  :)

Here are the country folk waiting.....

for this.....

So they can sit around and do this.....

Then climb down the hill to do this...

And finally sit around and listen to some blue grass music like this....

I honestly had a great time at my first Elm River Chowder.  In fact, I would love to go back again next year!  Someone, asked me recently if I was from the south.  And the answer is not really.  The south I think of a little more "sophisticated".  I am really just a simple country girl at heart.  Some might say a little "hick".  And that's OK too.  I wouldn't trade it for the world.  :)