---

As summer winds down and we process the memories we made, my thoughts turn again to Pyramid Life Center.

In 1980, our family of six was looking for a vacation place. Having read an article in The Evangelist about Pyramid Life Center in Paradox, we made our reservations.

Little did we know we would make lifelong friends and expand our horizons to hiking the Adirondack Mountains, canoeing its streams and embracing the bounty offered there. "Recreate and re-create": What a beautiful motto to describe what PLC offers.

Visitors awaken to the hauntingly beautiful song of the loons in residence on the pristine lake...take a morning run or walk down the road to see the wildflowers, beaver dam and blue herons...share the bountiful breakfast table with family and friends. We continue the day with reading or paddle a kayak or canoe around the island as we watch fishermen or sailors also enjoying the lake.

Almost before we know it, the morning has passed and the children and adults line up for delicious soups and sandwiches, sharing stories and making plans for future activities. By dinnertime, we may have hiked to the waterfall or participated in a triathlon.

The week flies by as we hike, swim and square dance. This year, we marched in the Halloween parade to the dining hall, which was superbly decorated and prepared by the wonderfully "spooky" staff. Nightime "haunted truck rides" produced squeals of fun and fright and requests for repeat turns by the campers.

Sadly, the week ended. We remember helping in the kitchen, art endeavors, hours of playing games, campfires and so much more. Already, we've made reservations for 2012.

We encourage all in the Albany Diocese to experience what PLC offers and appreciate the bounty of God in His goodness in place, people and activities.

(Mrs. Mangano, a parishioner of St. Clement's Church in Saratoga Springs, attended a family camping week at Pyramid Life Center this summer.)[[In-content Ad]]

---