Winter Excursion 5, Day 30

We were basically up all night with Kaylee. The wind kicked up and it rained all night. The wind caused the Sweet Gum fruits to fall and sounded like golf balls hitting the camper roof. The dog was totally freaked out. She is getting worse with age.

Got to Foster Creek around 1130, the campground is about half full. We got set up, did a few errands, and then relaxed and played some cribbage.

Hopefully the wind dies down in soon. It was good move today!

  

Winter Excursion 5, Day 29

We spent the morning packing up for our move tomorrow.  About 1000 we drove to TSC to top off our propane tanks. As soon as we got back Brian called asking if he and the Kiddos could come over after lunch, of course we said yes. We immediately ran back to Walmart as we are out of M&Ms and Skittles. God forbid the Kiddos would be in camp with no M&Ms or Skittles! Got ice and gas on the way.

Met everyone at Sewee restaurant for our annual fried food extravaganza and boy did we eat some fried food! Here's the whole clan waiting for our "fried fix". Nicole behaved as she ordered a Po' Boy (not fried). 

Brian and the Kiddos came over to the camper after lunch. Nicole took her Dad to the airport for his flight home.

The rain started just after we got back, but we had a great time playing cards (war, jack slap, UNO flip, & cribbage).

Brian and the Kiddos left around 1700. Cath and I watched a little TV and just chilled, listening to the rain. It is forecast to last all night, but stop before we leave in the morning. I'm glad we packed up this morning.

Winter Excursion 5, Day 28

We hung around camp most of the morning and did some camp maintenance and cleanup. Drove over to the Kid's for lunch and to pickup our new computer. For lunch Cath made our traditional turkey sandwich with all the fixings! We stayed for a little while and talked with Rick and Nicole. The Kiddos said Hi and then were off with their friends.

Back at camp I spent the afternoon getting the new computer all loaded up. I'm very happy with it. Cath watched some TV and we both watched the campers coming and gong.

We had a little rain today, the first in two weeks. The weather should be cooling off this coming week, it's been in the high 70s for awhile.

Winter Excursion 5, Day 27

After that great meal yesterday everyone slept in a little except the dog and the Kiddos. So that meant Granddad had to get up too.

We spent a lazy morning at the Kids watching some cartoons and playing Connect Four.

Around lunch we headed back to the camper and people watched all afternoon in between the cribbage game.

Sea Trout for dinner and then some time by the fire.

All is well in the Boss Camp!

Winter Excursion 5, Day 26

We had a breakfast of popovers and the leftover sausage, potatoes, and corn from last night's dinner with scrambled eggs. Everyone is trying not to eat too much in anticipation of the feast tonight.

Rick and I took the Kiddos fishing back at Buck Hall. The temp was 80 deg!

Here's Wesley with the catch of the day. An Oyster Toadfish. It may be the ugliest fish I've ever seen.

We got back to the house around 1300 and got the Turkey going on the Weber. Here's the finished product.

The Kiddos both got their traditional Drum Bones, even Nicole got a bite! Wesley ate his entire drum bone!

Kennedy traded hers in for some white meat.

The meal was fantastic and the best part is it was a group effort. The girls made the sides and pies, Rick and I did the turkey, and even the Kiddos helped with the dishes.

After dinner we were all stuffed (like a turkey) and watched Home Alone One. Even after seeing this show many times we all laughed ourselves silly. 

Off to bed around 2200, it's been a great Thanksgiving!
 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 25

We got everything packed up at the camper as we are going to the Kids and Kiddos for the next two days for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Arrived there around 1100. Nicole's Dad, Rick, is there and it was good to see him. We missed him last year.

The girls started their prep work for tomorrow's feast. We got the turkey in some brine and my mouth is already watering. The pies are made (apple & pumpkin).

Brian got home early and we did some oysters outside. They were really good and salty. Most were singles vs the clusters we usually get.

Nicole made a super Low Country Boil for dinner and we actually started on the apple pie!

We all yakked a bit and then went to bed early. Tomorrow is T-Day!

Winter Excursion 5, Day 24

We did a little camp maintenance this morning and then headed out for points unknown!

First stop was Cath's favorite Oriental Market to pickup chestnuts for her T-Day stuffing. Then we stopped at Camping World tp pick up a few camper supplies. From there we drove over to Foster Creek Campground (Naval Weapons Station). Someone is our our site that we are supposed to occupy this Monday, we will see how that goes. Cath hit the commissary and I checked out the Class VI store. We always call it the land of cheap booze! Jack was $26 a bottle!

The commissary had everything Cath needed for T-Day except for a few things. We stopped at the Lowes Food Store (used to be Bi-Lo) in Goose Creek, but still could not find heavy cream. We finally found it at Food Lion.

Stopped at Nicoles to drop off all the ingredients for T-Day and then headed back to camp.

The weather still remains perfect, so we sat outside and enjoyed the sunset.

Off to the Kids house tomorrow for two days, but the Kiddos and I will be back at camp to do some fishing. 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 23

Laundry Day!

We left camp around mid morning and headed for the Kid's house. Cath got the first load in and she and Nicole left to do some Thanksgiving shopping.

Nicole had a few projects for me and I was able to get them all done.

The Kiddos were in and out all day with friends.

Brian was able to get home a little early so he took Kennedy to basketball practice.

Cath and I headed back to camp around 1700, had dinner, then off to bed.

Winter Excursion 5, Day 22

Everyone slept like bears all night long, but we were all up by 0700 again.

Here's Kennedy with her "Camp hair...Don't care" morning look.

Wesley made a giant leaf pile. Even the campground host was impressed.

And today was Kennedy's turn for the catch of the day award.

Brian and Nicole arrived just after lunch. Nicole immediately hit the hammock with the Kiddos. We had a fun afternoon just hanging around camp. Bratwurst for dinner with some of Cath's yummy German Potato Salad. We all sat around the campfire for awhile. Of course Smores and Pie Iron pies made a good dessert. After they all left Cath and I enjoyed a toddy by the fire and then off to bed.

It's been a fun weekend!

 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 21

Even after going to bed late the Kiddos were up and about at 0700.

The day started with some cereal for breakfast and then the craziness began. Here's Wesley showing us how full his belly is. He can't eat his cereal, but has plenty of room for M&Ms and Skittles.

After breakfast it was hairdo time. Here's a few of the "DOs". They had a name for each "DO", but I can't remember them.

Then it was outside time and into the hammock.

Even Kaylee thought they were crazy.

After lunch Kennedy made her first Pie Iron pie. It was cherry and turned out really good.

After the afternoon walk it was off to the fishing pier. Here's Wesley with the catch of the day.

Kennedy thinks Grandma's phone should be her's.

Here's Wesley showing off his dance moves. The neighbors all had a good chuckle.

After a good spaghetti dinner it was movie time or should I say evening nap time! 

It was a fun filled, exhausting day!

Winter Excursion 5, Day 20

Cath and I spent the morning getting the camper ready for the Kiddos. Had a quick lunch and headed to town. Picked up some fishing bait and bratwurst for Sunday's lunch.

Hung out at the Kiddos house until they got home from school. The Kiddos cleaned up their room and the FROG under duress of not being able to camp this weekend.

Then we all headed to basketball practice.Here is a picture of Kennedy and her friend Sophia with the coach, who also happens to be Sophia's Dad. It was a good practice.

Then we went back home and had some Doe Re Me Pizza for a fab dinner. 

The drive back to camp with the Kiddos lasted for hours according to Wesley. Actually it took 20 minutes. We got the beds ready and finally got to sleep around 2200.
 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 19

I left camp around 0930 and drove to Ravenel Ford to get the truck serviced. Got back to camp around 1300 and we headed to the Kiddos so we could meet them at the bus stop.

Stayed for a little while and then went to Wally World to get supplies for the weekend as the Kiddos will be here.

Had a nice evening at camp and the weather continues to be nice.

Winter Excursion 5, Day 18

Spent the morning cleaning up around camp and doing the dishes. With the sink out of commision we were putting the dishes in a bucket and using paper plates when we could. All is back to normal now.

Left camp around 1100 and headed to the Kiddos house. Picked up subs for lunch.

It was fun hanging out with Nicole. The Kiddos got off the school bus around 1430 and we were there to meet them. Helped them with their homework and then they ran off to the neighbors for a small birthday party.

Cath and I stopped at Publix for a few grocery items and then drove back to camp.

As usual it's been a fun day and the weather continues to be fantastic! 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 17

The first project for the day was to get the new converter installed. The job went fairly well, but working in that little space under the refrigerator is a pain! The new converter works well  and is actually a little bigger than the old one.

Next project was to get the sink squared away. Found some ideas on the Forest River Forum and tried the one with the ratchet strap. We ran into Lowes to get what we needed. So far so good, I think it will hold. Time will tell.

We also got the DVD player mounted on the shelf under the TV. I'd been wanting to do this since last year.

Here's a few picks of our site. This is probably our favorite campground.

That tree you see over the camper is dropping these tiny seeds. They are about the size of a pin head and get into everything including our hair! It's wise to wear a hat. Hopefully they stop dropping soon.

We spent the late afternoon relaxing and enjoying the perfect weather we've been having. This camping life is rough!

 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 16

We left Cedar Point USFS campground at 0800. We had an uneventful drive and arrived at Buck Hall around 1300. Got the camper all set up and then headed to the Kiddo's house. We were all thrilled to see each other.

Played with the Kiddos, saw all the improvements Brian and Nicole have made to the house, and caught up on "what's new"

Nicole took Wesley to basketball practice and I took Kennedy. Only one person is allowed for each player.

Cath and Brian fixed dinner for everyone. After dinner it was time to leave as the Kiddos have school tomorrow.

The sink repair I did has not held, I'll have to try something else tomorrow.

The time went to fast today! 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 15

Spent the day around camp cleaning and packing up.

We decided to let the sink stay clamped for one more day just to make sure the glue dries.

Later in the afternoon we left camp to gas up the truck, get some ice, and pickup dinner. It's Bo TIME! 

We plan to be on the road by 0800 as we are getting anxious to see the Kiddos!
 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 14

Spent part of the morning fixing the sink again. Hopefully it will hold this time. Also repaired the propane line hanging down under the camper.

We drove down the entire length of the Emerald Isle. We were amazed at how built up / crowded this area is. At the very end is Fort Macon State Park. Nice park, but it was very crowded as the weather is perfect. 

We crossed the bridge into Morehead City and headed back to camp. Picked up some tuna steaks for the grill on the way.

Spent the rest of the day in camp, walking, relaxing, and card playing.
 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 13

It actually stopped raining last night around midnight! We were wondering if we needed to turn the camper into an ark!

Spent some of the morning getting things dried out. Wet shoes, wet towels, wet clothes; the campsite looked like it belonged next to a swimming pool.

Later in the morning we found a laundromat and did our wash. Picked up a few supplies, hit the ABC store, and got some fresh fish for dinner. It's good to be back on the coast again.

Here's a few pics of the campground:

Spent the afternoon and evening sitting outside enjoying the sun and people watching as it's Friday and the weekenders are arriving. A few more days and we get to see the Kiddos!
 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 12

You will never guess what.....it rained again all day!!!

Cath and I decided this may have been one of the worst travel days we've had in the last 5 years.

Got up this morning around 0600 to moderate rain. Did the last of the camp teardown and hookup in the rain. I was soaked by the time we finished and got the trailer dumped, but dried off during the first part of the drive.

The first 100 miles was not too bad, moderate rain with a few periods of drizzle. Then the fun started.

We hit torrential downpours, moderate winds, and many flooded roads. This one one of the few times we regretted traveling the backroads. 

We went through one little town where the water in the street was probably 18 inches deep.

Hydroplaning was a problem and it's especially fun with an 8500 lb trailer hanging on the back of the truck! We eased our speed down a little, but the semi trucks on the backroads felt otherwise (especially the log trucks). A one point we encountered a huge downed tree on RT 17 in North Carolina near Bern. The road was totally blocked and everyone was turning around in the middle of the road. This maneuver might be fine for a car or SUV, but it's a trick with a 35 foot trailer behind an F250.  Luckily there was a dirt road I was able to pull into and then complete a 2 point backup turn to get back to US17 south. We are sure the trucks that could not turn around were there for a few hours. We did not get any pics of these places as Cath was freaked-out, and I was busy driving.

After that great adventure we finally got to Bern, NC and headed south on RT 58. Got to our campground in a total downpour. Waited a few minutes for it to stop with no luck. I finally just sucked it up and filled our fresh water tank as there is no water on site (15 min), drove to our campsite, and set up (30 min). I was totally soaked. Stripped and got some dry clothes.

Cath will make a super dinner tonight. I only hope I can stay awake for it (multiple toddies will have their effect).

Oh! Did I mention that it rained all day?

It is supposed to rain all night!!

Winter Excursion 5, Day 11

It rained all day. 

Spent the day in the camper, cards and some TV.

Got Kaylee out for a short walk between the rain drops.

Did I mention it rained all day.

Winter Excursion 5, Day 10

We slept in a little and then had a nice breakfast. Afterward we headed into Farmville for a few supplies.  We got gas for $1.89!!!

Back at camp the weather continues to be perfect, but that will change tonight and tomorrow. Took Kaylee for a nice hike on some of the park trails.

We met a nice couple from a few sites up from ours. Ron and Marybeth are from Upstate NY and doing the same thing as us. We talked about all the websites for camping reservations and how to use them. We hope to see them again on the road.

Played some cards outside and just enjoyed the afternoon. Packed up most of our stuff as the forecast calls for 100% chance of rain. We will miss our great weather. 😢

Winter Excursion 5, Day 9

We got an early start and were on the road by 0800. Rode the backroads for awhile and then jumped on I-95 as we have 325 miles to drive today. There was not to much traffic and we hit the Baltimore/Washington area around mid morning. Lots of construction, but very few delays. We stayed on I-95 to Fredericksburg then jumped on Rt 3 to Rt 15 and then south to Twin Lakes State Park.

All went well until about 20 miles from our destination. We were on a four lane secondary road and needed to make a right hand turn. I thought there was an "off ramp", but it was just a right had turn! I slammed on the brakes and skidded to a stop! Thankfully there were no other vehicles in the area. Drove the rest of the way without incident.

We arrived at our new campground around 1500. All went well with setup until we turned the power on. Our new EMS did it's job and would not turn the power on to the camper. Contacted the camp host, who got a Ranger to come over and we checked the pedestal. One of the wires on the 30 amp plug was loose, we repaired it and figured all was well. As the power came on in the camper the EMS again did it's job and would not keep the power on. I finally isolated the problem to our converter and turned that circuit breaker off. After that all worked as advertised, but without a converter we have no DC power except for the batteries. We will use the battery charger to keep the batteries charged until we get to Charleston where I can get a new converter.

It's been a fun day, a few well deserved toddies, a nice dinner, and then off to bed. We will sleep like babies tonight.

Winter Excursion 5, Day 8

We spent the day people watching as it is Sunday and many folks are packing up and leaving the campground after the weekend.

Took a nice walk with Kaylee as she needed the exercise.

Spent the afternoon packing up, playing cards, and helping our neighbors with a few camper issues and projects.

We leave in the morning and have a long drive to our next campground. 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 7

We left camp around 0900 and took the backroads through Reading, Lancaster, Hersey, and Harrisburg, enroute to Kristen and Manu's. On the way we stopped at the West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne. Picked up some soft pretzels, lebanon baloney, fresh chipped beef, grabbed some pizza for lunch, and some cookies for the kids. Gassed up in Mechanicsburg and picked up some Rappa Scrabble at the Giant.

Arrived at Kristen and Manu's around 1300. Had a good time yakking and catching up. The girls are great little kids and we had fun playing with them.

Here's Lucy and the family goats.

Another pose by Lucy.

Fran is a little doll.

Her expressions are priceless.

And another one of Miss Lucy.

Fran is fearless!

Even upside down!

Here's the three ladies of the house. As you can see Kristen is a little "poked out". Only two weeks to go and then there will be a fourth lady in the house.

We drove the interstate back to camp and made it just before dark. It's been a fun day, even Kaylee had a good time!

Winter Excursion 5, Day 6

Everyone we see or meet in the campground has one thing to say: "the weather is great!". Best part is it's forecast to stay great for almost another week.

We left camp to do a little exploring and pickup up the glue and caulk I need for the sink repair. The park is really nice with four camping loops (3 are closed for winter), two lakes (one stocked with trout), day use areas, and group camp areas.

With stopped by the Coleman Furnace National Historic Site, but it is temporarily closed.

Did the sink repair and it turned out nice. We just have to wait a day or so until it all dries.

Had a nice walk in the afternoon, then relaxed at camp just enjoying the weather. 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 5

We left Schodack SP around 0730. Set the GPS for the backroads to French Creek SP in Pennsylvania. The drive was only 225 miles, but it took us over 6 hours as the GPS did exactly what we asked...BACKROADS! New York wasn't to bad, but once we got into New Jersey we got on some pretty remote, curvy, skinny, bumpy roads, many without any painted lines. When we finally got to our destination I was fried and the park has a "no alcohol" policy (of course we followed that).

Our site is very small and not level at all, you can tell from the pic. We got all set up and then relaxed. We do have Full Hookups, so long showers felt good.

The roads were so bad that our under-counter kitchen sink came unglued from the countertop. I'll have to fix that tomorrow.

Sleep will come fast tonight!

  

Winter Excursion 5, Day 4

The weather actually turned nice today. Temps in the high 50s! As we have been running the heater non-stop we needed to run into town and fill the propane cylinders. Back at camp Cath made a nice Pot Roast for dinner, we played some cards, and Kaylee got another good walk. We spent the early evening getting the camper ready to move and made it to bed early. Schodack State Park has been nice, we will do it again.

 

Winter Excursion 5, Day 3

We took a ride this morning to get a few supplies. Stopped at The Chatham Berry Farm and found a few snacks and such that we couldn't live without. The place was really nice with a high end meat counter and plenty of local fruits and veggies. They grow everything year round using Hydroponics.

Speaking of plants here's a pic of Spike. He has grown a lot! If he gets any bigger we will have to find a new place to eat as he takes up half the table already.

We took a nice walk in the afternoon along some of the cross country ski trails here in the park.

Cath snapped this pic of some of the history of the park. This whole area is rich in history as we are right on the Hudson River. Folks settled this area in the 1700s.

Weather has improved and is supposed to be beautiful for the next week or so. By the time it gets bad again we will be in the warm weather down south.

All is well in the Boss Camp!

Winter Excursion 5, Day 2

We spent most of the day "hunkering". It's been cold rainy and snowy on and off all day. We did manage to get a walk in, but it was cold. To make it even better we've had 20- 30 MPH winds all day. Kaylee has been beside herself with all the acorns and branches hitting the roof of the camper. Here's Kaylee in her normal state:

As usual we got in a little cribbage and we started a new match for this trip. A few toddies, a nice dinner, some TV, then off to bed.