Assateague State Park  Berlin, Maryland             Sept. 6-8, 2016

I felt like I had just won the lottery!

One of my favorite sites at Assateague had just opened up due to a cancellation.  Site C-13 is large with nothing between the Aliner and the Ocean but a sand dune.  It is also just steps away from the boardwalk leading to the beach.  All I could think about was dozing to the sound of waves crashing the shoreline.... that is until I received the email that said Tropical Storm Hermine had forced the Park to close until further notice.

The good news is it opened back up JUST in time to honor our reservation so off we went.

With Tropical Storm Hermine in the rear view mirror the temperatures dropped considerably making "off grid" camping pleasant.  A nice breeze and temps in the mid 80's provided a great daytime environment to do what we do best .....relax!

Apparently the legendary Assateague flies must not have received the email about the Park closing because they showed up in force, munching any piece of flesh they could land on.  Fortunately we were able to retreat to our Screened Clam Shelter, and enjoy the beautiful days unfettered by the annoying insect intrusion, while still taking advantage of the perfect weather.

The State Park remains one of our favorite destinations.  It's never very crowded, the people who camp there are polite, follow the rules, and respect the environment.  The bath facilities are immaculate and the staff is always helpful and polite.  They even have store which sells things you may have forgotten including some of the BEST salt caramel ice cream I have ever tasted.

Aside from having to spend a little too much time protected from the flies, we were still able to enjoy the therapeutic benefits associated with the combined elements of salt, sand, waves, sun, cool breezes, amazing sunsets, campfires and spending time with my best friend.

In summary, life is better than we deserve and we are blessed being able to do what we do best ...RELAXING AND ENJOYING LIFE!

So long until next time!

Gettysburg PA. July 25-27

My 12 year old Grandson Billy, is a genuine treat to be around.  He is not just a great kid, he enjoys just about everything including sports, fishing, and history.  We were long overdue to spend some "Guy" time together, so we embarked on an adventure to Gettysburg National Battlefield Park.

This being Billy's first trip in the camper I felt I'd afford some amenities before exposing him to a true "boondock" experience.  We chose the KOA in Gettysburg where we could plug in the A/C, hook up cable TV, have WiFi access, and enjoy a pool, miniature golf, horseshoes and other stuff I thought 12 year olds might enjoy.

Once we set up and ate some bacon Cheeseburgers, Billy used the quite and serenity of the campground to catch up on some mandatory summer reading for school.

We awoke to a nice morning and enjoyed breakfast outside before embarking on our Gettysburg adventure which began at the visitors center with a Movie, the Cyclorama theatre and the museum.  Of course we couldn't pass on a HUGE slice of pizza!

The Cyclorama at the Visitor Center is a spectacular 360 degree experience.

Pizza anytime is great, but after a morning of hiking it's the BEST!

After lunch it was off to explore the battlefield, with the beautiful monuments, relics and sites of various famous battles such as Pickett's Charge and Little Round Top.

Billy with a line of cannons at the PA State memorial

What 12 year old doesn't like climbing on the rocks at Devil's Den

Billy makes friends with a Union General.....

We had a phenomenal 3 days and Billy says he's ready for some "Boon-docking" and some trout fishing..... which is magic to Grandad's ear!

Back at Camp Billy beat me at Miniature Golf, Corn Hole and every other game we tried.  It was a special treat to see his enthusiasm for history, and I was impressed by his voracious appetite for reading and learning everything he could.

I'm looking forward to many more camping trips and memories with a SUPER camping companion, and a incredible Grandson. 

OHIOPYLE STATE PARK - Pennsylvania                    July 6-8

With temperatures forecasted in the mid to high 90's, compounded by oppressive humidity,  it was time to head for the mountains.  So we loaded up the truck, filled the cooler and hitched up the Aliner to escape the heat for a few days at Ohiopyle State Park.

After a pleasant 3-1/2 drive we checked in at the Ranger Station, filled the water tank, and set up at  campsite #125 on the Ginko Loop.  It took less than 15 minutes to level the unit, set up the screen shelter, open the lounge chairs, plug in the electric (for A/C and microwave) and open a cool adult beverage.  We were officially "off the grid" with no TV, no Internet and NO WORRIES.

Cool, Quiet, Peaceful

After a nice dinner we managed to perfect the art of relaxing with some music, reading and a good cigar.  The neighbors were quiet and the only thing we heard was the sound of birds... sweet!  we turned in at 10 when a refreshing rain storm came through, and we fell asleep (snug and dry) to the sound of rain on the camper top.  NO LEAKS.....

Ohiopyle has some beautiful hiking trails spread over the 23,000 acre park and we set out Thursday to explore.  We started at the Park Visitor Center and took in the main Falls where the white water rafting trips leave for a day on the Mighty Youghiogheny River.

View of Main Falls at Park HQ

Looking downstream from the Visitor Center.
Rafting trips start here

The most difficult decision of the day is determing which trails to hike!  We started by seeing Cucumber Falls and the natural Water Slide.  The Falls are gorgeous and the Water Slide is amazing... (we passed going down the slide, but lots of youngsters SHOT down the chute)

Partial view of the Natural Water Slide... 

Cucumber Falls

After a quick lunch we hiked the Jonathan Run trail for about 3 miles and never saw another hiker.  It was pretty muddy and I managed to take a pretty good spill on one of the embankments!

feeder stream on Jonathan Run Trail

We then drove to the Meadow Run Trail and hiked a steep 5 mile loop.  While a bit strenuous, the views of the stream were worth the physical investment.

Meadow Run is more difficult hiking but worth the effort/

Back at ole site 125 we managed once again to chill with a nice fire, a few libations and snacks, dinner, and of course a good cigar.  Stayed up until the fire turned to embers and retired to a great nights rest.

The "ART" of relaxation

We re-entered reality Friday on the drive home when we first learned of the BLM related shootings, and realized once again the the unfortunate direction our Country is headed.  Everyone should take a a few days to go off the grid, turn off the news, listen to a waterfall and the birds (instead of the Fox or MSNBC talking heads), and gain some new perspective by sharing what God has given to us to share with no regard for race, political affiliations or economic status.  The "Rivers and Forest" don't care!
Less violence.... more SMORES!

until next time...! 

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND STATE PARK,  BERLIN MD.         JUNE 13-15

Elliott took off Monday morning for a 3 day golf excursion with her friends from her Thursday golf league.  They headed off to Penn National Golf Club in PA, so I seized the opportunity to head out for some surf fishing and relaxing at Assateague Island State Park in Berlin, Maryland.

I packed up the ALINER and took off Monday driving 2-1/2 hours, arriving at the Park right at check in time at 3:00 PM.  Site C7 was perfect being only one campsite away from the dunes, and steps away from the "dune path" to the beach, and able to enjoy hearing the surf "crash on the beach" all the time.  It took a TOTAL of 15 minutes to set up the camper and the brand new CLAM screen shelter, and I was in my "zero gravity chair" sipping a tropical drink by 4:00!

Relaxing in less than 15 minutes.  Just add water... and of course a rum drink!

The weather was MAGNIFICENT, 78 degrees, 10 mph breeze, and not a fly or mosquito to be found.   I was surprised that there were plenty of empty campsites and the beach was uncrowded.  One of the MANY advantages to retirement is being able to stay home on weekends, and travel on weekdays when the young folks are working!

Gorgeous Day with few people

Campground was empty with the exception of another A frame down the road.

After dinner I was so comfortable that I just hung out in the screen shelter and "chilled out" with some music, foo-foo drinks, and a great cigar and until bedtime.  When I finally did go  inside, I caught the evening news on TV and then slept like a log with the windows open, 68 degree temps, and a gentle breeze all night.

Peaceful night on the beach

Tuesday proved to be an even prettier day than Monday!  After a hearty breakfast of eggs and smoked hickory bacon, I mustered enough energy to make my way back to the beach and plopped in my chair with a good book.  I was actually too relaxed to go fishing and settled in until lunch time when I decided to grab a bite, take a short nap outside, and then hike the beach for a couple of hours.  Assateague is known for their wild ponies and they were out in force on the beach and in the campsites!  (I find it ironic that they tell you to "CLEAN UP" after your pet.  Apparently the horses don't pay attention to the signs!)

Camp Host picks up the horse dropping every morning!

After dinner I went back to the beach and enjoyed a tropical libation, cigar and music until sunset.

Well, I ended up doing very little fishing... but who cares!  It was a great two days at the beach, and I needed to head back home so I could get wound up again :-) !  (All this relaxation can't be good for your health!)

I missed Elliott, but she also had a great time golfing with her friends, and we plan on coming back again soon... if I can get her off the golf course.  In the meantime it's back to election coverage, yard work, and planning the next adventure to wind down again.

Until next time... Adios from Assateague Island!

AAAH.... What Election?

I AM BLESSED and LIFE IS GOOD!

Rocky Gap State Park Flintstone, Maryland June 4-7

MORE RAIN PREDICTED... Let's go anyway!

We decided that a little rain wouldn't stop us and took a chance on camping at Rock Gap State Park where we have never visited.  The Park sits on beautiful Lake Habeeb and has a Resort on the acreage (although not near the campgrounds).  They have several sandy beaches, kayak and canoe rentals, fishing, an 18 hole golf course and Hotel/Casino.

A short 5 minute drive from the campgrounds is the resort.

Hotel, Restaurants, Casino and of course GOLF. 

The "campers beach" was empty on a Monday.

We lucked out and had a wonderful campsite in the ASH Loop which had electric, privacy (which most sites offer) fire ring, and picnic table.  We were set up and relaxing in less than 5 minutes!

Easy as ....ONE

TWO

THREE....  Love my Aliner!

The weather proved AMAZING with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the mid to high 70's.  When it did rain it came at 2am which made sleeping both cozy and peaceful..  Gentle breezes and sunshine dried everything up quickly and allowed us to hike and explore miles of well groomed trails with spectacular vistas.

A view of the Gorge in the Appalachians

A pretty waterfall in the distance formed by.....

You guessed it..... The "ROCKY GAP"!!!

This was truly great few days.  Rocky Gap is a "gem" which offers a little something for everyone, from primitive camping to semi-boondocking, from solitude and nature to Casino's and Golf!

While we were fortunate that the Park was pretty empty, it is so well designed that I don't feel it would ever feel over crowded.  I look forward to going again and exploring more of this wonderful park.

Off soon to do some surf fishing at Assateague State Park!

Check back in soon, and leave us comments or questions and we will respond 

Myrtle Beach May 15-20

Leaving on Sunday for a leisurely drive to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, (with the intention of breaking the 8 hour drive into two easy pieces) we discovered a slow leak in the front tire valve in the F-150 which forced us to stop and get air every 50 miles!  We had it taken care of Monday morning after a good nights rest at a KOA which was pretty much empty.

An empty KOA

After getting the tire repaired we set out for Myrtle Beach State Park for a few days of sunshine, fishing, golf and some quiet relaxation..... or so we thought! 

After checking in at the campsite we discovered it was BIKE WEEK and there were an estimated 300,000 Harley Davidson's in town, many at the State Park.  To our pleasant surprise, they were polite, friendly and courteous campers... although those bikes make some noise when they first start.

A well behaved group.

We also encountered rain in the early evenings and overcast skies during the day.  Fortunately the temperatures were pleasant and we were able to set up in a nice secluded site and button up when necessary.

TV is nice when its raining 

Elliott getting ready to hit the links

Only had to eat inside once

Elliott joined some friends from home, John and Donna Mix, for golf at several Premier Courses and never got rained on, although the alligators seem anxious to want to make up a foursome!

Tee it up and get out of there....

Elliott with John and Donna Mix

I preferred walking the uncrowded beach and joining them for the 19th hole before going out for dinner!

Just a short walk to the beach

My favorite Golf hole #19. Cocktails with John and Donna before dinner

While Elliott and the golfers spent another day at the course, I ventured down to meet Joe Wiltshire for lunch in the beautiful town of Georgetown, a remarkable little town between Myrtle Beach and Charleston where where Joe lives.

One of the many charming homes in Georgetown

Seaside park in the middle of town

River Room Restaurant for shrimp and grits

So in spite of overcast skies, evening showers and lots of Harley traffic, we had an amazing trip.  We plan in going back through in the fall and spending time in Charleston, Savannah and other points south.

Planning the next trip already!!

Williamsburg-Jamestown April 12-15

While we don't enjoy RV Parks, having electric, water, sewer, Cable TV and WiFi for three days was pretty nice.  

The ALINER taking advantage of ALL the amenities!

The staff at Anvil Campground in Williamsburg were very friendly and helpful, and the site was very clean and well maintained, which helped compensate for it being located between a major highway and Railroad track.











After a good nights sleep, we were able to spend an entire day walking around and taking in the sights and exhibits in "downtown" Colonial Williamsburg, which never gets old.... (Sorry, Bad Pun)

Original Governors Mansion

Youngsters in period dress

Carriage rides everywhere

Elliott taking in Main Street

We finished the day with cocktails and a hearty grilled steak dinner, and of course a fine cigar!

Life is Good!

Thursday we made a short drive to Jamestown and enjoyed another stunning day touring the working

Plantation and the original First Colony site.  (We actually enjoyed the original site more than the working plantation.)

The Working Plantation-

Elliott and her new friend

inside an Indian Hut at the working Plantation

A Replica of the Ship used to land the Colonist

What a Church looked like in old Jamestown

The National Park is more historic as it is the site of the original Colony.....

 They have an amazing Glass Blowing exhibit on the site of the original building.  I could have stayed here all day and watched these artisans create some pretty cool (another bad pun) works which are on sale at the exhibit.

Elliott met one of her childhood heroines Pocahontas, daughter of the Ruling Indian Chief Powhatan who gave his blessing to wed Colonist John Rolfe, and consequently brought peace between the Colonist and the Native Americans....

This was the Original Anglican Church

They are still digging for artifacts on site which are on display at a wonderful museum.

 It was a terrific trip, and we had a great time, created some fond memories and look forward to returning at some point in the future. Our only disappointment was the absence of the old Pottery Factory which has been replaced by a "Pottery Factory Shopping Mall".  The old place which looms in the background was always an adventure to wander through.

Our next big adventure is to South Carolina in May for some golf, fishing and visiting friends.  Hopefully we will squeeze in a few trips before then.

Stay tuned!