Camping with Pets

 Camping with Pets 

According to data provided by Statistica https://www.statista.com/statistics/416001/share-of-campers-traveling-with-pets-us/ up to 53 percent of people always or sometimes camp with pets. While dogs are the most common travel companions, we have seen cats and even a pet duck.  Most campgrounds are well aware of the popularity of camping with your pet and have certain accommodations and rules concerning these very important travel companions. A list of simple do’s and don’ts should make your camping trip with pets more enjoyable and safe for all concerned.

1.       Do know your pet and their preferred travel habits. Our dog has a place in the motorcoach she likes to ride that also works well for us. We have found she does not have a queasy stomach so feeding the day of the trip is fine. She expects to go outside every time we stop, so we are most careful to have her on lead before we open the door.

2.       Do pack for your pet like any other member of the family. While animals will not need an extra pair of PJs they may need a longer lead, bedding, a new chew toy, medication and food for the journey. Items from home help your pet feel more secure in new surroundings. While you are at it consider what activities, you will be doing on the trip. A pet friendly dining location or a local hiking trail may add to everyone’s enjoyment.  

3.       Do practice safety first. Pets have no business in the driver’s lap or under their feet near the brakes. Riding harnesses or pet carriers are a good option if your pet likes to roam when you are driving. Remember the risk of hot vehicles when you stop for a needed break. Keep pets on lead and under control in a new location and around areas with lots of traffic.  

4.       Do think about the reason your pet is part of your trip. Are they a first line of defense against intruders at the campground or in the woods? Are they hunting with you or a foot warmer in the middle of the night? Do they enjoy hiking in the woods off lead and does your destination allow for this activity? If you are taking your pet along because you have no one to watch them, it’s expensive to board them, or they are unmanageable with strangers, you may need to make plans to minimize the problems they might cause when camping. It’s important not to leave these pets alone for long periods of time. That may impact some of your planned activities.  

5.       Do be familiar with rules in place in most camping areas. The most basic include cleaning up after your pet relieves themselves and keeping animals on lead.   While this rule may not always be posted, you should not plan to leave your pet tied up outside when you leave the campground. Excessive barking is also something that can generate a visit from the campground host. If a campground restricts certain breeds or large animals find a different option for your stay and avoid the disappointment of being asked to leave.

6.       Do look for dog parks-both on your trip and at your final location. Although not all pet owners are great at cleaning up in these areas, most parks have good parking and offer a safe place for your pet to run, explore and get some exercise. We also have found that finding parks can make the trip more interesting when your GPS takes you through historic downtown or a place for lunch away from traffic. Meeting local people is rewarding well.

7.       Do consider using a tracking devise or having your pet micro chipped.  While a pet may not need tracking in their own backyard, these options can help if your pet gets lost in the woods.  

 

 

 

As to the Don’t’s  Here are a few suggestions we have found helpful.

1.       Don’t expect children to be able to handle a larger pet in a strange location. Other dogs, a squirrel or even an unfamiliar human can get a relatively docile pet excited in a hurry.

2.       Don’t assume other animals are friendly or will welcome advances by your pet. It’s better to steer clear and ask for permission to approach. This is also true for people who want to touch your animal or avoid them completely.  

3.       Don’t take untrained or high maintenance animals into crowed situations. Holiday weekends are some of the busiest times of the year at campgrounds. If your large dog tends to bark at every stranger this may not be the weekend to bring this pet along.

4.       Don’t leave animals unattended in a tent. Tents are not designed as a space of confinement and you do not want to return to a structure that is ripped or has a broken zipper not to mention that your animal is now on the loose.

5.       Don’t be afraid to ask for help or get information prior to your trip. If your animal gets loose and does not return quickly having others keep an eye out for them is a good idea. If your animal gets ill during the trip campground owners and managers likely know a good vet in the area. By calling ahead you may find a location has a place to park your stock trailer or they may even have a barn.  

6.       Don’t plan on taking pets into a pool area or allow them to swim in a pool with out permission.

7.       Don’t assume all animals like water. They may not want to go over a bridge or spend time on your boat. They may even need a life jacket if there is a good chance they might go overboard or end up in the water.

After your trip you may need to check your animal for fleas, ticks, injury, rashes  or matted hair. They may be out of their normal routine and it can take a bit of time to adjust to the regular work-day again. Camping with your pet is in general very rewarding and they are great subjects for pictures with their owners and along the trail. Happy camping everyone.

If you liked this blog, check out conkercamping.com for pod casts and blogs about the great outdoors.

Our First Motorcoach -REVA

 

Our First Motorcoach- REVA

For several years I was practical- buying a motorcoach for recreational use makes no sense financially. Adding up the cost of the unit, gas at 5 miles per gallon, insurance, maintenance, and campground fees you could go to a resort twice a year and probably still be ahead financially. But you do not really buy a motor coach as a practical matter. Our purchase was related to perfect storm. I got a large bonus from work, our daughters each lived over 1000 miles away and we found the type of unit we were looking for- it just all came together.

We decided on a motor coach primarily because I did not enjoy long trips in a car or truck. Being the mom, I always seemed to have important items at my feet and there was never enough room to really spread out. In addition, we always tend to travel with our dog. When the animal takes up much of the back seat and their head is at your shoulder, it leaves one feeling anxious. I liked the idea that in a motorcoach, I could stand up or go to the back if I needed something.

When it came to style and layout, we had a few definite ideas. Having gone to many RV shows over the years, we knew the difference between a class A motor coach that was a large bus like vehicle that ran on diesel or gas and a class C that was more like a large van. My husband had a diesel driven pick up previously and wanted gas due to the lower purchase price, noise and the easy of finding fuel. Class C models are generally smaller and more truck like up front leaving little room for maneuverability. Campers and fifth wheels offer lots of space. They are less expensive than vehicles containing engines but have none of the advantages of riding in a motor coach.  

We spent much of our shopping focus on the layout. Did we want a captain’s chair up front? Where was the best location for the bathroom? I really liked the unit we found. It had a pull-out sofa and futon style love seat facing each other that made for good conversation when travelling with guests. The unit had three tv’s. The kitchen area was across from the table. There was one large slide that increased the space for the kitchen and living area. The bathroom was further back and opposite a large closet. The bed was in the back. Although the unit was used, it had only 30,000 miles and did not smell bad when you walked through the door. My mother always contended that smells in campers were from cooking indoors. She may have been right, but I knew that an off putting smell in a used camper was a deal breaker for me.

 While we were selling ourselves on this great option, we were mostly unaware of a major consideration when buying a motorcoarch- driving the darn thing. They are big, boxy, and noisy. Gas units, in particular, have the engine up front and insulation from the noise is not idea. Roads in many parts of the country are rough, which was different from our original test drive. So, with little experience in the area, we took our new RV home. We named her REVA because we knew we would be talking about the new purchase often.  Motorcoach was too long and RV too impersonal. My husband jokes I wouldn’t let him name it REBA because I would get jealous.

REVA inspired all kinds of new thoughts and ideas. We thought of at least 20 places we would like to visit including many of the larger state fairs. There were trip ideas about autumn leaves in New England, trips to the beach and a tour of Texas. We kept a journal account of our early trips and it was fun writing about what we saw and did.  I do remember that one of our early trips to a nearby state park took us on a route through winding back roads to reach the freeway. More than once, we hit low lying branches and the mailboxes seemed very close, particularly from the passenger side.  I can drive the RV and found it easier to drive than a truck with a large trailer,  but I limit myself to freeway driving with minimal turns. We bought a dolly to tow our small jeep behind REVA. It really is nice to have a tow vehicle with you to accommodate a quick trip to town or area sightseeing. The dolly was sometimes very low to the ground. Our new set up is with a tow bar that we much prefer.

After getting our feet wet on a few local trips we were ready for our first cross county drive. Our daughter in Colorado was engaged and this trip was to make wedding plans and shop for “the dress.” It would take about three days to travel. We did not plan to do much on the way but once we arrived there would be a good campground close to her location.

We were all set for the big day having scouted out several bridal salons in the Denver area. My husband was the designated driver with the bride, two bride’s maids and mother- in- law on board. We had champaign and a variety of brunch like snacks. It was going to be great. Looking back, I don’t know how my husband managed to take us where we wanted to go. The first location was not too bad- he dropped us off and found a large school parking lot further up the road. Location two was in a very trendy area- lots of lovely plants, narrow streets and plenty of traffic. Somehow, we got to and from the location. As we might have guessed the dress was in the last store we visited. The parking lot was the first one of reasonable size and we made quite an impact when we pulled up out front. The dress was just what our daughter had been looking for made all the more special by her Dad’s gift of driving the RV through Denver that day.

We returned to Colorado several months later for the wedding in the mountains near Estes Park. Flooding meant most guests had to travel an hour out of the way to get to the venue, but we were able to find a spot close by for REVA giving us a base camp for the day’s events. One of the nice things about having a motor coach is lots of people being able to travel in one vehicle. We used this feature when initially visiting the wedding venue. It has also been great for tailgating and trips to the beach.  I also love the big front window with its wide views and sitting high above traffic with the dog at my feet.

REVA is now retired from the road having found a new home at our campground as an accommodation for longer term guests. As a used unit she has needed certain major and minor repairs during her years of service. Air conditioners and leveling mechanics have been the major expenses. It also turns out she needed a major engine repair. We have been told this may have been from lack of regular time on the road since sitting unused for a long period of time is not easy on engines. At one point we even repainted the swooshes on the sides of the unit since they had faded with time. We had to tape off each area and spray paint each space. It took several days to complete the project, but we did a good job at staying in the lines.  I also must admit, it was hard not to have motorcoach envy when shiny newer units would be parked alongside us at the campground. I coped by remembering the cost of our unit and how much I liked the floor plan.   

For us REVA was much more than a major purchase. The coach inspired us to pursue owning a campground and building remarkable family memories. Thanks to our early experience, we now  own a new motorcoach that has been great for long distance trips and weekend getaways. Camping with grandkids has worked out very well. I have my modern conveniences; they have new places to explore and Mom and Dad get some good down time.   So, if you are up for a new adventure where getting there is part of the fun, a motorcoach could be your ticket to the open road. Enjoy.

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Conker Camping

Conker Camping

 The plan has always been to develop our campground as a family business. This year, the newest member of our team- Beth- is now working at the campground fulltime. She and her husband Joey bring a new energy to the campground as well as many new ideas for us to explore. Among them is their social media presentence as Conker Camping. They do weekly pod casts and publish camping blogs. Instagram is  also a platform for fun photo's and posts. There is still a lot we want to do with video, but we are taking one each project one step at a time. 

One of the ways we will be using this space is to post the Conker Camping blogs our guests are likely to enjoy. We will also sharing the link to the Conker Camping Podcasts( Conker camping)
.  We are excited to include new camping perspectives in this space as well as sharing past camping experiences. Whether we are working on a new project or taking a trip to see what others are doing, the camping industry is a dynamic place to work and enjoy the outdoors. 

 This spring we are taking advantage of the good weather to determine what we like to do best and think more about what still needs to be done here at Lake Eufaula Campground. For me a new passion is landscaping. We have lots of wooded areas to enjoy and explore but we also have several spaces that would look better with new plants. shrubs and bushes.  Not everything grows well in sandy soils with very warm summer months but we are slowly discovering what works best. 

Rick and Joey are all about building and other projects that improve the facility. Visitors will notice a clearer path to the creek down by the point, more definition at the prayer labyrinth and soon a new look to the office and shed areas. 

Beth is bringing to the campground her love of design and style. She has an appreciation for clean lines and open spaces. She made the decorating choices for the new tiny house and has a new vision for the current office space. 

We have already had a very busy spring and we expect this trend to continue as more people get a COVID vaccine and life gets more mobile again. Scheduling our own campground get- a-ways has become more important as reservations are filling up quickly up at nearby campgrounds.  So plan ahead if you plan to come see us. Happy Spring!

The Tiny House

 

The tiny house project at Lake Eufaula Campground has in many ways been a labor of love. It starts with the love of creating something- having an idea and seeing it come to life. Those of you that enjoy woodworking, crafting or sewing appreciate the creativity involved in competing such a a project. A project well done is a work of art. Art is food for the soul.

This project in particular involved bringing the family together. Whether it was sharing expertise related to carpentry skills or collaboration on interior design, each of us played a part in bringing this little house to life. We imagine who might live here and how each part of the design will meet their needs. We are focused on the details and building something that is beautiful both inside and out. Our world,  especially online, is filled with images and information. Building this house is something concrete- something to share with others. 

Soon we plan to have an open house for the community- with social distancing of course - and there will be online videos. We are discussing  how people can try it out for a weekend retreat or options for renting longer term.  Given all the projects involved in running a campground, the house took longer than anticipated to complete, but it did come in on budget. It has several interesting features from a conduction stove top to a modular air conditioning system. The porch design provides for more functional outdoor space. The lot on which it currently sits is midway between the pool area and the back fishing ponds. We want to showcase it's design. 

 As to next steps, if you are interested in tiny house living please contact us at the campground. We are discussing the option of putting together a tiny house village on the property. We have space in mind and our team would love to build more tiny houses. To anyone new to RV camping a RV is your home away from home. Life is less about stuff and more about location. It's a shared experience. Tiny house living takes that option to the next level. We have found that what we heard about living in a campground is true. It's not your big house that is the center of everything- your pool is in one location, your porch someplace else and living outside is a major benefit. Rick likes to point out that wherever you go is where you are. While that is certainly true here's hoping you love where you live.  

COVID 19

 As we think about our world forever changed for the near future, the idea of balance seems even harder to come by than usual. There is a tendency to trust that those in charge are taking care of things and all we need to do is take everything one step at a time. On the other hand, it seems like now may be the time for action. Perhaps we need to make some bold moves in order to be better positioned for what lies ahead.

The campground is open. It is open now because being outdoors and staying in your camper is one way to practice social distancing and avoid the crowds, We are open because some RVer's need to drive home to be with family and others will need places to stay as they travel to do important work. The weather is cooperating so far. It is a beautiful spring and the kids home from school and daycare can spend much of their time outside.

Since we are in a small town, the national news is not reporting what is going on here. People travel through all the time on their way to more important destinations. That means like it or not we are at some point going to be exposed. We are lucky indeed to have a local hospital that is still open, a newspaper that is in print twice a week and a Chamber of Commerce that is in touch with small business. Not everyone here gets their news in the same way and so we have reached other to others to make sure we are keeping up to date.

Like you we wonder what bills to pay and whether we or those we love will become ill. We are glad to have community and thankful that we can be port in the storm for people that find themselves on the road. Many of our proprieties are changing as we decide what work needs to be accomplished and how best  to enjoy certain aspects of this new normal. It comes down to balance, and having faith and making good decisions. We can do this people and we are all in this together.

Tenting Anyone?

Back in my Girl Scout days our family had a four person tent. My sister and I would each hold a corner and mom and dad would have the other two. We could move our tent to get to the most level spot for a good nights sleep or we placed it on an open hay bale for extra cushioning. Two teams of one parent and one child were formed for most trips. One team cooked - the other cleaned up and we would alternate the next meal. One of the last memories our family had with my dad was recounting those good times in the  Rocky Mountains.  We also went on trips with other families- rain or shine- but there is nothing like a group of kids unleashed to use their imaginations in the woods.

Sites near the creek 

At Lake Eufaula Campground we now have  three tent areas for your use. The area by the creek is a great location for your group. It has a community campfire ring and lots of room for parking. We can launch kayaks from this area water level permitting. .

These Tent sites are across from the office 

The area by the pool is best on warm summer days when you will be in and out of the pool a lot. These sites have great shade and are close to the rest rooms for folks with small children or older adults. The sites are across from the office so they are not quite as isolated as the other two areas.

Now open are 3 sites by our large fishing pond. We are only allowing one vehicle back to these sites but they do provide more privacy than the other two areas. Be sure to bring shade cover for these new sites. They are recommended for older children since restrooms are not close by.
We can also accommodate smaller pop up tent campers on all of these tent sites if guests are not looking for sewer hook up or cable TV. 

. Thanks for tenting with us-Karen

Only one car allowed at pond sites

Milestones

 Five years into the adventure of owning a campground we have reached many milestones- some significant, others not so much. Starting in April a main milestone was reached when our son -in-law, Joey Conklin, was able to start working at the campground full time. Joey had been working in the steel building industry full of deadlines and time behind a desk. Campgrounds are different- in a good way.

It has been good for us to see the campground through fresh eyes and make a new list of priorities. We do admit having saved a few projects for him that required extra help, but we are also open to new ideas to make the campground even better. Because the newness has not yet worn off, simple tasks like cutting grass and solving a plumbing problem are completed with a bit more enthusiasm. There are lots of things to learn to keep a campground running smoothly, as we transition from him help us to us helping him. An extra pair of hands is always welcome.

One new project close to completion is the development of four new tent sites out by the first fishing pond. The campground will be hosting its first wedding in June and we soon will have power and water to that site. For those of you that have not been to the campground recently, our bathrooms are now fully renovated and we have new tile floors in the laundry and rainy day room. The pool has new fencing and a fresh coat of paint for the summer season.

This past year most of our guests were working in the area and work was progressing on renovations. Now that the work projects are completed we have more space for our weekend visitors. We have more cabin availability as well. Another big change is that Eufaula now has a Bowling Alley. Weekend guests will have something else to do indoors when there is a passing summer shower.
We have had some luck at jug fishing this spring but still need more practice at bass fishing. Joey has 3 sons that are always looking for things to do from swimming to bike riding to playing catch. The oldest is five so he has lots of help on weekends especially if it involves riding on the golf cart.
Everyone is invited to come visit us this summer- get away from your routine and enjoy the outdoors. Family makes it all worth it.

Raining Cats and Dogs

While most people may think that a long holiday weekend is a real money maker for a campground in reality is its more of a service to our guests. Yes, the weekend does promise additional revenue, but along with it comes added responsibility. It's one of the few times in the year where we may need to tell guests that we are full leaving them disappointed that they did not plan far enough ahead. Most every site is full so not everyone has as much space as they might like. We try to match the right site to the needs of the group but that is not always easy to do. This year there were additional challenges. The weather forecast had thunderstorms possible for about ten days before the holiday and 10 days after. Watching the weather reports, guests could expect that sometime during their stay it would be raining cats and dogs.

Long holidays are times when family and friends plan to camp together. We have many more requests for tent sites as well. This means when a group decides to cancel last minute due to weather concerns, we are often left with multiple sites open rather than just one. When guests do decide to take a chance on the weather,  owners worry that the weather conditions will spoil their good time or even put them at risk. This holiday had a bit of everything as large groups cancelled and last minute shoppers quickly filled the vacated spaces. We were so pleased to see that once the weekend was in full swing the weather was mostly nice and the rain was minimal. Our craft this holiday weekend was painting wooden cats and dogs. While the kids did not get the connection they were very creative in decorating the animals. So despite the forecast there was plenty of opportunity to have a good time.

Holiday weekends mean long days and lots of moving parts- they are hard but made easier by the good folks you meet along the way. Mid summer weekdays are quiet and peaceful. Weekend campers bring energy and excitement. Longer term guests and weary travelers  need a safe and quiet place to rest. What we hope to say is that all types of guests are welcome here. Variety is a good thing- like a  dog that gets so excited to see its owner or the cat quietly sitting in your lap. We hope everyone had a chance to reflect on the reason for Memorial Day and the sacrifices made to proved us with the freedoms we enjoy. Thank you for joining me in this reflection- Karen

2018- Look Out

We have to admit that winter in Eufaula does not have the same hectic pace we see during three day holiday weekends or peak vacation season. Still it is a great time to welcome longer term guests, finish up pending projects and plan for the new year. We actually do update the business plan each year and its great to see what we have accomplished and what ideas we had that are now part of the Campground tapestry. Even a simple thing like Pool Christmas Decorations helps make the space more festive and fun.

For the last several years one of the more interesting questions to answer has been how many sites do you have? The campground was designed with many more sites than we actually use on a regular basis so this year we took the plunge to make as many sites as possible larger, basically double sites. I look forward to site 59 having as much character as site 38 and being a great option for your weekend camping trip. We were also able to work with the cable company to get these sites all hooked up with cable TV. 

The big ongoing project for the year is working to upgrade the bathroom area so we can offer more individual space for campers and day use. Its a bit of balance to work on the new area but still keeping the older sites operational. So far so good with no major problems encountered as we proceed with the upgrades.  One project the family is rather excited about is offering some tent spaces in the 9 Ponds Retreat Center area. These sites, once completed, will be a bit more private and will encourage more people to enjoy the space. If we get the expansion completed by year's end we will be doing well - keep up with our progress on facebook.
We are entering our 4 year for hosting a chili cook off and this will be year two for our spring Bike A Thon . We would love to do more weekend focused events like orienteering or a cornhole tournament but since the interest of our guests vary a great deal look for these new ideas on holiday weekends to start.  Thanks to all of our Guests for your continued support and your help in making the campground better each year.

Lessons from the Hurricane

It was Tuesday when the calls started to come in. People from Florida were looking for a campsite. We had just finished a busy Labor Day weekend and things were getting back to normal. Labor Day is the end of the summer season and we were getting a few more calls from hunters and fall fishermen. There were some projects we wanted to complete before guests from up north started to arrive for the winter months. These  activities were put on hold once the phone calls started.

Last year the evacuation for Hurricane Matthew taught us a few things about what to expect when hurricanes cause evacuations.  We knew we could convert a tent site into a camper site if needed. Most people did not know how long they would need to stay so we learned early on not to book extended stays. Kids needed something to do and parents needed access to information on the storm.

Irma was different in several ways. First the number of people leaving Florida was very large. It was rare to be on the phone and not hear a beep of someone else trying to call in. Many people were just not sure of their plans. Some wanted out of Florida by Thursday while others were not sure they would need a place until Sunday. Trips that would normally take 6 hours might be extended  due to traffic to 8 or 12 hours. After awhile we learned to ask what people needed and where they were located. This was the information we needed if we were going to be able to help.  Although we used spread sheets to  track available sites and reservations, much of the process was kept in our heads. We went through and updated the list multiple times. We tried to keep facebook and the web page updated in relation to availability. Keeping up with the on line  reservation system was not a top priority.

The city came by to provide information and check in with us. We had filled up pretty quickly so we soon where able to find other locations that might help evacuees. As time got closer to the landfall we started to hear from people that were not only very tired but also unsure of where they were headed. One person thanked us for answering the phone since some places had stopped doing so. We tried to work with a waiting list and fortunately most on the list had found a destination by the time we called back. Thanks to everyone who called to cancel reservations as they made room for others. I am sure we missed a few calls in the process but we did try to offer help and support,

By Saturday it looked like the storm was headed this way. Projections indicated the weather was not likely to be much worse than our usual spring thunderstorms but that news was not all that reassuring to folks that had fled and were very worried about what they would find when they returned home. We encouraged people to have a destination rather than be stranded on the road. Many elected to leave which provided us with peace of mind after several long days of dealing with frightened guests. We heard back from several who had found accommodations further inland and we were glad we had been able to help them prior to winds picking up here.

The storm did come through - we had three hours without power but otherwise did quite well. There were a few return guests after the storm but most  people were able to head back home once the hurricane  had passed. Like a busy holiday it took a few days to get back to normal. I also was able to look at our campground with some fresh eyes. Not only did I have a better sense of how many RV's could fit into available spaces - I had a better overall feel for each space. I am seeing new options for reservations on holiday weekends and ways to cluster groups together.

Most importantly thank you to everyone who shared this experience with us at Lake Eufaula Campground. Despite your concerns you were considerate of each other, communicated well with us and made the best of a challenging situation. At a time when people are overwhelmed by information, tied to electronics and separated over political points of view it was wonderful to see this type of cooperation. Many times people do want to help each other but do not know the best ways to overcome these barriers.   Maybe it's because we share a love of the outdoors or maybe it was the storm cloud's silver lining - in any case thank God for safe harbor and enjoy your next camping adventure.

Gatorbait

It's taken a little more than three years but we now have the T.J. Memorial Rudders and Wheels R/C Race Park open for guests. T.J. are the initials of our son Timothy Joseph and his story is one that celebrates life. Tim was born with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. This is a genetic disorder that slowly weakens muscle over time. We adopted Tim when he was ten months old knowing that his journey in life would not follow a traditional path.

From a very early age Tim loved wheels. I remember him turning over a toy turtle before he could even talk and making the wheels spin. He did not have a special blanket or stuffed toy. As a toddler he held a blue plastic motorcycle. It had to be blue and just the right size to fit in his hand. Early on the disease does not have much impact but Tim could never run very fast.

In fourth grade Tim got his first wheel chair. It was a convertible model that could be used with or without a battery.  He was a natural born driver and easily maneuvered the chair any place he wanted to go. Tim loved extreme sports and thanks to video games was able to skateboard and ride bikes with the best of them. We were lucky enough to see the Summer X Games in Philadelphia when Tony Hank was still competing. The whole family was amazed at the skill of the darning young athletes. This was one of many adventures we would try because of Tim. We saw Monster Trucks at Pike Peak's Raceway, the Air Museum in Dayton and a reptile and lizard show in Albuquerque. After that show we had a gecko and later a chameleon. As we sell crickets for bait I am reminded of our numerous trips to Pet Smart for a cricket run.

I guess with this background combining wheels and reptiles was a natural fit. Tim's First R/C truck was names Gatorbait. He designed the frame himself with a green and black body, a slight smile and sharp teeth. For his senior project in High School he compared gas powered R/C cars to electric powered cars. The electric were more reliable but he definitely liked the gas powered more. Tim was never shy with people he knew but was shy with strangers. His project was on video and it was great.

Tim lived his life on his own terms. He was very opinionated and passionate about things he loved. Tim had  a crazy sense of humor and could make everyone laugh telling bad jokes. Although he needed people with muscles to help him, when it came to his physical limitations, he was always patient , thankful and never demanding. Despite his own limitations he was there for friend who died from a brain tumor offering her comfort and the strength of his faith.

In some ways it is very fitting that the track in honor of Tim opened on Memorial Day weekend. Once out of high school Tim would write to soldiers on line. They each were fighting battles in there own way and respected in one another the courage it took to do your best. If life is about building character as a way to glorify God then Tim had a life well lived. He did not focus on the future or worry about the past. As his family we wanted to make the most of each day, not just for Tim, but for ourselves as well. We wish for you this same blessing and hope that when camping you, your friends and family have the chance to just enjoy the day.

In the Swim

 The pool is open for the 2017 season and if the weather cooperates it will soon be filled with guests young and old. Once the pool is up an running summer can't be far behind. To be in the Swim means lots of activities are happening and we all need to plan ahead for those long holiday weekends  of Memorial Day and the 4th of July

While many winter guests stay months at a time, summer reservations are more about spending the weekend outside. One of the challenges we face as owners is to help summer campers get the type of site that best will meet their needs. Large family groups need extra parking. Some folks want waterfront sites while other prefer that the pool is not too far away. Shade is key for some RV owners but not those that need satellite TV access.

As we now enter our 4th year as campground owners the seasonality of the park continues to both amaze and challenge us. Grass cutting is in full swing once again. Some of the rose bushes could  use some trimming but its nice to see flowers and new growth. The bike trail is becoming more popular and many of our guest are renting bikes or bringing their own bicycles to enjoy the ride.

This is the first year I have seen an Ibis in the back ponds and we have a blue bird couple starting a family. There is a 16 lb catfish in the first pond. Its been hooked twice and thrown back in the hopes that younger guests  will have a chance to land it. We trust that guests that enjoy the sport will catch and release - especially the bigger fish that are such fun to catch. we don't require catch and release since we have been told by Fish and Wildlife that harvesting a certain number allows other fish to grow bigger.

We have a couple of surprises planned that we hope to launch by Memorial Day. we have also commented to getting out on the boat once a week to enjoy this beautiful area of Alabama. Come see us this summer - we have a lot going on here at the campground.

It's My Birthday!

It's rather nice that our new "Micki " cabin is completed just in time for my birthday and Eufaula's Pilgrimage weekend. When you get older birthdays are less about the presents and more about reflections on good times. The campground was very full these last couple of months with longer term guests and it nice to see some sites open up and weekend campers starting to arrive.

Having a spring birthday adds to the celebration when you live at a campground. My favorite color is green. Spring green is everywhere as flowers and new leaves invite us all to enjoy the outdoors. The pontoon boat is going back in the water this month as well. We are starting to make plans for our summer holiday crafts and the 2017 Children's Scavenger hunt is good to go. It will be another few weeks before the pool is open but new flowers are already in place.

Besides working on the cabin this winter we have spent some quality time bird watching.  Plan now for next years Fin's Feather and Flowers Event held the last weekend in February. I have discovered that the way to learn more about birds is to go out with a group of people. The more eyes you have looking, the more you see. We have a birding scope that shows lots of detail even when the birds are further away. Bird watching can be very much like fishing.. You stay focused on the activity giving you a break from day to to day responsibilities. Spotting a new bird is like trying to catch a fish. Some get away  as they fly quickly out of view while others let you study them or even take a picture.The added bonus is no fish cleaning at the end of the trip.

Even though my age is fast approaching those golden years this is still just our fourth year at the campground. We are looking forward to our first Spring Bike A Thon and our grandson catching his first fish.Spring is a wonderful new beginning. Happy Birthday to us all. 
.

Drought and Lessons Learned

No Campfires Permitted  Due to the Drought

A rainy day at a campground often puts a damper on planned activities. However, at this point most of us would welcome some showers to end the drought that has been going on almost two months. We are under a statewide campfire ban, the sites are pretty dusty and I am sure that any day now I will see top fins sticking out of the water because our fishing ponds are so low. Contrast this with temperatures being above normal, the leaves changing colors and the birds we see that are migrating south. It seems that nature is playing with us as we head into the late fall and the early winter camping season.

In my most sane moments I recognize that one thing you cannot control is the weather. Over time I am learning to be more tolerant but that does not mean I don't watch forecasts closely around major holidays or the weekend of the Chili Cook Off. I guess if  I think rooting helps my favorite football team, I can at least try the same logic when it comes to the weather. Like all examples of the extremes these conditions have shown us some things we might not otherwise see. I find it interesting to note which plants seem to hold up well and which ones look the most thirsty. I wondered about the depth of each pond and now we have a better idea of how deep they really are. I was also surprised to see how smooth the base of the pond is - I expected more weeds and rocks to be located 2 to 3 feet from shore.

I know that at some point the drought will end. I can almost anticipate the relief the land will experience as dry layers of dust taste the first few drops of moisture. Rain will then cover all of the ground until some spots end up with puddles. One reason people enjoy the outdoors so much is that what happens in nature reflects in many ways what happens in life. If you are in a personal drought of sorts we hope the holidays and the new year will help lift your spirits and offer you hope. The firewood pile that sits idle now will again be in high demand and new wood will be added once this pile gets smaller. We will be more careful in drought conditions knowing that it is possible to make matters worse if we are careless or unaware of how the drought impacts areas in our lives we often take for granted . It says in the bible that "all things work together for good for those that love God". Let us all learn the lessons a drought is designed to teach us and prepare well for some of the rainy
days that lie ahead.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning at a campground tends much more about going rather than coming. The goal is that every guest has had a great time or when traveling, an uneventful stay. As each camper leaves, others will come in soon. Sometimes, though,  it is  hard to watch the RVs pull out and the tents come down. We personally make it a point to go to church knowing that many of  our guests will not be attending services on camping or travel Sundays.

On most Sundays worship really starts at dawn. The birds are singing, the rooster crows and we have this very peaceful time to reflect on the week and plan for what is ahead. When our kids were young we were fortunate enough to own a lake house on the north side of Houston . Two high powered jobs left us wanting quite and quality family time. Before cell phones and with no TV we took rides in the canoe, went out to swimming island and watched the dog try to figure out what to do with a box turtle. Most Sundays we made it back for church. Not only was our congregation full of friends very involved in mission and outreach but we needed time to transition from the calm to gear up again for the busy week ahead.
We know that many working parents have not made church a priority. The traditional services that are full of meaning to those who have come to a strong understanding of their faith may not seem very relevant to  parents of young children that rarely went to church. More modern music and a projector has impact for some but in either case it tends to be the relationships with other believers that flesh out what church is all about.
I know that as a young adult church was often the only time during the week that my mind was not focused  on my work and my personal priorities. This quiet hour gave me some perspective and eventually, with time, my focus changed to what was happening in the service. I started to better appreciate that the hour was not just defined by the sermon or the music. I saw value in confession, the offering and  prayer. I wanted to learn more and recognized that for all the books and studied I had read I had not yet read the bible.  Church helped me better define who I am, what I believe  and my priorities. I have come to see faith as the most important part of my life.
So as I reflect on Sunday morning I trust that some of our campers see what I see as dawn approaches, I hope that those who walk our spiritual trail are touched by some of the richness the bible has to offer. I pray that people of faith find effective ways to make churches more a place you want to be and less of something you feel you should do. Lets remember that in the end its not about how many mountains you climbed, how many dollars you earned or how many experiences you had- its about relationships and honoring the glory of our creator. Amen.
 

On-line Booking and Reservations-Lions and Tigers and Bears -Oh My!

Completing transactions on- line is transitioning from a trend of the future to the way many people do business.The first time we bought something on EBay, I was just a bit uncertain about entering the credit card numbers, but the folks at Pay Pal helped me feel a bit more secure.  The last time I did a purchase from Walmart, I liked the price but really wondered if I had the right site pulled up. It's hard to tell sometimes. My daughter stays Amazon Prime has become much too easy to use. If you like on- line options the following information may help you with your next campground reservation.
  Here at Lake Eufaula Campground our on-line reservation system helps me track the comings and goings of guests weekend to weekend and keeps records of sites reserved months ahead.We only have a few sites listed for on- line reservations- 10 actually- because the main goal is to show a sample of what we have to offer rather than overwhelming everyone looking at every site option. If the listing helps overnight guests secure a spot when traveling that makes sense as well.Although our current reservation system securely asks for payment information, you are not charged until you arrive.

We have also decided to add to our list of on-line options. Here is how it all works:
1. We are excited to help launch "CAMP NATIVE" for on- line booking. This website takes payment at the time you make a reservation through a secure pay system. We felt this company offers a lot of information about the campgrounds you may encounter on your trip, as well as cutting down on check- in time. Their staff is very friendly and helpful. In addition we hope that Camp Native can help get the word out to more potential winter residents about our winter options. We have not found many web based sites that provide the type of detailed information winter residents need when spending several months in the same location.
2. Trip Advisor  We have a two of our cabins listed through Trip Advisor and it has helped get the word out for people not familiar with the area or those that do not know we have cabins. You pay up front on this site and we get word if you want to book. This helps since someone may have just reserved the cabin right before the request was sent. Trip Advisor limits the type of interactions we can have with a guest until the cabin is booked. Once payment is secured we can exchange contact information and talk on the phone.
3. Pitch Up- This site is nice because it targets guests traveling from  Europe. Feel free to Google the site to see how it shows campground information.

You can find our campground on -line through Good Sam but the webpage does not support booking on-line at this time. We plan to offer on -line reservations and booking from our Facebook page soon. We hope its not too confusing to offer site reservations on Facebook and our web page as well as  booking ( paid reservations ) with Camp Native. When traveling I tend to be a bit old school and use the Good Sam Book as my starting point. I get to see what sites are in the area before checking out the web pages on my phone. I am getting better at entering required information but there is something to be said for talking to a person who can head me in the right direction, explain the rates or help me find the a good spot. We hope you find our new on- line options helpful but when in doubt please call. We love to talk about everything our campground has to offer.

East of the Pecos

The picture to your left is part of the Pecos Wilderness in northern New Mexico. After 18 years we were fortunate enough to meet up with our girls and their families to revisit the region where they were raised. Las Vegas, New Mexico is a town about the size of Eufaula with a rich history of the American West. We stayed in a campground just south of town which served as our base of operations for day trips to the mountains, Taos and Santa Fe. We ate lots of tortillas and green chilies. The temperatures ranged from about 72 to 84 and most days had a brief afternoon shower. We explored the trail heads where Rick had taken guests llama trekking( that is hiking with llamas carrying the gear) and visited an alpaca ranch that we knew of from our time raising llamas.  At church we met up with some old friends and we made a few new ones on our trip as well. In the canyons there were people with strings of trout and we visited the fish hatchery where many of the fish were raised.  We understand New Mexico stalks some streams as often as once a week. There were high mountain campgrounds with very people and crowded streets full of tourists. I loved walking in the mountains as we enjoyed days with low humidity and mild temperatures.

As part of the trip we visited a number of different campgrounds in a variety of locations. On this trip we stayed at several campgrounds that were more like large parking lots designed for easy access to and from the freeway. It might be a good business model but they offer more of a travel experience than a camping experience. It was good to see how other parks are designed and as we got closer to home the " to do" list took shape with some new ideas and a refreshing perspective. As lovely as the western part of the United states is, we do enjoy being East of the Pecos.

Vacations are important not just for memories made and relaxation but also for new perspectives. The warm days of summer mean more hours spent by the pool and some midday adventures that include air conditioning. The campground is quite now waiting for weekend guests enjoying long summer days. Don't put off spending time away with family and friends- the rewards are well worth the journey.   

Spring Fever

Most of time spring fever refers to longing for the end of winter in anticipation of the warmer and longer days that lie ahead. This year spring fever refers to the fevered pitch that we have been working to get ready for the 2016 camping season. First we started on the campground " to do" list. These are the projects that have been on the list for awhile that don't fall into that "must do now" category. Getting this new larger sign posted was one of several items on the list. All new site markers, more flower beds between each site and the designation of several larger sites were some of the items that made the top ten list for 2016. Restrooms are now air conditioned for the summer months that lie ahead.

Several community projects that were in the works  began to move forward as the weather warmed up. Working with the Friends of Lake Eufaula,  the new brochure for the Alabama Scenic River Trail will soon be ready for publication. It will be a great guide for paddlers on the lake. The paddling  map stretches from Phenix City south to the Alabama boarder.  4-H gardening has started and we are almost set for our big planting meeting in April. We have made bird houses, garden stepping stones and learned about local soils. 4-H is also involved with kayaking.   The River Kids program in Eufaula will have a kick off day in July. The kayaking program will be  part of fun day for local 4-H ers hosted here at the campground.  Our community group also met to make plans for next year's Winter Residents. A kick off breakfast in November will feature vendors of interest to folks that call Eufaula home for the winter months. 

At the beginning of March construction started on the extension to the city bike trail. If you notice a semi trailer parked at the east end of the campground, its there temporarily to help the builders construct the trail as soon as possible. If all goes well we should have a working trail by Memorial Day.    Out new rental bikes arrive this weekend complete with a bicycle built for two. We also elected to get the pontoon boat in the water in March to get ready for numerous outings on the lake. 

We still have space to accomidate most every need but the choice of sites for guests is more limited. The mini cabin has been very popular and our new Mash Army tent  is also attracting some interest. Reservations are recommended- especially for holiday weekends. The backdrop to all of these activities has been the beautiful spring weather. Fishing has been good and we have had several visitors enjoying this special time of year. Before you know it the pool will be open and the season will be in full swing. We hope everyone enjoys this year's improvements. We have had a lot of fun getting ready.

Everything is Humming at Lake Eufaula Campground

This is a picture of a Rufous Humming Bird- one of several species of humming birds that can be found in our local area this winter. We learned all about humming birds at a workshop held at Landmark Park in Dothan on January 30th. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Dothan and we were back at the campground in plenty of time to enjoy the 70 degree weather and sunshine of Saturday afternoon.

The humming bird trip was our first of at least 12 monthly activities to be hosted by the campground this year. Some activities will be directly on campground property while others, like the humming bird workshop, will be held off site.  The office will have information about each event and at least one of the campground team will attend. You can earn points toward a free night of camping by joining us at our posted monthly events.

It's one thing to read about humming birds but quite another to learn from an expert. The speaker, Mr. Fred Bassett, has banded over 30,000 hummingbirds across the United States. The most common type of humming bird in our area is the red throated humming bird. Have your humming bird feeder up by the fourth of July to see more of these  birds. Their peak migration in this area is in September and most will have headed south by October 15 for winter in Central America. A humming bird's flight range  as shown by banding can be over 3000 miles. There has been a document flight of a rufous humming bird banded in Florida and later sighted in Alaska. Humming birds eat insects and get their energy from flowers or the sugar water in local feeders. The humming bird nest is the size of a quarter. In this part of the country a female can lay two eggs to three times a season. The bird are full grown when they leave the nest. A female can return to the same nest year after year.

As a new birder I am excited to host more birding events. In April we plan to hold our first Birds on the Water event with Kayak and Pontoon Boat trips planned. The Campground store is adding to it selection of bird watching items and we are keeping a list of local sightings here in the store.  The National Backyard Bird Count is our February activity. We will count backyard birds at the feeders and water birds in the wild at the retreat center starting February 12. The focus of hosted campground activities in March will be on art and historic homes in Eufaula. 

Rick and I really enjoy seeing the sites in our RV. We hope our monthly events will inspire other RV's to come explore Eufaula and the surrounding region in 2016. 

Hi Water

It is said that if you own a campground anywhere near the water,  at some point you will experience flooding. When 12.8 inches fell in a single day this month we got to see first hand how forces of nature can impact the landscape. At first it doesn't seem all that bad. The rain keeps coming down but if you are inside and dry you can just enjoy the sounds on a tin roof. After a time you notice the water starting to rise.

We have map from the Corp of Engineers that shows us our white line. On one side of the line is high ground. This side is where the buildings live. On the other side you can only build structures ( like a covered pavilion ) where water can pass through. Other structures stored in the area ( like a camper) need to be movable withing 24 hours. As the water started to rise we were more and more reminded of the map.

The first real impact was in the back yard. The pond and creak became a single body of water as shown in the picture above. By the end of the day the spiritual trail was covered. Just the signs with the scriptures were peaking out from a newly created pond. The campground also changed its footprint when our most popular tent camping spots on the point were covered with water. By the end of the rain,  just the tops of the picnic tables were visible. We could travel up the drainage ditch in kayaks and almost reach the fish cleaning station. A few RV's had to be moved but we were able to  get everyone to higher ground without too much trouble.

After the rain stopped the high water was more fun than scary.  One guest was able to tie their boat to a tree much closer to their established campsite. The kayaks traveled down Chewalla Creek  at fast clip made much easier by the new water level. It was also fun to use the new Christmas paddle boat in one of the ponds made even deeper with the extra rainfall . .

The high water was gone about as quickly as it came leaving large areas of white sand in its wake. If you look at the picture below and combine it with new cooler temperatures, the sand sort of reminds us of a winter snow.

We were of course very grateful not to have any significant damage to people or property. It is helpful to know what the flood  pattern looks like when we do have a heavy rain. Most experienced outdoor enthusiasts  have been camping during a rain filled weekend. Overall we are pleased to report  high water was a very manageable adventure here.