Reflections On a Really Full Campground

Reflections on a Really Full Campground

When I was young and living in the Rocky Mountains true camping was about hiking in to quite spot and being surround by nature. As a family we sometimes did do “car camping” but that was more about going on picnic or spending the weekend with a large group of friends.  Even once we got a camper we never quite understood the folks who would tent camp at an RV park or expect a swimming pool in the woods.  I have become more tolerant with age. There have been times where any “off the highway” spot with electricity was great to find after a long day of travel. I still love the thought of a pristine setting in the woods but I do not miss at all the five mile hike out in the rain when the “group “ decided they had had enough for one outing.

This weekend our campground is full. Some sites that looked perfectly reasonable during the week seem pretty tight surrounded by campers on either side, boats and extra cars. I am not a big fan of utility trailers but I sure can’t argue that it’s nice to have a motorcycle or plenty of room for the gear.  I wonder how each new guest feels as they pull up to the office. Is this really what they had in mind?

An hour ago there were three people in the pool. Now there are 15. A pool full of happy kids makes one of the best sounds you can imagine in the campground. From my vantage point here at the office I am watching the young men (boys really) heading to the fishing ponds. We are already out of bait. This morning the boys were all in kayaks trying their hand at paddling. A grandma brought a group of young ladies to camp  and will head to the free outdoor movie in town tonight.  It’s hard to predict which of the groups is having the best time.   What I do know is that this holiday crowd, whether in tents or fancy RV’s, are enjoying the space- fishing, swimming and watching the birds. The younger kids have really liked the scavenger hunt and other folks just sitting around their campsite seem to be having a good time as well.

It’s unlikely that our guests this weekend know the number of calls we took from people looking for a space. Those that failed to show up to use a reserved site or call to cancel their site probably did not think about the people driving by those really nice larger sites to find a space that would do,  but was just a bit tight.  Many people do call last minute. It’s amazing that some still expect to find the ideal location by the water while others are just glad to have found something at all. When taking reservations we think about the size of each group and the number of boats or cars people are bringing.  We want the guests that planned ahead to have good time but it’s hard not to squeeze in one more group in when you have something that just might work.  In the end it’s all about the attitude you bring with you into the holiday weekend.  If you come in with very specific expectations chances are most places will not satisfy everything on your wish list. If you do some planning so as not be bored but still say flexible chances are you will have a great time. As my husband Rick likes to say – no matter where you go is where you are. The campground may be very full but it’s also filled with many great people having a good time. This was what we had in mind when we purchased this space. Let’s have more fun weekends.  

A Campground Garden

 It may not seem like a natural fit- a garden in the middle of a campground. However, when we thought about the best option for using the space once occupied by a run down mobile home,  a garden  seemed like a good starting point. We fish a lot here and what goes better with a fresh catch than fresh vegetables?

The water was close due to residual plumbing. I knew that a garden in the campground would require me to see it every day. Hopefully I would keep it better weeded because it would be one of the first areas our campers would see as they drove into the campground. Not only that, but if the vegetables did grow, I should have others able to help eat all the tomatoes and squash when ripe for harvest.

Being in a creek bed most of the soil was  very sandy.  I had never planted a garden here so I was unsure as to what to expect. With the help of the county extension agent I learned that sand is fine but that ideally it is mixed with brown organic matter and some green. I even have little boxes now to get the soil tested. We planted in late April just before a week of rain. Most every plant sprouted as you can see from the corn behind one of our garden signs. I can't wait to add more decoration. We may even do a big mural on the storage shed behind the third raised bed.

The next step we are taking is trying to form a 4-H gardening group as an after school and summer activity. From what we have heard some of the kids around here hate summer because there is nothing to do and school lunches are not provided. So wish us luck on this new endeavor. Stop by to see the garden when you visit the campground.

Art in Eufaula

The connection between art and camping may not be obvious at first but any artist who enjoys the outdoors finds inspiration abounding in nature. I like drawing so for me every tree is a potential art piece. I like the contrast between  light and dark, the interesting forms and shapes and the various textures on the trunk surface. A more practical point - there are not a lot of great places to display art when running a campground. The pieces I have collected over the years need new homes.

Eufaula is such a lovely small town. I was please to find a very dedicated group of art lovers here interested in promoting the Arts and Arts education. Known as the Eufaula Art Scene, the group boosts over 65 members who meet monthly to plan events and learn about art in the area. Many excellent local artists are members but so are individuals like me who just enjoy art.

I have been sharing a personal goal that Eufaula will develop three new art galleries in the next five years . A map of  locations where original art works are on display in Eufaula is posted on the campground activity page. Copies of the map are available at the campground. The campground is one stop on tour. Our Rainy Day room features art from a number of artists.  It is hoped that Eufaula will become even more of an art tourist designation and that new galleries will enhance our beautiful historic downtown. Many members of the Art Scene are interested in developing a cooperative art gallery much like the Black Belt Gallery located in Camden, Alabama. A second new galley is one the Campground promotes which is called "Your Family's Art "

Your Family's Art is an online gallery with a local presence at Bella's Collectibles and Antiques 130 E. Broad Street in Eufaula. Art is consigned to the on line gallery with the goal of finding new homes for the art you love. Each piece includes a story about how the art was acquired or why it is meaningful to the owner. If you are looking for one of a kind original pieces  check out the web page at https://www.yourfamilysart.com

Enjoying fine art is like spending time outdoors. These are two activities that give a deeper meaning to life and help us appreciate the world around us. We hope our guests take toime to enjoy both activities when visiting Eufaula.  

Reflections on Walking the Spiritual Trail

Yesterday morning I walked the new spiritual trail, not as a campground owner, not to make sure the layout looked good, not to show someone else the plan. I walked to focus on the verses and focus on nature. I am always keenly aware of how special it is to walk outside in the morning. You hear the sounds of the birds, you see the sunlight reflect off  the wet grass and you are connecting with the day that is about to begin.

At the first verse I am still some what distracted - not quite in a reflecting mood.  I notice the effects of winter- tall gray stalks of plants that hide the view and will be replaced by the next generation of tall weeds as the weather warms. The second verse is a simple statement that makes reflection easier. I think about how this space will change in the upcoming months. Flowers will certainly complement the view of the pond and the walk through the meadow that houses much of the trail. Station three is on high ground and the message is one of hope. I feel more connected to God as I stop at this station- my thoughts are more fully engaged in the experience. I see two ducks at the far end of the pond that is now in sight. They are the first ducks I have observed this season.  The verse at the point is focused more on personal reflection. How will I respond to God's message of hope?
Turning away from the water, the verses focus on Christ and his impact on our world. I am reminded of  the different denominations of churches that have selected  these verses. How many people will walk this trail in years to come? What do they believe?  What will speak to them?

As come to the verse highlighted at the beginning of the blog the sun is getting warmer and is directly off to my left above the horizon. I can't  help but feel that the light represents a greater power than man alone in creation. I resolve that this will be a good day - its Valentines Day after all- a day to celebrate love. On the final verse overlooking the labyrinth a bird sits perched on the station. He doesn't just fly off as I approach seeming mostly unconcerned that we are sharing this space.  The prayer labyrinth that lies ahead will not have verses to prompt my thoughts. This trail has been  good  preparation for this next part of the walk. My labyrinth reflections are for another time.

As I leave the trail, I wonder how different the trail will seem with each time I walk it as it was meant to be used. How will the seasons and my experiences in life change the reflections? As special as this trail was to walk today, I feel I did not give myself enough time to stop and just listen. How much of my reflection was in the form of a prayer? What answers do I hope to hear?

Finally this vision of building a trail has become a reality. It took almost a year for this project to be at the top of our priority list and part of me is not living as much as I would like in the present moment. There always seems to be work to do and projects to develop. I have learned over time that listening is not an activity to be rushed and that answers can come in a variety of different ways . The message may come in a time of quiet reflection, it may come as part of an event or outcome yet to take place. It may even be reflected in a movie.

 Last night we watched an independent film about a struggling young poet. She felt she had so much to offer, so much to say. You see her touch and care about the people around her. Finally she has a small work  published and to her dismay it is in a book of "Bad Poetry". The word 'bad' in the movie was a bit more graphic.  Bad because the editor feels she has not yet lived enough or experienced enough of life's lessons to write better poetry. The editor tells her that the culture we live in today does not appreciate poetry. But as cynical as the editor ( and poet himself ) has become, he shares that she offers something unique in this word as as such her ideas are important. No, not everyone who visits our campground will choose to walk the spiritual trail. Prayer and certainly worship can be in many different forms. The important thing I wanted to share  that  through my walk in the woods and a movie,  I have experienced a bit of answered prayer. May a special part what you do today be worth doing as well.    

Building a Prayer Labyrinth

It's really not going to be all that difficult. We have the pattern, the rock has been delivered, and the space is already pretty flat. The weather may or may not cooperate this time of year but we have even choose a rain date. The real question is how many people will show up to help? Many hands make light work is not in the bible. As you can see if I am the only one to place rock around the circles it could take me quite awhile. If 20 people show up the task could be completed very quickly. If I am placing the rock I will be pretty much alone with my thoughts. The labyrinth would be very significant to me but others walking the path may not feel quite as connected. If the group takes on the task chances are the conversations taking place will have little to do with placing stones. Only when the task is complete will individuals walk the path and see a deeper meaning. Being part of the build will have more meaning as well remembering the conversations and friends that were part of the build.

Sure it might be seen as safer not to build this labyrinth. As I put the notice on our campground sign today I wonder what reactions it will get from people driving by. It's a risk to post such a thing but it could also have a  very positive impact. We believe that God created the world we enjoy and this labyrinth allows people  to focus on their walk with God. Walking the labyrinth once it is build is free. So is walking the spiritual trail that will be next to the labyrinth. If you can join us to build this prayer labyrinth please do. If you can not and have an opportunity to walk one, try it out. I have walked the labyrinth several times and have  appreciated the tme spent in prayer and reflection . Life is a journey with many twists and turns- so is the labyrinth. Please post a comment if walking a labyrinth has been meaningful to you.

What is a Retreat?

To me a retreat is time spent with your best self. Throughout the week you may have a work self, a home self, a parent self and friend self. Some of time the person you are is busy doing chores. They are meeting responsibilities and getting the work of life done. Your best self is when you are using your experience, talent and personality to create, explore, solve problems and share.
Our mini  three day retreats are designed to help you connect with your best self. Whether you are spending some quality time with a hobby, learning a new skill or meeting with others to discuss a new idea, a retreat helps you get away from your routine and try something new.

In business they call these types of meetings conferences. For some a retreat can be how they spend most vacations and for others a retreat is one way to "travel " and explore new places. The distance between where you live and where you are going is often filled with interesting stops along the way. Our retreats are a chance to stop and smell the roses , explore Eufaula , Alabama, and learn something new in the the process.

This week I have been visiting with many of our retreat facilitators as we work through the details that will help make each retreat a more enjoyable experience. Our artist is thinking about how best to provide inspiration and make sure that guests feel comfortable no matter their level of experience. Our writer is thinking about telling a story and how sometimes we have difficultly doing that because previous writing experiences may have made us feel uncomfortable or not very creative. The minister in the group talks a process that provides a connection between God's creation and  personal religious beliefs. I am trying to put myself in the shoes of our guests. What do I need to know about the retreat?  How much free time will I have ? What is my goal in attending a retreat ? Should I invite a friend or family member to share this experience with me?

The mission at Lake Eufaula Campground is to support individuals,  relationships and  the community by spending quality time in outdoor activities. Please send us your questions and comments either at the campground website at www.lakeeufaulacampground.com  or on facebook at LE campground.  Challenge yourself to spend time doing something new or something creative. 2015 is going to be a great year.
To learn more about our 2015 retreats check the events page on our website or contact us at info@lakeeufaulacampground for more information.

Sign of the Times

Its now been eight months since my husband and I became the new owners of Lake Eufaula Campground. Its time to take down the sign. I did that task this morning. I have to admit there was a certain comfort level in having the sign posted. When a project was only partially completed or we had not yet tackled  a space that could use some elbow grease we could at least assume that new guests to the campground would give us the benefit of the doubt. We have had a number of people drive through the campground these past few months  " just to see what you are doing with the place".  Many of the changes are not highly cosmetic in nature but very important none the less. Here is just a quick review of the major challenges we have tackled to date.

• 50 amp sites, wifi and TV options ( some sites have cable available, some have good satellite reception and some work ok with an antennae for local channels.) We are wired.
• Office area updates - the office was totally redone, the laundry area has a new dryer, the bathroom sinks all have new faucets. Our store provides some camping basics including ice, firewood and snacks.
• New places to stay - we have cabins and a loft  for nightly use. Longer term guests can now choose to stay in the campground or in a longer term rental space just west of the main office . 
• Campground maintenance with a strong Good Sam Rating for 2015. - new  site signs, new picnic tables,  clean storage units and better sewer hook up. The campground is looking good as we head into the new year.
• Kayak rental , a hiking trail and fish recording station are helping us develop additional activities for guests.

Most importantly we have gotten to know the people that enjoy the campground- regular guests and new visitors.With each season change the campground takes on a new look inspiring us to continue to work to make our ideas and plans come to life. It will soon be time to outline for everyone 2015 plans and activities. Some of the changes I have wanted to make since day one still may not find their way to the top of the "to do" list. To truly appreciate where you are in life it helps to celebrate accomplishments and enjoy the routine. We hope you can spend time at Lake Eufaula Campground in 2015. Come join the adventure and make good memories here.