Roadtripping in a Campervan !

 I've begun a new type of adventure this summer and it's something I've been wanting to do for some time. I've bought an older model camper van. I'd been looking at websites now and then and, of course, watching a lot of YouTube videos on the topic. A few years ago I almost bought one but the deal seemed a little shady and the camper was not in the best condition. Since that time I would randomly get online and check out Craigslist or other sites looking for something that suited my needs. Just after Memorial Day I was looking again and noted that a 2006 Chevy Roadtrek was up for sale in Nashville. Knowing that these are never on the market long I quickly made arrangements to go see it and within 3 days I was driving it home. Quite a few friends said I had to name it. Never having named a vehicle before I was a little unsure. But I came up with a name that I think fits her very well, Rhoda. 

There are some things I've been fixing up or replacing but overall the van is in good condition. I have also been putting some of my camping supplies in it to have it road ready quickly should I want to go. Now that I have been on a few short trips I feel more confident about a longer trip. I just need to decide where and when to go. 

This summer has been a busy one in my family with a new grandchild, summer golf for the older grandkids and some health concerns that demanded attention. So I spent the first night just camping at my local state park. It gave me some idea of what items I should leave in the camper and where to organize supplies. I also got a good idea of how to deal with the fresh and waste water, awning and electrical. My oldest daughter and two grandkids came and pitched a tent and camped with me so we had quite a bit of fun for such a brief adventure. 

Camping at Fort Massac State Park

After this I decided to drive my van to the Louisville area. My sister was going to be there visiting her daughter who had just had her third son. So I searched out overnight options and got prepared. I found a nice state park in Indiana, Charlestowne State Park, just across the river from Louisville. It was just over 20 miles to my niece's home but one of the closest campgrounds. I was not disappointed in the campground. It was a very large campground and offered some sites with full hook-ups (electric, water and sewer) and others that were electric only. I picked one fairly close to the entrance since I would be driving in and out every day and also close to the showers, wanting to use the park shower instead of getting everything wet in the van. Even by Saturday the campground was over half empty. I had heard that campsites were scarce since Covid began because more people were camping. I'll just say that people are missing out not staying at this park. It was very clean and well maintained, private and close to Louisville. 

I had a wonderful visit with my sister and her family. Getting to know my great nephews was a special treat - such darling boys! Most of the time spent there was family time and not a true vacation or touristy in any way. It was so nice though to have my bed and all the comforts of home traveling with me. 

Soon after this one of my dearest friends called and advised me that there was a hot air balloon festival in southern Illinois. Since she and I are both amateur photographers we thought this would be a great opportunity to get our cameras out and try something different. She suggested camping in Rhoda for the weekend and I readily agreed. I found a campground at Carlyle Lake, Coles Creek Campground. There are several campgrounds there operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Two night minimum sealed the deal for us to stay over a second night. Once again I packed the van with food and clothes and we were off. 

The balloon festival was wonderful. As soon as the balloons started filling up we both forgot each other was there and took off snapping pictures right and left. We had sense enough to remember where we last saw each other and headed there when the excitement had ended. Reunited we walked back to the van and headed to the campground. 

The campgrounds have very nice paved sites with electric. A few also had full hook-ups. We were again close to the bathrooms but there was only one shower house and we had to drive to that. Not being close was my error for not checking the website closer. Carlyle Lake is a very large lake and many of the campsites were right on the water. It's a beautiful place and one I'd like to visit again sometime, maybe with a kayak. 

It was a fun weekend. Whether you love photography or not I would encourage anyone to attend a balloon festival if you have the opportunity. It was amazing how quickly they rolled out the balloons, filled them and took off. The announcer at the event said this balloon event was different than most that didn't allow spectators to get up close to the balloons. We could walk up and touch them if we wanted and talk to the crew who seemed happy to answer questions. The second night we visited the festival we stayed for the "glow." As it begins getting dark the balloons are filled but stay on the ground. Then they fire them up according to what the announcer says, either a steady burn or flicker. It was truly beautiful to watch. 

Overall I'm loving the opportunity that the campervan provides. Many people live in them full time but I like being home with my family too so I don't think full time van life will ever be for me. I'm hoping this van will be a good opportunity to get my husband and the dogs out traveling more too. Although living quarters would be a little crowded with all of us it would get us from point A to B easily and comfortably. Maybe I'll get to cross some more states off my list with Rhoda. 

For the Love of Grandchildren !

Grandchildren are on my mind this week. There is almost always something going on when you have them. 

When you think you have life somewhat figured out grandchildren turn your world around and change your perspective on what is important. Before I had grandchildren my husband and I took some marvelous vacations, just the two of us. Our kids were older and no longer wanting to travel with us and we had so much fun with that freedom. Then the grand kids started coming. They were all born in North Carolina and lived there for 6 years before moving back home. All of my vacations from that point forward were geared toward visiting them. Sometimes we worked it into a vacation such as meeting halfway or going to the beach with them. I wouldn't trade those trips for all the European vacations in the world. I hated leaving them and returning home and hated the thought that I was missing out on school music programs, ballgames and overnights at my house. I can see why many couples retire early and move to live closer to their children. I was so fortunate that my family moved closer to me. 

Like any grandparent I LOVE my grandchildren. I think having grandchildren is one of the most awesome experiences of my life. I can't say that I love them more than my own children but I do love them differently. Again I can look at children and see their unique talents and wonder at how their lives will develop and who they will become. I marvel at their imagination and eagerness to learn and do new things. The treat is that I don't bear that same responsibility that parents feel toward their children. But I do have a responsibility to them. Grandparents should show children that love is unconditional and reinforce to them their originality. We should help them to develop self esteem and self confidence that they can rely on in the future when they are adults and facing difficult choices. And we can share family stories that only we know. 

Our world has gotten so mobile that families don't stay together like they used to in the same community, sometimes even in the same house, for generations. I wonder frequently and think we've lost something by having such a mobile society. My grandmother lived a block from my house and 2 aunts/uncles lived in houses between ours and hers. Both my parents worked but when my sister and I came home from school or during summer break I had my grandmother and 2 aunts that were close and always home to watch out for me. No need for a strange babysitter. And it was free. I paid them with my love. And I'm sure Mom and Dad did favors for them in return. What a great system that was! Flash forward to the next generation and I didn't live quite so close to my parents but did remain in the same community to raise my children. My Mom and Dad came to see their grandchildren almost every day. They even moved closer to me to enable more time with them. I can't imagine what I would have done without them and all the assistance they provided in raising my kids. Not just babysitting but transportation, meals, homework help, teaching skills - in truth just being there when needed. 

So I am glad my children live in this same community and I hope that I can be half as good a grandparent as my parents and grandmother were. And spending more quality time with my grandchildren is high on my bucket list when I retire. 

I think I'm learning as much from my grandchildren as I hope they are learning from me. I've learned how precious time is when I see how fast they grow and change. My whole outlook on healthy living has changed so I can hopefully be around longer to watch them continue to grow. I've learned that a clean and orderly home is not necessary. It's much more important to spend that time with them or my husband or doing something rewarding for myself than it is to spend time being a slave to my house. I've learned to be creative and live in the moment. I can see life through a child's eyes again and it's a wonderful thing!

I started out saying they were on my mind. I should have said on my mind, in my house, eating my food, etc. Of course, I love it. This weekend started with overnights and ballgames. Friday my oldest grand daughter cheered, played basketball AND sang the National Anthem at her grade school's games. She was wonderful. She made all A's on her report card too. Then she woke at home yesterday with pain in her abdomen. It turned out to be appendicitis. She's had her appendix out now and will be released today to go home. My husband and I watched the 2 younger ones so Mom and Dad could be with her. So yesterday was filled with golf, basketball, hover board and pizza! It was hard not to be there at the hospital but as grandparents we do what is needed and I'm glad we're here for them. I'm sure she'll pull through and be back to her usual self soon. 

heading out for shopping and lunch

mastering chopsticks

fun on the hover board

team spirit