Catfish and Winston's First Camping Adventure!

Summer is here!  VBS is over!  STEAM Camp is over!  Next trip is church mission to Kentucky next week.  But first, we make our first camping trip of the season to one of the prettiest Georgia State Parks, Tugaloo in Lavonia, GA.  

Tugaloo State Park         City of Lavonia, GA

Keeping with our adventurous spirit, I decided that Catfish and Winston (the dogs) needed to go with us.  Wesley was definitely hesitant but I keep my positive hat on and moved forward!  Well they did phenomenal!  

Must haves and tips when camping with dogs:

1.  Dog cookies!!! (my pups would not eat their normal food due to excitement but they would eat cookies!)
2.  A crate or cage of some sort so pets aren't tethered all the time.
3. 6 ft. leashes (State parks require pets be on leashes no longer than 6ft.)
4. We clipped 2 leashes together to allow one dog to room a little while other dog in the crate and then let them take turns.  Worked well.
5. Water bowls, Food bowls
6. Bring their normal food in sealed container (in case they do eat)
7. Do not feed them people food!  Odds are you will be far from a vet in the event they develop issues from eating people food.  Also, dog farts in enclosed areas are not fun!
8. Blankets or pet beds
9. Towels just for the pups

Winston chillin' at Lake Hartwell.  This site was right on edge of water.

 View from the picnic table at site 33.  Nice and shady but was able to get a little sun while staying cool.

My sign that travels with us whenever camping custom made by Kenly's Creations

This was at dusk.  Sorry so blurry but very serene evening.

My overall experience at this camp was positive.  Wesley had a good time fishing catching bream and catfish.  He woke me up Sunday morning in the camper holding a giant channel catfish up in my face!  Bathrooms were clean and convenient locations as were dumpsters and sink water dump stations.  As I drove through other areas of the park, I found most areas had beautiful shade trees and nice sized camping spots.  Fire pits with grill attachment, water and power hook up are provided at each site as well as cable tv.

Great place to take the family or just a getaway with your spouse!  Next stop, Mistletoe State Park!

Mistletoe State Park

Well, spring break is almost over for me and just beginning for many people.  I had a yard long list that I wanted to get done.  Didn't happen!



http://gastateparks.org/Specials

Organization Can Make Camping More Enjoyable

Although we are not camping this weekend, the adventure never ends!  Having camped many years in an '82 Star Craft pop up, I learned quickly that organized storage is IMPORTANT in a camper.  Thankfully, the new camper has plenty. 

I don't know about you, but my philosophy about cabinets is "if you can close the cabinet door, all is good!"  After all, the doors are there so no one can see the organized chaos!  For example, my Tupperware cabinet.  Granted there are no official Tupperware pieces in this cabinet...only a mass quantity of random lids that go with nothing.

Exhibit A:                                                                         

Exhibit B:

Okay, so my point is in a camper one must be organized or the event will be less than relaxing.  I decided that everything in the camper would have its own place to avoid the exhibit A's of life.  I set out to the Wally World and purchased some cute plastic storage containers the size of shoe boxes.  It was like $7 and some change for a pack of 10.  I used these containers to set up the camper cabinets.  Plastic ware in one, serving spoons or cooking utensils and knives in another.  I had one for under the sink to keep the sponges and dish soap.....any leaks will be contained in the plastic and not in my cabinet!  These boxes are stack-able and so easy to maneuver in and out of the cabinets much like shoe shopping!

Here's how it turned out:

I was even able to fit my Red Solo cups and disposable coffee cups in these containers!

Another use for these containers, transport food in the cooler and fridge!  The camper does have a fridge but does not work when traveling so the meat, bacon, eggs and such have to go in a cooler.  Nobody wants meat to leak into their ice!  I took the 18 count egg carton and popped it into one of these fabulous things and bam!  No broken eggs and no soggy container.  They stack nicely too.

Hope these tips help you when you head out into the beautiful country God has blessed us with!

When you head out today, take notice of the amazing patterns, organization, and beauty of God's creations. One cannot experience the new life of spring and not believe His hand is in it all!

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."  Romans 1:20 NIV

New Camping Adventure in Georgia State Park

Birthday Weekend in Rutledge, Georgia

We decided to test run the new to us camper at a destination close by.  We took the 19 ft. 2008 Gulf Stream Kingsport to Hard Labor Creek State Park in beautiful Rutledge, Georgia.  Nearly a whole 15 minutes from home!

I must say, one of my favorite birthday presents is my Happy Camper sign hand made by my friend at Kenly's Creations!  Click here to see more of her artsy signs! Kenly's Creations

We are learning this self contained camper thing!  Had to YouTube several videos just to get the awning opened and closed!

Our view at campsite #14.  Very quiet and spacious!

Hard to see but mom gave me some cool little retro camper lights for the awning.  Next trip, I will take a closer shot.

Happy Valentine's Day

 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." 1 Peter 4:8

Happy Valentine's Day!💗