Carlyle Lake COE IL 10-13 June 2011

This is being written a few weeks later. Life keeps catching me. Not to mention WORK!!! Anyway about our anniversary weekend. We were meeting our friends Leonard & Sondra for the weekend. We packed the Pod on Thursday night and hauled it to work on Friday. Getting used to it being out there. Not such a pull. I got off work at regular time but Jeff didn't. I made dinner for the road, changed my clothes, talked to Leonard who had gotten our site all ready by moving the picnic table. And told me which exit to get off of. (Easier than the way GPS'er would bring us) And then he said he would walk me right in. I had been looking forward to camping at Carlyle Lake (had heard much about it). While talk to Sondra on the way there leonard nicely let us know to fill up in Missouri. We were thankful because with gas near $4.00 a gallon 25 cents cheaper by the gallon in Missouri was wonderful. Who would have thought we liked gas at $3.80??? Then we had to get through St Louis. Here is where Leonard was giving me lessons in lane numbers. We drove through Lebanon, Illinois. 

Leonard & Sondra

  Didn't look much different than Lebanon, Missouri. this would be the first night that we spent in Illinois in the Pod. Finally got to the campground. Full hookups that were NOT uphill!!! We were racing the sunlight. (This does not work well when you are headed east) and got there just as the sun set. But Leonard and Sondra helped. I backed Jeff right in (do have to say i am getting better at that all the time) ....................... Saturday we spent finishing setting up and did a run to Wal-Mart. We had lost a bumper cap and a section of sewer hose. I am trying to imagine going down the road following a travel trailer and this happening. We were just glad that we didn't need 2 section of hose. Can't get satillite. think the LMB on the dish is bad. We were able to get Leonard and Sondra's within seconds!!!! We did hook up to theirs so I know now that I can have satillite in both the living area and the bedroom!!! WOOHOO!!!! Sondra and Leonard knew it was our Anniversary weekend and so on Saturday afternoon brounght us this grand old Griswold cast iron pan and griddle!!!! I was so very excited!!!!  



Before Cleaning



After Cleaning!! isn't it pretty????

Then we worked on some mods for the POD............ The door handle so we don't have to open the white plastic door thingy (how is that for technical terms) and the refrigerator vents so we don't have any unwanted guests such as wasps or bugs or or or mices!!!

 You can buy a contraption for the door. But this was much cheaper.

We shared dinner on Saturday Night. Sunday we went for a ride around Carlyle Lake. Big....... and most of the campgrounds were nice. We did see this travel trailer that had a tarp tied around it. Why I didn't get a picture I haven't a clue. But it was strange!!!! Shared dinner again on Sunday night and discussed a trip in September. We are going to pot luck with others who will be camping too!! Can't wait. Rv'ers -- Campers are the bestest!! Jeff wants to start goecaching again. Monday morning brought the "oh no it's time to pack up to go home" blues. Except Jeff was SICK.............. he had no energy .... Leonard helped a bit and Jeff did what he could to load up and we hit the road. Jeff took us to the interstate (I am not ready to drive on back roads yet) and then I drove. Took the wrong way and after I turned around I ended up on 64/40 west. Going through downtown St Louis. OMG I was so scared. God then decided that all the city traffic, wind by semi's, lane changes wasn't enough for me --- he started blowing the wind -- sending thunder and lightening and sheets of rain. There was a break in that so we stopped for gas............. Wonderful........ another first for me Jeff was telling me the whole time how great I was doing. Three hours later I got out of the drivers seat (at the end of our driveway) after driving in from St Louis and up our state (curvy and hilly) highway. I was very proud of myself though I could hardley walk and my fingers hurt from gripping the steering wheel. But I know that if needed, I can drive drive the truck ... hauling the Pod. We won't be camping again until August... it's off to England for us to see Justyna and kids.

You can see the rest of the pictures from the weekend. good bad and indifferent at my facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2149409857483.127785.1313448490&l=9c8842b512

Til next time..........................safe travels to you and you and even you!

Memorial Day Weekend 27-31 May 2011 White Buffalo Resort

We were looking forward to this weekend for a few months. The White River runs along the campground and the confluence of the Buffalo & White is not far away. We were planning to float in our kayaks both this weekend. Due to the flooding we couldn't go on either river. I was calling the campground to be sure they weren't flooded. The dam floodgates were opened on both Bull Shoals & Norfolk......... Not to mention Table Rock. They had some cancellations so we were able to get a full hook-up!!!!!So, since we were off on Friday we loaded (to include the scooters) Friday morning and left home about 9:00........... On the interstate only for about 30 miles and then we headed south on Missouri 5 heading toward Arkansas. The sun was trying to peek out. The drive was beautiful. THEN............ both Google directions and the GPS'er told us to take a county road...... Jeff turned and I called the campground.

 This was the back way in and ALL gravel. Nope had to turn around. Removed the sway bar and got turned around. And we were on the way again. I took pictures of the highways and clouds on the way down........ I am not a great photographer but like to take pictures and then share them. So we turned off the main road....... WOOHOO still on pavement. It is beautiful down there. Came to a 4 way stop about  5-6 miles down the road and there is a sign still 7 miles to go. Windy... hilly.... no shoulders!!!! Came up to a sign that said the road ends.......... and it did ... at the campground. We checked in and went to choose which campsite we wanted. The sites were very nice. The White River was roaring. We were high up on a bank. Only complaint was that the fire ring was a tractor trailer rim so it was a bit small. Began setting up and ate lunch. Had satellite so fast it was amazing. I turned around and Jeff grabbed the signal. The trash cans said bear proof. After setting up we took a scooter ride to the public access. Had dinner of steak, corn on the cob & 1 piece of bread. Went to bed (it was beautiful so we left the windows all open) and about midnight there were people outside of the Pod talking and carrying on. They soon went on their way. Suddenly there was this LOUD NOISE some kind of metal noise. My first thought was a bear was trapped in the trash can. After hearing the screech of metal and wood on second and much more reasonable thought  was that the upper dock broke loose. Looking at my cell phone (good for a clock because didn't have ANY SIGNAL) it was 5:15 a.m. No one else came out to investigate the noise. I was amazed. Had French Toast Casserole for breakfast. Saturday we went into Mountain Home and wandered around the farmers market. Saturday night had pork steak, corn sticks and  brussel sprouts. I made a clafouti (it is a french pastry) with pears and apples in the dutch oven. It really needs a darker fruit (maybe kiwi & strawberry) .. it was wonderful and I will try it again. Sunday we relaxed ............ didn't do a think......... Quality kindle time!!! Monday morning found us not wanting to pack up to come home. But reality was calling. We only have one more camping trip planned until August because we are going to see our daughter in England in July. This is somewhere we will definitely go back to. I will put my yak in both rivers!!!

You can view the rest of the weekends pictures on my facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2100504354876.125134.1313448490&l=d476b62d48

May 20-22 Baxter COE Park -- Lampe, MO

Again the weather wasn't supposed to be good. So we decided against bringing the scooters or the yaks (Table Rock Lake is at flood stages). We were to meet our friends Leonard & Sondra for the weekend. We met them last year at Johnson Shut-Ins and have seen them a few times over the winter. We have planned 3 or 4 trips with them this season. We packed up the Pod on Thursday night and took it to work with us. It was easier this time to let it sit in the parking lot. We were able to leave about 3:30. We stopped at Marshfield and got gas and a snack from Wal-Mart.

When we got in we backed into the site (getting much better at that with the radios -- I even take my finger off the button sometimes) Jeff just stops if he can't see me in the mirrors! Not always possible and I let him know that.
Anyway, we just got all set up and it started pouring!! There was a family setting up tents........ so happy I had my Pod! They were going to be wet no matter what. Another campground with 5 or 6 sites occupied. Leonard and Sondra's new 5th wheel was there but they had gone to Springfield. They came home during the storm and we decided to see eachother on Saturday Morning. Jeff was up early...... me .. nope, I like to sleep in when i am in the Pod then I get mad that I miss sunrise!!!! (wants to have my cake and eat it too!)Shortly after I rolled out of bed Sondra was at the door. We were going to breakfast. After a quick cup of tea and a quicker shower we got in the truck. I thought it was right there.......... by the campground...... 30 minutes later we got to Billie Gails http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/98/1540287/restaurant/Reeds-Spring/Billy-Gails-Cafe-Branson --off the diet (weekends are almost becoming diet free) Jeff and I shared a breakfast and still had food left. The pancakes were bigger than the plate............ and wonderful!!! If you are in the area -- look them up. It's an old gas station and very welcoming!! Oh yea...... they only take cash!!! We drove into Branson and shopped a bit. A cast iron griddle and a 5th wheel warming present. On the way back I found some highway signs for friends and then a metal hot air balloon that I couldn't resist climbing in.

Back at the campground we started dinner early so that it could simmer........ beanless chili and it was good, also made cornsticks and a peach cobbler. Had dinner with Leonard and Sondra. We hooked up a TV outside to the satilitte. We are getting better and better at that (knock on wood). While dinner was cooking we walked over to meet a couple that Leonard & Sondra had met. Oh my....... it was the couples first time out with their camper--matter of fact they had just picked up the camper from Camping World. Not sure they listened during the PDI.......... the trailer (30 foot travel trailer) was no where near level. The stabilizers were straight up and down........ no weight on the hitch...........  He didn't seem to concerned. I only hoped that he was able to hitch it back up and tow it out.

Went inside the camper about 7:00 p.m. to check for water and had NOT A DROP!!!! I was so glad!!! Sunday morning we got up and cleaned and packed. We were on the road by 1:00. Had to stop at Camping World to exchange a rocking chair that had broke.

The weather was supposed to be terrible but it turned out to be a beautiful weekend.

You can view the rest of the pictures from the weekend at:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2082447383463.124095.1313448490&l=a5a6320b4b

Damsite, Pomme De Terre 6-8 May 2011

This is being posted a week late. This is a wonderful park. And only about 70 miles from the Mothership.(Scooters are a must the next time). We left a bit late due to Jeff getting out of work late. We were arriving about sunset but enough natural light to get set up. Good thing it isn't our first year. Hot dogs in the microwave for dinner. Hooked up the sewer line (again it was a bit uphill---makes you wonder about COE parks) . Had television so didn't set up satellite. EARLY EARLY Saturday morning we had a storm roll through.......... windy!!!! and it was hitting us from the side. We walked around the park on Saturday. Saw some wonderful lifts for scooters on fifth wheels. (would not work on ours) Jeff took his kayak our and I spent quality Kindle time in the afternoon. Baked a chicken, cabbage and rolls in the dutch oven. They came out wonderful. Also made a cherry chocolate cobbler (am tempted to try a crusted cobbler) ......... On Sunday morning made eggs in salsa. Saturday evening I went to the bedroom to get a jacket and my foot got wet .......... the floor(rug) was soaked. Unsure of where it came from but though maybe I had the window open during the storm. Put the pillows outside to dry on Sunday morning. We packed up the Pod on Sunday and came home. These are the sites that we recomend 36-42, 52,54, 55A or B, 58-60, 63-69. They are all lake view. If you have a big picture window in the back of your rig it would be perfect. All of our pictures from this weekend can be seen at the following link:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2046122995376.122305.1313448490&l=d4d4b5492b

P.S. forgot a pillow and Jeff's coffee cup on the picnic table ............... we were able to pick them up the following week!!! YEAH!!!!! Also, the floor dried without a problem.

Turpentine Creek Ranch, Eureka Springs Arkansas Sept 10-12, 2010

Sept 10-12 Our furthest trip yet. And out of state too!!!!! We stopped and got gas for the first time with the Pod. Johnny, Christi, & John John came with us. We enjoyed having them. Cooking and cleaning for more than jeff and I wasn't much fun but I am glad they came.  :) The lions, tigers and bears and everything were friggin awesome. There was a full grown Siberian tiger no more than 40 feet from our bedroom window.. and Tally Ho woke us at 4 am each morning playing. The lions and tigers caroling at dusk was something to be heard. Feeding time was great too. this is somewhere we will come back to. We adopted a Cougar named Sheba (thought that appropriate). The Pod seems to have a leak. As we were leaving there was a trail of water.We dropped it at Camping World on the way home to be fixed. Which means we cleared it of all food, clothing and such that we used for the weekend. The galley tank seems to be leaking somehow. Oh , I hope nothing is really wrong with it. I love this Pod. We had the first site next to the cages with full-hook-up. I think our name should be on this site :)

Eminence Missouri, 19-23 July 2010

On Sunday July 18th, a microburst hit at home. Thank God the POD was attached to the truck. I had been napping and woke up. To the wind and a bit of rain. Opened the garage door.. it went up most of the way before the electic went out. The wind began to switch, the house began to twitch thank God the hitch didn't unhitch. The POD was twitching............. blocks under it flew out...... wait the stabilizers were on it. SCARY............ it lasted only seconds. No real damage except it scared the hell out of me.

19-23 July..... we kayaked and hiked and rested and zip lined the entire week. Went to bed early slept late. No cell service, no internet, but we did have TV. With a bit of trouble. This is where we had our first storm while staying it it. Not a good time but it was ok. A nice neighbor shuttled us to Alley Springs to float back to Circle B. That was nice. There are awesome people out there. We gave her a card. We carry cards with our name, email, facebook info on it. (I will put the blog address on next) We cooked lots of good things in foil or on the grill. We modified the way the lights hang on the awning by putying our lights on a PVC pipe ... it is easier to put them out and take them down.

After we got back we told Jay and Sandy.... Steve and Pat our schedule for the rest of the summer incase they wanted to camp with us. We were in Site #113, full hook up at Circle B

Bass' Resort Memorial Day 2010

This was the first time we stopped at Wal-Mart WITH the Pod. We got in early Friday afternoon. it wasn't very far from home. Down 44 to Cuba and head south. Packed the kayaks and the bikes we had bought. When we pulled in there was a security check point (we both liked that after Ava) there was also another Cougar in the parking lot. Though that was cool We did smores this time and I am beginning to love a fire outside. Will sit out there in my flannel pants and robe. I did some foil cooking. Swordfish and tuna. We met Pat & Deb from Vichy/St James. We exchanged info with them and hope to meet up with them sometime in the future. Here we definently have the SPOT communicator. Also had the unpleasant view of a beached whale peeing out in the open. Then she sat on a cooler and I thought she would break it. They were watching our TV. We had satellite then. We stayed until Tuesday morning. Most everyone left on Sunday and those that didn't left early Monday. We almost had the park to ourselves. Campsite 135, full hook up. It was good.

Ava Missouri, May 22-23

May 22-23 ok so we pack up and head down 44 then south on 5 highway across 60 and we are there....... Oh but this was horrifying. There wasn't anyone around except for a burned out (what I thought was a meth lab) trailer and a young couple. We called the number and the people said they would come and collect money. Just pick a site. Some guy came by and set his garbage on fire and left. Thinking satellite tv here. I was almost afraid to leave the Pod to go kayaking on the Beaver River with friends. But we did. Had fun on the river too. EXHAUSTED when we got back. This is also where I thought about a weapon. I am sure we picked up something this weekend for the Pod. Yes we got the clock with the therometer for outside that we can't make work. But it gave me a bedroom clock. On the way home we hit a dead armidillo. Oh my but that was a mess. We had to wash it when we got home. YUCK ........ and YUCK again. This is getting easier to do each time. Not as nervous pulling or backing Jeff up. Haven't a clue what site we were in but it was a full hook up.