April 27 to April 28 - Beaufort, SC - Okefenokee Swamp - Ochlockonee FL

Hunting Island Lighthouse was a bit of a disappointment after all the Maine lighthouses over the years. It's small but perfectly preserved. The nature center next to it was good with a lot of history of the island. It was a hunting preserve for a rich family who eventually donated it to the state. Again a lot of beautiful land saved from development.

The moss and live oak trees dominate the roadway. Our Maine friend told us he'd learned that the Spanish Moss is actually a relative to the pineapple!

Leaving Beaufort, we crossed by Parris Island and thought of all those Marine recruits who've trained there. Thanks to all of them for serving our country. We'd planned on hopping on Route 95 for a short while but fortunately the Georgia Tourist Welcome Center told us of the President's visit to Fort Stewart. She suggested to not try to go that way as long delays were possible. We did our usual 62 mph down I-95 to Route 84 waving at quite a few truck campers as we went.

I'd always wanted to take a boat ride through the Okefenokee Swamp to see alligators. Georgia's Laura Walker State Park had an opening but we were warned it wasn't very level. Most state parks are full and some have wait lists. So far we've been lucky in getting in. Joe used all our leveling blocks and got us nice and level. I was thankful for the extra foot stool or I'd never have reached the camper stairs. Chatted a long time with a group of folks who had gathered for a geocache rally. The people across the way gifted us with fresh Vidalia onions. They had a big 5th wheel and were pulling a BBQ smoker rig which was putting out some great odors. We actually saw several big rigs hauling smokers.

Unfortunately there wasn't a boat that went way out into the swamp and we settled for a train ride. We don't usually do the real tourist things but it turned out to be fairly interesting. Pioneers who lived in the swamp to cut cypress, make turpentine and skin gators lived a very hard life.

Don't think I want to go swimming in a swamp

April 28 - Ochlockonee Florida
Up and out early for a provisions stop and to see if we could find a place to overnight in Florida. We know that the Florida state parks fill up when reservations open first of the year but hoped for a cancellation. The Cracker Barrels and Walmarts are okay for passing through but it's so much more enjoyable to find a camp where you can enjoy the land around you. Lucked out and got a place in the Ochlockonee State Park on a river. 85F but very dry and a nice breeze so the bugs were minor.
Ranger took us for a short walk into the saw grass/pine areas and explained how Florida is trying to restore the natural rhythm of fire in the parks. Spring thunderstorms start fires, the saw grass dies back, re seeds itself and creates a short under story. The pines are just about fire resistant once they get above grass height. There were long paths through these areas and we had a hot but interesting walk.

We'd hoped to find good seafood and a place to stay in the Apalachicola or Destin area but bet everything is full. Joe's old boss at his last job lives near Pensacola so we can camp there if needed. Wish we had some Truck Camper friends along on this trek. Neither of us had camped in Georgia or Florida and we still have Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana to go!

April 25 to 26 Myrtle Beach to Beaufort, SC
April 25 - Myrtle Beach

So good to have the truck serviced and know that nothing is wrong with it. Main concern always with a camper are brakes and tires and all were well within limits. Beach Ford in Myrtle Beach was very welcoming, professional and fast. Since the camper was off we decided to take a ride down along the small beach towns south of Myrtle Beach. Locals know the trick of turning left off of main roads into side roads. It was rather daunting to first timers but we eventually figured it out without injury to us or locals.

Surfside Beach is supposed to be one of the oldest planned resort communities. Lots of new pods of buildings, all in bright colors and up on stilts - way up on stilts, almost tall enough to put a truck camper under. I kept wondering even up that high, how many of those cottages would survive a
major hurricane.


The landscaping is lush and well cared for. We stopped and watched a crew installing 20' tall palm trees down a center divider. Cranes lifted the trees which had the smallest root ball I've ever seen. The roots looked about the same size as the trunk. Someone later told us they are extra heavy trees due to the water they hold and the weight alone is enough to keep them upright in storms. We've seen dozens of varieties of palms from tall to ground huggers. The smells from the flowers in bloom especially the Confederate jasmine is always around.

Managed to once again get back on Route 17 without injury and continued down to Murrells Inlet looking for seafood for lunch. "River Ratz" was excellent, a local hang out with fresh local seafood. We split a plate of oysters, shrimp and drum with hush puppies and had some left over. I'd remembered the normal size portions of southern food so glad we split a plate. After, we took a long walk down the river boardwalk, enjoying seabirds including pelicans and the rafts of huge pleasure boats.

Back at MB State Park, we relaxed and talked with a retired Army man who gave us a lot of local tips for our trip across the Florida pan handle. Like any good camper, he gave us his phone number and address in case we had any trouble along the way. Campers are good people. I kept my feet up on the picnic table the whole time we talked having just seen a sign up the camp office to beware of copperhead snakes. !!

April 26 Beaufort, SC
Route 17 is under construction - a lot of construction all the way from Georgetown to the south side of Charleston. It is being widened to two lanes both ways. Slow going but it gave us a chance to really enjoy the forest views along the way. Charleston has exploded with new malls, traffic stops, and lots and lots of traffic. Since we have been many times, we skipped going into old Charleston this time in favor of heading on to Beaufort. Our goal in coming here was to visit a Maine friend who has moved to Beaufort and to camp on Hunting Island. We met him in the Beaufort Waterfront Park and walked along with him as he gave us a guided tour of some of the hidden gems of the city. Four big tour buses had just pulled in and rather than fight for a place at one of the waterfront cafes, we walked back to a new farm stand/bistro in the library complex.

We're currently at Hunting Island State Park. First person we talked to while setting up was another truck camper owner and Truck Camper Warehouse customer with a Arctic Fox 1140. We are tucked into a camp site 100 yards from the ocean, behind a dune and under some of the tallest palm trees. Here's what it looks like out our back camper window. We lucked out on a walk in site and got a really good one.

It's been fascinating to see the long line of pelicans fly back and forth. Here's the view out of our dinette window. Hard to take, feet up resting from trekking, strong wind to keep the bugs away and an endless supply of iced tea.

Tomorrow we'll drive over to the Hunting light house for a visit and then head south. Don't know where but south.

April 23 - 24 Hatteras to Myrtle Beach, SC

April 23 - 24 Hatteras to Myrtle Beach, SC

Monday, April 23
After a very soggy night at Frisco Woods CG at the tip of OBX, we boarded the ferry to Ocracoke Island. It was soggy because of the amount of rain they have received. Most of the sites were under water. We now understand why all the truck camper fishermen like this campground. You can get right out on the sand and fish from your rear door.

As we left harbor, we passed a Coast Guard Life Boat Station with two patrol boats used for rescue. Later saw them at full speed heading out to sea. I cross my fingers every time we see them go out and thank them for serving. Joe spent 20+ years in the Coast Guard but never on that small a boat.

It wasn't a smooth crossing to Ocracoke but fascinating to stand on the stern and watch all the sea birds. They come out to the ferries from the smaller barrier islands and follow along. We even saw pelicans which are not exactly a Maine bird.

It must be both  awesome and terrifying to be on Ocracoke during a big sea storm. This is the road from the ferry into town.

We stopped and walked the beach for a couple of hours with the result of aching legs later. The beach just makes you go on and on to see more. Since the tide was coming in, we finally left and went on into town for lunch.

Fresh drum sandwiches with hush puppies!!  Hard to get more southern than that plus the unending iced tea. The ferry ride over to Cedar Island wasn't as rough but lots longer. Route 12 inland is a very narrow two lane road with marshes on both sides. Since there was a high wind, the drive down to Croatan National Forest just north of Emerald Isle to a campsite wasn't easy or fun.

Tuesday, April 24
Skirting Jacksonville but staying on Route 17 after that, we wended down to Myrtle Beach. Joe was raised in Old Orchard Beach, Maine which is a tourist town in summer and ghost town in winter. Myrtle Beach is like OOB on steroids with more tourist "Places" than I've ever seen. It stretches for miles and miles with traffic lights every few blocks. We were glad to arrive at Myrtle Beach State Park which is a 300+ acre oasis of trees, trails, sand, beach and very nice campsites. We did more beach walking to see a lot of dead jelly fish and very hard packed sand. I kept thinking Truck Campers would love to get out on this beach!

Tomorrow we get the truck serviced and then head south - or west - or anywhere but north again at this point.

April to Who Knows - On the Road in 2012

April 2012 - We're on the road again

Starting from Maine, headed to Assateague National Seashore, then an annual rally of truck campers at Tall Pines in Sanford, VA., Hatteras and onward.
Our adventure started by heading over to Truck Camper Warehouse in W. Chesterfield, NH to have a crack in our Chalet camper's bath ceiling fixed. The wire chase as designed was so wide it was bending and breaking the vinyl ceiling cover. Bill Penny cleaned it, put in a thin wooden floor and foamed the wide opening. Worked perfect and the vinyl is holding well with no flexing. We also had a Max Air cover put on the bath fan so it can stay open in the rain.

April 13-17
Half way down from NH to VA we stopped in the Delaware Water Gap and camped at Dingman's Ferry at a National Park campsite. Love that Golden Age pass half rate. Clean, wide sites with power. Skirting Philadelphia and only getting on I-95 briefly, we kept southward to Assateague National Seashore. A local told us about The Southern Grille so we stopped for lunch. If you are ever near Ellendale, stop! They serve southern food like my grandmothers used to cook.

Had reservations for Monday and Tuesday night at Assateague on the Bayside C loop where it isn't as windy as the ocean. We lucked out and got the same site for Saturday and Sunday. What a wonder this National Park is. Roaming herds of wild horses, baby turtles and huge terrapins, shore birds, and endless miles of walking trails to explore. Even the boardwalks out into the marshes have horse dung as the horses go everywhere. Toni/Ron from MA, Bob/Carol Ann from NY, and Rob/Jennie from MA were also camped there. Lots of chat about places to go and see and sharing of food and drink with us TCers and a tent couple who were there also. After even a mild winter in Maine, it was such a delight to walk the warm beaches, pick up shells and then, feet up, sit and knit in the sun.

The last night there we were all thinking tornado? These clouds were awesome but stayed where clouds should - up in the air.

April 18-22

Time to gather at the Mid-Atlantic Truck Camper Rally at Tall Pines Campground in Sanford, VA. Campers gather from the far west to Canada to spend days visiting, attending seminars, a band with line dancing, pot lucks, rodeos and a good bye breakfast. Michelle and Ron Humphress do a great job organizing this much enjoyed rally.

As usual the North East group gathered for drinks and a buffet at Mike's tent.

The weather held until Sunday morning when the deluge bagan. We travelled across the Bay Bridge Tunnel and were very glad to see the land appear through the rain. As usual we made a wrong turn in Norfolk to head south but at least were able to stop and turn the propane back on.
OBX is a real mix of tourist commercial, bare beaches, national land and sea birds. The folks who live out here continually live with washed out roads and drifting sand with deep puddles on the roads.

Huge flocks of seabirds land on the bare sand at low tides. We don't get these sands in Maine and they are a hard but interesting walk.

Diesel was $4.03 near Assateague, $4.18 in Norfolk, and a whopping $4.38 at the end of OBX. It's got to get here somehow so the price goes up. We'll diesel up tomorrow after we get off the ferry at Cedar Island. We'll head on down the NC coast with the eventual goal of Florida Panhandle and Arizona? Who knows?

Scusset Beach Shake Down Cruise

After two amazing days in the mid 80s for temps in Maine, our usual spring weather kicked back in and the March winds decided to hit high gear. So what do we do? Head to Scusset Beach  on the Cape Cod Canal in MA.

One of our truck camper friends who lives down that way suggested a shake down cruise to be sure all the camper systems worked and the "necessary" gear was loaded. We hesitated a bit since de-winterizing the camper in March is always a gamble. We'd have to keep the propane going for heat at nights until we eventually head south or the hot weather gets to Maine again.

Word of mouth got going and thirteen truck camper rigs showed up including a couple who were using their camper for their first night. What a great place to do so with more experienced folk all around. The weather was 50s but the wind wasn't  horrible so we were able to sit around a campfire and chat about the coming camping season. Mike T aand Cathie drove down for a visit, camperless since theirs is down at Xtreme Truck Campers in High Point, NC for some work. Good to see old friends and meet some new.

We'd managed to pack pretty much everything needed for the season but might add a small step stool to help my short legs get into the camper when the ground slopes away. Some places there just is no way to park level and have the steps up against something taller. Joe doesn't notice since his legs are about 6' tall!! We did develop a really odd crack/settling in the bath ceiling.

There was absolutely no sign of water but obviously something not right. We drove over to Bill Penny's at Truck Camper Warehouse in W. Chesterfield, NH on the way home. Bill took off the ceiling light and found that the wire chase was about 8" wide instead of the needed 3-4" wide. The sides had just settled in since it was not supported well. Bill is getting some high density spray foam to make the chase rigid and then will channel out the ceiling break to relieve the pressure and then put a molding strip over it. The Chalet has had it's odd problems but nothing major and nothing  Bill either couldn't fix easily or talk us through on the phone. We really enjoy the space in the camper.

End of the 2010 Camping year

We picked up the camper at TC Warehouse on Friday after a Bill fixed a mystery heat problem with the Chalet double slide. Turned out the original install had one of the heat ducts so close to a pipe that when the hot air expanded the duct, it pinched the heat off!! Bill rebuilt it and now the bed area is toasty warm. He also figured out a way to extend the dump valve so it was easier to get to. Joe was having to crawl under the camper to reach the pipe to attach the sewer hose - never fun. Bill built this -

I forgot to close the grey and black water valves off before we left so yes that is water in the elbow. Normally the pipe will be dry until you dump waters. All is now drained and winterized. The new extension to the sewer pipe will come off easily with three screws and a hose clamp. Nice addition.

Time to put it away and are we ever lucky not to be buried in snow. We thought we'd have an indoor place to store this year but that fell through. Joe wanted more support for long term storage so picked up these six ton jacks from Harbor Freight. 2X4 fits perfectly in the grooves at the top of the jack.

The jack legs are down also but the weight of the camper is now shared by the yellow jacks for more stability in snow load.

Getting older is not fun especially going up on a ladder to put the cover on. We need to "borrow" the kids down the road next year. The ADCO cover didn't fit of course but we had expected that. It was originally bought for the Lance 1121 and fit perfectly. It was too baggy on the Host and way too small for the Chalet. Also has lots of duct tape on it but covers about 2/3 of the camper. Finished it off with a tarp all bungy corded down. Hey - we live in the woods so it's not a fashion statement.

Sad to see it go away but we'll be planning for next years travels.

Rally time on the Maine coast

North East Truck Camper Rally at Recompence Shores Campground, Freeport, Maine November 10-13, 2011

It was a wonderful rally but it will go down in the annals as the "mud bowl". We camp on a loop road known as West Bay and normally put campers on both sides of the road in the fields. Here is the lonely road waiting for campers.

Joe and I got there early morning, set up and enjoyed a cloudy, but warm morning.

After two weeks of perfect Maine fall weather with high sun and warm weather, it of course rained Thursday. As our wood dealer arrived with a half cord of dry wood it started to sprinkle. As Mikeeeee arrived with his trailer it started to rain. It didn't just rain, it poured harder and harder as campers started to arrive. Fortunately four other truck camper couples arrived in time to help get Mike's big 20x30' tent up just ahead of the deluge. The tent sounded like a drum but we were warm, dry and sat around and swapped tales. Sure glad we're a frequent patron of the LL Bean outlet store and have a collection of mud, rain and snow boots. Here's Joe and Mike gathered around the coffee trying to get dry again. It was a remarkably warm weekend.

By evening twelve rigs had arrived, appetizers and drinks were shared. We all had on our tallest mud boots as the rain was coming under the tent like a river. Only one camper had a roof leak and a plastic table cloth over the bed let them make it through the night.

Friday dawned with thick clouds but only sprinkles. This is a New England size campfire with some hearty coffee drinkers up early to start the day. These TCers are from Maine, Quebec, NH and MA. Furthest away this time was near Gettysburg, PA.

During the day, many people went back into Freeport to shop LL Bean and the other outlet stores, visit the micro breweries and lobster restaurants. I took a SUV full of knitters up to Bath, ME to one of my favorite places, Halycon Yarns on Friday (and then to Purl Diva in Brunswick on Saturday) . Joe and Mike kept the fire stoked.

By evening we had 24 truck campers parked along the fields. No one sank but we were spread out a lot further than usual as people looked for the highest ground. This is total boondock so we park anywhere regardless of the usual camping slots. Again we gathered for drinks and appetizers. This year we did a scotch tasting. Thanks campers for sharing your special blends and to Hodag for the legal white lighting. Special thanks to Mariann for very unusual, delicious appetizers.

Saturday dawned warm and sunny.

Recompence is part of Wolfe Neck Farm, a 650 acre salt water farm. There are great hiking trails back into the woods, along the estuary and out into the clam flats. Wolfe Neck State Park is a half mile away and has a lot of old growth pines, eagle and osprey nests and more walking trails. Many of our campers spent the day out exploring these areas. Here are some getting that last drop of coffee before heading out.

It's a lot of fun to camp with fellow truck campers. Here's the group though not all are in the photos. I kept so busy I didn't get as many photos as usual.

Did I say mud?

Saturday night sunset was beautiful.

We gathered for a pot luck supper which lasted for hours with great food, talk and sharing places to go. Mikeee went over what the North East Truck Camper Jamboree will be doing for gatherings next year. Most of us will start out by going to the Mid-Atlantic Truck Camper gathering in VA in mid-April.

Sunday morning is our traditional "men cook, women eat" breakfast. Mike's trailer holds a lot of griddles and warming trays so the guys get busy. How do you power it all? Honda 2000s which come from lots of campers.

Sadly we watched the truck campers all depart. Mikeee, Cathie, Joe and I stayed until the firewood was gone, enjoying the fall warmth and the beautiful view over Casco Bay. Recompence is one of those magic places, mud and all. We'll do it again next November and hope more of you can join us.

Truck Camper Gathering - fall in Maine

Time to enjoy a fall gathering on the ocean in Maine -

Update to North-East Truck Camper Late Fall Campout - Recompence Campground, Freeport, Maine.

See below for the original information.  We met with the campground manager last week and he is delighted to have our group back again. The dump station and big trash container will be available for our use. Many of you will be arriving after dark so come to the campsite on West Bay rather than try to register at the office. We will have registration forms at the campsite tent and will take them with your check or cash to the manager.

For those of you who have not been to this campground before, take a look at this coordinate on Google Earth N43° 49.45'  W70° 4.47'. That point of land is West Bay where we will camp.

Directions to get to Recompence Campground (Wolf's Neck Farm) from Freeport:

Most of you will be coming north into Maine on I-95. If you are interested in stopping at Cabela's it is just off Exit 42 but cannot be seen from the road. We take Exit 52 which will be marked Falmouth. This spur loops around to I-95. Take Exit 22 off of I-295 which is marked Freeport and turn left at end of the exit ramp. At the first traffic light, Harraseeket Inn is dead ahead of you. Take a right. Go less than half a mile and take a left onto Bow Street. You will have passed the post office, Azure Cafe and be at the main LL Bean building as you turn onto Bow Street. Bow Street/Flying Point Road continues for 2.33 miles. Turn right onto Wolf's Neck Road. At 1.65 miles turn left onto Burnett Road which is a dirt road. At .5 (one half) mile turn right onto the road leading to West Bay. This small dirt road is at the top of a rise right after you have crossed a one lane wooden bridge and yes the bridge will hold your camper weight. Have faith! Less than a third of a mile on this secondary dirt road you will see the camp site. This little dirt road dead ends so just keep coming. If you arrive late at night, park anywhere near the other truck campers and we'll get you set in the morning.

Activities:

Relax and socialize

Go into Freeport to holiday shop

Mike has offered to show you how to winterize your camper if you have not done so before. Bring two gallons of RV antifreeze.

If you have not taken your camper off/on your truck by yourself yet we will help you learn to do so.

The scotch drinkers among us are going to hold a scotch tasting. If you drink scotch, bring a bottle to share and a shot glass. 

Meals, etc.

We usually do drinks and appetizers around 5PM Thursday and Friday evenings.

Pot luck dinner is Saturday around 6PM. Bring a dish to share and your own plates/utensils.

Sunday is group breakfast. Bring something for the guys to cook up - eggs, muffins, bacon, etc.

We do not  have a check out time on Sunday so stay and relax as long as you wish. Looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new.

=======================

Who: North-East Truck Campers and friends

What: Fall Dry Camping to close out our camping year

When: Thursday, November 10, 2011 - Sunday, November 13, 2011

Where: Recompence Shore Campground, Wolfe's Neck Farm, Burnett Road, Freeport, Maine

N43° 49.45' W70° 4.47'

Why: To enjoy a late fall gathering by the ocean

Our informal Truck Camper gathering at Recompence Shore Campground, Freeport, Maine is set for Thursday, November 10 - Sunday, November 13, 2011. The views off of the bay front are just spectacular - Maine at its best. See the campground web site at http://www.freeportcamping.com/. This is a total dry camp for those of you wanting to test your solar power and generators. You will be able to run generators occasionally to keep the batteries topped off. There is a dump station by the office and a pit toilet near where we camp.

The campground manager has agreed to a rate of $15 per night. The campground is closed except for walk ins and those who wish to winter camp. We'll be on the West Bay water front across from the Hay Field (see map on the web site).

If you are unsure about coming or do not want to pre-register, I will have signup forms at the shelter tent on West Bay. You can fill out there and pay by check or cash. Joe/I will take them to the office. If your dog comes (they are welcome), you need a copy of your rabies certificate. Dogs must be leashed at all times.

Recompense Shore is only 5.17 miles from LL Bean plus about 100 shops, pubs, BBQ, etc. in Freeport. There is a United Maine Craftsmen juried crafts fair in Augusta, ME about an hour away on Saturday and Sunday. Details at http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com. We'll do a pot luck on Saturday night and do our usual sharing of drinks and appetizers on Thursday and Friday. Traditionally we also do a group breakfast on Sunday morning. Mikeee has graciously agreed to bring his tent and space heater so we will have a shelter if needed. Joe and I will provide a pickup load of firewood. DO NOT bring wood with you as imported wood is no longer allowed in Maine.

This gathering is low key with no planned seminars, raffles, etc. We spend lots of time sitting around the campfire, swapping tales of places we've been and want to go. Bring your winter coat and boots as it can get a bit nippy. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a late Indian Summer. Beautiful place, good TC friends and any of their camper friends - a great way to close out the North East camping season for most of us.

Anne and Joe Brown   email: TwoMaineiacs2@yahoo.com   

Hot time at the Balloon Festival!

This photo says it all for the past weekend. It was HOT HOT HOT.

Twenty one truck campers and one travel trailer showed up for the South County RI Balloon Festival held at the University of RI at Kingston RI.  Did I say it was HOT?

We started setting up about Friday noon after driving down from Maine. We forget what real traffic is like, meaning Route 95 skirting Boston, Providence, etc. Just get in a lane, don't pay attention to the "gestures" as they whip by and know they don't have the fun ahead of them we do nor their houses with them.

By evening we were lined up in two facing rows, with tents for sun cover, tables for a pot luck, grills, coolers, etc. etc. As dusk arrived, the balloons started to go up. Beautiful colors on the silks and so surreal when the propane fires and the balloon lights up.

The weather was not misty. The camera had been in the camper where the generator was keeping the AC cranking away. The camera lenses was colder than outside and it took a long time for the fog to go away when it came out.

We  had two campers new to the group show up. This camper built sturdy wooden stairs with a railing for his wife who is handicapped. The steps were the object of much awe.

The steps are jointed and come apart into individual boards for easy storage. Both couples were a lot of fun and we "old" campers hope they return.

Saturday was not as hot, only about 96F (ouch) and the evening cooled enough so we were able to open windows (and Heiki hatches) and sleep well. Pot luck was a blast with lots of tales told of camping adventures. After Sunday breakfast to rival a Denny's Grand Slam we all took off to go back to reality. We're so lucky in the North East to have TCers willing to keep attending our gatherings and new folks join us each time.

Cool as a Moose? Yeap - he's finally happy to be back in Maine where it is currently 64F. YES!