January 2015 Ying and Yang

All is not perfect at camp.

Take chiggers for example. Chiggers only seem to be in the south, they are mites so small you can hardly see them with the naked eye. They live in tall grasses and the moss that hangs from the Oak trees. They are ugly and red. They don't bite so much as burrow into your skin. How do I know this?  When you are not wearing the correct apparel in the woods, you suffer.  No more sandals and shorts for me.  Mosquitos are nothing compared to chiggers. Think Poison Ivy.  

Then there are the very old men in campground that prefer to be shirtless,  wear gold necklaces, have boney knees peeking out of long khaki bermuda shorts, and wear  black shoes and black socks. This fashion statement is so wrong.  I can't say but I'm betting North Jersey or New Yorkers.

Think Christmas lights of the large multi-colored sort and Pink Flamingos with solar lights shining on them at night.  Whoever thought this was fashionable decor.  Add a clever wood burned plaque announcing John and Clara from Dubuque "live here".
Retro 1950 still lives at camp.

We have come quickly to learn no parking the Lark at a campground that announces: Bingo on Mondays, shuffleboard tournaments, get togethers and sing a longs, Recreation Halls and/or mini golf! Not ever.

Weekdays are peaceful: Friday afternoons of holiday weekends are scary.  The public shows up in the biggest, shiniest of double cab diesel Pick up trucks, towing the latest 22' Jayco Pop-up camper. In doubles, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws and a Pap and  a Gramma.  As the Jayco unfurls it's many side compartments providing sleeping quarters for 18: siblings, cousins and a few neighborhood kids. Add at least 3 dogs out of the back of the truck.  Bonfires are started, shouting, laughing and cursing only override outdoor speakers and the shrieking of happy kids. Children fly by on bikes, scooters, skates and skate boards. Red Cups (see footnote) come out with more shouting, laughing and cursing. This group is late to get up in the AM, however, manages to stay up well into the night.  Oh, to be young again!

Another issue:  how can a campground have no cell service and no wifi?  Is this possible in 2015?  This may only be my issue.

All of this is out shone by the fact you never find an unpleasant person. Everyone smiles and say hello, will be glad to give you a hand, a better idea and a funny story.  There is no road rage, nasty retorts or frustrated idiots.  Campers, both snowbirds and locals, are having a great time and want you to have a great time too. How cool is that.


*footnote: A plastic Red cup is the official holder of all that is illegal to drink in State Parks.  We bought two washable ones to be eco responsible.

Red Cup