We decided to head up to the Port Jervis area a day before our scheduled RV repairs in order to avoid the morning rush hour traffic. We had a one night reservation for Oakland Valley Campground, in Cuddlebackville, which is just a quick 15-minute ride to the repair shop.
Let me start my critique of this campground by stating that I will try-with much effort-to focus on the positive features of this campground, which is quietly nestled in the woods off of County Road 7. We opted for a "Premium" site that promised full hook ups along the Neversink River.
Upon arrival, we discovered that the office was closed, and in fact, only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A map, indicating where to find our pre-paid site, was pinned to a bulletin board, and after a little hesitation, we figured out how to get from point A to point B. We passed a nice-looking pool, a rec building and restrooms. We pulled into a level spot that has a small picnic table, a fire ring, lots of rear privacy and a LOT of trees, mostly tall white pines, that all create a rustic and quiet haven for campers. The bird sounds at dusk were phenomenal.
Okay, the positive comments stop there and the harsh reality hits. We paid about twice what this campground was worth. The main road leading into the property was a steep-sloping hill in dire need of paving. Allie was rocking and rolling along the whole way down to the shabby office. Along the road to our site, we needed to stop so "G" could get out our big hook and hold down a large branch that blocked half our view out of the windshield. We began to have some doubts at this point. Our site, although level, is comprised of wet dirt, weeds and pine needles. What grass that exists hasn't been cut or trimmed in awhile so sitting outside became impossible due to mosquitos and other flying annoyances. Our site backs up to a sheer cliff of which the Neversink River lies somewhere down below, off in the distance. The "Premium" site is anything but premium. There is no river view and we are situated under so many pines and oaks that we needed to have interior lights on during a cloudless, sunny day.
We find ourselves nestled in among a few older fifth-wheels and trailers that, all except one, seem deserted. The doors will be locked up tight tonight. Early to bed....no television reception...someone (who shall remain nameless) is not a happy camper. We are already wondering how Allie will make it up the rutted hill and out of The Twilight Zone. I got to drive out of Croton Point Park yesterday and it looks as if I'll be piloting Allie out and beyond the low branches tomorrow. Then, the world's worst co-pilot will take over the wheel.
The whole row had rigs, but no people
A gllimpse of the sunset
Deep thought for the day: When God gives you lemons, make lemonade. My "lemonade" was a cacophony of tweets, trills, and chirrups.
Tonight, I realized that I've been quite ungrateful for the beauty, peace and serenity that is surrounding me at Croton Point. I tend to forget that among life's daily routines, "Life is Beautiful."
Two raging thunderstorms blew through the area tonight and even with the torrential rain, we ate our dinner outside. Had we been in a house, the last thing we would have done was to eat outdoors. I enjoyed it immensely.
This past weekend, the park was overtaken by avid followers of the annual Clearwater Festival which was started by Bob and Toshi Seeger back in 1966. ClickHEREhere for background info on the festival and the wonderful work the Seegers and thousands of advocates have accomplished.
As "full-timers," we were provided free tickets to the festival, but due to my healing fractured ankle, we passed on the opportunity to mingle with the environmental activists - a unique group of people.
Pillar outside hotel main door
We actually missed a lot of the festival, because we spent most of Friday and all of Saturday in NYC with #1 son and family - the NC Crew, who treated me to a weekend in the city to ring in my big milestone birthday (60th). The royal treatment began with a room at the Marriott East Side, dinner at Tony DiNapoli's, and a "no wait" tour of the Empire State Building." The latter was a "first" for everyone and quite breathtaking. I love experiencing something for the first time alongside my grandchildren. You get to see it, not only for yourself, but through their eyes and perspective. I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness from all aspects of my weekend bash.
Three terrific kids that I proudly and loudly call "my grandchildren."
Tomorrow we pull up stakes and head up to Port Jervis, NY for some repairs to Allie's furnace (again) and her front privacy shade. We've been here so long, that we have put down too many roots that need to be pulled out, secured and stored away. We don't want any shifting or falling during transit.
Even though this won't be a "vacation" excursion, it will be nice to get out on the open road. I'm hoping to get a chance behind the wheel for a little bit of this trip, even if it's just out of the park.
Some random photos of life.
It didn't look so far away, until we noticed it just got bigger instead of closer.
Catching a beautiful smile while off guard.
I'd rather look at Savannah, and not the sights...
My eldest grandchild, Summer. I learn things from her all the time. Like how to be pretty, smart AND nice, all at the same tme.
My son, my hero. I learn from him all the time, as well.. I love our talks when it's just two people talking and not mother and son. I've come to respect his opinion and admire his determination.
I need to get some photos from my daughter-in-law of the two of us together and with the kids. I realized that I'm missing the "main organizer" and the "guest of honor." Two women who, without them, the night would not have happened. Many thanks to her, my daughter-in-law, my friend.
Cars and tents, hundreds of them.
Some photos of the Clearwater Festival follow. Since this festival began in the '60's, we discovered that many are still stuck in that era. I grew up up in the 60's, but wouldn't still wear my hair and clothes the way I did then. I guess the term, "to each his own," is appropos.
Rows upon rows of tents were lined up in the large field near the campground. Some attendees sported cool-looking A-frame towables that looked quite fun, but most were just camped out in pitched tents.
We had quite a bit of rain, so they were real die hards to withstand the elements camping so primitively. I give them a lot of credit.
One of the A-Frames
Storm clouds in the distance didn't deter anyone.
After two heavy downpours, the skies treated those who took the time to look, with a beautiful view of the setting sun. I am truly blessed to not only see the show in the sky, but appreciate it for its ethereal beauty.
Sunset after the rain.
Ethereal, is the only word that comes to mind.
Deep thought for the day: Stop!!!! Stop often to smell the flowers. Stop to look at the sky, to experience dinner under a canopy in the rain. Stop and listen to the birds after a thunderstorm, to look for a rainbow, or pastel painted skies. They all stand to remind us that time is not always on your side. Enjoy what you've got, when you've got it, and keep on the lookout for IT when it's hidden behind a cloud. It's there....STOP....but keep looking.
I can't claim that all of these ideas were mine, however, many are the result of my own creative resourcefulness. Some came from other full-timers and a few were found on Pinterest. If you have never been on Pinterest, be forewarned that you may become addicted to searching for the next best "idea," "inspiration," or "thingy" to make you say, "yum," "hum" or "aah."
Hack #1: Lucy's favorite places: Her food is located on a place mat on the dashboard. This forces her to explore the world outside, especially when we change locations. It is normally an under-used area and it keeps us from tripping over her food bowls. Her canned and dry food are stored in the "basement," and restocked in the kitchen closet as needed.
Her "le Toilette" is located under the dash on the driver's side. With the seat turned to face the living quarters, it is nicely hidden from sight, yet easy for her to access.
Her electric water fountain is plugged in under the dash on the passenger side, right next to the "doggy window" and my computer. It doesn't leave me much foot room while stationary, but I've adjusted. That leads us into Hack #2.
Hack #2: My computer station.
I love having this set-up in the motor home. I am a die hard CPUser who hasn't been able to adjust to a laptop keyboard. Hey, I'm an old dog, so no new tricks for me.
Like Lucy's food, my computer station is out of the way and the chair can turn to face the living quarters for an additional seating, if necessary, but that's not often. There is a ledge on my right side to hold my water bottle and phone and the convenience of an overhead light and fan. When we travel with extended stops, I just unhook it all and store it in a basket until we are stationary for awhile. I'm getting to the point where I can hook it up or break it down in no time at all.
Hack #3: Adhesives. I've lumped these items into one category: Museum Putty, Velcro and Command strips and hooks. I have used all of these items to keep our stuff stationary while traveling. They all work great for their intended purposes. Museum Putty can be found here, and its great for securing items to counters that you don't want to move, like a vase. However, just a twist will release the object cleanly and easily. The other items are easily found at any box store or hardware store and are used to hang art, remotes, and a myriad of other loosey-goosey items.
Hack #4: Tiny end table. We used a folding, wooden TV table as an end table next to the recliner. I couldn't live without a table or ledge at that location to hold a lamp, a glass of wine, my phone or the remote (when it's not Velcroed to the wall behind the TV). This small hack worked perfectly.
Hack #5: Shoe bags. I need to get another one of these, but the two currently in use are proving that they are worth their weight in gold. Gee, they are awful light, so they are worth ten times their weight....One bag hangs inside my closet door to hold all my smaller personal items, like hats, belts, socks and underwear. The other was cut one pocket deep and Velcroed to the base of the bed to hold shoes.
I still need a solution for the "everyday" shoes that collect at the door of the coach.
Hack #6: My little green wall mounted metal shelf. This was always one of my favorite little organizers. It is so versatile and has been used as a knickknack shelf (facing backwards) and as a front door catch-all for keys (like it's hung in the RV bathroom). I don't care for clutter on the counter, but do like having our most-used items at arm's reach even while traveling on the road.
Hack #7: Zip Lock Space Bags: Click here for a link to this product at Walmart.Living full-time, we need to travel with four season's worth of clothes and dress clothes. A storage bin under the bed holds our dress clothes so that they don't become too wrinkled. The out-of-season clothes are shrunk and stored in the Zip Lock bags and stored in the basement area.
Right now, all of our winter clothes, including down jackets, have been "shrunk" saving us a lot of room.
Hack #8: Laundry Soap and Softener Dispenser Bottles. I used plain, ketchup-dispenser type, plastic bottles that I purchased from Dollar General. Instead of lugging my big bottles out of the vanity every time I use my little Splendide, I just grab and go with my cute counter-top solution. When filled and labeled these make laundry a breeze.
Hack #9: Felt-covered hangers: At first, I didn't like these hangers, but I absolutely love them in Allie. They are sturdy for hanging wet clothes, they don't have the cardboard center-roll that always collapses on me, and the closet looks neat and orderly. The clothes can't fall off the hangers, thus making the rougher roads less problematic.
Hack #10: Charging station:
I received one of the best gifts ever from friend, and fellow RV'er, Charlie. It's an AC/USB plug-in adapter, manufactured XTG Technology, that contains three regular outlets and 2 USB ports. This very helpful toy has traveled with us to hotels and on a cruise ship, but now it is tucked away behind the recliner and we use the back of the couch to hold our currently charging electronics. We would never leave home without it.
Hack #11 Baskets:
OMG. I saved the best Hack for last. I am not a "Dancing Queen," but anyone who knows me will tell you I can claim the title, "Basket Queen." I have them in most of my over-head cabinets. The ones with handles are quite useful, especially in the kitchen, when you need to pull out all your spices, oils, plastic-ware or coffee pods. I would be lost without them. I have plastic, wicker and wooden baskets of every shape, size and color. So, when "G" needs olive oil, I just say, "5th overhead compartment, in the clear plastic bin, next to the white handled bin."
Being clever and organized is a necessity when living in a RV. You are in too small a space to not know where to find what you need at the drop of a hat.
Deep thought for the day: Benjamin Franklin must have loved baskets. This quote of his is one of my favorites: "A place for everything, and everything in its place." Go Ben!
