Our Fun Weekends as Hillbilly Campers!

Back in 2000, we purchased our first pop-up camper. It is a little small, even back then, but it was what we could afford at the time (and also what we could tow on the back of our Escort Wagon).

At the time, Cassi was 6 months old. We were always able to take her with us. Cassi had this tri-pod swing that was easily dismantled and carried in the back of the wagon. Plus, we always had her stroller with us. So, when we started camping, Rob would sleep on one end and I would sleep at the other with Cassi. Because I am always so good at realizing someone is sleeping with me, I always knew where she was at night so that I didn't roll on her. Yep, I do a lot of tossing and turning, but not when Cassi was a baby, AND not when she slept with me.

But, after that year, the camper sat idle for 5 years. A year ago January, we went to the IX Center (a conference center near the Airport) where they have an annual RV show. At the show, they had businesses there where RVs can go camping. Their name is Hickory Lakes Campground. You can find information about the campground at the web site:

http://www.hickorylakescampground.com

This is now our second year at the campground. We didn't get a chance to go until now because I was working, Rob was working AND going to school, etc. Life just didn't allow us the free time to camp. We are REALLY having a good time, with all of our friends. Our friends are VERY down to earth people. As Rob says to his co-workers, "We're going to be hillbillies this weekend." He says this especially when they ask him if he can work on his days off.

We have a camp fire ring, where, this year, we are making fires! Unbelievable!

We've got some awesome friends and people I would consider family. Believe it or not, I would consider letting Cassi stay with "Nana" Betty & "Pa" Bob anytime she wanted to. Because they live in Wooster, about an hour and a half away, it's tough to get there to spend time with them. I consider them adopted mom and dad. They are so wise and kind. We got the opportunity to spend New Year's Eve with them. We spent the night and had fun with them. Cassi got to watch movies. We played Yahtzee and had drinks, etc. Our camper friends from Mansfield came up for a while too.

So, (not THAT word again), we really enjoy our friends from the campgroud. We also love getting away from it all, semi-roughing it. I REALLY roughed it once in 2000. We were told there would be at least a port-a-potty and showers. NONE OF THE ABOVE! I'll NEVER going camping again if I don't have flush toilets and showers.

Our goal now is to get a larger camper, one with air conditioning and a larger living space. Can't wait to find one.

Love to all,
Cathy
8^ )