Our plans to try and connect with friends at Lexington Horse Park just didn’t come together. For one there was a large event (The Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event) going on in the park consequently, the campground was full. Also, it was between campgrounds in which we were going to stop for the night. Therefore it would have meant we had one very short days drive and one very, very long days drive. As we left Renfro Valley we thought maybe we will surprise them and just show up. Well, it was our surprise when we got 2 miles from the exit and traffic was backed up waiting to get into the horse park to see the day’s events. Sorry Nancy and Betsy maybe next time. We honked as we went by. Did you hear us!!!!
We have made Cross Creek Campground one of our planned stops for many years. The first year we stopped we met our good friends Don and Sandy here and the rest is history. The campground is about 6 miles off I-71 in Delaware which is just north of Columbus, Ohio.
The entrance road to the campground is paved with rumble strips so slow going is the name of the game. All interior roads and sites are gravel with grass between them. Most sites have 30/50 amp service with water and sewer. When we connected to the power source there was no 50 amp service. So having a 75 foot power cord comes in handy, I just connected to another site. I called to let them know, someone was there to fix it in no time. There’s no cable TV at this park but we were able to get at least 20 over-the-air stations maybe more. Wi-fi is available for free throughout the park but we could not get on. The park staff is very friendly as are the permanents. We have found this consistently with each visit that's why we keep coming back.
The whole days drive and even setting up was done in the pouring rain. Yes, I am still in my shorts and t-shirts and loving this cool weather (48 degrees). Tonight it’s suppose to go down into the 30’s. Halleluiah!
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Saturday, April 25, 2015
RV Park Scoop - Renfro Valley RV Park (Renfro Valley, Kentucky)
Before we left Georgia behind we had to pick up some pecans. Everyone knows that Georgia is known for their pecans, peaches, and Vidalia onions. Moses, the man behind the pecan stand was a real business man. We picked out what we thought were the two bags of pecans we were going home with. Nope, Moses made us a deal on 4 bags of pecans. With smiles on our faces (including Moses) and less cash in our pockets we were all happy.
Every state has its own challenges, whether it’s the mountains of Tennessee or dust storms of Texas. What is pretty consistent across the board are the terrible drivers. Yes we have our fair share in Canada but on the I-75 there seems to be way too many. There are so many people from Canada and different US states, that are all trying to get home in one day. So, in saying that, people are crazy on the road, cutting me off and stopping on the on ramp in front of me instead of accelerating. These are just to name a few. I’ve also noticed that if it is race weekend (NASCAR) people seem to drive like they are on a race track. So the moral of the story is you have to have eyes up your butt.
As we approached our stop for the night we were feeling good so we decided to push on another 30 miles or so. What a score. We found the most amazing RV park in what I thought was the middle of nowhere. It’s just off the I-75 at exit 62, 45 miles south of Lexington and 135 miles north of Knoxville. As we were ready to exit, all the traffic started to slow down. We crept along then the traffic came to a complete stop right in front of our exit. Fancy that! Another score!
I had never heard of Renfro Valley let alone the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Once we registered, got set up, had something to eat, I decided to go out and explore. The campground is part of the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and is equipped with all the amenities. The interior roads and sites are all gravel with grass between each site. All sites have 30/50 amp service along with water, sewer, and cable TV. There is no Wi-Fi at this park.
Within walking distance of any given site is live country, gospel, and bluegrass music along with a shopping village and historic cabins. They also have a full service restaurant on the premises. As I was walking around all I could smell was smoked ribs. Too bad I just ate.
How did this place get it’s start? Well I asked the same question and this is what I found out. It all started in Chicago in 1937 when a young man by the name of John Lair was listening to a new contraption called the radio. With his new love for music and entertainment John moved back home to the Renfro Valley and started the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. For two years the show continued on WLW radio in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. While this was happening the Big Show Barn was being built in Renfro Valley. Most locals figured the barn would turn into a future tobacco barn. What they did not know was in two short years there was a loyal following of the radio station. So on November 4th, 1939 the Old Barn doors opened and the announcer from WLW started to broadcast what became known as the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. They are now in their 76th year. If you like country music this is the place to come. It’s quite, small but has great entertainers.
Unfortunately, we arrive a day early or we could have seen Loretta Lynn in concert. Other artists gracing the New Barn stage are Tracy Lawrence, Ronnie Milsap, The Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard, Mickey Gilley just to name a few.
We have already decided that this place deserves a return visit. The area is alive with music and entertainment.
Every state has its own challenges, whether it’s the mountains of Tennessee or dust storms of Texas. What is pretty consistent across the board are the terrible drivers. Yes we have our fair share in Canada but on the I-75 there seems to be way too many. There are so many people from Canada and different US states, that are all trying to get home in one day. So, in saying that, people are crazy on the road, cutting me off and stopping on the on ramp in front of me instead of accelerating. These are just to name a few. I’ve also noticed that if it is race weekend (NASCAR) people seem to drive like they are on a race track. So the moral of the story is you have to have eyes up your butt.
As we approached our stop for the night we were feeling good so we decided to push on another 30 miles or so. What a score. We found the most amazing RV park in what I thought was the middle of nowhere. It’s just off the I-75 at exit 62, 45 miles south of Lexington and 135 miles north of Knoxville. As we were ready to exit, all the traffic started to slow down. We crept along then the traffic came to a complete stop right in front of our exit. Fancy that! Another score!
I had never heard of Renfro Valley let alone the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Once we registered, got set up, had something to eat, I decided to go out and explore. The campground is part of the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and is equipped with all the amenities. The interior roads and sites are all gravel with grass between each site. All sites have 30/50 amp service along with water, sewer, and cable TV. There is no Wi-Fi at this park.
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| Our site...trees are just starting to blossom |
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| This is about 1/3 of the campground...got to love the hills of Kentucky |
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| Pretty neat shops |
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| The Music Store which has been around since 1939 |
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| An old Gristmill |
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| Full service restaurant on the premises |
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| Aunt Polly's House...the oldest house in Renfro Valley circa 1817 |
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| The Old Barn |
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| The New Barn |
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| Site of the Bluegrass Festivals |
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| A country singer entertaining the campground |
Friday, April 24, 2015
RV Park Scoop - Harvest Moon RV Park (Adairsville, Georgia)
Getting an early start is essential for us when travelling home. However, we are not the type of people that get up at 4 am and on the road at 4:15. We’ve all seen it. Most mornings I’m up at 5 making coffee, doing a few chores around the rig, and then I sit and enjoy the sunrise.
Our days drive was pretty much unremarkable. This year we decided to take the 285 around Atlanta instead of going right through it. That proved to be a wise choice. Not that we weren’t up for the challenge, you know me I’m always up for an experience. We have driven through Atlanta twice before and really didn’t care for it or should I say the drivers. Going around is maybe 10 miles longer but proves faster since there are no slowdowns.
People always ask me where I stop for diesel. Most RVers know that you just can’t pull into any gas station but non RVers don’t realize this. I usually hit the Flying J’s or Pilots. Where ever I see transport trucks getting diesel that’s where I can go. Then you have to watch the drivers pulling into the station as you’re pulling out because you know they are going to cut you off as they jockey for position to get gas. Sure enough Susan just got the words out of her mouth and someone cut me off. People, do you not realize I’m bigger than you are! Obviously not! Anyway we are back on the road again no harm no foul.
This trip home we are living dangerously. Why! Well, we decided not to make any reservations ahead of time just in case we wanted to travel at little further. Generally our rule of thumb on travel days is around 300 miles give or take. Our destination Harvest Moon RV Park is just over that mark. We have been here before and I have blogged/scooped on this campground so I won’t bore you again. I will say that nothing has changed since we were here last. We chose a pull-thru with 50 amp. Cable and Wi-Fi is included in the price which had a Good Sam’s discount. Cable worked great, Wi-Fi not at all. All in all a great park about a mile from the highway. We would definitely stay here again.
Our days drive was pretty much unremarkable. This year we decided to take the 285 around Atlanta instead of going right through it. That proved to be a wise choice. Not that we weren’t up for the challenge, you know me I’m always up for an experience. We have driven through Atlanta twice before and really didn’t care for it or should I say the drivers. Going around is maybe 10 miles longer but proves faster since there are no slowdowns.
People always ask me where I stop for diesel. Most RVers know that you just can’t pull into any gas station but non RVers don’t realize this. I usually hit the Flying J’s or Pilots. Where ever I see transport trucks getting diesel that’s where I can go. Then you have to watch the drivers pulling into the station as you’re pulling out because you know they are going to cut you off as they jockey for position to get gas. Sure enough Susan just got the words out of her mouth and someone cut me off. People, do you not realize I’m bigger than you are! Obviously not! Anyway we are back on the road again no harm no foul.
This trip home we are living dangerously. Why! Well, we decided not to make any reservations ahead of time just in case we wanted to travel at little further. Generally our rule of thumb on travel days is around 300 miles give or take. Our destination Harvest Moon RV Park is just over that mark. We have been here before and I have blogged/scooped on this campground so I won’t bore you again. I will say that nothing has changed since we were here last. We chose a pull-thru with 50 amp. Cable and Wi-Fi is included in the price which had a Good Sam’s discount. Cable worked great, Wi-Fi not at all. All in all a great park about a mile from the highway. We would definitely stay here again.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
RV Park Scoop-River Park RV Park, Valdosta Georgia
Our next overnight destination was River Park RV Park in Valdosta, Georgia. Here is my review or scoop on the park. The park is just off 1-75 at exit 18 in Valdosta, Georgia. I chose this park because of its easy off easy on access to the highway. I hate venturing miles and miles away from the highway for just an overnight stop. Many KOA parks are like that and I guess that’s why we don’t stay at them.
We called ahead to make sure they had a site and sure enough they did. However, the woman was unsure as to where she was going to put us. Upon arrival the park looked virtually empty. Not sure what she was thinking. Oh well, she was not the most friendly person on the block. She gave me the entire rundown of do’s and don’ts which took a good 5 minutes. I almost felt like asking “can I go now”.
All interior roads are paved and in great shape. The sites are all paved but very very narrow. It was tough trying to get all four tires of the rig on the site. One side was on the other was off and sloping downhill. It took a few tries but we finally got it. We also had the only site with overhanging tree limbs. What a pain….
All services (water, electric 30/50 amp, and sewer) were within easy reach of the rig. Cable TV was provided at no extra cost and worked great. I think we got close to 65 cable stations. The park also provided free Wi-Fi and I have to admit it was the best park internet I have seen.
After we set up I went for a walk around the park. This is not a destination park although there seems to be a lot of permanent people here from out-of-state. At the back of the park is a large pooch park and the only bathroom/laundry room. The laundry room was clean as was the bathroom and shower area. The scary thing about the bathroom was the rat running along the floor when I walked in. Not good!
The park was very clean with lots of tree. Of course like every park their are trailers and then their are trailers.
Because the park was close to the I-75 there was a lot of traffic noise. It did quieten down much later at night. Would I stay here again, probably! In saying that, there are other parks just north of Valdosta that look as good.
We called ahead to make sure they had a site and sure enough they did. However, the woman was unsure as to where she was going to put us. Upon arrival the park looked virtually empty. Not sure what she was thinking. Oh well, she was not the most friendly person on the block. She gave me the entire rundown of do’s and don’ts which took a good 5 minutes. I almost felt like asking “can I go now”.
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| The Office |
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| Our site...with overhanging branches |
After we set up I went for a walk around the park. This is not a destination park although there seems to be a lot of permanent people here from out-of-state. At the back of the park is a large pooch park and the only bathroom/laundry room. The laundry room was clean as was the bathroom and shower area. The scary thing about the bathroom was the rat running along the floor when I walked in. Not good!
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| Pooch Park...I-75 in the background |
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| Laundry Room |
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| Bathrooms/showers..rat included |
The park was very clean with lots of tree. Of course like every park their are trailers and then their are trailers.
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| Hard times |
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| Pretty park |
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| Nice gardens |
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
On The Road Home
Yes, we are on the road again but this time we are travelling north, way north. No, not the North Pole north. Although, after this past winter people back home are sure saying it felt like the North Pole. Yes you guessed it, we are homeward bound via the I-75. After saying goodbye to our friends, down the road we went, knowing we won’t be back here for at least 4 years.
Our first destination we decided would be Myakka River State Park which is only 100 miles up the road. We left Bonita Springs at 10 am and it was already 84 F. It should have been only a 1-1/2 drive but of course there was a traffic accident. It did not look all to bad just lots of bent fenders. We arrived and it was the fastest check in I have every done at any park. The dogs barely had a chance to get out of the truck to do their business.
After we got all set up and had some lunch I went out exploring. This park is like home to me since we have been here so many times. I’m not going to bore you with things I have already written about. Instead I will find something interesting. When I was out exploring the wind really picked up and there were a few rain drops. I found out later that several tornadoes and some severe weather passed through just north of us, in the St Pete’s, Tampa area. How lucky not to be driving through that.
We opted to stay in Myakka for 2 nights so I was up at the crack of dawn and out the door to explore Myakka. My first stop was the bird walk. Not much happening out there. I did see a mating pair of Sandhill Cranes with their young one. Also a wild turkey strutting his stuff. I made my way to the Myakka Trading Post where shorebirds and gators always hang out at the weir.
I called it a short day since it was soooooooo hot all the birds, gators, and wildlife disappeared. I did see this lone deer going to walk across the road. Even it was hot, it was panting.
Our next stop will be Georgia.
Our first destination we decided would be Myakka River State Park which is only 100 miles up the road. We left Bonita Springs at 10 am and it was already 84 F. It should have been only a 1-1/2 drive but of course there was a traffic accident. It did not look all to bad just lots of bent fenders. We arrived and it was the fastest check in I have every done at any park. The dogs barely had a chance to get out of the truck to do their business.
After we got all set up and had some lunch I went out exploring. This park is like home to me since we have been here so many times. I’m not going to bore you with things I have already written about. Instead I will find something interesting. When I was out exploring the wind really picked up and there were a few rain drops. I found out later that several tornadoes and some severe weather passed through just north of us, in the St Pete’s, Tampa area. How lucky not to be driving through that.
We opted to stay in Myakka for 2 nights so I was up at the crack of dawn and out the door to explore Myakka. My first stop was the bird walk. Not much happening out there. I did see a mating pair of Sandhill Cranes with their young one. Also a wild turkey strutting his stuff. I made my way to the Myakka Trading Post where shorebirds and gators always hang out at the weir.
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| A young Sandhill Crane |
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| A male turkey strutting his stuff for the female |
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| A Dowitcher unsure whether its a long or short billed |
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| It was really hot |
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