From Georgia to Texas spreading knowledge
We traveled to Glen Rose Texas to teach RV Basic Training to Girl Campers
We are on the move again, after a lovely week in one place. Here is a journal of the stops we made to get to Glen Rose Texas from Perry Georgia, and what we did while we were in Glen Rose.
Perry Georgia - the FRVA Convention
We had a great time in Perry Georgia at the 110th International FRVA (Family RV Association) Convention. The convention was pirate themed, so you know we took full advantage of getting to dress up! Unfortunately, we never thought to take a photo together, but Tony got a picture of me in my pirate outfit. We taught three seminars, attended several seminars, ate donuts, listened to music, and had a wonderful time.
When the convention was over, we high-tailed it to Texas.
We make good use of our Harvest Hosts membership
The first night between Perry and Glen Rose, Texas found us overnighting at a Harvest Host site in Toomsuba, Mississippi. The Simmons-Wright Company has operated as a general store since 1884! We arrived on Sunday, and they weren’t open but the instructions said to park, then check in in the morning. We did just that, spent a nice night in a quiet lot, and in the morning we went inside when they opened. It was a fascinating general store, selling everything from home-baked cookies to food to dishes to every manner of antiques. We ordered breakfast and chatted with the owner while he stoked the potbelly stove to chase away the chill. I wandered the aisles captivated by the selection of wares. Tony checked out the upstairs, but I decided to keep my knee happy and stay off the staircase.
We had a good home-cooked breakfast. We were thrilled that grits were a side dish choice; that’s not true everywhere! We chatted with the other patron that came in to eat, and the cook. It was such a nice visit. We don’t seem to slow down often and when we do it’s so refreshing.
We decided to give a Waffle House another try. I was pretty disappointed the first time, and it wasn’t too much better this time. I keep hoping Waffle House will serve - well - waffles all over the menu. Sadly, there is only one waffle breakfast. The side dish for sandwiches is hash browns, which are among my least favorite potato dish. So, I can say I’ve tried and now I am done trying. I don’t like Waffle House.
Kampgrounds of America
The second night, we decided to splurge on a KOA campground. We had plenty of power, of course, but water and waste tanks are always on our minds. We could have filled our water tank with our Wolverine Tuff Bottles, but we were driving long days and really wanted to make it an easy night. We stopped just west of Shreveport Louisiana. It was a fine site, and they were very nice. We were camped right next to a big alligator - statue. Teehee.
Redbuds
The redbud trees have been blooming all along our travels. I notice they are typically really early bloomers, and set off springtime with their gorgeous flowers. I try to snap photos while we fly down the highway, but don’t get much worth saving. I saw a nice one in the sunset at the campground.
Oakdale RV Resort
On the third day, we knew we could make it to our weekend destination, so we called the campground and made sure they could accommodate our early arrival. We would be teaching RV Basic Training Camp to a group of women through Girl Camper. When we teach in association with Girl Camper, it’s called Camper College. The students were scheduled to arrive on Thursday, so we had a couple of days to get caught up with work, laundry, and a little bit of relaxing.
Oakdale RV Park is really a nice place for gatherings. They have lots of campsites, and several indoor gathering spaces for groups of any size. We got to use The Hangout for the weekend, which was really close to our campsite. Tony wrote more about Oakdale RV Resort, which you can read here.
Girl Camper College
On Thursday we finished up the laundry, and were ready as the ladies began arriving. We offered help with setting up to those who needed it. The Girl Camper Guide, and our event hostess, Christy, arrived and prepared a nice dinner of hot dogs, beans, and potato salad. We all got to introduce ourselves and talk about our camping experience.
We had two full days of classes. My favorite part of StressLess Camping is speaking at a n RV Training course or a seminar, and seeing eyes light up when they gain understanding or confidence to make their own RV experience more StressLess. I did get to experience this a couple times this weekend. My heart is happy.
Playing catch-up
After the Girl Campers left on Sunday, we stuck around for a couple more days. We got the podcast ready and I took walks around the park.
Exploration
We intended to get into town, and to Dinosaur Valley State Park, but we did not manage that much movement Sunday or Monday. So Tuesday morning, we packed up the Mini Lite, and headed to the State Park. Tony tells more about that, here.
When we finished our State Park visit, we were hungry. Tony had been wanting to try the biscuits and gravy he heard about at The Big Cup EateryThe Big Cup Eatery in Glen Rosein Glen Rose. They did not disappoint! The biscuit was huge and the rest of his breakfast was very enjoyable. I got a tortilla burger with seasoned fries, and it was super tasty.
Short Road Trip
Stuffed to the gills from our meal at Big Cup Eatery, we headed to our next camp spot. We didn’t go far, only about 100 miles, right through the middle of Dallas. We had stayed at Lavon Lake last spring, and enjoyed our stay. I found another portion of the state park campgrounds and we decided to try a different view of the lake. When we arrived, the nice lady helped us choose a site with a view and we got settled.
We weathered a really loud storm that night, and in the morning we worked inside while the rain came and went. I not only caught up on our journal, but also looked at possible routes for the next leg of our trip. I did have a great view of Lavon Lake while I worked!
Short Road Trip
Stuffed to the gills from our meal at Big Cup Eatery, we headed to our next camp spot. We didn’t go far, only about 100 miles, right through the middle of Dallas. We had stayed at Lavon Lake last spring, and enjoyed our stay. I found another portion of the state park campgrounds and we decided to try a different view of the lake. When we arrived, the nice lady helped us choose a site with a view and we got settled.
We weathered a really loud storm that night, and in the morning we worked inside while the rain came and went. I not only caught up on our journal, but also looked at possible routes for the next leg of our trip. I did have a great view of Lavon Lake while I worked!
