Hi everyone. Time to get thinking about the 2009 camping year. Is anyone interested in camping in January, February and March? If so where do you want to go. I like electric and a shower house for winter camping. Post where you want to go with the group and where you are going if you would like company. :)
January Worlds End SP 1/23 to the 25th
March
April 10th weekend - Easter - ???
April 17th weekend -Tracy's Birthday Bash at French Creek State park, PA
this trip will include at least one meal at Shady Maple Buffet.:D
May First weekend, RB Winter SP, Pa
June 13th tlhdoc will be camping at Assateague Island Sunday to Friday
June 25th weekend, Watkins Glen SP, NY PUX rally
July 2009 Eastern Rally - July 12 to 17 - Yogi at Shangra-la on the Creek campground, near Lewisburg, PA
July 23th to the 31 Blackwoods Campground, Acadia NP, Maine
August
September 4 to the 7th tlhdoc will be camping at RB Winter SP, PA
September 25th weekend - Fall Rally Locust Lake SP, PA
October 9th weekend (Columbus Day weekend) -
October 24th weekend - RB Winter SP (at least 3 of us are camping there that weekend)
November
December
Hello there. Well, I know we will definately be in for the Fall Rally. My suggestion would be either Locust Lake again ( I would grab the same site again ) or french creek ( now one of my favorite campgrounds ). It seems like Locust Lake is the more central location for everyone so I guess I would vote for that unless people want to change.
As for Lake in Wood, that sounds great to me. It has been years since I have been there.
For the others, not sure yet. With tyler crossing over into the Boy Scout Troop, I will not know dates on that until most likely around March/April.
I would be interested in a cool weather camping trip in Jan-March.
Hope everyone is doing well and look forward to seeing everyone soon.
Scott if you contact the troop Scoutmaster he might be able to give you some ideas on what the troop will be doing. Any suggestions on where to camp this winter? Pine Grove? French Creek? any knew places open all year with electric?:)
I like the state parks better than the private campgrounds. Just my 2 cents.
Quote from: my toysI like the state parks better than the private campgrounds. Just my 2 cents.
Your 2 cents is more then I have ( no cents ). Actually, I am usually the same way. An occasional private but most of the time state parks. I am checking into another one that is closer to you and Tracy. Once I get the name, I am going to check it out.
Tracy, I am most likely going to be the one to motivate them to plan more in advance as compared to usual. Will see.
lake-in-wood and French Creek sound good to me..they are relatively close as far as camping with the group is concerned.
Hickory Run SP and Locust lake are good too.
For my birthday trip, if we don't go to Lake in Wood, where do you want to go?:)
Quote from: tlhdocFor my birthday trip, if we don't go to Lake in Wood, where do you want to go?:)
New Hampshire.
JUST KIDDING :D !!!
Scott emailed me about going to Codorus SP in PA. I was there along with a few from the group last October and would like to go back. When would anyone like to go there? I do remember a nice restaurant with very, very good ice cream.:D
Quote from: HargusNew Hampshire.
JUST KIDDING :D !!!
Sorry but I was just there last year. Great state however!
Quote from: tlhdocFor my birthday trip, if we don't go to Lake in Wood, where do you want to go?:)
I would be willing. Let me know.
Well, considering the drop in fuel prices, we've been talking about scheduling in a 2 to 3 week trip to Yellowstone/Teton. Seems to be the year to do it, so long as fuel prices remain low. Anyone interested in going along?
Quote from: dthurkWell, considering the drop in fuel prices, we've been talking about scheduling in a 2 to 3 week trip to Yellowstone/Teton. Seems to be the year to do it, so long as fuel prices remain low. Anyone interested in going along?
I would love to but most likely we will be doing this in about 2 years going cross country in 3 weeks.
Tracy, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your and all of the COTOC group.
We're talking about a possible weekend at Twin Grove KOA for the weekend of February 14th. We need to get a February trip in to get one in every month for a year.
Quote from: dthurkWell, considering the drop in fuel prices, we've been talking about scheduling in a 2 to 3 week trip to Yellowstone/Teton. Seems to be the year to do it, so long as fuel prices remain low. Anyone interested in going along?
Do not think I could get that kinda time off and not so sure I would want to tow that far unless I had at the very least a month to do it in. This is something I am saving for my retirement...Oct 31, 2010 or Oct 31 2015...
Quote from: banjorulesTracy, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your and all of the COTOC group.
We're talking about a possible weekend at Twin Grove KOA for the weekend of February 14th. We need to get a February trip in to get one in every month for a year.
Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving, give my regards to the group.
Brave brave people towing in the winter...I am a fairweather camper/towwer.
Quote from: dthurkWell, considering the drop in fuel prices, we've been talking about scheduling in a 2 to 3 week trip to Yellowstone/Teton. Seems to be the year to do it, so long as fuel prices remain low. Anyone interested in going along?
Dave I would love to go, but I have already picked my vacation time for next year. :(
Quote from: banjorulesTracy, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your and all of the COTOC group.
We're talking about a possible weekend at Twin Grove KOA for the weekend of February 14th. We need to get a February trip in to get one in every month for a year.
Bruce I would love to go then. Let me know if you decide to go. I have a four day weekend, that weekend. Are you still planning on camping over New Years? If so I will try to get the 2nd of January off.:)
Chris snuck our popup back into the garage over Thanksgiving weekend so I guess we're all done with camping until the spring. Good news is he got the snowblower all ready to go, so maybe we'll be snow free for awhile. Usually, it's AFTER the snowstorm hits when he realizes he needs to get things moving.
Have fun you guys who are still camping. I'm constantly 'readjusting" the heat thermostat after Chris walks out of the room so I can't imagine camping in the winter. But then again, I get cold just walking out to get the mail ;) . So glad it's basketball season - games are played INSIDE. Kels has some soccer friends who are playing in a tournament this weekend IN THE SNOW. I remember some of those games and don't miss that one bit.
Oops, I just looked out and see the snow has begun... Think I'll go make some hot chocolate and watch Miracle on 34th Street.
Quote from: DiWChris snuck our popup back into the garage over Thanksgiving weekend so I guess we're all done with camping until the spring.
Di if Chris didn't put the camper in the garage were you planning/thinking of going camping again this year???
Well, My "look on the bright side" back up plan if a layoff should happen is "Let's go somewhere". Yes Tracy. It would have to be somewhere warm, you know me well. And if he should be out of work, camping will be the only trip within our budget. But, I will just hope for the best. He has been down'sized twice already, and seeing all these layoffs, it's a bit scary...
Quote from: DiWseeing all these layoffs, it's a bit scary...
I think "scary" is a good way to describe all these layoffs and them some.
We're looking forward to hopefully seeing everyone next season on some trip.
Somewhere warm of course...Di.
Quote from: DiWWell, My "look on the bright side" back up plan if a layoff should happen is "Let's go somewhere". Yes Tracy. It would have to be somewhere warm, you know me well. And if he should be out of work, camping will be the only trip within our budget. But, I will just hope for the best. He has been down'sized twice already, and seeing all these layoffs, it's a bit scary...
Di I hope Chris keeps his job. With K's sports you won't be able to go on a trip, would you?
Well, HS bball season just began but there is a window for a trip when it ends around the end of Feb - since technically she doesn't play a spring sport (just club soccer). She WILL be sitting it out for awhile when bball ends to give her back a break. She's been having trouble since fall of '07. We repeatedly took her to doctors and they kept telling us she was ok (xrays and bone scan were ok), said she just needed physical therapy and occasionally muscle relaxants. I kept pushing and finally got a different doctor to do MRIs. As I expected, he found problems with 2 lumbar vertebrae and disks. Luckily, they ruled out spinal cord stuff like Jason has (or she was facing giving up sports totally). Kels took a month off (for the most part) as soon as HS soccer ended and she is really just getting back into the swing of things. But the ortho said she could play bball (gave the ok the night before Thanksgiving and tryouts were the morning after)...
I'm hoping springtime will allow for some camping. Her club soccer team isn't as demanding, time-wise, as HS sports. Most of the girls are involved in other sports so it's somewhat flexible, although this year many of the girls (who are a year older than Kels) will be pushing to enter college recruitment tournaments.
So, I actually booked a camping trip for August. I was so excited to have a trip planned. And then before I got the credit card bill, we got a call that Chris' niece is getting married in Boston and to save that weekend. Aarrgh. It is so difficult to plan ahead...
Quote from: tlhdocScott emailed me about going to Codorus SP in PA. I was there along with a few from the group last October and would like to go back. When would anyone like to go there? I do remember a nice restaurant with very, very good ice cream.:D
Codorus SP sounds like a good trip, close to Gettysburg...love that place. Trip there in the early spring would be great, I'll keep and eye out for any posts about it.
Rich and Barb
Oh Yeah....Dexter too
Quote from: DiWChris' niece is getting married in Boston and to save that weekend. Aarrgh. It is so difficult to plan ahead...
Diane, Let me know if you need any local tips or suggestions when your planning your Boston trip.
Mike
Thanks Mike. I was told they would be reserving a block of rooms so I think the hotel will be decided for us, but I'd like to "stay and play" if the timing works out ok. They're going to get married at the Museum of Science, overlooking the river. They had been contemplating the Cape, where my MIL lives. Will try to fit in some time there as well, if I can arrange things for Kels. HS soccer will be going full swing then and I still won't leave her home alone (have to maintain the same rules the other kids had, haha). Gets so much easier once they hit 18 and go off to college. In the meantime, I play meanie.
Quote from: DiWI think the hotel will be decided for us, but I'd like to "stay and play" if the timing works out ok. .
Diane, I wasn't sure how familar you & Chris were with the area. That sounds interesting at the museum, you might end up staying in Cambridge or there abouts. I sympathize with the scheduling we're "only" on basketball, cub scouts and before and after school events. Keep me in mind if you think your going to get lost or looking local. I mentioned to Tracy we were hoping to get together for camping at some point this summer.
Quote from: DiWChris snuck our popup back into the garage over Thanksgiving weekend so I guess we're all done with camping until the spring. Good news is he got the snowblower all ready to go, so maybe we'll be snow free for awhile. Usually, it's AFTER the snowstorm hits when he realizes he needs to get things moving.
How does one sneak a camper in the garage???? Christmas day Raymond ahd Shannon (my second oldest son) get the snow thrower out of the shed, they put fresh gas in it and started it, then put it near the door where I could get it out.
Out May 31 Wedding cruise has been canceled, seems too many of the Chicago contingent of her family had more important things to do that week than go to the Bahamas...like senior proms...so they are looking at places to have it locally.
That means the first week of June is freed up, we traded off the first week of Feb, where Lord willing, we will board a plane and go to Vega...cheaper than driving to Norfolk and boarding a Carnaval Cruise for 6 days.
I intend to do a weekend this spring at Holly Lakes in the Transient Section. We had Kyrian today and took a drive (the house IS NOT 2 year old proofed), and ended up at the petting zoo part of Holly lakes, We did not bring our cameras, but I want to camp there with Kyrian and possiby Ryan, the other 2 year old granson, and of course Raymond (to help me chase the 2 two year olds and give me a break to do peronal things, unless of course Tracy or anyone else wants to come along and give me short breaks a couple times during the weekend. We WILL take the camera and watch the two year old (s) interact with the goats and pot bellied pigs. The transient area is adjacent to the petting zoo...
Paula where is Holly Lakes?
In Delaware between Millsboro and Lewes.
The Seasonal section is really tight when we stayed there a couple summers ago, the natives were riendly, but park models encroached.
When I go I will stay in the transient section, if only to be by the animals, with the kid(s). The sites are grassy up their, it is near the store-resturaunt (not as nice as Pine Groves's) and away from all the people. Almost like a seperate campground.
We actually missed it when we went Saturday. I knew it was near the golf course, but I was impressed by the sky bridge they had built at the golf course and was not paying attention...until I drove into Lewes area.
The restroom in the tranisent section is newer. And it is near the dump station (these are water/electric only, full hookups are in the seasonal section)
I am not sure what weekend we are going.
Hey Boys and Girls!
Howdy from Kansas. Was just checking to see what I was missing this year.
How about everyone planning a camping trip to the Ozarks in Missiouri? Come on....it would be fun. How was the November campout without me. Weather has been frickin cold with an unrelenting wind. I miss my PA where the wind only blows in a storm. Missing you guys and our great times and adventures. I really am serious about Missouri, Beckie, you could get a sticker for your camper map. Am checking out the Mid west groups, there are some postings from the KC area, will contact them. Have a great camping season, and let me know all about your trips.
Sara
Sara it is good to hear from you. Without you there isn't a first week in November camping trip.:(
Anybody for Greenbelt NP Columbus Day Weekend???
No DC camping stickers as this is in MD just inside the beltway and a about a mile +/- from the Metro into DC. AND has HOT showers. no electricity on the sites and no water on the sites.
IF I can get Raymond on board for Easter Weekend plus a couple/three extra days...I was thinking about camping in Franklin NC...my aging aunt lives there and I rarely see her. Beautiful area there (south of Cherokee NC). Rates are from $24/night some $28/night...motels are better than twice that.
Have been considering Greenbelt, but not for Columbus Day. Would like to try sometime in August. Been dying to hear the US Marine Band play. They're on the Capitol steps on Wednesdays and at the Washington Monument on Thursdays. This is only during the summer months. How about August, Paula?
I would like to camp at Greenbelt, but not in August. If I were to go to Washington in August I would want electric to be able to sleep well at night.:)
We've camped at Pohick Bay Regional Park while in Washington. That would work nicely for whatever hookups you might want. We have 40 free nights at Gettysburg Camping Resort as a result of picking up our new (to us) camper. We might just try staying there and driving into Washington. Another option for us to consider, at least. I still want to hear the US Marine Band.
Dave I would recommend driving partway and taking the train/subway into Washington. :)
Quote from: tlhdocDave I would recommend driving partway and taking the train/subway into Washington. :)
Thanks for the tip! That's usually what we do. I think I've only driving in Dc once on a Sunday morning. No traffic at all and there were empty parking spots! We're often looking for a metro station, then subway in. Pohick Bay's our normal spot, there's a subway station within a few miles. I think Greenbelt's got one nearby. If we were coming in from Gettysburg, we'd need to find a park and ride metro station. They have quite a few of them in the outlying areas.
That is what we did one trip to Gettysburg. :)
Well, I will chime in here:
I am camping at Black Moshannon State Park May 15-17 to start the season.
I will then spend my Birthday of June 19-21 back at Black Moshannon State Park.
July 4th weekend we will be at Prince Gallitzin State Park.
July 17th weekend we will be at Knoebel's Grove Campground.
July 31st weekend we will be back at Prince Gallitzin State Park.
I would love company if anyone has a free weekend and wants to make some reservations for one of these weekends!
Welcome to COTOC! If you are interested in camping with a group, the Eastern PU Rally is going on when you are camping at Knoebels. You are welcome to join us at the rally. We will be going to Knoebels during the trip. You are also welcome to join us on any other trips.:)
Quote from: kiteriWell, I will chime in here:
I am camping at Black Moshannon State Park May 15-17 to start the season.
I will then spend my Birthday of June 19-21 back at Black Moshannon State Park.
July 4th weekend we will be at Prince Gallitzin State Park.
July 17th weekend we will be at Knoebel's Grove Campground.
July 31st weekend we will be back at Prince Gallitzin State Park.
I would love company if anyone has a free weekend and wants to make some reservations for one of these weekends!
I have not camped at Prince Gallitzin or Black Moshannon. Are you familiar with the campgrounds? If so are there any "private" sites that you could recomend?
Quote from: tlhdocI have not camped at Prince Gallitzin or Black Moshannon. Are you familiar with the campgrounds? If so are there any "private" sites that you could recomend?
I am familiar with both campgrounds!
Prince Gallitzin is huge and some of the loops can be a little crowded. I don't mind this so much because I have young kids that want to socialize. I also LOVE the Maple loop because the swimming area is right there. I don't have to drive them to the beach or walk 2 miles to get to the beach.
The most private sites (with electricity) are those in the back of the Red Oak Loop 112- 124.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/princegallitzin/princegallitzin_camp_pdf.pdfBlack Moshannon is small, and less crowded in general. If you want as much privacy as possible sites 34 & 37 are your best bet.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/blackmoshannon/blackmoshannon_camp.pdfI personally prefer the lower loop from 62-70 because the kids play all kinds of games on the cul de sac and we are closest to the long walk to the beach.
If you ever want to take a day trip to "check things out" you can come during one of my camping trips and I will show you around. (since you live in central PA)
I am at Black Moshannon May 15-17 and May 18-21. I am at Prince Gallitzin July 2-5 and July 30 - August 2. If you just want to walk aroudn Prince Gallitzin though, I am two miles away and we could work something out.
Quote from: tlhdocWelcome to COTOC! If you are interested in camping with a group, the Eastern PU Rally is going on when you are camping at Knoebels. You are welcome to join us at the rally. We will be going to Knoebels during the trip. You are also welcome to join us on any other trips.:)
Yeah, your rally is actually ending the 17th which is when I am starting my trip. :(
I don't have much vacation this year because I am fairly new at my job, but I thought about trying to start my trip a day early and pop a visit in at Shangri La at the tail end of your rally. The campground has a two night minimum though... and I would really only be able to stay for one night (darn that limited vacation!)
I have been on a waiting list for two years to get a site at Knoebels so I don't want to miss that either.
Anyone got room for a small dome tent on their site for one night :p
Quote from: kiteriYeah, your rally is actually ending the 17th which is when I am starting my trip. :(
I don't have much vacation this year because I am fairly new at my job, but I thought about trying to start my trip a day early and pop a visit in at Shangri La at the tail end of your rally. The campground has a two night minimum though... and I would really only be able to stay for one night (darn that limited vacation!)
I have been on a waiting list for two years to get a site at Knoebels so I don't want to miss that either.
Anyone got room for a small dome tent on their site for one night :p
The offical rally ends on the 17th, but most of us are staying until Sunday the 19th. :)
Quote from: kiteriIf you ever want to take a day trip to "check things out" you can come during one of my camping trips and I will show you around. (since you live in central PA)
I am at Black Moshannon May 15-17 and May 18-21. I am at Prince Gallitzin July 2-5 and July 30 - August 2. If you just want to walk aroudn Prince Gallitzin though, I am two miles away and we could work something out.
I am thinking about making a day trip out to see the parks, and to stop by the Creamery at PSU on the way. When do you have days off?
Quote from: tlhdocI am thinking about making a day trip out to see the parks, and to stop by the Creamery at PSU on the way. When do you have days off?
Pop-up Portal is having a Spring rally at Black Moshannon May 15-17. So far got 7 to go. I would be going but got my own rally that same weekend at James River State Park in Virginia. Here is a link for the rally in Pa.
Black Moshannon State Park wild in Pa Rally here is the link for the Virginia Rally
Virginia Spring Pop-up Portal Rally
Quote from: hvac1877Pop-up Portal is having a Spring rally at Black Moshannon May 15-17. So far got 7 to go. I would be going but got my own rally that same weekend at James River State Park in Virginia. Here is a link for the rally in Pa.
Black Moshannon State Park wild in Pa Rally
here is the link for the Virginia Rally
Virginia Spring Pop-up Portal Rally
hvac thank you for letting us know. Have a good trip.:)