It’s been a long time since we have been to one of our favorite Ohio State Parks on Lake Erie – Maumee Bay. What better time to revisit this “great” lake-side park than just as fall is emerging. We arrived to see that we were headquartered in the loop that we had occupied with TABs and Rpods, over 7 years ago. This time the rally was the annual Anniversary Rally hosted by Loren and Mike St. Peter with an anticipated 16 camping units to arrive. The thing I love about this campground is that every campsite is carved out of the low-growing wild hedges and shrubs, giving each a complete sense or privacy. At the back of the site, sometimes a little pathway/tunnel is mowed to connect the campsites, but the impression is always that you are alone in the campground. Here we are in our little private oasis. One one side of us were Doug and Terry in their new-to-them 1950 Spartan trailer. Every inch of the inside and outside was revamped and modernized . . . It received an A+ on my home-worthy index. Across from us were Terry and Sue, reliving some memories from past years. They had recently traded for a new 28' Airstream that was not off the production line yet, and they gamely joined the rally with cots and coolers and lights and heaters . . . in this big tent: We went to bed that night expecting rain to move through during the night. Just as the rain began at about 8:00, John and Suzie pulled in, and Tom and I reported to their campsite to guide them in by flashlight. Meanwhile, back at the tent, Sue and Terry found that through 10 years of storage, the tent was no longer waterproof! We heard all about that the next morning! The rain washed through in the middle of the night and Tom was up with a morning campfire burning at 7:00. The plan was to visit the Toledo Glass Pavilion, an off-shoot of the Toledo Museum of Art. The Pavilion itself is built of over 360 panels of glass -- many of them curved -- and just seeing the facility was a delight. Inside the Hot Spot, we watched as a guest artist fashioned . . . tumors! It wasn't until later, when Tom and Terry returned to listen to her evening lecture, that the rest of the story came out. Her sister had a facial tumor that caused people to stare, and now she makes tumors as a part of her art form -- designed to make people feel uncomfortable. And stare. Tom and Terry learned a lot more about her various art media and subjects -- a lot of them sexual and almost pornographic in nature. Enough said. The rest of the glass displays were very traditional in nature, with beautiful vases, bowls, plates, and other glass objects! That little tour took us right up until lunch, and just a short drive away was Tony Packo's -- made famous by MASH. Mostly a hot dog and chili joint, for us it was all about those wonderful old MASH television episodes. It is an election year, and Tom has been (like many people) a little mystified about what to do about voting. I bought him this shirt at Tony Packo's; not exactly sure what it means, but it did seem appropriate. We returned to the campground to find that lots of people had moved in since we left. Here are some of the faces that joined us for an evening dinner gathering. A campfire ended earlier for some than for others. We haven't followed daylight-savings time yet, and the dark came pretty early! Before heading for bed, though, we made plans to tour some local historical venues on Friday! Breakfast was pancakes on the griddle provided by our hosts-- but Tom and I were up and ready for breakfast before the griddle was hot! We resorted to our own breakfast -- not too shabby! Friday's tour plan included two historical reviews; one from the French & Indian Wars and another from the war of 1812. Fallen Timbers was our first stop. Fallen Timbers was a quick walk-around battlefield. The victory by General Anthony Wayne's troops fully open up the Northwest Territories to the settlers who were always moving west.
We stopped for a late fast-food lunch and a shopping trip through a very large Field & Stream outdoor store before returning to the campground. There was just enough time to enjoy a nap session in the sunshine and a walk around the campground to view all 16 of the attendees, including the newest arrivals. Supper was a beans and wienies dinner with lots of contributions, and a fire took us into the evening. Next door Rob worked on his chili for the competition cook-off. Real men make their chili outside over the open fire. In a Dutch oven. Hanging from a tripod! Later in the morning people gathered at our host's campsite for chili judging and a goodie raffle. There were 9 chili entries, and the chili that Tom and I both voted for in a blind taste-taste -- won! It was made by Suzie, and was a family favorite recipe with beer, wine, and other hard sprits. . . what is not to like! Early afternoon Tom and I headed for a walk around the beautiful lodge; we had hoped to hike the nature trail, but as a part of the birding trail, dogs were not allowed. But the lodge was spread out giving a nice long walk, with the back side bordering the lake. The rally was winding down, with one last grand gathering for the traditional potluck dinner. The fire circle thinned out early as the cold moved in -- and there was also the Ohio State Buckeye evening game that made the Airstream seem cozy and inviting! A great game is one that comes right down to the last play -- and this game was a GREAT GAME! Tom and I headed out early in the morning with a stop at a Waffle House for the traditional brunch. It had been a wonderful campout with a beautiful introduction to true fall camping -- with leaf changes and cold nights.
3 Comments
Suzie
10/23/2016 04:53:24 pm
Ella, we agree about the campground, it has turned into one of our favorites as well. What a grand weekend, and not just because my dad's chili won ;) I love reading your replay of your travels! See you in December!!!
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Earl Alderson
11/15/2016 07:59:37 am
Hi, I noticed you guys went from a T@b to an Airstream. We have a T@b and are thinking of going with a 16ft Airstream. Where you happy with your change. Thanks Earl
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11/17/2016 05:27:34 am
Earl - we loved everything about the Bambi -- I was ready for that bathroom! We missed the very big bed in our TAB and the ease of towing it -- but we have become avid Airstream fans. Just this year traded the 16' for a 23' as Tom is now retired and we spend longer times on vacation -- Alaska next summer! We loved the TAB (camped in it for 8 years!) but have never regretted the change.
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October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |