Wed April 14 None of the early camping trips that we had hoped for during the last month materialized, and we were anxious to head out of the driveway this morning for our first rally of the season. Tom planned this rally at Hocking Hills State Park –“Spring is in the AIRstream.” Cooler weather has moved in this week, but highs in the upper 50s/lower 60s are acceptable, and rain is not predicted. Our two little travel pals, supervising from the back of the sofa, knew that something was up as we carried last minute supplies to the Silvermine. At 9:00 we waved goodbye; our first destination was Pastime Park in Dublin, OH. The drive was delicious with budding and flowering trees and the light green that means spring is fully here. Pastime Park has large open areas of lush grass where we walked the dogs and let them run free a bit. We searched out a Chipotle for lunch, and then ran a few errands – making a quick stop at a friend’s house. Back at the camper we sat outside and enjoyed reading and naps in strong sunshine and 64 degrees. We ate dinner at a Beer Barrell enjoying the liberty of emerging from Covid restraints Thursday, April 15 With a mid-morning departure and only 80 miles to drive, we arrived at Old Man’s Cave before noon. Two airstreams were already installed, and we pulled in and added to the line-up. All afternoon there were new arrivals and everyone was busy establishing a home base for the next 4 days. One arrival presented a problem with a very bent and broken hitch. The pro-pride hitch was completely removed and the plan was to go to Walmart, buy a standard ball hitch, and install it this weekend. By happy-hour we had 9 Airstreams present and in full camping mode. At 6:00 we gathered in low 40ish degree weather with three bio-lite fire pits and ate a taco feast. Tom issued a welcome and called on each present NOVA officer to speak. We had a great presentation of upcoming rallies, and things quickly broke up as people hustled to the warmth of the Airstreams. Friday April 16 Morning for everyone started – whenever they wanted. There was no plan for a big breakfast, and no rush to get going in the morning. A group of 11 left the campground on foot at 10:00 and followed a path down to the main Gorge Trail and to the Visitor’s Center. At that point the trail become a one-way loop hike with a descent into the chasm where the carved rock and water wonders were captivating. We stopped frequently for group pictures, individual pictures --- ANY REASON to stop for a moment! The steep ups and downs of the trail, including several sections of staircase, were hard on my knee going down . . . and equally hard going back up. We were back for lunch at noon-thirty; I took a shower and Tom went into town on a mission with several of the guys. Two more Airstreams arrived in the afternoon, bringing our grand total to 11 ‘streams and 22 ‘streamers. This rally was also a Grand Opening for baby Carlee . . . 6 months old and ready to Aistream. Dressed in an Airstream shirt, a lumberjack plaid vest, and silver shoes – she was all eyes and cute faces as she met this gathering of grandmas and grandpas! By late afternoon we were all emerging from our Airstreams and laying plans for dinner. A group at our campsite had hamburgers on the grill, topped with fried Amish Onion Fritters and sprinkled with blue cheese crumbles. An evening campfire was lightly attended as many again retreated inside from the cold! Never have an Amish Onion Fritter? Give ‘em a try: Chop 2 ½ cups of onions and add ¾ cup of milk Mix dry ingredients together then add to the onions: 1 Tablespoon sugar 1 Tablespoon cornmeal 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/-2 teaspoons salt Batter should be thick. Fry in a pan with ½” hot oil until golden brown and crisp. Eat plain or serve on top of burger of steak . . . add a few Blue Cheese crumbles! Bet you can’t eat just one! Saturday, April 17 New day – new plan . . . a trip into Logan. A long-time favorite of our Logan visits is the M&M Family Restaurant, and owner Michelle. With a plan to leave the campground at 9:45, we didn’t know if we would arrive in time for breakfast or lunch – but it didn’t make much difference to anyone. It turns out we were there for breakfast . . . and we arrived before the crowd. There were 14 of us, and Michelle welcomed us like the favorite friends we always think we are. Afterwards the girls made a quick stop in a downtown boutique, and each scored. The afternoon hike was to The Rock House – thirteen hikers strong and we grabbed a group-shot at the start of the trail! I also recorded a great picture of daddy Chris with baby Carlee strapped on for her first hike. Very aware of what was going on, she peeked out of her chest pouch to take it all in. It is a short hike, but the steps carved from stone were awkward, precarious and steep. The grotto structure, tucked in the hillside, is indeed a rock house with various, entranceways, chambers and windows. The loop trail climb back out of the hollow did not involve those treacherous stone steps – just a somewhat steep hiking trail. We all made it out in good shape; I know, because I brought up the rear to make sure everyone got out safely! Completely unpredicted (and uncalled-for,) at 3:30 the wind picked up, the temperature dropped, and it half-heartedly sprinkled. It was over by 5:00, leaving us in not-too-bad shape for our pot-luck dinner! Tom made two large pots of his “award-losing” chili and everyone brought sides: cornbread, sausage rolls, melon, cheeseball . . . strawberry shortcake and individual cheesecakes! We ate it all! Some ate around the picnic tables and some ate in their chairs, but all enjoyed the casual banter with Airstream buds. When I finally went inside for the night, one little camper was completely . . . OUT! Sunday April 18 Some were up early and off hiking, while others lingered around the campground in a beautiful sunny morning. Sadly, some were packing up and saying goodbye and heading for home. Only 4 hikers stuck to the morning hiking schedule, leaving at 10:00. I did a shower, walked the dogs, and joined a few good chat and goodbye sessions. The hikers did Cantwell Cliffs – a longer hike with very steep stone steps carved into the rock. They came back no worse for the wear, with descriptions and pictures that made the rest of us a little jealous. We batted around ideas for going out to eat on this last night, until John mentioned he had his pizza oven with him; a trip to the grocery could provide pizza for all! With not much fuss John whipped out 13 personal pizzas, individually custom crafted with all the toppings. The pictures show how enjoyable this was. Thank you John! A final campfire circle lasted 3 hours and grew smaller as the cold set in. The guys that finished it up were gathered in a tight ring around the Biolite fire and they held out until the last piece of wood was burned up. We left Monday morning by 9:00 and took the long-cut home via Cincinnati for a chance to see Micah. Turn-around time is going to be quick, as we unload and redo our packing approach for an urban campout in downtown Columbus on Thursday. Oh, and I need to mention that we have predictions of up to 4” of snow on Wednesday!
1 Comment
Mike
4/22/2021 05:22:43 am
Ella - always an enjoyable read. You captured the essence of a perfect AS weekend. You and Tom are super host. See you soon.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
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 |