homesteader's campout May 6 2006

Leslie, I just keep telling myself my friends would not pick on me so much about my little idiosyncrasies if they did not love me so much...I can only guess who was doing a imitation of me picking up and such after I left. I was totally disappointed that I failed to bring the table clothes and napkins this time and NO even noticed

Feeling much much better. Nurse Rannie called to check on me yesterday evening and gave me the lecture about getting over heated being worse for a cold then getting cold and damp after I told her I was out mowing when she called earlier. It was a toss up...risk getting worse, or having three more days of rain and grass growing time. I got as much as I could mowed before I ran out of day light....would have gotten more if I hadn't had to clean and dry the air filter...that's what you do when you can't run into town to get a new one at the drop of a hat.

Trent sure did a great job of fooling his aunt on how he was feeling...Mom's must have some secret that let's them know. Probably works on people not wanting to go to class and such in reverse right?

Thunder and lightening rapidly approaching....

Hugs
marlene

__________________
It is the one with persistence and determination that brings great ideas into being.

I posted my got home safe announcements on the other thread, then Corky told me where you all were going to be hiding until the time to start packing for the fall campout.
Got rain this morning. The wind blew hard enough to cause Corky to wake me and make me get out of bed. As she so nicely said " wake your butt up and get out from under that tree". We have a very tall and large tree about 10 feet from the bedroom window. Everytime the wind blows hard, I have branches to pick up off the back patio. One of these days we expect a major branch to come down in the wind.
Our plans for the Virginia trip have changed. Daughter-in-law called last night and advised that they planned to come down for Mothers Day. Corky told her we would not be here. Later she called daughter and found out her family also planned to come for the weekend. Corky called back to daughter-in-law and said our plans are changed and we will be here for the weekend. Not often these kids come from KC, so better make a concession now. Usually Corky only gets a card and a phone call for Mothers Day. She almost cried when she heard they planned on coming to see her. Kids can be thoughtful sometimes.
I mowed the front yard yesterday, it rained most of the morning, now the sun has come out. SOOOO I shall take my ice tea and sit on the porch and watch the grass grow. I can do that cause the animals have been fed, dishes are done, the washer and dryer are running, the bed is made. I have a box of chocolates on the coffee table and can roll my hair later, in time to lay back and watch my soap operas. Life is good .

__________________
The Haremless Sultan of Wolf Mountain

Ole Dec429 has a good idee. Have the pic a nic 3 times a year, but have it in late may, July, and early Sept. The idea is that, for those who want to attend 2 or more events, they now have 3 chances to do so. For those who couldnt attend the spring event theyed have a summer and fall, thereby making the 2 events that are now held, and for those who blow and go and dont show, well, after 2 years of such, they would point themselves out pretty good. I can understand and sympathize whth those who have bad luck hit them at the last minute, and this idea would give them 2 more chances to play makeup. It would also likly cause us to see more new people since a third opening would give more people flexability in their plans to attend. AND, if we get weathered out, and its a lousy weekend, we got 2 more to try to make amends in.

Oh man, you all have no idea how mad I am that I couldn't make it this spring! There was no way, of course, so shortly after moving here to MN, but... who cares about that, right?! Sounds like I missed out on one heck of a good time, wah!
After one summer up here, I should be sufficiently heat-and-humidity-hardened to try and brave the fall meeting again this year - if the dollar fairy smiles on me, that is. Might have a friend from MO visit in September, hopefully the timing won't clash, if it doesn't, I'll try to be there. Still got the green tent and the cot

It's great to read your posts here... got any pictures to go with them??

Think I'll pass on the three a year idea Bill...especially in July...it's hot...garden will be in it's prime....it's hot...grass will be growing even faster then it is now...and it's hot...always like to work hard all summer and have the Fall campout to look forward to as a reward...did I tell you how hot it is in July?

I'm pushing for seeing more of the Buffalo and it's numerous Campsites...I'm putting my vote in for Steele Creek....if that's the wrong name LaDonna will correct me, she knows where it is I'm talking about. It's an awesome site, the only thing that kept me from it before was it does not have showers ... but then I discovered there are showers available just down the road at Ponca -- a sleepy little mountain villiage worth the drive on it's own. And, I think Tana Mc and Dennis & Don will like the idea that this site has sites available for horse riders and their horses. It does have "real" bathrooms -- but I lived thought Rush and it's fancy outhouses so I could probably do that again also. I heard there are horses available for one day rentals but I've not check that out for sure. I know the kids would love that idea.

It's not to early to start planning is it?

Hugs
marlene

__________________
It is the one with persistence and determination that brings great ideas into being.

Before we left, Scott drove down to the river so I could have a look at it..fantastic! Just wonderful to see the rushing water and those cliffs..!!

As a "newbie" I sure don't have much to say about "where" or "how" or "when" the group plans anything..yet I do know that personally, I wouldn't be the least bit interested in a summertime get together..Just the thought of a campfire in humid sticky buggy weather brings out the "crabby" gene in me..for the happiness of everyone else, I'd stay home.

Leslie, I can't really see you as crabby............maybe testy??? Besides, now that you've been to one of our shindigs, you are no longer a newbie.... I will try to call the Steele creek camping area and see just what we gotta do to reserve one....I imagine since it's the only one with horse camping available, that it is pretty popular.....and yes, I like it there too....don't care one way or the other bout a shower...although I LIKE taking them.....I can do that old fashioned camp shower...but Marlene likes her comforts.
Actually, a mini campout in the hotter weather wouldn't be too bad...as long as the river has water in it, cause that is where I would sleep, I mean, spend most of my time................
Took Mr Phoenix to the vet today...he was improving, but just not fast enough for me....so he got poked and prodded, and she says he has kennel cough...not so sure that I buy that....just think he has a really gnarly sinus problem.....he was still snotting green stuff....but anyway, he has ten days of antibiotics...then he gets to go back in a couple of weeks to test for worms etc.....she put ear mite stuff in his ears too, so he ought to be feeling pretty good really soon.........hope so anyway...can't imagine my life without him.....he was SO cute with my friends 10 month old Sunday after the picnic. She was laying all over him, and grabbing his ears, and eyes, and he just kinda looked at me like "help!!", but never offered to even growl or anything....he's the best!!! Not that I'm prejudiced or anything.............

__________________
I support our troops, I love my country, but fear my government.....

I am glad you all had such a nice time. Your right summer is a bad time I would not be able to come then as I will be busy in the market garden. and selling produce. How about a january camp out? sledding, snowmen snow angels,snow ball fights and no mosquitos or humidity everyone will welcome the campfire at that time! I admit I have an ulterior motive I will be home in dec and I really want to meet all you fine people.

__________________
marching to the beat of a different drummer

Actually, I think a hot shower and a comfy bed are pretty much on the bottom of my idea of comforts, at this stage of life I have no one to prove how rough and tough I am too...it's probably why I don't even suggest going on one of hubby's backpacking hikes...now that's roughing it. Hiking ten miles a day with everything you need on your back just doesn't seem fun to me no matter how beautiful the scenery.

We might have to make plans for someone pick a couple sites to hold at Steele Creek on a Thrusday night...as I do not believe there are group sites or reservations at Steele Creek...don't have my Buffalo River brochure handy or I'd check. I doubt that anyone who can make it in the Fall will be disappointed if we do decide on Steele Creek.

And for anyone interested the creek at Lost Valley is running. I've thought about suggesting it for a Spring campout...it's not actually on the Buffalo..but the creek runs into the Buffalo -- less then a mile away...won't give away any surprises for those who have not ever been there.

Dave and Annie if you're reading this please check in okay? Sure enjoyed your company.

Hugs
Marlene

__________________
It is the one with persistence and determination that brings great ideas into being.

from the buffalo river website:

Steel Creek

Open
Open All Year

Phone
(870)446-5373 or 741-5443

Details
Modern campground with twenty-six campsites, available first-come/first-serve. No campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water (April - October only), and vault toilets available. Camping fees required April - October. Additional horse campground with fourteen sites available. Fees charged.

[COLOR=DarkOliveGreen]Lost Valley

Open
Open All Year

Phone
(870)446-5373 or 741-5443

Details
Modern campground with fifteen campsites, available first-come/first-serve. Two campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water, and flush toilets available April - October. Camping fees required April - October.


Erbie

Open
Open All Year

Phone
(870)446-5373 or 741-5443

Details
Modern campground with fourteen drive-in campsites, sixteen walk in campsites, and ten group sites available first-come/first-serve. One drive in and one walk in campsite are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water, and flush and vault toilets available. Camping fees required April - October.

Buffalo Point

Open
Open All Year

Phone
(870) 449-4311or 741-5443

Details
Reservations at Buffalo Point may now be made for the months of April through October for drive-in sites B23-B37, C39-C54, D55-D76 (water and 20/30 amps) and walk-in sites A-E (water available), 3 pavilions (day use only), and 5 group sites (minimum of 10 people, maximum of 25). Reservations can ONLY be made by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777 or logon to www.ReserveUSA.com. This reservation service will have a fee of $9.00 IN ADDITION to basic camping or user fees associated with the facilities, all of which must be paid in full at the time reservations are made. Reservations can be made year-around up to 240 days in advance of arrival. Group site reservations can be made 360 days in advance of arrival. Reservations CANNOT be made at the Buffalo Ranger Station. Drive-in sites 1-22 and 77-83 (water and 20/30 amps) and 16 walk-in tent sites (water available) remain first come/first serve. Due to very limited parking, only 2 vehicles (including RV) are allowed for all drive-in sites and for all tent sites. ************************************************** ******** Modern campground with eighty-three drive in campsites and twenty walk in campsites. Three drive in campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water available year round in B LOOP; showers, flush toilets, water and electric hookups, and a dump station are available April-October. Camping and pavilion fees required April- October.

__________________
Let a smile be your umbrella against the thunderstorms of life.
have a great day.
when i call on Jesus, all things are possible.

It was late yesterday afternoon when we pulled back into GoatLady’s homestead and plugged back into the network for our “transfusion of Internet” after six days away. I’m too late to contribute much information about the gathering so I’ll just add:

What an interesting and diverse group. I won’t single out anyone for praise because EVERYONE was friendly and comfortable to be around. Conversations were wide-ranging, informative and amicable. The spirit of sharing was characteristic of the group -- food, information, plant starts, etc. We newcomers felt welcome and included. Food was a focal point, and rightly so.

Since we brought our RV home, we were parked a short distance away from the group camping area, in the individual and RV camping sites – not too far, not too close. (We are typically “edge dwellers” – a bit away from the “center of action” but close enough to participate).

As might be expected, as soon as everyone left on Sunday afternoon the sky cleared, the sun shone brightly and temperatures were in the seventies. Long before nightfall all group camping areas were deserted and we were almost alone in the individual camping and RV section. Peace and quiet reigned supreme.

Monday morning was overcast again but there was no rain. We enjoyed spending time at the Visitor Center and getting reacquainted with Terri, who “womans” the front desk. She is a pleasant and informative person. We’ll probably do some volunteer work at the park during coming months. There is evidently a project underway to build a trail connecting Tyler Bend with Buffalo Point, which must be at least twenty miles. That could be interesting.

Before evening on Monday we drove to Buffalo Point campground. It is a larger facility with many more camping sites. We had a very pleasant and private site (#65) at the end of the line, overlooking a steep draw and not far from the river. There was some rain by morning that kept us from exploring the campground and the group areas for future reference.

Tuesday we ambled around a bit, did some things in Flippin then went north a few miles to Dam Site campground at Bull Shoals. The campground was just short of where traffic was being turned back due to repair work being done on the dam that required blocking the road temporarily. We learned that a massive chain that raises one of the steel gates had broken and needed to be replaced after fifty years.

The hosts at Dam Site campground are others with homesteader attitudes, an RV and lots of energy – potential “homesteader helpers” (and liked the idea). They have a home but are “out” for six months considering alternatives.

A strange thing happened when we turned off the highway into the small road that leads to GoatLady’s place. It is a narrow road that requires us to swing wide, into the oncoming lane, in order to make the turn properly. A car was approaching from a safe distance. It pulled in behind us on the small road and we stopped – AND talked to Dennis and Don! How’s that for a coincidence in timing?

Marlene, we have looked up information about Steele Creek campground you mentioned and will try visit there during the next few weeks.

It is nice to be back. We have lots of reading and catching-up to do.

__________________
Whether you believe you can or you believe you cannot – you are usually right.

This does not include flying or moving mountains unassisted or attempting to prove the existence of an “afterlife”.

the rest all say no special facilities for handicapped or something like that, as does one of these listed-steele creek

we camped in july once-it was HOT during the day, but comfy in the river and at night.

i camped in the winter twice-in the army. not my favorite thing to do.

__________________
Let a smile be your umbrella against the thunderstorms of life.
have a great day.
when i call on Jesus, all things are possible.

handicapped need not apply, eh? LOL..It really doesn't take a lot of effort to make an area handicapped accessible..rats and little goldfish.

My biggest problem is in keeping that powerchair charged up. No problem going over "terrain", yet that uses up more of the battery power than a flat paved surface. I don't NEED a handicapped bathroom, although getting in and out of those porta potties is always "interesting", it's certainly doable..I just cannot go off into the woods and commune with Nature, shall we say, as the rest of you can. Well, I COULD..but I'd not be back for several days.

Unfortunately, as you all noticed, if it's raining..the powerchair weighs 250 pounds all by itself and behaves like any heavy thing with wheels..it gets stuck, makes ruts in the grass, and does "wheelies".

IMHO, I'm up for any new experiences..as long as I can park my van close to where the tents and "bathrooms" are located..no reason why I cannot shove the powerchair back into the van at night..perhaps between now and the Fall, I can buy one of those inverter things that plug into a car battery..
If it rains? Well, it rains..LOL..what the heck? party on..nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Hello All,

We're re-settled in and glad to back at GoatLady's. What a fun coincidence it was to (almost ) run into Dennis and Don on our way in. (They DID wonder why in the world this RV was on the wrong side of the road!) After that, we made record time getting our fifth-wheel set up in threatening stormy weather. We had a relaxing evening of visiting and 'catching up' with GoatLady and her son who is visiting this week.

I really enjoyed the campout, meeting all of you and visiting with such a wonderful group of people! Thanks to each of you for a pleasant gathering, great company, conversation, scrumptious food… a very nice time, indeed. We felt right at home, welcome and look forward to the next occasion.

Special thanks to Corky for the Heirloom Brandywine tomatoes, Walking Onions and the Aloe Vera plants. We'll be putting those in the ground in the next few days; they are very appreciated!

Despite the rainy weather, it was satisfying to explore more of the region before returning. This is some of the most beautiful country! There is so much to see, we could easily spend quite some time in the area.

Most of all, getting acquainted with all of you makes being here especially worthwhile.

_______________

the mint is still alive.....so is the aloe vera....

__________________
Let a smile be your umbrella against the thunderstorms of life.
have a great day.
when i call on Jesus, all things are possible.

Leslie, do NOT buy an inverter for your van, I already have TWO...and you are more than welcome to one........... I can't use but one at a time anyway....I had bought one, then a good friend got me another one for christmas, and I didn't have the heart to tell them that I already have one....
Re steele creek...it is truly a neat place....there are towering bluffs, rushing water, and peace.....the campsites that Marlene and I saw were non existent, as in no fire rings...so maybe we were at the single sites? I know we were at the horse part, as there was a corral or two........and some out buildings of sorts....I'll try to dig up the pics and post them, as well as the ones from this campout........

__________________
I support our troops, I love my country, but fear my government.....

does anyone know the price on the horse rentals? Trent and Becca would love to go ride! sounds like a pretty nice place. I wonder if they have guided horse tour guides? rannie

Good job Laura! It's been 4 whole days.

__________________
Corky

LEAD ME NOT INTO TEMPTATION. I CAN FIND IT BY MYSELF.

As far as I know, this place is a BYOH[bring your own horse] place....we saw no horses when we were there.....I too, would love to go riding...it's been a LONG time since I was on a horse...wish I had my old horse, and I'd let em both ride, as he was my "baby sitter" horse.........

__________________
I support our troops, I love my country, but fear my government.....

Thank you soooo much MTNwomanAR..as the kids say, "KEWL"..

So, do we have enough time to round up some of those wild horses somebody was saying are in the woods of Missouri?? Who was saying that anyway..I forgot? Hey..that's it ! A wild horse round up..yeehaw.