Monday, April 26, 2010

Shake down cruise






What a wonderful weekend. Our friends recently purchased their first motorhome and asked us to join them on their first outing. Who are we to resist a camping trip. Sure we'd be happy to oblige. We didn't want to travel too far being this was their first trip out and they wanted to get the hang of things. We made reservations for Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson Township, NJ. What a beautiful county park and only $20 per night. They have about 18 RV paved sites. About half of them were in a staggered row with no one in front of you and no one behind you. All you saw was the beauty of the forest. Their tenting area is just as nice with platforms and fire rings with grill tops. As nice as they were though, I DON'T DO DIRT! I condo camp. The park encompasses 3,200 acres of near wilderness and recreational areas, with over 20 miles of multi-use trails. Friday night we enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. It got pretty chilly so we had to turn our ceramic heater on. Saturday the weather was just perfect. We just chilled out all day. That evening, Lenny grilled some chicken, I made mac 'n cheese. Yes, I cooked. Saturday night the weather turned and we listened to the rain on the roof. For those of you who think it's romantic...it's NOT. I told the guys it would start raining overnight, so they both decided to put the awnings back and bring in what was outside. Hey, they finally listened and I was so right. Sunday morning was cold and wet. There wasn't much else to stow before we left, but once Lenny gets in "let's go home" mode, there is no stopping him. He was ready to leave by 9:30am even though we didn't have to leave until noon. We enjoyed one last cup of coffee with our friends before we all left the campground and went out seperate ways. Their dog Casey was so worn out, she's still sleeping. Or so I've heard. We plan on going back in the fall when the leaves are at their peak. Thanks for travelling along with us on The Thomas Trails.



Monday, April 5, 2010

Spring has sprung






It has been the winter of my discontent. So much snow, so much cold, not very conducive to camping. This weekend those thoughts have completely left me. Lenny left Thursday and drove our motorhome down to Lake and Shore campground in Cape May. I had to work a half day on Good Friday, so I didn't leave till then. It was perfect, our sight was on the lake. The only thing between us and the water was beach. Friday night we decided to drive out to the ocean and find a seafood restaurant on the water. Perfect, The Boathouse in Wildwood had just opened that day for the season. We asked for a table outside overlooking the water. How peaceful. We watched the sun set over the bay. Vibrant hues of reds and yellows glistening off the water. Saturday morning I had so wanted to sleep in, but woody woodpecker had other ideas. He's not just in cartoons folks. He is alive and well at Lake and Shore in a tree on MY SITE I BELIEVE! That's ok, I must have slept soundly anyway and enjoyed the sunrise over the lake. Saturday we decided to explore west of Cape May to find a lighthouse we had never seen before. East Point Light on the Maurice River at the mouth of Delaware Bay. It was closed, but we were still able to take a few pics outside and meet some nice people who were letting their dogs run into the river and others who spent the morning fishing. From there we drove north to Milleville, NJ and the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center. We watched as artisans made glass rabbit figures. It was interesting as they handled the figures on the end of long poles and shaped and colored them. We met Ed, an 83 yr young wood carver. I loved the outhouse he made, complete with a man reading inside. He creates ornaments out of something as little as a lemon seed. It was a long day and being up so early, I wanted to take a nap so back to the campground we headed. Easter Sunday morning we wanted to go out to eat, so my cousin's husband recommended Marge's Diner down the road. I love the sign. Wanting to see the ocean again, we drove back down to Exit 0 and enjoyed the architecture of Victorian Cape May. We parked the car at one point and found a place to sit and enjoy the waves on one side and Victorian Bed and Breakfasts on the other. From there we drove to the Wildwood Naval Air Station museum in Cape May. Lenny was in his glory. He is very into WWII Navy/Air history. I think he took over 100 pictures there alone. It's been a long five months but we're on the road again and loving every minute of it. Hope you enjoy the pictures and the writing. Till next time...travel along with the Thomas' on the Thomas trails.