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Fun

Meeting Old Friends Near a Somewhat Familiar Place

Posted on May 18, 2018May 18, 2018 by Easin' Along

After three years in Germany on my first assignment in the Army, I requested an assignment to Fort Jackson, SC. Helen (adorable wife) wanted to be a little closer to home, and we both wanted to be near the Carolina Beaches that we had grown up loving. As we planned our trip to Edisto Beach, SC we agreed that we should stay a couple of nights at Fort Jackson to break up the drive and to see if the installation had changed in forty plus years. We also wanted to visit with some old friends and neighbors of ours during the year we lived in Berlin now living in a new home several miles from the base. My job was to make the reservation at Weston Lake Campground operated by the installation and Helen’s task was to contact our friends. We were successful on both fronts.

We looked forward to this trip for several reasons. Many years had passed since we last saw our friends, Ron and Nina. Ron made a career in the Army and had many interesting assignments. He and Nina had lived in a variety of locations both here and overseas and we wanted to hear all about it. Although we had exchanged a few Christmas cards over the years and had made a few contacts on social media, we were still eager to catch up on life, kids, and careers. In addition to seeing them, we looked forward to taking a trip to the beach in Gracey, our travel trailer. We had last spent some time on the road during our trip to Florida and Jekyll Island in February and March and were chomping at the bit to get back on the road less traveled. After our last trip, Helen had undergone knee replacement and looked forward to a little time in the sun to work out a few kinks. In addition, we would be picking up two of our grandchildren to take them with us with us for one night at Edisto Beach. This would be the first time either of them had been camping (although camping in Gracey is best described as “glamping”) and we hoped that they would enjoy the experience.

To our delight, Weston Lake Campground turned out to be very nice and spacious. We arrived after hours and took the first campsite we found that backed up to the lake. Once Gracey was hooked up, we decided to prepare a quick meal of hot dogs on the grill and called it an early night because we wanted to watch the hockey game between Winnipeg and the Nashville Predators. Thankfully, the Predators pulled out a win.

The next day we visited the Commissary and Post Exchange to stock up on provisions for our week at the beach. Fort Jackson has been upgraded considerably since we first arrived on the installation. I recognized a few of the buildings, but most were unfamiliar and there were times when I felt somewhat like I had never been there. Old barracks and hospital buildings have been torn down and new dormitory buildings have replaced them. Likewise, the former commissary has disappeared and a new, modern supermarket has taken its place. A new Post Exchange is equally as nice. We found everything we needed for our trip.

Later that afternoon, we met Ron and Nina at their beautiful home which was built just outside of Columbia, SC while Ron was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. During the time the home was under construction, Nina would travel to the job site from Benning at least monthly to work with their contractor. As a former home builder, I am amazed that everything went smoothly with a future owner being away for much of the time, but the finished product is a tribute to both Nina and her builder. A lovely home stands as a result of both their efforts.

After a delightful afternoon of catching up, we followed Ron and Nina to Julia’s German Restaurant near Fort Jackson. This very small eatery was packed when we arrived at around 6:00 pm. Nina told us to expect a crowd and we found one. Julia, the owner, was milling about greeting customers and engaged in lively conversation with all of them in her heavily accented English. There were no tables available when we arrived so we waited at the small bar and enjoyed some good German wine and beer until something opened up. The time required at least two beers, but it was worth the wait.

Once seated, everyone ordered a schnitzel something-or-other. They were large and they were good! I wish all Easin’ Along readers could have a taste, but the pictures will have to do for now. Nina, who speaks fluent German, chatted with Julia at some point during dinner, and almost as soon as we finished eating, Julia walks up with a round of apple schnapps for the four of us and one for herself. This was a highlight of the evening and we toasted each other heartily then slammed back the schnapps. For dessert, Helen and I ordered a chocolate layer cake that was divine, plus an apple strudel that was to die for. We couldn’t eat all of the desserts, but Julia had it boxed and it found its way to Gracey’s refrigerator. When it was time to leave, Helen and I felt like we had made a new friend, and vowed to return the next time we pass through Columbia. We thanked Ron and Nina profusely for showing us a wonderful evening and promised to stay in touch in a series of long good-byes.

Gracey was hooked up and on the road by mid-morning. We took a few pictures of the campground for our Military Living readers before we left and want to let them know that the facilities are excellent and the recreational opportunities are numerous to include swimming, boating, kayaking, as well as camping. We recommend it to all military personnel. Nevertheless, it was time to pick up our granddaughters.

When we arrived for the rendezvous, the grands and their parents came out to meet us, packed and ready to go. We were loaded and moving south in less than twenty minutes. Once inside Live Oak Campground at Edisto Beach State Park, Helen entertained the girls while I connected the utilities and made sure Gracey was ready for a big week. The girls had a ball figuring out the weird screen door handle and must have dropped the window shades each about three times each, but it was good to see them excited about living in a camping trailer. Soon, it was time to hit the beach.

Neither Helen nor I had ever been here. We will have more to report after we explore the area, but this day was devoted to grandchildren fun. The beach is lovely, wide, and not at all crowded. The afternoon was spent letting the girls run off some energy and build sand castles. When it came time to leave, they were reluctant, but the promise of a hamburger and mac and cheese got a modicum of cooperation from each of them. With dinner finished, they schmoozed Big Daddy out of a few cartoons on the Apple TV before bedtime. Sleep soon overtook them. Here’s a picture of this precious twosome.

Such was the end of day one at Edisto Beach and the first three days of this road trip. We’ve had a great start, and we invite you to come back for the next installment because Edisto appears to have much to offer and the area is so beautiful. However, it’s bedtime for BeBe and Big Daddy so, we’ll be Easin’ Along.

Fun

Camp Cinco de Mayo

Posted on May 11, 2018March 26, 2022 by Easin' Along

Camp II is an outdoor gathering held every year on the first weekend of May. Attendees are members of the Appalachian Anglers Society, a group dedicated to fun, fishing, and fellowship in the great outdoors. I have shared my experiences at Camp II for the previous two years (link here), but each year is special so, please join me for one more trip to one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

I attended my first Camp II on my 30^th birthday and observed my 70th the weekend before this year’s gathering. That’s 40 years of a helluva lot of fun. Although we have camped in many different campsites over the years, we now gather in the McNabb Creek Campground near Tellico Plains, within the boundaries of Cherokee National Forest. The reasons for this site are numerous, but the principal reason is that we can reserve the campground in advance. It is an open space with a central fire pit that is perfect for male bonding sessions.

Camp II officially runs Wednesday through Sunday with most attendees arriving on Friday. Because this would be Gracey’s first trip to McNabb Creek, and I wanted to make sure a trailer of her size would fit into the campsite, I drove down the previous Friday to scout the location. Although the campsite is an hour and a half south of my home, the day was glorious, and the drive along the Tellico River is always a delight. The route to the campground was free of low-hanging obstacles, and the gate to the campground seemed wide enough (barely) to permit Gracey through so, I saw no reason to leave her at home. The campground looked ready and eager to welcome us in.

On the following Wednesday morning, I had Gracey hooked up and loaded with a few necessities for the drive south. For the first time in many years, the weather forecasts were in our favor. The forecast called for rain on Saturday night, but the chances were slight. Otherwise, we looked forward to temperatures in the low 70’s with cool nights and warm campfires. Unable to contain my excitement, I arrived before anyone to find the perfect spot for Gracey. By late afternoon, several fellow Anglers moved in and joined me.

Members of the Appalachian Anglers Society are experienced outdoorsmen who go to great lengths to provide shelter and comfort in settings like this. Within a few hours, the first arrivals established an elaborate campsite complete with 60 feet of tarps, four camp stoves, two outdoor ovens, outdoor lighting, and a sound system playing Jimmy Buffet music. As soon as they finished setting up, the guys prepared gumbo that they shared with me. The gumbo was delicious. Let the weekend begin.

Thursday of Camp II usually calls for a light crowd, but the splendid weather attracted a few more campers than in previous years. Four of the Thursday group arrived with approximately 50 fresh rainbow trout that they breaded and deep fried along with some waffle fries. There was more than enough to feed everyone in camp for dinner, and I gratefully accepted an invitation. After two nights in Camp, I had yet to fire up my cooking gear and yet; I had dined royally.

Another early camper and owner of a Moonshine and Whiskey distillery brought samples to promote his line of products. Since alcohol is prohibited in the National Forest, a tasting was not allowed. Nevertheless, unsubstantiated rumors floated through camp that some of the samples were worthy although I’m not certain how that conclusion was reached. Moonshine has been part of the lore of our mountains for generations. I did take a few pictures of the samples for future reference.

By Friday, it was time to branch out. I wanted to see if there were any wildflowers in bloom, so I hopped into Bert (tow vehicle) with camera in hand. I didn’t have to drive very far up the road along North River to encounter several large beds of Wild Iris, my favorite wildflower. The spring rains provided great conditions for wildflowers, and it wasn’t long before I spotted Red Trillium, Spring Beauty, and another favorite, Fire Pink. What a treat!

When I arrived back at McNabb Creek, many campers had arrived and began gathering for the shrimp boil prepared by Bill, his son Wil, and Kirby, Bill’s Dad and Wil’s grandfather. Bill had assembled tables for the occasion complete with holes in the center to accommodate shrimp shells and trash. As one might imagine, the Anglers robustly devoured this incredible concoction of shrimp, corn, and andouille sausage right down to the last potato. The rest of the evening was devoted to casual conversations around several roaring campfires.

On Saturday I drove to several of the campgrounds in the area in search of a campground for Helen (adorable wife) and Gracey on return trips. Saturday is a big day for fishing in the Tellico River, and fishermen were out in numbers. I saw several large strings of fish by late morning in addition to finding three campgrounds that could accommodate Gracey easily.

Camp II fell on Cinco de Mayo this year, so a dinner of Mexican food seemed appropriate for the occasion. Rob, a fellow Angler, and son of a longtime member spent an entire afternoon preparing a scrumptious buffet of soft tacos for the group. Taco fillings included beef tenderloin, chicken breasts, spiced ground beef and ground pork, black beans, rice, shredded cheese and a delicious, cheesy chorizo sauce. I filled one taco and should have stopped there, but I couldn’t resist and had another. Hat’s off to you Rob; this meal was outstanding!

Saturday night brought a couple of rain showers, and Anglers broke up into smaller groups to fit under the tarps available. I invited a few guys to sit under Gracey’s awning to share cigars with me before the Mexican meal prodded into bed for the night. The gentle rain made for great sleeping.

Another Camp II came to an end on Sunday, and our group of about 45 or so began to pull up stakes and move out. Most had departed by the time I hooked up Gracey. Leaving this area is always difficult for me, so I lingered long enough to soak up a little more mountain air before inserting a John Denver CD into Bert’s player and drive away for that spectacular drive along the river. Once again, Camp II was a complete success giving all the chance to spend time with old friends and meet several new ones.

I paused long enough to make a short video of Bald River Falls to share with readers. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did in making it. It was a great weekend for Easin’ Along.

Fundamentals

Seventy!?! What Else Has Changed?

Posted on April 27, 2018April 27, 2018 by Easin' Along

By the time this post reaches Easin’ Along readers, yours truly will be one day away from crossing the threshold into another decade on earth. At times, I find it hard to believe that I am talking about myself while placing “seventy years old” in the same sentence. Nevertheless, birthday number seventy will arrive at the stroke of midnight on Friday. I can shake my head in disbelief all I want, but, as I am fond of saying, a zebra can’t change his stripes…it is what it is.

Please don’t think of me as forlorn, sorrowful, and certainly not sad at reaching this milestone, because I am not. Like most, there are a few regrets and missed opportunities, but, I can’t focus on those. I am blessed far beyond the modest hopes and dreams I had as a young man if I ever had any of those thoughts, but my, how things have changed in seventy years.

Here’s a quick story to illustrate that point. Three evenings ago, I was having dinner with five great guys who are dear friends that I have known for forty years. We all lived in the same neighborhood for many of those years and camped together, fished together, drank together, and laughed together about topics not fit for print. Some of us still camp and fish together, but on this occasion, we spent more time laughing about our joint replacements than we did at bawdy jokes. Yes, a few things have changed mightily.

Sitting in the Man Cave with 50’s and 60’s Music blasting away from an Amazon Echo serves as a great representation of how much change has transpired since I first listened to the same music on a tube radio in my bedroom. Tall, gangly, and awkward, I probably danced a jig for a beat or two at the time providing I could hear the song above the static. Now, I marvel at being able to speak to a black cylinder and hear the same songs clearly or, even more astounding, my questions answered by an unseen someone named Alexa.

I’m not working anymore, and that’s a change. I’ve had a “real job” since my first newspaper route at age 12. There are some things that I can’t change, however. There are aspects of working full-time that I find myself missing on occasion. I miss the friends and the relationships I accumulated over many years of a career building homes. I find myself missing time around young people and feeling the effects of their boundless energy and enthusiasm and their connection to things current. I miss the daily challenges that one confronts in the workplace and the process of finding successful solutions to those challenges. Finally, I miss earning a paycheck—not because of the money, but because every dime I ever received represented hard work, dedication, and a contribution toward the task of accomplishing a goal. Nevertheless, I’m not trading any of the above for the job I have now but, in all probability, I will never get used to being without a real job.

I write often now and, even though it is only a part-time endeavor, writing for pleasure was always in the plan for life after my career ended. I wrote for a small magazine I was involved with during the 80’s, and I always kept a journal, but there was not much time to write as a home builder. That has changed now. I have committed to no less than one Easin’ Along post a week, and my life has rhythm and a schedule around which I organize everything else. I love that as much as I love the writing. Easin’ Along also serves as a record of our lives during retirement and of the extended travel time that retirement has made available to us.

I am much more spiritual than ever. Regrettably, I made very little space for God in my life in the past. I went through the motions; I made promises to read and study the Bible that I never kept; I attended church, but never made a sincere effort to become involved. The change occurred after a bad business experience found me in need of someone besides me to lean on. Miraculously, I was asked to join a Bible study with some members of our church and, oddly enough, several in the group were experiencing difficulties similar to mine. We talked, cried, and prayed through our problems together. In the end, each of us came away with the realization that faith in something greater than us will carry us much farther than traveling alone. I love our church and our members and look forward to every opportunity to be among them and to serve. I am always working on my journey of faith, but I know it is much stronger now than in the past.

**Starched, pressed, and buttoned-down**

The clock is ticking, and I need to close before I turn seventy, but the list of changes remains a lengthy one. I appreciate art and music more than ever primarily because I can’t do either, and admire greatly anyone who can. I am more careful with my health and always struggle with my weight. On occasion, (rainy weather) I walk with a cane due to a worn out hip, but hopefully, a replacement scheduled for July will make things better. I give less thought to my appearance now than ever before. You may catch me in my favorite overalls and Crocs at the supermarket now instead of the starched, pressed, and buttoned-down wardrobe I wore in the past. I gave up a concern about gray hair long ago.

The most significant change is that I take things much slower now. I intend to remain active and continue to go and to do for as long as I am able. Helen (adorable wife) has the same plan. Gracey, our travel trailer, will soon be hitched to Bert and on her way to the beach. Nonetheless, we’ll go slowly and smell the flowers at every opportunity. The pace is one we can handle no matter our age, and a seventieth birthday won’t change that. That’s why we call this journey Easin’ Along.