I've begun a new type of adventure this summer and it's something I've been wanting to do for some time. I've bought an older model camper van. I'd been looking at websites now and then and, of course, watching a lot of YouTube videos on the topic. A few years ago I almost bought one but the deal seemed a little shady and the camper was not in the best condition. Since that time I would randomly get online and check out Craigslist or other sites looking for something that suited my needs. Just after Memorial Day I was looking again and noted that a 2006 Chevy Roadtrek was up for sale in Nashville. Knowing that these are never on the market long I quickly made arrangements to go see it and within 3 days I was driving it home. Quite a few friends said I had to name it. Never having named a vehicle before I was a little unsure. But I came up with a name that I think fits her very well, Rhoda.
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There are some things I've been fixing up or replacing but overall the van is in good condition. I have also been putting some of my camping supplies in it to have it road ready quickly should I want to go. Now that I have been on a few short trips I feel more confident about a longer trip. I just need to decide where and when to go.
This summer has been a busy one in my family with a new grandchild, summer golf for the older grandkids and some health concerns that demanded attention. So I spent the first night just camping at my local state park. It gave me some idea of what items I should leave in the camper and where to organize supplies. I also got a good idea of how to deal with the fresh and waste water, awning and electrical. My oldest daughter and two grandkids came and pitched a tent and camped with me so we had quite a bit of fun for such a brief adventure.
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| Camping at Fort Massac State Park |
After this I decided to drive my van to the Louisville area. My sister was going to be there visiting her daughter who had just had her third son. So I searched out overnight options and got prepared. I found a nice state park in Indiana, Charlestowne State Park, just across the river from Louisville. It was just over 20 miles to my niece's home but one of the closest campgrounds. I was not disappointed in the campground. It was a very large campground and offered some sites with full hook-ups (electric, water and sewer) and others that were electric only. I picked one fairly close to the entrance since I would be driving in and out every day and also close to the showers, wanting to use the park shower instead of getting everything wet in the van. Even by Saturday the campground was over half empty. I had heard that campsites were scarce since Covid began because more people were camping. I'll just say that people are missing out not staying at this park. It was very clean and well maintained, private and close to Louisville.
Soon after this one of my dearest friends called and advised me that there was a hot air balloon festival in southern Illinois. Since she and I are both amateur photographers we thought this would be a great opportunity to get our cameras out and try something different. She suggested camping in Rhoda for the weekend and I readily agreed. I found a campground at Carlyle Lake, Coles Creek Campground. There are several campgrounds there operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Two night minimum sealed the deal for us to stay over a second night. Once again I packed the van with food and clothes and we were off.
The balloon festival was wonderful. As soon as the balloons started filling up we both forgot each other was there and took off snapping pictures right and left. We had sense enough to remember where we last saw each other and headed there when the excitement had ended. Reunited we walked back to the van and headed to the campground.
The campgrounds have very nice paved sites with electric. A few also had full hook-ups. We were again close to the bathrooms but there was only one shower house and we had to drive to that. Not being close was my error for not checking the website closer. Carlyle Lake is a very large lake and many of the campsites were right on the water. It's a beautiful place and one I'd like to visit again sometime, maybe with a kayak.
It was a fun weekend. Whether you love photography or not I would encourage anyone to attend a balloon festival if you have the opportunity. It was amazing how quickly they rolled out the balloons, filled them and took off. The announcer at the event said this balloon event was different than most that didn't allow spectators to get up close to the balloons. We could walk up and touch them if we wanted and talk to the crew who seemed happy to answer questions. The second night we visited the festival we stayed for the "glow." As it begins getting dark the balloons are filled but stay on the ground. Then they fire them up according to what the announcer says, either a steady burn or flicker. It was truly beautiful to watch.
