One More Look.....

Happy Sunday afternoon all.   We got back home about one this afternoon, and at this point, we've eaten lunch, the laundry is nearly done, Levi has been unloaded and washed, and Pod has been unloaded as well.  Pod may or may not get washed this afternoon too, just depends.  We're in the process of getting a few things done to be ready for the school week ahead.

But to wrap up this fun weekend trip, here are a few pictures from this morning's drive along the Parkway.....

Wishing everyone a great week ahead, and as always.....

Until next time, stay safe out there.....-R,T&J.

Where You Are is Where You're At......

Happy Saturday evening everyone.  It's been a great day up here in the high country of North Carolina.  As most of you have already figured out, we're camping at Raccoon Holler Campground, in Glendale Springs, NC.

Our day has included cooking breakfast, driving in to West Jefferson to get our t-shirt and sticker fix, a quick trip by Lowes, lunch at Freebornes, a ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, an afternoon nap, sitting by a real campfire, cooking country ribs in the CDO for supper, more BRP riding, seeing deer, turkey, and who knows what else, and finally, settling in for a quiet evening in Pod.  

As for the title to our blog, "Where You Are is Where You're At" came about during our evening drive.  We discussed our parents, how looking after them consumes a lot of our time and energy, also Trisha talked about her mom's battle with cancer and what the past six months have been like for her since her mom's passing.  We even talked about spots where we wanted our ashes spread when that day comes to pass too.  

So we realized as we rode along, that indeed, where we are right now, is where we happen to be for just this moment.  Tomorrow we'll be somewhere else with all of it's good and not so good moments.  So we'll just enjoy the good, endure the less good, and take lots and lots of pictures along the way. 

And speaking of pictures, here's a few for you to enjoy this evening.....

Thanks for checking by today.  We've had a great Saturday camping, and he hope each of you found yourself doing something equally enjoyable on this day.

Until next time, stay safe out there.....-R,T,&J.

Where Are We?? Why Camping of Course......

Happy Friday evening everyone.  We hope this has been a great day for each of you and that you have a good weekend in store.  We are not at home this weekend.  In fact, we are camping, but where exactly??  

Well we're not camping where we've had plans to camp since this past November.  Life conspired against our plans for today, to keep us both busy with medical appointments and parents so by the time we were able to get away, Rob had no interest in driving two plus hours on the interstate through the Charlotte to Spartanburg corridor.  

But, we are camping, plan B, but camping.  It's been a little rainy today, but not bad.  Where are we camping?  Well here's a hint.  

This is the view of the sunset from the back of our campsite......

So now you know the what, tomorrow evening we'll fill you in on the where.

Until next time, stay safe out there.....-R,T,&J.

Back Home......

Happy Thursday evening all.  It's Pod here once last time, I think my blogging license is fixing to be revoked by Mr. R after that last post, someone must have talked!

Due to rainy weather being forecast for tonight and tomorrow at the coast, and nearly the same forecast here at home, we all decided to pack up today.  It was strange sort of breaking of camp.  You see, after breakfast this morning, Mr. R decided to take down the dome since it was nice and dry.  He also packed most everything else away too except for the chairs.  Then he and Mrs. R sat under a nearby tree and enjoyed the rest of the morning.  As the discussion turned to what to do for the day, one of them looked at the weather and it was quickly decided to finish breaking camp and head home.  

Since it was about 1:00 pm when they left, they stopped by Prosser's BBQ for a great lunch then hit the road.  The traffic was heavy for about the first 10 or so miles due to HWY 707 construction, but afterwards it was smooth sailing back home.

I do have a few pictures for you today though.  Cousin Sharon suggested to Mr. R that the R's should ride down to Pawley's Island and check out the historic district.  Mr. R didn't remember every having gone there before, but it turns out they had last summer then the place was slammed packed full of cars and people.  Yesterday was much calmer and Mr. R was able to get a few nice pictures.

The historic district is a neat place.  Interspersed among newer and nicer beach houses, are older (1850's) beach houses built by the wealthy of the area as a summer retreat of the inland heat, humidity, and "summer fevers" those being mainly malaria.  

Enjoy the sights of our Wednesday, and thanks for following along with us during our Spring Break 2016.

 Until next time, stay safe out there......-Pod

Can You Keep a SECRET?????

Happy Wednesday afternoon everyone.  It's Pod and I'm back blogging today.  Levi and I have a little story to tell you about some food that was cooked here yesterday in our campsite.  

You see, Mr. R belongs to a Camping Dutch Oven (CDO) group and every month brings a new challenge for CDO cooking.  The challenge for the month of April is a CDO Bar-b-que or BBQ for short.  

If you read up on the art, science, and myths of BBQ,  you'll find all sorts of lore.  You'll even find an official USDA definition of BBQ. 

That's right, just look up:   The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, Chapter 3, Part 319, Subpart C, Section 319.80.

There are even those who will tell you if the smoke don't hit the meat, it isn't BBQ.  Well we're just going to ignore those people and continue on with our CDO fun.  

Anyway, here's where the keeping of a secret comes into play.  Yesterday, Mr. R tested out his dish for the April Challenge.  Not only was it good, he said it was, "slap yo mama" good!!  Now that must be mighty wonderful, tasty good.  So follow along with the next few pictures while I tell you all about it.  Just remember, this is a secret so don't tell anyone, especially any of the CDO gang....

Mrs. R was assigned the job of watching the coals get ready...

Mr. R prepped his 10" CDO.  He lined with the a CDO liner and he even used his special Trivet to keep the meat off the bottom of the CDO.

Next, using some boneless, skinless chicken breasts, he trimmed them and cut them into thirds so they would cook quicker and more evenly.  He placed the chicken pieces on the trivet, and sprinkled them with a nice coating of brown sugar.

Then Mr. R topped the chicken with slices of bacon he cut in half.  Next was a nice coating of his favorite flavor of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce.

The next step was to get his coals all arranged just so, on both the top and bottom of his CDO.  Then with the addition of the wind screen, everything was in place for the cooking or should I say BBQing to happen.

Next step was the easy one.  Mr. R and Jackson sat back for the next hour and enjoyed something called Rule #9.

Then before you know it, this wonderful smell floated into the dome and both of the R's were starving by the time the food was ready to eat.

Add to the chicken BBQ a side of zesty crab dip, some local made pimento cheese, and some saltine crackers, and things got really quiet around the campsite for the next little while.

So there you have it, Mr. R's BBQ challenge experiment dish.  I have a feeling this will be one that gets cooked again real soon. 

 Just remember......MUMS the word......

Until next time, stay safe out there.....-Pod and Levi

Beach Life......

Happy Tuesday afternoon everyone!!  It's Pod here yet again (I kinda think Mr. R is really enjoying me doing this blogging thing...)  I do hope all are well wherever you may be on this fine day here at the beach.  

I know I blogged kinda early yesterday morning, but that's just fine.  You see, Mr. and Mrs. R have been very busy not doing much at all.  In fact, about all they've done is walk Jackson, do a little  t-shirt shopping, some yummy cooking (and eating of course), they even got Levi one hellacool sticker for his back window.  

So just follow along and check out all the fun Mr. and Mrs. R have been having the last couple of days.

Here are the famous HBSP oversized beach chairs all spiffed up and ready for the new camping season.....

The Park Store/Office all ready for the onslaught of campers, t-shirt buyers, ice cream seekers, and campers checking in......

Mr. R always likes taking a picture or three of the U.S. Flag whenever he sees it flying.....

Our favorite place to get fresh local seafood, and one of the yummy dishes Mr. R cooks from it.....

Our favorite place to shop for t-shirts, stickers, and other stuff every time we visit....

The rocking chairs on the porch of The Lazy Gator lined up and ready for yet another busy summer season to begin....

Levi's hellacool sticker Mr. R got for him....

And finally, the best picture of all, Mrs. R catching some rays, waiting for something yummy to be cooked on the CDO.....

I can't tell you what Mr. R has planned to cook in the CDO, he says it's an experiment for the month of April's CDO challenge.  You'll just have to check by tomorrow and see if he "spills the beans" so to speak.....

Until next time, stay safe out there....-Pod and the Gang.....