Anyone camping this past weekend or this upcoming one?

[RanCarr]

Thanks John. Actually this park operates all year round offering many winter programs.

I wish I could find a place like that here in TN. Maybe I could get my husband to do some winter camping. So far the places by us that are open all winter, that I've looked up online, don't have much to do for the campers. I get the impression they're more for those passing through and those visiting Nashville. For people who don't spend much time at the campground.

At Shell Mound CG near Chattanooga there was nothing to do but walk some trails through the woods or along the lake.

 

[RanCarr]

This depends on the weather. We try to pick weekends where during the day it is at least above freezing, ideally dry and not snowing. During the day if the wind is not howling… we go for a walk, sun shine is a great addition. Check out the CG with nobody in it… or maybe 1 or 2 other campers.

If the air is still, we will have a camp fire, sit around and yak, or DW reads her book.
I cook outside, mostly Dutch oven style, and winter cooking in a cast iron pot or any pot for that matter, takes at least 1 ½ to 2 times longer. But that is OK, it passes the time.
At night after supper cleanup we might play a game. Seems we are either playing 500 rummy or a board game of Sorry. Later we settle in for a DVD.
If the day time weather is not the greatest out, having a new to us camper always has a list of “upgrades” in progress. So I bring along inside “upgrades” and DW will either hand sew, crochet or the great DW past time, read her book.

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We bought a bunch of DVD movies to watch at night when camping. I also bought a bunch of books to read (Goodwill $1.29 ea.) We will be taking our laptop and flat-screen TV with us but not all CGs have wifi or cableTV. I sure wish they did as these things help pass the time, especially if it rains.

We also cook outside. Camping is new to him. When I camped back in the 1970s a small group always went, so it was a lot of fun and time flew by. Also, other campers were so much friendlier back then, then they are now as far as socializing. We would have others join our group or we would be invited to someone elses campfire. Things sure changed since then. As much as I like to "get away" I did find myself getting bored at CGs where there is little to do and the other "campers" are indoors or at work.

 

[Trailblazer-MGRV]

After suffering withdrawal for the past several weeks after our last camping trip, we are heading out again this weekend. We are looking forward to spending several nights in the trailer and enjoying a nice campfire.

 

[Trailblazer-MGRV]

We got back from a fantastic weekend of camping. I am always amazed at how warm the Sunline gets inside even though the outside is well below freezing. Lots of people in the park this weekend. In fact the campground was full for the weekend. For those interested, here are My Photos from the weekend.

 

[pamwinn]

Trailblazer! That looks painful to me. We are leaving as soon as my husband finds his round toit. We are on our way to Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park. I don't think we will be looking at any snow. Your pictures are great though I am not sure I could handle it.

 

[JohnGB]

Trailblazer

Wow, that is really "cool" looking..... I must says that is a neat area you have to go to. Seems like you have a group of die hards that come along too.

The PU, was that a tarp/blanket on the roof to keep heat in? I have done 2 man tent camping below zero with no issues, but I do not know about a PU. I think I would be warmer in the tent.

Looks like we will not go again this weekend. While the snow has gone, for the moment, the weather is just plain to rotton out.

Thanks for sharing.

John

 

[Trailblazer-MGRV]

John, you are correct there are a group of us die hard campers that goto the park. The park staff refer to us as Winter Warriors. If you are interested you can read more about us a learn several winter camping tricks and tips at 4 Season Campers Forum


With regard to the popup, they are using solar reflective blanks on the bunk ends with the reflective side down. They also lined the bunk end windows with car reflective sun shades In the summer the reflective side would be turned up to reflect the heat away. Although this material is thin it is amazing the difference it makes. As far as how warm it was in the popup, the people in it complained it got so warm inside the they had to get up during the night to turn down the heat. Now the floor of the popup is cold and they had to either put a carpet down or wear slippers.

We are hoping to get out several more times over the next couple of months. As we do, we will post more photos for everyone to enjoy.

 

[Trailblazer-MGRV]

For those of you interested and following our winter camping adventure. Here are the pictures from this past weekends camping trip. During the day the temperature was 12degree Fahrenheit with night time temperatures of 1 and a wind chill of -22 Fahrenheit.

 

[JohnGB]

TrailBlazer

The lake looks cold, but the campground looks cool! LOL

This past weekend the wind was blowing bad here with wind chill in the teens... my hands about froze working on the camper. Putting shock mounts on.

The weather man on the radio today said this Sunday it is suppose to hit 60 F ????

I see by the campfire a beverage of choice. With the temps of 1 degree does the beverage have anti freeze in it? Like about 6% LOL

Thanks for sharing. When does it thaw out up there?

John

 

[Trailblazer-MGRV]

TrailBlazer


I see by the campfire a beverage of choice. With the temps of 1 degree does the beverage have anti freeze in it? Like about 6% LOL

Yes the beverage had 5% anti freeze in it, however it was not enough for the cold we were experiencing as it was turning to slush as we consumed it.

Thanks for sharing. When does it thaw out up there?
John

It should start to thaw in the next 4 to 6 weeks. According to others in the park, last year the were able to finally de-winterize on April 7th. We have to move the trailer off the site by April 14th this year so we are hoping the snow will be gone before we have to move it.

 

[Tweety]

Skiing season officially ended friday night!!! Come on camping season We had good intentions of trying some winter camping, but once we got home from SC in January it was just to cold to get motivated. BUT, it hit 60 here this weekend. Naturally now the yard is pure mush, and we have to drive over a short stretch to get her out. Looks like we'll have to hang in there a couple more weeks.

 

[JohnGB]

We actually did get out this weekend. YEH!!! It was 58 Friday night and it did hit 70 on Saturday although the wind was blowing pretty good it was still warm. We filled the fresh tank and had running water. It’s amazing how much running water in your camper is such a luxury. Actually took pic’s to post but forgot camera at home and on the road now… Sunday it rains like cats and dogs and made it thru the dump station during a dry spell. It’s been 2 months since we where out and seemed about 3 months longer then that….

Hope you all can get out soon

Happy camping

John

 

[Tweety]

Looking forward to your pics