I have always enjoyed the stories of exploits of Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, although I never had any desire to fly. I left that up to my intrepid husband. But ever since I purchased my little motor home over a year ago, I have wanted to try a solo trip. I love Backbone State Park, especially in the fall and it has good internet reception so it was a natural choice.
Two concerns surfaced Tuesday morning before I left. I had called the park to see if they were still selling firewood in the campground and the ranger said "Not at this time of the year." Well, there are usually farms in the area who have firewood for sale, so I hoped to pick some up along the way since, once I am set up, it's not simple to unhook and wander about the countryside.
It also occurred to me (after I talked to the ranger, of course) that many parks turn off their water around October 15. I had about 2/3 of a tank (according to the gauges, which are notoriously inaccurate) and thought I could make it three days but wasn't positive. So like the pioneers, I started out my journey worrying about fire and water.
It was a lovely drive north and little traffic. I checked several convenience stores, who sometimes carry wood, but not "at this time of the year," apparently. However, a private farm right at the park entrance had a cart with $5 bundles so I stopped and grabbed a couple. Yes, I did pay for them. And lo and behold, the water is still on at the park! Although why they would put the fresh water supply on a one way OUT of the campground so that you have to circle the entire place baffles me.
Two concerns surfaced Tuesday morning before I left. I had called the park to see if they were still selling firewood in the campground and the ranger said "Not at this time of the year." Well, there are usually farms in the area who have firewood for sale, so I hoped to pick some up along the way since, once I am set up, it's not simple to unhook and wander about the countryside.
It also occurred to me (after I talked to the ranger, of course) that many parks turn off their water around October 15. I had about 2/3 of a tank (according to the gauges, which are notoriously inaccurate) and thought I could make it three days but wasn't positive. So like the pioneers, I started out my journey worrying about fire and water.
It was a lovely drive north and little traffic. I checked several convenience stores, who sometimes carry wood, but not "at this time of the year," apparently. However, a private farm right at the park entrance had a cart with $5 bundles so I stopped and grabbed a couple. Yes, I did pay for them. And lo and behold, the water is still on at the park! Although why they would put the fresh water supply on a one way OUT of the campground so that you have to circle the entire place baffles me.
I got set up in a nice pull through site that I have used before, and with the aid of boards, Agatha is pretty much level. The temps warmed up to about 75 and it was a beautiful evening with a full moon. There are very few other campers here, but I did speak to a couple from Wisconsin who came south looking warmer weather in Iowa. (?!?) I also had a visit from an old friend and built a passable fire. All of the bugs in the county are putting in a final appearance--flies, box elder bugs, stink bugs, orange beetles, and a few mosquitos.
Today's forecast is for rain this afternoon--good time for some writing and reading. I will finish The Great Deluge by Douglas Brinkley about Hurricane Katrina and hope that the outside conditions don't lend too much realism.
Today's forecast is for rain this afternoon--good time for some writing and reading. I will finish The Great Deluge by Douglas Brinkley about Hurricane Katrina and hope that the outside conditions don't lend too much realism.
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