(To the tune of "Who Wears Short Shorts?") It always intrigues me to learn the various reasons other people are in campgrounds. Often they are not only looking for a few days of relaxation. And of course, they could be fodder for my next book.
I believe I mentioned earlier the two sisters camped across from us at Ledges a few weeks ago. One was from Kansas and one from Wisconsin; they try to meet somewhere every summer for some sister time. But the woman from Kansas is also a member of Sisters on the Fly--a fascinating organization of women especially interested in outdoor activities: fishing, hiking, camping, etc. Many have restored vintage campers that are works of art. Their slogan on their website is "We have more fun than anyone." An enviable goal.
Last week at Thomson Causeway there were a couple of towing vehicles with a NOMADS logo on the side. At first we thought it was a business logo but discovered it is a Methodist organization of retirees who travel around the country in RVs helping with church related projects. NOMADS stands for Nomads on a Mission Active in Divine Service--although some jokesters call it 'Nice Old Methodists Avoiding Deep Snow' because the focus on projects in the South during the winter months.
A couple of years ago we were camped at Pine Lake State Park near Eldora and happened upon some railcar enthusiasts. These members of NARCOA restore the little railcars, or 'Speeders,' that used to inspect tracks for maintenance and they look like something Sponge Bob Squarepants would drive. The organization gets permission to used abandoned tracks or tracks that are not in use full time for excursions lasting from one day to several. Many are painted and decorated in bright colors and look like a giant's toy train coming down the tracks. Check out the photos on their website.
You may also see interesting apparel and rigs in a campground when there is a Buckskinner's Rendezvous going on nearby. These historical reenactors dress like mountain men, fur traders, Native Americans or anyone who took part in the yearly trading gatherings in the Old West. There are contests for tomahawk throwing and muzzle loader guns. Members sell everything from cast iron cookware to handmade baskets, jewelry and folding furniture. They camp only with pre-1840 equipment and dress the part.
Not everyone is a member of some organized group, of course. We have seen family reunions take up whole sections of a campground, with everyone sporting matching t-shirts and license plates from across the country. Some folks are visiting family in the area or on a cross-country trek trying to hit as many states as possible.
And some--like us--are often just looking for that relaxing few days.
I believe I mentioned earlier the two sisters camped across from us at Ledges a few weeks ago. One was from Kansas and one from Wisconsin; they try to meet somewhere every summer for some sister time. But the woman from Kansas is also a member of Sisters on the Fly--a fascinating organization of women especially interested in outdoor activities: fishing, hiking, camping, etc. Many have restored vintage campers that are works of art. Their slogan on their website is "We have more fun than anyone." An enviable goal.
Last week at Thomson Causeway there were a couple of towing vehicles with a NOMADS logo on the side. At first we thought it was a business logo but discovered it is a Methodist organization of retirees who travel around the country in RVs helping with church related projects. NOMADS stands for Nomads on a Mission Active in Divine Service--although some jokesters call it 'Nice Old Methodists Avoiding Deep Snow' because the focus on projects in the South during the winter months.
A couple of years ago we were camped at Pine Lake State Park near Eldora and happened upon some railcar enthusiasts. These members of NARCOA restore the little railcars, or 'Speeders,' that used to inspect tracks for maintenance and they look like something Sponge Bob Squarepants would drive. The organization gets permission to used abandoned tracks or tracks that are not in use full time for excursions lasting from one day to several. Many are painted and decorated in bright colors and look like a giant's toy train coming down the tracks. Check out the photos on their website.
You may also see interesting apparel and rigs in a campground when there is a Buckskinner's Rendezvous going on nearby. These historical reenactors dress like mountain men, fur traders, Native Americans or anyone who took part in the yearly trading gatherings in the Old West. There are contests for tomahawk throwing and muzzle loader guns. Members sell everything from cast iron cookware to handmade baskets, jewelry and folding furniture. They camp only with pre-1840 equipment and dress the part.
Not everyone is a member of some organized group, of course. We have seen family reunions take up whole sections of a campground, with everyone sporting matching t-shirts and license plates from across the country. Some folks are visiting family in the area or on a cross-country trek trying to hit as many states as possible.
And some--like us--are often just looking for that relaxing few days.
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