Her Maiden Voyage!

August 23rd - 25th we took the trailer out for her first overnight trip away from home. We didn't go far -- just a few exits down on I-75 to High Falls State Park. Our reasoning was that we didn't want to be too far from home in case we forgot something major, or something went terribly wrong because of our lack of experience. We are glad to report neither circumstance occurred!

Our family in the driveway before our departure (thanks to a handy dandy tripod and a camera with a timer!)

Our first meal on the road of tacos and quesadilla pie.

Andrew and his pooch, Baxter

Would you believe a stray cat found our trailer?!!! Sarah, whose heart is a softy for animals (much like her mother at the same age -- ask me about rabies shots sometime) kept this fella well fed during our stay. Here he is enjoying a breakfast sausage.

During our brief excursion, we visited Dausett Trails Nature Center upon suggestion by Debbie Howland (thanks Debbie!). We enjoyed a walk through a nature center which included animals that are non-releasable into the wild because they have either been injured or orphaned. Christian took this picture of a very menacing eagle.

Here is a picture of a beautiful bird that Tom carved out of wood while the kids and I walked around. He told me to say that, but now I have to tell you the truth (like you didn't already figure it out!) that Tom had nothing to do with this beautiful carving. Upon further inspection, I realized that it was carved from the stump of wood that it is sitting upon. Wow!

Here is an acorn that was carved in the same fashion.

All in all, we consider the trip to be a success, even though we had a few glitches. Our hot water heater wasn't working, and we couldn't keep the refrigerator running on electric power. Tom took it in to the dealership the following Monday and both issues were taken care of under our warranty.

This trip was intended to be short and sweet, just so we could try out our new trailer, and hopefully, it would leave us eagerly anticipating bigger trips in September while Tom is on vacation. We had a wonderful time at Dausett Trails despite the 90 degree temperatures and humidity. We were very thankful for the "Wonder Room" where all the reptiles were kept, as it was very well air conditioned. We hung out in there until we were afraid they might kick us out.

After visiting Dausett Trails, we all agreed we were hungry for barbecue, so we asked the locals if they could direct us to their favorite. We were given directions to the Fresh Air Barbecue in Jackson, off of Highway 42 (Fresh Air Barbeque) . Let's just say that while it may be a favorite of the locals, the Thomas' will be passing it by if they are ever in the area in the future. We did learn that barbecue flavors differ from place to place, and that our preference is for the hickory smoke barbecue flavor (think Sonny's).

Observations made while camping:

* A travel trailer is a small space for a family of five.

* A family of five in a travel trailer will get on one another's nerves.

* A family of five can fill a black water tank in less than 24 hours.

* A family of five can fill a grey water tank even faster.

* Camping gets everything dirty.

* White bichons get really dirty while camping.

* Kids eat more while camping than they do at home.

* A trailer oven can really heat up the place.

* Cold showers really make you appreciate the warm ones.

* Children are born pyromaniacs.

* Stray animals can find us even when we are traveling. (The Thomas' and stray animals, dogs in particular, is a long post for another day . . . .)

* Teenagers are actually capable of taking a short shower when given incentive to do so.

* The worst things about camping are still better than being stuck at home!