Hunkered Down

So we moved. About a half mile within the same park. I have to tell you about the campground we are in. Look it up online, their web address is www.musicliveshere.com. This place is one of a kind. Big Daddy researched and it is 800 acres with 800 campsites. The camping options are divided into little areas throughout the park- The Lake, Hidden Woods, Renaissance, Farm Field, Sunshine Trail, the Loop, Flip Flop Trail, Bird Sanctuary, etc. The area you end up in largely depends on your preferences and requirements. (Full Hookup, Water Only, Lake Front, Remote area, Electricity, etc.) When I initially booked our spot, I was so happy to have full hookups with the 50 AMP electric we require I grabbed one of the first spaces that came up sight unseen. And then we got here and saw ALL. THE. OPTIONS. Holy Cats. So when Dericka (the 12 ton rig) started to sink in the sandy spot I had so hastily chosen, we were having to plan to re-level the rig every couple of days. And then I spoke with a park employee (at a safe distance) who said there were other full hookup options throughout the park that would not have sand to contend with. So we jumped in the Jeep for a reconnaissance mission! And made the decision to move from Hidden Woods to Bird Sanctuary last week. And the birds are amazing and their songs so beautiful!! What a great way to wake up every morning!

Initially we had no neighbors in an area designed to accommodate 40 rigs. We have one couple about 20 sites away from us, whom we have gotten (distantly) acquainted. I look forward to saying hello and seeing them daily and we have exchanged phone numbers and have learned we have a few things in common. They, too, are here long term.

The best part of all of this is that there is no one here. The music park is the largest draw for this campground and since there are no events over 10 people, they have very few folks here. A typical event here hosts over 30,000 people. (!!!) My guess is that today (Tuesday) there are about 15 campers here- and they are now limited to RV’s (no tents.) And there are miles upon miles of walking and golf cart (or in my case, Jeep) trails throughout the park. The park affords Lilly and I lots of walking in gorgeous woods, along the lake and around the horse park- yes, there is a horsepark with horse camping….

We have talked about it and the three of us have made the decision to stay here as long as they are open. (Or until the shelter at home orders are lifted and life returns to normal) The idea is that we are safer here than on the road, especially since there is no where we need to be. We avoid crossing state lines, having to get gas along interstates, etc. There are currently only 2 cases of COVID in this small county. We can hang here, with all the comforts of home in Dericka, plus we can build a campfire, hike, lay in the hammock, go jeeping, and have the benefit of outdoors with no challenge being socially distant. Temps here have been unseasonably warm- in the upper 80’s-so we are able to spend time in the screen porch (or on the “lanai” as I like to call it) which adds about 70 square feet of space to what we have in the RV. (I’m hoping this will help to keep the walls from closing in.) I am more tan than I have been since college, spending most days outside. There is a Walmart 5 miles away which has been well stocked and we are currently set for at least 10 days of meals. (Not great meals, but food…) The camp store at the park is unbelievably well stocked (milk and RV TP!) and also uncrowded.

So here we will be until they kick us out or we can move freely again. We hear that there are many campgrounds that are closing, but that they will extend stays for those of us who are “full-timers.” Thanks to those of you who have checked in on us. We are well and so far -actually having fun and keeping busy enough.