This was a nice campground but sites were mostly opened to others. There were some prime spots that were tucked in and a little more secluded but of course they were taken. I was disappointed that it rained the majority of the time I was there. A lot! Trails were very muddy and I elected to walk the campground and chat with people. My neighbors were Steelers fans!

Even though this is a huge park, they have left a great number of trees and have multiple small loops to separate the sites. I was in the smallest loop on site 84. The park wasn’t that busy, which was nice. Also some cool history about the clay pavers produced nearby.

I believe this is the 3rd time I have stayed here and it never disappoints. Beautiful campsites separated with trees and brush even though it’s a big campground. One of these days I need to get the perfect kayak or paddle board to explore the lakes I find myself on. In the meantime, I’ll keep walking.

We did so much while here to visit my friends Joni and Mike along with all their friends I’ve gotten to know. Just a few highlights of our time together.

We thought our lobster dinner was the perfect ending to my visit, but the next day was breakfast at the beach and ending with an impromptu cookout with friends and another fire! No pictures but a great ending to the week! Thanks again to Joni and Mike for taking such great care of me.

I have been so lucky finding great hosts on the Boondockers welcome site for quite overnight stops. Rin and Nancy were great hosts with just enough interaction and then leaving me to enjoy the yard and get a good night’s sleep.

I guess I didn’t realize how big this campground was. 3 different camping areas,a great biking and walking trail system, visitor center, marina and of course the lake. I was happy it was not busy and I had a great camping spot!

I had most of this campground to myself for the 2 days I was here. But it was cold, snowy, rainy, windy and generally not a good time to be outside. I did sneak out a couple times when the rain stopped to take a couple of pictures but for the most part, I cuddled up in Pearl. Did a little cleaning, rearranging some clothes and relaxed. There could be a few more trees between sites. Last day here bus loads of special needs kids came in to enjoy some free fishing, hay rides and walks around the park. Happy the rain stopped for them.

I was so happy to be able to swing by Charleston, WV and visit with my sister Kathy. I’m able to have this amazing life traveling due to her financial wizardry. We had so much fun catching up.

We were able to see the play Kinky Boots which was hilarious and very well acted. I’m not much on musicals but after reading the bi-op I was sold. Shoes, sexy red boots and songs by Cindy Lauper, what’s not to like.

The next day it was off to run errands, the Bullocks Distillery which I already posted about and a cocktail on the roof. It was great meeting Mrs. Hamilton there and we were able to talk with her at length about her amazing life. Her children and grandchildren worked to put together a book to remember her by. She’s still going strong at 96. She has been an advocate for depression awareness for a number of years and was interviewed by Barbara Walters and I believe it was Phil Donahue.

Looking forward to seeing her this summer hopefully in Charlevoix or next time I’m in the area. Love you sis!

My sister Kathy and I had a great time touring Bullocks Distillery in Charleston, WV while I was visiting. John and Ted Bullocks have done a great job of making some delicious spirits. Matthew, John’s nephew, gave us a tour and explained everything from where the water used comes from and why, to how each batch is started to how their Burboun, Brandy, Gin and Vodka are made. Also a little about some of their experimental products that are being worked on. An interesting fact is this is the same water that goes underground thru the limestone to Kentucky and is used to make Kentucky burboun.

I tasted the Barrel rested Gin, the 2 straight burbouns, and the commemorative Rye Whiskey. All of them were delicious!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

The Bullock Distillery’s flagship Straight Bourbon has been awarded the coveted Double Gold Designation by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition – the only West Virginia distillery to take home a Double Gold this year. As such, every bottle has earned the right to bear the prestigious designation. This competition is the largest in North America, with thousands of entries, but only dozens of Double Golds. 

The park has done a great job recreating the homestead of this time. With the river right there and multiple easy trails, it’s been fun to stay a couple of days to explore. However, there are a couple of negatives here. One is the song that keeps running thru my head…”Davey, Davey Crockett”. The other is how the campground is laid out like a parking lot. I at least didn’t have neighbors.

I know you have figured out my favorite trails…yes right along the river. So peaceful listening to the water run over the shoals and small falls.

And I was able to meet the new chickens they just added, 2 beautiful donkeys and listened to a ton of birds. And look who showed up!