This was certainly not what I was expecting but it was nice. Sites were a little on top of each other. However, my site 20 was off on a separate loop. The view of the lake was awesome and it was an easy walk to the beach.

There were a number of waterfalls in the area however the weather didn’t cooperate. AND some of them are only viewed by boat or a strenuous hike in, then out. I am going to plan to come back to this area again.

The excitement was the 25 to 30 miles a hour winds one day and watching the pines dance. Unfortunately, one did come down but no casualties. Amazing how quickly the park responded to clean up.

This was another great campground on Hartwell Lake and run by the Corp of Engineers.

It always amazes me how well the campsites are spread out and most of them are along the waterfront. The multiple loops and separate camp areas were great to walk. Two of the camping areas were closed so it was quite and nice to walk without having to watch for cars. I also had another great sunken living area to relax in.

I was a little taken back when I saw my site number and no picnic table or fire ring, but after a closer look, I found my sunken living area. It was a perfect place to settle in and enjoy a birthday weekend.

Just a short walk brought me to Bartram trailhead and I enjoyed a great trek although I didn’t do the 6 mile trail. Just a nice loop to another section of campsites.

Unfortunately I didn’t have a map of the campground but did take a screenshot from the Rec.org site to show the number of loops around this portion of the Rec area on J. Thurmond lake.

This is the oldest state park in Georgia built back in 1927. They knew how to lay out camping sites back then. Huge areas, very well spaced out, gorgeous views from most every site. Camp hosts Julie and Scott were great to chat with about camp hosting as they’ve been at it for 5 years now.

Add to that the historic buildings the CCC built add to the charm of the park. Including an Artisan well the locals come to fill water jugs with. I was told it’s the best tasting water and has healing qualities.

Less than 10 miles is High Falls state park with multiple trails along the river. So cool to walk along and listen to the falling water.

And I found a turtle shell and this cool grave marker. BONUS!

This whole area is cool if you have a boat. And if the weather was nicer. First day here was great. Bad weather was predicted with up to 60 mph winds; that thank goodness didn’t happen. But there was rain, extremely cold weather the next 2 days. I caught a cold and spent a few days blowing my nose. At least I wasn’t missing out on sunshine and 70 degrees. Always a bright side. I was a little disappointed there wasn’t more hiking trails in the park. Still, my spot was lovely and I had a great view.

What a great campground this is. It was also great that my brother Tom and wife Terri could join me. I had called to get intel on sites, next thing we were booking together!

Weather turned cold after our first day here but we hiked a great trail in the park, found a historic home opened for tours in Eufaula and took a drive to Providence canyon for a couple short hikes. Ended the day at Omaha Brewery.

I started at Crawfordville, Florida at my brother’s place. He had my license tags for Pearl and a few Amazon packages (like more Majic Flames!).

It’s always great to catch up with Tom and Terri along with their kids and grandkids. Delicious food and laughter.

We also had fun doing a ‘Who done it’ skit. Dressing up as dogs to figure out who switched Petunia poodle’s shampoo for hair removal, leaving poor Petunia bald before the dog competition.

Then my brother and I flew to Michigan to see my mom, sisters Beth and Mary along with brother Scott.

Love this campground and lucky to be able to get a 2 night stay here before heading to my brother’s house.

It’s fun to be able to walk right to the dam, crossing the Georgia/Florida state line!

Love this park and was able to sneak in for a night. No manatees to be seen but still fun walking the boardwalk to the Suwanee River.

I was told about this park by some camp hosts who had worked here in the past. I was not prepared for how nice the day park was by the SantaFe River. Again, it was an older park built by the CCC. There’s 2 camping areas; one near the entrance to the park and the other close to the day use area and the river. When I visit again, I’ll try to stay at the one closer to the river.

The river trail was great but the swing bridge was closed due to a tree that had fallen on it. There was no indication of what was damaged but the trail was an out and back instead of a loop. Still very nice walking along the river. You could see the point where the river disappeared underground. Amazing people have scuba dived to map the river to where it comes out.

Below are a couple of pictures of the buildings and rock work the CCC built.