Campground Life

We slept late today and after breakfast decided to walk around the campground, always an engaging activity for us. I suspect that most non-RVers are unaware of the interesting slice of life that exists in RV parks. Jane & I are basically nomads, traveling most days and usually only staying in a campground one or a few nights at a time. We encounter many fellow nomads along the trails but there are also camper folks, usually families, that are seeking an escape to the outdoors and stay put in a single campground. These campers may stay for a vacation period, a season or have permanent setups that they periodically visit like a second home. Because it is Labor Day weekend and the summer holidays are drawing to a close, this campground is full of campers, many that have been here for awhile. As we walked around we saw a variety of RV rigs. Here, the large diesel-pusher motorhomes were concentrated, in an open field with pull-through (rather than back-in) sites. Some have wooden decks, steps and boardwalks, landscaped yards, water features, screened-in porches, huge grills, large outdoor tv displays and any comfort imaginable, in the pursuit of the ultimate glamping experience. 

In our campground wanderings we came across a dirt road leading to a neighboring RV park, the Loon’s Haven Family Campground. This was a smaller more intimate campground than our KOA park. The lots had more privacy and many were located along or near the water front where there were several docks for fishing or launching boats. As we entered the campground, we followed the noise of people and in an opening, stumbled on a women’s beanbag horseshoe tournament.  There was fierce but friendly competition ongoing in three pairs of pits accompanied by encouraging shouts and cheers from the bleachers. We observed this spectacle for awhile and critiqued the pitching techniques of the competitors before continuing our ramblings back to our RV site.

Back at the RV, we had lunch outside in the cool Maine weather while streaming the NCSU-ECU radio broadcast through the outdoor speakers. I also watched some of the UNC-USC game on cable tv. Our quiet Saturday football afternoon was interrupted by a commotion that preceded the arrival of the wet hay ride tractor. Screams and laughter forecast the imminent arrival of a tractor pulling a wagon full of campground kids armed with squirt guns and super soakers. Meanwhile, the adults at nearby camp sites had hooked up hoses in preparation for an ensuing water battle. As the tractor passed by the battle was intense but brief, at least for the adults; the kids had to continue their fight. After this lively interruption, our quiet Saturday resumed. All three of my almae matres (UGA, UF and NCSU) won their season openers and Jane whipped up an excellent supper of stir-fried veggies.

After supper, we walked to the Rec Hall to hear Pat Foley, advertised as one of Maine’s best guitarists. One of Maine’s best guitarists showed up late, had to set up as the audience watched and then, couldn’t get his electric guitar working, so performed the first set on his acoustic guitar. Fortunately, the act improved after that with the three piece band cranking out classic rock songs interspersed with a few country hits. Many from the audience, including tykes that could barely walk, hit the dance floor, especially during the more popular tunes. During intermission, Pat worked hard to get his effects box and electric guitar in order. I noticed that an old geezer carrying his trumpet approached Pat during intermission. Sure enough, he was invited to the stage during the second set to blow away on an interesting rendition of C.C. Rider. We headed to bed after an enjoyable show and campground day.