Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Camping in the Uwharrie

Even though we joked about camping with a 6-month old last year this year we really made it happen!

Call us crazy, I guess?

In our defense, we didn't camp with Miss Shelby in a tent but instead our new travel trailer we purchased a few weeks ago! It's a 26-footer complete with bathroom, kitchen, queen size bed, and bunk beds in the back.
We converted the bottom bunk to make Shelby a crib to sleep in.

It will work for now but I know in the future we'll have to make some changes. Especially when she starts pulling up.

It's great though because there's even a curtain to shut her section off so we can still move around the camper and use the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom area without disturbing her.
Being our 'maiden voyage' with the trailer, we decided to stay close to home and camp in the Uwharrie National Forest.

It's not as high elevation wise as the Blue Ridge Parkway so it wasn't as cool there as we are use to when we camp in July.

In other words, it was HOT!
Giving we booked the weekend of July 4th, availability was limited.

We got a site in the Arrowhead campground just steps away from Badin Lake in Eastern North Carolina.
The campground is nice overall. It even has a brand new bathhouse but not going to lie, it wasn't very clean over the weekend.

Arrowhead is also VERY popular with Jeeper clubs aka 'mud boggers'. I guess there are tons of trails for those groups around that area.
At the last minute, our neighbor's Keith and Lulu were able to get a site next to us for Saturday night!

No such luck for Friday though so we headed over as a family of 3.

Yes, we left Buddy behind at the lake house this trip until we got our bearings on how it would all roll out.

After arriving and getting set up torrential rains set in. We were VERY happy to be in a trailer and not a tent!
Later in the evening, the rain stopped, we put Shelby to bed and grilled up a few burgers and enjoyed 'adult' time.
The next day we woke up and took a stroll around the lake and enjoyed being outside.
Again, it was hot, so I wasn't looking my best.
Ready for a cooler place to camp!
Then, Keith and Lulu showed up!
We cooked out for lunch.
Of course, we had everything looking as festive as possible.
Shelby even ate her lunch outside, fed by Mr. Keith!
We are so excited about all the memories to be made with our new trailer and our camping budddies LuLu and Keith!

I'm just hoping Shelby learns to love the outdoors as much as we do.

(Yes, our awning is tilted on purpose to help the rain to run off)
After Shelby went to bed the boys cooked up a low-country boil!
Shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes!
Such a great time!
Our next stop with the trailer will be sans Shelby.

We've had a trip to camp at Whitetop, Virginia for months and we were planning to do it in tents. We've decided now to bring the trailer and have our friends camp at or near our site.
We plan to ride the Creeper trail again.

Just 2-weeks away! The high on top of the mountain is 70-degrees during the day!
We are so excited about all the adventures to come!
I know camping isn't everyone's thing, but we find it fun and a great way to make tons of family memories that Shelby can hopefully pass on to her possible children one day.

So, there you have it!!
Camping trip numero uno with trailer(yet, to be named) DONE!!

17 comments:

Annie said...

You guys had EVERYTHING packed! Such a cute set up for your low country boil!

donna said...

Sooo fun! My in laws are big on camping in their RVs. We always come visit them on the grounds. I love when campgrounds are decorated for the holidays. My favorite is the Disney Wilderness campground. People decorate their RVs in the most fun Halloween decor.

I Do Declare said...

Looks so much fun. Y'all are going to make good memories with that, for sure!

Ashley said...

So fun!! Anika and I are meeting my mom up in Maine for a night or two in their camper this weekend. We plan to eat lobster and...well I don't know what else yet! ha. We took her up the last two summers as well and put the pack n play where the table goes in the camper. haha. hard to move around but it worked. this time she can use the bed and I can get away bringing much less stuff!! We are doing a tent camping night later this month much closer to home.

April of Smidge Of This said...

Only YOU gals would have a campsite with chilled champagne (in a champagne bucket, nonetheless), lobster cocktail napkins, fresh flowers, and printables! I love it!

Maran (HeyHawleywood) said...

Wow! So fun!!! I have only been camping once or twice but you make me want to do it more!! And with a set up like that?? Forget about it!

Happily Ever Parker said...

My husband has made me a "Glamper". I like tents and all but a cabin or trailer suits me so much better! I seriously cannot get enough of Shelby! Love her little facial expressions!!

eas said...

Camping with monogrammed pillows, a beautiful table set for the holiday and champagne? I like your style while camping! The park you camped at looks lovely.

Monica said...

Camping isn't for me, but if it was...I'd totally do it your way! Looks like you had a lot of fun and the memories will be priceless!

Tricia said...

Girl, how in the world did you make everything look so cute?? That is crazy adorable. I love it! Rob is always wanting me to camp, but he thinks it should truly be on the ground...I'm more along your speed. Cute camper, and make it like home. Looks like you guys really did have a blast, and I know you'll have even more great trips over the summer.

Leigh Powell Hines said...

You do camping well. It all looks so nice. Very festive.

Unknown said...

Looks like a bunch of fun!

Kate @ Daffodils said...

Im glad the first trip was a success!

Courtney B said...

This seriously sounds like SO much fun! Wish we could camp with you guys :) And I love that you took Shelby at such a young age! I would totally take Mia if we had a camper!

Jess at Just Rainbows and Butterflies said...

Wow, you are amazing and that table spread is amazing!

starnes family said...

I could not love this more and I ADORE you for doing it! We camped with Laine in a tent at age 11 months. It was hell on earth, but we did it! You will have so many amazing memories in this purchase.
Well done, family!

Southern Living: Preppy Style said...

My heroine!! I want a pop up camper so bad and we've been talking about it for a while! Growing up in Kentucky, we camped a lot and then we went out west a lot as well, so camping has always been in my blood. And Florida camping is so much fun (in winter). Looks like so much fun and Shelby had a blast! Good for you!