July was a challenging month. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we weren’t able to get anything done on the trailer, didn’t go camping, and didn’t even go on any day trips.
Things improved by August, and we were able to do a one-night camping trip on August 7-8. After a quick stop at the grocery store to get some ice and snacks, we were on our way!
Our destination was Sherando Lake in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA. We didn’t have reservations, so we knew it might be iffy getting a campsite because the campground is very nice–and also very popular. Fortunately, we were able to get the next-to-the-last open site in the section with water and electric, and a trailer right behind us got the last site!
Our site was wide and level, and it didn’t take us too long to get set up.
When we checked in, the ranger at the gate told us that they’d had trouble with bears recently, and when the camp host came to greet us, he also warned us to make sure that all our food was securely stored. They have big, steel bear-proof storage containers on each site in this part of the campground.
After getting settled, we drove down to the lake and enjoyed some time in the sun and the water. SUCH a pretty place!
When we got back to the campground, we stopped to admire our sweet little trailer sitting exactly where little trailers are supposed to be–in a campground and not just in a driveway! 🙂
We explored a trail along the creek that borders the campground, and checked out the amphitheater.
Wayne always seems to run into someone he knows when we’re out and about! 😉
We’d brought soup from home, so we heated it up on the camp stove and also got a fire going in the fire pit.
Even though the temperature was quite pleasant–especially for a night in August!–there’s just something so relaxing about sipping coffee while sitting by a campfire….
Once the crescent moon set, we could see so many stars!
As clear as it had been that night, however, we were surprised to wake up to rain….
Without an awning or canopy, our plans for cooking breakfast outside weren’t going to happen. At least we had coffee!
After a while, we hitched up and rolled on home, thankful that we’d been able to enjoy beautiful Sherando lake and campground the previous day and evening!
Now that we’re both back in school, the work weeks are super busy and we don’t have a lot of time for all of our trailer projects. To be better prepared for rain while camping, however, we recently purchased a 10 x 10 canopy that was on sale Labor Day weekend.
And despite our crazy schedules, we’ve managed to do a bit more work on the trailer: Wayne installed the recessed base for the pedestal table in the front dinette (no pictures yet), and I finally completed the cushions that will allow the dinette to convert to another comfortable bed!
We really hope to get in at least a couple more camping adventures before winter!