Hello Friends!
We’re one step closer to spring and I can’t wait! I’m finally able to function somewhat after losing my sweet Pepper girl. That experience just about took me out. Thanks to everyone who sent love, prayers, and encouraging comments. I appreciate it so much!
Enjoying the morning with coffee in my special GGC cup
Bigfoot Expedition Part 2
Picking up from the last blog…part two of my Bigfoot Expedition was just as amazing as part one! I enjoyed a great breakfast at my campsite in Kingdome Come State Park, and lingered with my coffee as long as I could. After checking out some trails and overlooks in the Cumberland Mountains, I headed out of the park and on to the Poke Sallet Festival in Harlan, KY, one of the oldest festivals in the state.
Good eatin’ at the Poke Sallet Festival in Harlan, KY!
I ended this journey at Black Mountain
If you don’t know what poke sallet is, well that’s just one more reason to check out the video LOL! What a fantastic trip this was! Unfortunately, I didn’t find Bigfoot, but I did see two bears and a strange light in the sky! I saw some beautiful country, incredible views, visited a museum, explored a couple old coal towns, hiked a famous trail, camped at an awesome park, took in one of the oldest festivals in the state, met some super nice folks, and ended with visiting Black Mountain, the highest point in KY. Another awesome adventure in the books! See video here: https://youtu.be/KeskS5O83EM
Why I Cancelled Trip I Had Planned For Months
June brought a heatwave in my area; but was extremely hot in Tulsa, OK, where I had planned to go on a trip, in part, to take in the Rt. 66 Festival. My main concern was getting stuck in traffic in such extreme heat. I almost went anyway; was actually packing up the van to leave the next day and I said out loud: “Lord, if there’s a reason I should not go on this trip, give me a sign.” You won’t believe what happened! See that video here: https://youtu.be/ZzB-t_zvX08 Disappointing yes, but I know I made the right decision.
12-volt meltdown!
No Electric, No Problem!
The temps returned to normal at home, yet there was a power outage for a couple days due to storms in the surrounding area. That turned out to be a great weekend! I was off grid, but living large thanks to some of my favorite gadgets and old fashion gizmos including the awesome EcoFlow Power Station, battery candle, Damsel in Defense flashlight, and Mamaw’s oiI lamp. I fixed cocktails, cooked dinner on the charcoal grill, and stored food in my 12 volt Euhomy fridge. Be sure to check out the Gal Gone Camping YouTube channel for videos on those products.
No electric, no problem!
Another Trip Cancelled!
When all else fails…have a cocktail!
I had a Girl Camper trip planned to Missouri in July, but an unusual amount of rain brought flooding to my area (It never rains that much in July!) If the water got over the road, my pet/house sitters could not get here, so I couldn’t take that risk. Not to mention the campground was right on the Mississippi River…and that area got a lot of rain too! Didn’t sound good there either. Disappointed again, but have learned to let God lead. Things happen for a reason. I do not believe in coincidences. Looking back now on these cancellations, I’m glad I didn’t go. I had no idea at that time that my sweet Pepper girl was sick and would be gone in a few short months.
Epic Septemberfest!
The legendary Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, bluegrass music at it’s best!
In the last blog, I told you about ‘The Voice’ winner Noah Thompson from my hometown, and the flurry of excitement that brought back in the summer. Well our fall festival, Septemberfest, was historic and will probably never happen again. The musical lineup was made up almost entirely of Lawrence Co. KY artists: Adam Chaffin. Brit Taylor, Bobby & Teddi Cyrus, Noah Thompson, Laid Back Country Picker, Luna & the Mountain Jets, Tyler Childers who is turning heads everywhere…AND legends Larry Cordle & Ricky Skaggs!!! WOW…it was amazing!!! I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of our little town (I hope I didn’t forget anyone). The talent from these hills and hollers is off the hook! I started to say off the charts, but some of them are or have been on the music charts!
Selling ‘Little Ett’
As hard as it was to let her go, I sold my 1974 Bonanza Pinto travel trailer. What a joy it was to decorate, take on trips and make it my own, but I realized pulling anything was not for me. Even at just 13 ft. long, it was just more work than I wanted. After owning two high top conversion vans and the vintage camper, I know now that my minivan micro camper is the right fit for me.
Sold “Little Ett,” my 1974 Bonanza Pinto travel trailer
I sold it to a young lady who touched my heart. I could see myself in her…at just 19 yrs old, she is very independent, a hard worker, good money manager, and has a level head (well, not entirely like me LOL!) I hope she enjoys it as much as I have. https://youtu.be/HvSDMFiO9K4
The whole camper was decked out in a cowboy/western/hippy/gypsy vibe!
Camper was a great experience, but minivan version is better for me!
Caught Up?!
Y’all…I think that has the blog posts all caught up! Can it be so? I sold the camper in October and it was right around that time that Pepper started getting sick. I mentioned that in the last post…explaining why I was silent through the last part of the year. So strange…it seems she got sick overnight. How could she not show any signs of cancer and be gone within a couple months? I just don’t understand. I miss her so bad I can hardly breathe sometimes. She got to enjoy Thanksgiving with the family, but not Christmas. She died on Dec. 13th. Although I was glad to see my kids, it was all I could do to get through the holidays; was sick the whole time too.
Entering 2023 Didn’t Look Good
I was glad to see 2022 go. One of the hardest years of my life for sure. I prayed that 2023 would be a good year, but right after Christmas, crazy artic below freezing weather dropped in, leaving my water pipes frozen. Happy New Year!…I was without water for five days and that was just the beginning. The adversities that followed had me wondering if I was being tested! Stay tuned and find out what else happened.
Wow, I can’t believe I’m actually caught up! I told you I’d get there! Thanks for hanging in there with me. Y’all rock! Until next time, remember…DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!
Catrina