Hello Gal Pals!
You’re All Now Gal Pals!
From here on out, this is how I will address y’all. What do you think? I like it…should’ve thought of it sooner! Beautiful weather here at my home base in east KY! Hope the weather is nice wherever you are too.
Hello Gal Pals!
Amazing Off-Grid Cooker
When I left off last time, I told you about the outdoor/preparedness expo I attended and all the cool products there. I bought one which is amazing…it is the ROCK POT! From a Utah based company, this outdoor portable cooker is basically a slow cooker that looks like a crock pot, but uses no electric or gas.
The amazing Rock Pot!
Instead, it heats with a compressed round stone tablet that is heated in an open fire, or on a stove top of any kind, then placed in the insulated pot where it cooks food to perfection! See video here: https://youtu.be/wWBsaSoNzpU
Save $10 With GGC Referral Link
I am super excited to be a member of their affiliate program and can now offer you a $10 coupon through Gal Gone Camping’s referral link: https://www.rockpotusa.com/?ref=gn35m4gj
For mobile cooking, off-grid living, tailgating, picnics/barbecues and more, I love this product and think you will too. If you purchase through this link, you will save $10 and I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. I would certainly appreciate it; as it will help support the Gal Gone Camping YouTube channel.
Four Wheeler Heaven!
Not far from where the expo was held is Mine Made Adventure Park, in Leburn, KY, not far from Hindman. Located on an old reclaimed strip mine, the park offers miles of ATV trails which is their focus, but they also offer horse and hiking trails as well. You’ll find a huge RV campground, primitive campsites, and cabin rentals.
4-wheeling anyone?
The camp store/office is stocked with supplies and souvenirs, and there’s a stage area where music shows are held from time to time. Remember this is on top of a mountain which no longer has a mountain top due to strip mining…so be prepared for the wind. I was there the last week of March which was probably worse than usual, but it about blew me away! See video here: https://youtu.be/DOXwG0CpO-Y
The “Mini-Ett” micro-camper
Minivan Micro Camper Tour
I finally got around to doing a full tour of my 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan Micro-Camper! It’s a no-build build, so nothing is permanently secured; everything is removeable. There’s still a few things I need to change and add, but it’s pretty much done. Although I think van builds are always gonna be an ongoing process of improvements as our needs change. See video here: https://youtu.be/nQj3glPr6E4
Unexpected Find
Recently, while waiting to meet a friend for dinner, another friend and I discovered a super cool little establishment in downtown Huntington, WV called LaFontaine’s.
La Fontaine’s, Huntington, WV
It’s actually a wine and tobacco shop, but has a rooftop bar, which is how we spotted it from the street. It happened to be Derby Day, so they were offering free appetizers for all customers as part of their Derby Day party. What a great day that was! I love stumbling onto unexpected treasures such as this. That’s what happens when you don’t really have a plan…you’re sure to find an adventure!
Had to have a Mint Julep for Derby Day!
Middle Creek National Battlefield
I love Civil War history!
The Battle of Middle Creek occurred in what is now Floyd County, KY, near Prestonsburg. I was there years ago with my then little boy, for a re-enactment. I happened to be on that road again recently and was so happy to see what has been done there. There are now walking trails, story boards, Abe Lincoln monument, a very nice sign, and beautiful landscaping.
Estimated 92 soldiers from both sides were killed here. I can only imagine what these hills saw on January 10, 1862.
What a great place to stop and learn a little Civil War history, walk your dog, have a picnic, or just stretch your legs…which is what I did when I took a break from the road on a beautiful day at Middle Creek National Battlefield. I’m so glad to see that the leaders and landowners there realize the importance and value of history and are doing a great job in preserving it. Wish it was like that in my area. We just lost another historic treasure that could’ve been an awesome tourist attraction. Gone forever; breaks my heart. For more information on this battle site, check out their website here:https://www.middlecreek.org/?fbclid=IwAR3UlU8aLENKpaKuvtlIa37R60mIrRel8stZ9nCQpXvoHukfjQX6aFBcm2A
Follow along on their Facebook page too.
The Singing Camper???
I may have mentioned earlier in a blog or video that I have some other projects I’m pursuing…one of which is music/songwriting. I’ve actually been doing it for years…just not doing anything with it. So, be prepared (not scared lol) to hear an occasional song by this singing camper on the Gal Gone Camping YouTube channel.
My dad was a musician; a phenomenal guitar, banjo & harmonica player. He taught me to play guitar when I was 9 years old. He wanted to teach me the banjo too, but I wasn’t interested in learning that instrument then. Sadly, he passed away when I was 14. I have regretted not letting him teach me ever since. For 42 years his banjo remained silent…until just recently, when I had it cleaned, re-strung, and played it at a beginning banjo workshop. How I wish he could know his little girl finally wised up. Maybe he does.
Never too late!
Stay Tuned!
That’s it for now, thanks for stopping in! Coming up: Bigfoot presentation, return to Lake Erie, best hotdog ever, teen idol concert, boondocking at Love’s and more! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE here to the blog and to the Gal Gone Camping YouTube Channel. Follow along on Facebook as well.
Until next time, remember….DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!
See ya down the road,
Catrina