Hello Gal Pals!
Here we are nearing the end of December! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. Though Christmas gift buying is over now, you can still check out the annual ‘My Favorite Things 2025’ video…maybe find some cool items for yourself or that next gift you need to give.
Check out ‘My Favorite Things 2025’ video!
See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWjmZulT3cY&t=11s
As promised, I am trying to keep these blog posts shorter and more consistent. I’m slowly healing up from the fall I took on my deck steps a few weeks ago. That was a hard lick! Even though it was bad, I’m so very thankful it wasn’t worse than what it was. That incident could’ve ended up very badly. It taught me a few things I will talk about later on an upcoming video. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:2. Not to mean that you enjoy the hardship you’re going through, but to be grateful for what didn’t happen, and joyful that God will get you through it, you will learn something from it and be stronger when you come out of it.
On a less serious note, this is the first year in my life I haven’t been interested in football…and it makes me sad. Some of ya’ll may know I’ve been a Pittsburg Steelers fan since I was 10 years old. Through the glory days of the 70’s when they were on top, up until last year I always looked forward to the new season…because for years us fans have been saying “maybe next year,” knowing there was a chance they would re-emerge as the powerhouse they used to be.
However, with the placement of a super famous quarterback from another legendary team, it just didn’t seem to fit…at least for me. I’m more impressed with a quarterback who stays with his team for the long haul and retires from it while he and the team are still on top. To jump ship and climb aboard a team that is struggling just doesn’t make any sense to me. I’d much rather see them get a younger quarterback who is on fire for the game and the team, rather than looking to make one last splash before retirement. Is that really too much to ask?
Wood Booger Grill, Norton, VA
Anyway…onto Gal Gone Camping news! I wanted to mention a couple cool discoveries I made while out exploring earlier this year. One is located in one of my favorite states...Virginia! This was in the mountain town of Norton where I found Bigfoot (kinda), at Wood Booger Grill Burgers & Steaks. Wow, what an awesome place! Not only attention to detail in the decor and the magnificent wood carvings of the big guy, but the food was fantastic…as was the service. If you find yourself in the Cumberland Mountains of southwestern Virginia, this is a must stop!
I found myself in West Virginia a few months ago driving up a narrow winding road, not in the middle of nowhere…but in the middle of a town…wondering whether or not the GPS was leading me the right way! When I reached the top of College Hill, I found it…The Old Hospital. Looking oppressively over the coal town of Williamson for nearly 100 years, Williamson Memorial Hospital was built in 1928, later served as physicians offices, then storage, and eventually was purchased by a private investor. It is now open to the pubic, hosting paranormal and historic tours. Pretty cool place to explore…not sure I would do it at night!
The Old Hospital on College Hill, Williamson, WV
Boondocking in Hindman, KY
I attended a fantastic event at the Hindman Settlement School for the Appalachian Songwriters Weekend, and did some boondocking at the same time…during one of the hottest and most humid times I can ever recall! See how I did that on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70LrbOwM0E4&t=29s
I’ve been a member of Girl Camper for several years now which I love, but recently I wasn’t able to get on their website to check out the upcoming events. I emailed support; turns out they have revised their membership, so if you were already a member, you will have to rejoin. There’s an annual option of $35 or lifetime membership for $500. Since I have no clue how long I’m gonna live…I took the $35 route! Check out their website: https://girlcamper.com/
Speaking of Girl Camper, I had planned to attend a Christmas luncheon with the Ohio group in Cambridge; camping the day before at a super cool location I was really looking forward to! However, I am still getting over this leg injury from last month, but what I was really concerned about was the weather. Snow was forecasted for that area, and even though it may not have been much, I couldn’t take that chance…especially after seeing pics a little north of there on the news!
Secluded and settled in for winter at the ‘Shanty on the River’ Please look over the paw tracks and burrs on the floor!
So…I’ve been hiding away here at my shanty on the river; healing and trying to get a leg up (pun intended!) on my to do list and making plans for next year. I am believing for new things to happen in 2026! One of those things include an upgrade to this website. I have partnered with a business & tech assistance program to help me make the changes and upgrades I want to do. I hate that end of this. I don’t have the skill set or the patience, and certainly do not have the time! The upgrade will include a merch page, preferred products, corrections on subscription, contact form and more!
Until next time remember…DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!
See ya down the road,
Cat