Stories from the road, camping tips, thrifty travel ideas, and inspiration for living life on your own terms
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...
Struggling through grief, celebrating birthday with an adventure & campout in Ohio, sharing new videos
Hello Gal Pals! Winter 2025 will be one to remember and it's not even over yet! I'm writing this as I look out my patio door at yet another snowfall AND and a flooded river that thankfully is making its way back down the bank, away from my house...but that's a story for the next blog, so stay...
Hello Gal Pals! Answered Prayers Happy New Year! It's been a while. Either I have lost my mind, or the draft of my last post is missing! Both are a good possibility. So much going on all the time it seems. At this writing, my youngest dog is getting over an illness. I feared the worst for a while...
Hello Gal Pals! November is coming to a close and winter will be here soon! Hope y'all are doing well. After an extremely hot summer, I've been relishing in this cooler weather; taking advantage of every moment! Running behind as usual, so doing a little catching up here from earlier events. At...
Hello Gal Pals! I'm writing this with a swollen nose, black eye and a stoved up thumb! "Did you fall?' everyone asks. If only that were true...I wouldn't have to tell you about one of the most embarrassing things I've ever done! Yes, I know I don't have to tell you, but the Gal is real y'all! In...
Hello Gal Pals! It's been a while! Once again, I have fallen behind on my blog posts....but the good news is I've been busy with new adventures, working on new projects, and developing new ideas; all of which I hope you will enjoy. I just got back from Gal Gone Camping's first official caravan trip...
Hello Gal Pals! Hope you're enjoying the remainder of summer. Cannot believe August is nearly gone already! One of my favorite activities is to float in nature's swimming pools...so relaxing. Not sure you can call that an "activity" since you're technically not doing anything. Milking summer for...
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...
Hello Friends! I just got back from a quick Easter weekend trip; visiting my kiddos. The rain was intense on the way there, but absolutely beautiful coming back. I took a break to enjoy the scenery and linger in those Blue Ridge Mountains as long as I could. Love those Blue Ridge...
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...
Hello Friends! Life Happens I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I was on my way to getting my blog posts all caught up, when once again, life happened; taking a hard, sad turn. Pepper in my first camper van, 2009 Around the middle of October, I took my oldest dog, Pepper, to the vet to...
Hello Friends! Heatwave! Hope you all are doing ok in this heatwave. It usually doesn't get this hot till July and August. What's up with that?? Global warming? I'm sitting here now with a Cool Rag around my neck, making a mental note to put it on the packing list for my next adventure coming soon....
Hello Friends! Spring is finally here! I thought I'd go ahead and write this post about preparedness. Winter may be over, but tornado season is in full swing in a big section of the US. If it's a weather related event or any other disaster, you need to be prepared as much as possible...whether...
Hello Friends! Don't Fall On The Ice! Last day of January! One day closer to spring! Praise Jesus! Y'all might get tired of hearing me bitch about winter, but I have one more reason: ICE...especially the kind you can't see or the kind mixed with mud. Yea, that's right, this old gal took a pretty...
Hello Friends! Happy New Year! Hope ya'll are doing well. Just wanted to say Happy New Year, and catch up a little. Even though I have continued to publish videos on the YouTube channel and posts on the GGC Facebook page, I haven't updated the blog in three months! So sorry about that...this time...
Hello Friends! Fall is here y'all! Best time to travel! I love a festival anytime of the year, but it seems fall festivals are the best. I just attended Septemberfest , our fall festival in my hometown of Louisa, KY, (solo) and Poage Landing Days in Ashland, KY (solo). I love to plan a trip around...
Hello Friends! Happy Labor Day! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! Just a quick post to mention a few things... Happy Labor Day! Big Rig Movement? I recently read an article that may have answered a question I had on my Greenville, OH adventure during the Annie Oakley Festival. If you...
Hello Friends! As I look back at my last post, I realize I'm behind again...no surprise there right! Well I've been busy y'all! What can I say? Work stuff, home stuff, family stuff....but a lot of fun stuff too! How is everyone? Hope you are all doing well. "I ain't afraid of no ghosts!" Who Camps...
Hello Friends! As you know, I'm backed up...no, not that kind LOL! (although I do have that problem occasionally!) I'm backtracking, trying to get blogs and YouTube videos published; where I got behind due to three months of technical problems. The video from this adventure–I just plain forgot...
Hello Friends! Things are heating up now y'all! How's your summer going? I know my winter loving pals are ready to kill me, but I LOVE every minute of spring and summer! I'm a barefoot, long day loving, sun worshipping, water dog who will someday Lord willing, spend the winter season in the great...
Hello Friends! Happy July! 2021 is half over! Can you believe it?! I'm tellin ya, June was an absolute blur for me; I had so much going on...just about shot my nerves! Hopefully July will be less stressful. Hey Y'all! Technical Issues...Ongoing Saga As you know, I've had technical difficulties...
Hello Friends! Saying Goodbye... "Parting is such sweet sorrow." Although Juliet said this to Romeo in the famous Shakespearean play, she surely didn't know it could also relate to parting with another kind of love...like that of a 30 year old van! A few days ago I said "goodbye" to 'Etta Mae II,'...
Hello Friends! Well, we are nearing the halfway mark into 2021! How can that be?? You know time is not actually speeding up; guess we're just slowing down–at least I am. I'm finding it harder and harder to keep up! I hope you all are well and have enjoyed the beautiful spring weather (is starting...
Hello Friends! Happy Spring! Can you believe it? SPRING IS FINALLY HERE! Thank you Jesus! I just got back from my latest adventure and crossed off another bucket list item! Will be sharing that with y'all soon–along with some great money saving tips! Goodbye winter, hello spring!!! Ice Storm So we...
Hello Friends! Super Bowl LV Well, Super Bowl LV is in the books! Did it go your way? I was rooting for the Chiefs, but the Brady bomb struck again! Y'all know my team is the Pittsburg Steelers; have been a fan since the 70's, but I have always liked the Chiefs–even when they weren't any good. I...
Hello Friends! Is It Spring Yet??? Happy February! We're one month closer to spring praise God! I'm sitting here covered up with a warm blanket, with my fur babies in my home state of KY; writing to y'all, dreaming of sunshine filled days and long summer evenings by a campfire somewhere. OK, so I...
Hello Friends! I Hate Winter! Have I mentioned that I HATE winter?! When my full time gypsy life begins, I swear I will NEVER set foot where it is cold ever again! As beautiful as the snow and ice can be, it's much more of a problem than a pleasure–for me anyway. My body does not tolerate cold...
Happy New Year Friends! Greetings from the GGC Office! I'm "working" this Saturday morning, writing the words of this blog from the GGC office! That's right–just added my laptop, phone, paper, pen and a cup of coffee to my portable table and walah! I have an office in here! However, what really...
Warming up with my "special" hot chocolate! Hello Friends! A Few of My Favorite Things! Well, Christmas is upon us! Can you believe it? There's just a few more shopping days left for you gift-givers out there, and if you're still trying to come up with some ideas, I thought I'd share a few of my...
Hello Friends! Merry Christmas! I know you're all feeling jinglely jolly and totally in the Christmas spirit right? What–you're not??? This is the most joyful time of the year isn't it? Aren't we all supposed to be singing Christmas carols and running around all merry and bright? Well, unless...
Hello Friends! Well, I did it again y'all, I let too much time lapse since my last post. It would be very easy to blame it on 2020, but that would be a lie. The truth is, this gal just has too many irons in the fire! It also seems to take me longer to get things done these days. Why does my mind...
Hello Friends, I know! It's been a while since my last post! I've been busy trying to get my YouTube channel going...shewww, that is work, and I need your help! If you all would be so kind to hop over and subscribe to the Gal Gone Camping YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2a...
Hello Friends! I hope this post finds you all doing well through the ongoing pandemic. As the country begins to reopen, it feels like there is a light at the end of the tunnel, so stay positive, stay safe, keep praying, and as I always say... "Don't Wait To Live!" So happy to be back on the road!...
Hello Friends! Like many of you, I am staying close to home base, even though I am outside nearly every single day; enjoying this beautiful spring weather! (See my latest adventure on the Gal Gone Camping Facebook and Instagram pages–please Like & Share!) Since my on the road adventures are on hold...
Best kept secret in RVing! With a low cost yearly membership you have access to tons of locations across North America that allow you to park overnight for FREE! Places like wineries, farms, museums, breweries, golf courses and other attractions! Two membership plans available. I am no longer an...
Hello Friends! I've always said "The farther away from people I can be; the better." Who knew there would someday be something known as "social distancing," and just like that–I am suddenly COOL!? Not that I'm a complete introvert, I just require a lot of alone time. "Social Distancing" at its...
Hello Friends! I just got back from Music City USA a few weeks ago and although I've been there several times, this trip was extra special because I got to go with one of my dearest friends, Mary. We were in high school band together and one year we went to Nashville for a concert competition. We...
Hello Friends! I am a little late getting the 2020 dates posted for these events–I apologize. These are events I am familiar with, have connections to, or have learned about and want to share with you.... Womens Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (WRTR)–Jan. 14-17, 2020; Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR) Jan....
Hello Friends! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope 2019 was good to you and here's to 2020 being much better! I can't believe we are entering a new decade–unreal! Is 2020 Your Year??? Dreaming about a real one? Have you been thinking about a new rig or purchasing your first one? If one of your goals for 2020 is...
Hello Friends! Free, Unlimited Overnight Stays–What Would That Be Worth? Before I reveal to you the best kept secret in RVing, let me ask you this: How much do you spend on campgrounds throughout the year? If you could have FREE access to super cool locations all across North America with UNLIMITED...
Hello Friends! Too Good To Be True? What would you expect to pay for a campsite like this– $35-$45 per night maybe? How does between FREE and $20 sound? Too good to be true? I'm here to tell ya'll, it's TRUE! You can wake up to stunning views like this in campsites all across the country that cost...
Great campground! Hello Friends! Today I want to tell you about a campground I discovered a few years ago. My plan was to attend the Blackbeard Pirate Festival in Hampton, VA, camp in a beach campground, and search for Blackbeard’s treasure. So I started researching beach campgrounds in that area...
Hello Friends! It's that bewitching time of year again; as Halloween is quickly approaching. Some of you are probably winding down your camping trips and have maybe even begun winterizing your rigs. I know–it's horrifying to think about! Spooky October outing in the woods Some of you though, like...
Hello Friends! Finally Fall! After enduring what may be have been the hottest September on record, Fall is finally here! I hope everyone out there is enjoying it–I certainly am! I just got back from an awesome weekend trip with one of my dearest childhood friends in the whole universe; am still...
Hello Friends! Can you believe it is September already? Fall will be here soon–great camping and travel weather! I just got back from Texas and discovered some super cool places in OK and AR as well. Will tell you more about that later, but right now I wanna talk to you about getting the most out...
Hello Friends! You know, I have traveled a lot in my lifetime and one thing I've found to be the same everywhere, —-poor signage! Not just road signs either, there's no discrimination when it comes to this issue, including trails. Here's Your Sign! Well, I'm glad you asked! So, I finally made it to...
Hello Friends! If you've been keeping up with my blog, you know one of the subjects is ways to make an income on the road. For full or part-time nomads or even if you are just looking to make some extra money from home, you can find some ideas in the 'Working Mobile' category of the Gal Gone...
Hello Friends! I gotta share with y'all a little secret hideaway I found in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia a couple months ago– BUT let me tell ya, it is NOT gonna be a secret for much longer! Owner, Joe Boffo, in partnership with others, purchased 300 or so acres in the remote...
Hello Friends! I 'm So Excited! I just got back from HippieFest, one of the coolest events ever!–Complete blog post coming soon on that, but right now I have some EXCITING NEWS to share with y'all! How would you like to stay overnight in your RV or van at awesome attractions in beautiful locations...
Hello Friends! I'm Running Behind! It's been a little longer than usual since my last post, but I have been busy–busy on the business end of GGC! The website is undergoing a few changes and rearranges, I've also been doing product reviews, destination/travel research, am working on other social...
Hello Friends! Celebrating My 1-Year Anniversary! Wow–I can't believe it's been one whole year since I launched Gal Gone Camping! Don't wait to live! What started out as an idea to connect with campers, nomads, travelers and those interested in simple living with my passion for writing, has become...
Hello Friends! If you're like me, trying to keep your weight in check is a chore! Figuring out what to eat everyday is exhausting. Eating right when traveling is even harder whether you're on the road or trail. I have tried just about every diet there is, and for me, low-carb is easier and seems to...
Hello Friends! Another Check Off The Bucket List! This past March I got to check off a bucket list item! To make it even more special, I got to do it with my son, daughter-in-law and grandson. I flew to Dallas where they live, then we drove out West–which as many of you know is my second home. I...
Hello Friends! Getting Rid Of Stuff So you've made the decision to live mobile or in some sort of tiny space. Whether it's a camper, van, motor home or some other type of RV, or a tiny house, you are gonna have to learn to let go of a lot of things. My camper is small, but even a large one will not...
Hello Friends! Deep in the northwestern part of North Carolina lives the Brushy Mountains, kin to the Blue Ridge Mountains, separated by the Yadkin River. It is here that I found one of my favorite adventures! Emerald Hollow Mine, Hiddenite You may have heard that North Carolina contains emeralds,...
Hello Friends! Are You Stressed Out? On a scale from 1 to 10, how stressed are you? I'm guessing most of you would say 11 right? Oh yea, we're just going to 10, so 10. It's a fact, stress is a killer. It has been medically proven that stress is directly related to heart disease, obesity, depression...
Hello Friends! I'm finally getting to the last of the 4-part series of my Alaska experience from a few months ago. Time is going by so fast–I'm half a year older since I visited Alaska! That's why I always sign off with DON'T WAIT TO LIVE! Ketchikan–Salmon Capitol of the World! The last stop on...
Hello Friends! As I said in my last post, I've been on the road a lot lately–which is good cause I have more info to share with y'all, but have gotten a little behind on blogging, so am now playing catch up–and not the kind that goes on fries either! (Yes, I'm here all week folks! LOL). This post...
Hello Friends! Survival training is a topic that I am passionate about. I strongly encourage campers, hikers, cyclists, hunters, or anyone who spends time in remote areas to take a survival skills workshop or class periodically. You should then practice those skills so you don’t forget. Kids Need...
Connect with fellow RVers at this group's 2nd rally. Last year's event was held in Elkhart, IN–the birthplace of RV manufacturing. I am a member and had plans to go, but had to cancel at the last minute. I hear it was GREAT! This year, enjoy five full days of fun in sunny FL!...
Hello Friends! Welcome to the 3rd in my 4 part series on Alaska! Glacier Bay–A Beautiful Learning Experience The next stop on this incredible Alaska adventure was actually not a stop at all, but a slow, captivating cruise into Glacier Bay and definitely one of the most spectacular sights I have...
Hello Friends! Welcome to 'Go Wild! Camp & Cruise Alaska,' the 2nd in a 4 part series. "North, to Alaska!" The second port of call on my cruise to Southeast Alaska was the one I was most excited about, even though the entire trip was beyond words! My first view of Skagway Skagway. ..in my mind,...
Hello Friends! Beyond Beautiful! I recently took a trip to Southeast Alaska! I can’t even begin to describe the beauty of it—and I’m a writer! Majestic, wild, peaceful, remote, rugged, and spiritual are a few words that immediately come to mind. This is God’s country and you simply have to...
If you are looking for an inexpensive way to travel, check out tour bus companies in your area. If you think bus tours are just for "old people," think again. With my travel club, Rambling Fever Travel, I used to offer charter bus tours. I had folks on those trips from 18 to 80! It's true that a...
Hello Friends, Greetings from Cummins Ferry Resort Campground & Marina in Salvisa, KY! Where is Salvisa you ask? I had never heard of it either, and I'm from KY! I discovered this place while searching for a campground near Danville, where my son was living at the time. I thought I had pretty much...
Hello Friends, Welcome to my blog! Meet Etta Mae II In this post I'm going to talk about my second van camper, the one I have now–the Etta Mae II. I will share the details of her along with a very memorable adventure. This lady is a white 1992 Ford Econo Line E-150 high top conversion van with baby...
Hello Friends! Welcome to my blog, so glad you’re here. In my last post I told you the first thing I was going to write about was van camping and some of my adventures. So, I have been van camping (vamping), for over 10 years now, and am on my second van. In this post, I will talk about my first...
Yay! You are ready to purchase an RV!...OK, what kind? Not as easy as you thought it would be is it? There's so many to choose from! Motor Home–Class A, B, or C? Trailer–Slides or no slides? How long? Bunks or no bunks?.... 5th Wheel–You're gonna need a bigger truck! Pop-Up–You thought it was the...
How Gal Gone Camping Came to Be….My Story Hello Friends! Welcome to my blog, so glad you’re here. If you read the Home and About GGC pages, then you know who I am, where I come from, and what my message is. In this post I thought I'd share with you how and why Gal Gone Camping came into existence....
