Our maiden Voyage-1st Camping Trip

Coach-Tom · 05-10-2010, 08:52 AM

Well, just got back from a fun weekend of torrential downpours, tornadoes, 29 degree temperatures, malfunctioning furnace(no heat), sleet, a little snow, and a poop hose that popped off. My family and I had a BALL!

It was dark when we arrived Friday and I felt like a driver at Indy as soon as I began to back into my space. A pit crew of strangers guided me in, then leveled me side to side, removed my hitch, blocked my tires, leveled me front to back, plugged me in, turned on my frig and water tank, adjusted my antennae, and programmed my TV to receive broadcasts and invited me and my fam to a large fire with coffee, hot chocolate and goodies. I did tell them we were rookies. Remember friends, I knew no one in this group. They're a group of campers that has organized campouts every week/weekend called the Star Blazers. I joined and forked over the steep $10.00 initiation fee.

Within 2 hours I made about 40 new and wonderful friends of all ages. My twins hooked up with kids there own age and played baseball, football, exchanged Facebook info, and they didn't even mention video games(a vacation first). Everybody had to tour our trailer, while we were invited to tour everyone else's. Picked up a bunch of tips from seasoned veterans. I did explain I was in training to become SUPER CAMPER.

It was almost surreal what happened at this campout. At one point, I had 13 people and 2 dogs(not mine) in my trailer.

We had an official meeting Saturday night where I was nominated to be the new social chairperson(how cool)

. I declined because of my erratic schedule. We parted yesterday afternoon with lots of handshaking and hugs from the ladies(I really enjoyed that) and returned home to find emails from some of the members already....WOW!

I thought I died and went to camping heaven. What wonderful people! I'm hooked

Tom

Scottsdale · 05-10-2010, 09:04 AM

Welcome to the great world of RV'ing and camping. As you experienced, you will meet a great bunch of folks all over America.

StStg1 · 05-11-2010, 04:21 PM

Sounds like a real great bunch of folks. It kind of reminds me of the first time we attended the local Coachmen campout. I'm glad you had a great time. May your travels take you to many more.

Chuck 1935 · 05-12-2010, 08:30 AM

Now you can watch Robin Williams movie "RV" from a whole new prospective.

Coach-Tom · 05-12-2010, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck 1935

Now you can watch Robin Williams movie "RV" from a whole new prospective.

God...Ain't it the truth?

SuperGewl · 05-13-2010, 09:36 PM

Sounds like you had a blast. That's what camping is all about,

getting to know people and having fun. I hope you lerned alot during your inageral voyage.

Coach-Tom · 05-14-2010, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperGewl

Sounds like you had a blast. That's what camping is all about,

getting to know people and having fun. I hope you lerned alot during your inageral voyage.

I did learn you need a worm drive clamp on your holding tank hose coupler. Otherwise, it shoots off. I didn't like those shoes anyways.

MikenAmber · 05-14-2010, 07:41 AM

Sounds like the first time out with a local Coachman group, told us to pick a spot we did. Took about 10 tries to back it in right. Those guys sat in their chairs mesmorized at my attempts to get it parked. Finally a bit off center but not bad. We were refered to as Lucy and Desi. A great bunch of campers. We have never met any bad campers since we've been camping. Love every minute of it. Your pleasures have just begun. Enjoy..........A loose hose now and then has never killed anyone....Enjoy your Coachman.

Coach-Tom · 05-15-2010, 08:02 PM

I'm planning on going out at least every other weekend and possibly more...yahooooo!

dishonestjon · 05-15-2010, 08:28 PM

another convert!!! love it! Soon we can take over the World. I have always said that campers are the friendlyist people you will ever meet, instant friends.

MrsB · 05-17-2010, 05:39 PM

CoachTom - where did you all go camping? We have only been out a couple of times -- once to a VA State Park (NO ONE being friendly there) and a gimmick trip (you have won 15 free nights!) to Gettysburg Battlefield Resort. (Had to sit through their 2 hour! pitch to buy a Membership). Several campers in Gettysburg were very friendly when we had to ask questions about using the dumping station. We are both kind of shy

and our kids are all grown. Nice hearing about your 1st trip out.

Coach-Tom · 05-18-2010, 05:24 AM

Cooper's Lake Campground in Slippery Rock, PA. The people that work there are also very nice and accomodating. Remember, I just so happened upon a camping group or club, and shy, I'm not? Read my foray into the wonderful world of camping here

I wanted to go out this weekend(might need pontoons) and I'll report on my next trip. Trust me, there are wonderful people out there. You'll find them...Good Luck!

Tom