A very nice place to stay. You are a very short walk to either the bay or the Gulf side, wide white, soft sand beaches, lots of neat birds, hiking, presumably fishing as well, and water and electric at each site. Restrooms looked newish, there was some shade (none on our spot) and three or four loops of sites. The days we were here were cold and rainy. We reserved about 2 months ago and there were not too many spots left when we did. Place seemed full each night. We were here for three nights, I think. Under $30 a night for a peaceful and beautiful location is hard to beat. We would go back and in fact might be making plans to do so. Don't neglect seeing the old fort on the island and the Naval Air Museum on the mainland, excellent.
Mississippi - Gautier - Santa Maria RV Park /
Some days you just want a plug. We were traveling toward New Orleans after spending much of the day in Tuskegee at two National Park sites. It rained all day and the day before and we spent the previous night at a Walmart. So I wanted to get a full charge plus our inverter that was to have been fixed would not run the coffee pot. Ugh! I found this place in the Alstays app that had power, water, sewer and internet for only $28. So calling ahead for a reservation I also checked about a late arrival, they accommodated us easily. As you can see from the photo there were few nods toward making things look good but they delivered on the promise of pull-through space and everything worked. Somedays that is all you need. And note the sun came out that morning, but it was rather cold. Right off the interstate and run by nice folks I would stay there again overnight. (PS They did have a pool that looked rather new.)
www.santamariarvpark.com
Tennessee - Savannah - Pickwick Landing State Park /
I was not keeping track of sites when we first started camping in the Oliver. And this was our first night after Hohenwald where they set you up close by and then come in the morning to see how you did. This was near Shiloh National Battlefield which is why we were camped here. Very nice place, with electric and water hookups on site at a very reasonable cost, I think we paid $20.
California - Malibu - Leo Carillo State Park (two photos) /
This was a perfect place to stay for us. We went into LA one day and to the Channel Islands National Park the next. It was easy to access both areas. Traffic is a mess anywhere, so you don't miss out on the true LA experience. We had a pull-through space (L127) that had a picnic table and fire ring. Neither was in great shape. It did have electric hookups. We were close to the camp road but it was not too noisy, may be different on a weekend. The park could use some maintenance and some clean up but was acceptable. We did not use the restrooms or the pay showers. Cost for the night was around $48. We would stay here again but only because the alternatives that we could find were even less desirable. Bonus Question: who was Leo Carillo? Answer next camping post!
Looking down from the trail
Looking west from the trail
New Hampshire - Franconia - Fransted Family /
Extensive activity type campgrounds are not where we usually stay. But we needed to plug in this night in October and we wanted to be close to a pancake house for breakfast, Sad, I know. But wait until I showcase the pancake place later this week!. Anyway, we found this campground just a couple of days before they were closing for the season. So, it was quiet and not too "activity-ish." Our site was number 8 and was flat and easy to access. You may note that the trailer is actually missing. I took the site just past ours for the color but never shot the actual site we had. Sorry. We also took a wonderful hike along a stream for a couple of miles right from the campground and in the middle of the woods along the path was a sign that the first ski jump in the US was built nearby. Cool. Fransted Family Campground at https://franstedcampground.com/index.html
California - King's Canyon - Azalea Campground /
Not too much to say about the camping area here, beautiful as you would expect in a National Park. There were tight spaces and confusing water source. I thought you could get water at various spigots but for filling the trailer it was only at the check-in station. Of course, the National Park is a wonderful place to stay, would not want to miss it for a place with more services. Azalea is a "no reservation" campground but our friends arrived earlier and got us a spot. It was full the first night we were there.
Tennessee - Natchez Trace Parkway - Meriwether Lewis Park /
This was a wonderful place to camp. First it was free. Second, it was free and beautiful. We did a long hike along a stream that led to a river and then back across the woodland to the camp area, about 3 miles. You can also visit the replica cabin where Lewis died. It is not known for certain if he was murdered or if he took his own life but the latter seems to be the current favored theory. Highly recommended if you are doing the Natchez Trace.
Tennessee - Memphis - Meeman-Shelby Forest SP /
Meehan Shelby is located just a short distance north of downtown Memphis we found this to be an ideal spot to visit the area (http://tnstateparks.com/parks/campground/meeman-shelby). We liked the quiet locale, hikes in the forest and neat drive along the Mississippi. Easy access to Memphis as well. Our site, #14, had water and electric service and was paved. Any of the sites on the middle loop are nice with lots of shade. Not that we needed shade that day. It was my second time to back in and it took a few tries so the large bus pictured on site 14 on the web page now must be a mirage. Rate was about $22 in spring of 16. The directions to the park were not the easiest to follow and there are several entrances as well. Wifi could be had at night by driving to the welcome station and sitting in the car. We visited Graceland (of course) Sun Studio (http://www.sunstudio.com)- the highlight of the trip for me, great tour and Beale Street. Oh, and the giant pyramid Bass Pro store. Amazing space.
Indiana - Crawfordsville /
Yes, we are at a Walmart. We have stayed overnight in 6 or 8 of these stores. One of them was a bit dicey (Springfield - Mass) and most are not memorable. They are free and we feel reasonably safe. We always shop in the store. It is not a destination but if we want to travel late and get going early it is a good option. This one was very nice. We were alone on the automotive side, WIFI worked in the lot, there were birds singing in the AM and there was a custard stand in the front lot. Perfect.
Kentucky - Carter Caves State Resort Park /
We just stopped here for one night on the way back from a trip to Iowa. The campground was a bit off the Interstate but not too far to make the stop worthwhile. We were able to take a nice hike and enjoy a walk around the lake. We were in site 55 with electric. Water was available but a central locations. I don't recall any wifi. The site was level and easy to access. The rate we paid was about $20. We were headed down a road to the lake when I took this photo.
California - Yosemite /
We stayed in North Pines campground on site 531. We were there this spring in early May and the water was rushing, the falls overflowing and some sites pretty soggy. Not ours. We were across the road from the river and from a rest room but there was no noise or traffic. We could see Half-Dome over the trees. Loved it. I think the regular rate was $30 a night and remember no hookups.
Pennsylvania - Philadelphia /
No mountain views, no serene lakes, no grass! We loved this camping space at the Campus Park and Ride. It is super safe, well run, has power, water and wifi and free shuttle service to the transportation hub at a hospital complex. From the hub you can get anywhere in Philly. The cost was a very reasonable $30 a night, for small trailers like ours and $13 for any vehicle you have. The staff were very helpful and cheerfully met you anytime on weekends with the shuttle - during the week they have regular and frequent runs. Great way to visit the historical treasures of the city.
Oklahoma - Washita (Western edge) /
What a super place. We were here in April of 17 after touring Washita National Memorial we drove a few miles to this site by the poorly named Upper Washita Pond Number 32! It is off highway 47 and then a couple of miles on a paved road and one more well marked turn into the camping area. I don't recall how many sites, maybe 15 or 20, but we were nearly alone that night as there was only one other unit near the entrance. We camped for $0 dollars with nice sunset and the sound of coyotes over the hills. There was water available and restrooms as well. It is located in the Black Kettle National Grasslands.
California - Joshua Tree /
We stayed at Joshua Tree for three days in April 2017. The Blackrock campground provides easy access to the most interesting portion of the park, in my opinion. We stayed in site #45 and it was very nice, located on the side of a hill (slight) and close to a couple of trails. The iconic trees dot the campground. There is water available but no hookups. Cost was a very reasonable $20 a night. We also reserved in advance.
Maryland - Frederick /
We stayed two nights at Gambrill State Park just outside of Frederick, Maryland. Our site was #20 with 30 amp power and water, flat landing pad, fire ring and couple of other touches. We paid under $30 a night in August of 2017. There are not many sites with power. We liked our site but 22 may have been a bit larger. It was screened and rather private. There were helpful camp hosts. We did miss the turn off into the park, it was dark. I would not recommend missing that turn as you go up, way up and then need to turn around on a narrow two-lane road in the dark. But if you have Josh the ranger on duty, you will be fine. Nice and super helpful guy. Easy access to historic areas and even DC is just 45 miles away.
The Press Conference /
Transcript of the 10am Press Conference. Cadillac enters, appropriately social distanced and masked, seats majestically upon his leather executive chair and allows the questions to begin.
Biff Wool, Field & Stream Gourmet - Mr. Moose, can you tell us why you are here instead of living with your wife in Alaska.
Well, first of all I am not married. It seems the lovely Ms McKinley expected me to engage in barbaric rituals to complete our engagement where I was to smash antlers with other moose. That is not in keeping with my delicate and peaceful constitution. Secondly, have you been in Alaska in the winter? It is not just cold it is COLD and there are zero coffee shops and zero WiFi in that frozen north space. I had to shelter in a town to find substance. So it was to NC where the Driver lives that I had to escape.
Koff E. Cupp with the Ungulates Daily News - Mr. Cadillac, we have heard a rumor that you are required to get a job, can you confirm that report?
I am, of course, not “required” but I have agreed to seek employment that is suitable to my talents.
Koff E. Cupp, So what are you looking at doing?
I am keeping options open but at present looking only at employment that will allow my full talents to expand and that pays very well. So areas I expect to investigate are: photographer (must be easy the Driver does it), swimwear model, barista (I am very good at drinking lattes), train pilot, actor - my natural good looks and winsome personality are clear assets, doctor, I clearly look good in green, unicyclist, cupcake baker and, of course, CEO of an appropriately large company, like Disney, for example, are among the first jobs that I will allow people to vie for my services.
Millie Mite with the Marsh Observer, What is your role with Two Lane Touring?
I expect first to rescue it from obscurity and improve its image which will occur simply by my presence. I will have my OWN column, my OWN byline, my OWN place on the menu bar and will post at least one time each weekend. I will also continue to provide sharp insight when the Driver travels to keep the record straight.
Craigy Hiltop with the Stranger the Fiction News Report, we heard that you were arrested in Canada and deported, is that accurate?
Of course not. As I escaped Alaska once the weather broke, i had to travel though something called the YouCan. Some strange man in a red coat wanted my passport. I told them I did not have any ports and went on my way. They took me captive, illegally I am sure, put a bothersome device on my hoof (the passport I guess) and then I excepted into North Dakota. Luckily I have huge fans in ND and they fed me and set me on the course to the North of Carolina by the Missouri River the more rivers until I was at the end of the rivers in some forest. Where the rangers forced me into a box and gave me a carrot for dinner, A raw carrot, no dip, not roasted, nothing. Then I was bounced all over until arriving, no doubt do to my superior sense of direction, at the Nice One’s house. I do plan to sue everyone.
Millie Mite, What is your next step?
Lunch of course, then after a nap, dinner. Then I will develop my personal branding, establish a social media presence and wait for the lucky employer to make me offers.
That’s all for now but watch for my first column next week.
The Rules /
We have been negotiating for hours on how life will be here. After seven vetos were cast, the SWAT trauma team headed to counseling and 14 lattes we have reached an historic accord. Here are the terms:
1 The Moose will have one slot a week (usually weekends) to vent, rage, or, inadvertently make sense.
2. The Moose will get a job. One that “suits his unique talents and abilities.”
3. The Moose will travel on all excursions and be given an expanded role on these trips.
4. The Moose will maintain a calm and rational demeanor at all times.
5. The Driver will set all travel parameters, choose food and camping locals. (Of course, the Nice one will have input.)
6. The Driver will provide all food, lodging and coffee, along with ice cream upon request.
7. Other issues will be sent to arbitration as they arise.
The signing of this agreement is set for Saturday when the Moose’s first column will be posted.
FAQ on Cadillac Moose /
Why do we travel with a stuffed moose?
A younger version of our granddaughter started sending him on our trips so he could get back to Maine and visit his relatives. She is older now but still indulges us with him for our travels.
Why is he named Cadillac?
You may be aware that there is a mountain in Acadia named Cadillac and assume he was named for it. However, the back story is that he was born near a rusted, overgrown 53 Caddy and, of course, the name stuck. HE thinks the mountain is named after him.
He seems awful small for a moose, right?
PLEASE don’t tell him - his perspective is not aligned with reality.
How did he become so well spoken and well written?
The advantage of living with three clever and growing kids. He studies at nights - though Moose are largely diurnal he can’t seem to get up in the morning and so stays up very late at night, and while he learns a lot of “stuff” it does not always get connected in a useful way. The synapses don’t always line up.
He seems to be a bit of a bon vivant, is that right?
Depends on your use of the term, he certainly enjoys a good meal, several times a day, but is not too discriminating in his selections which run from ice cream to water lilies to Twinkies. But he does desire to live well so an aspiring bon vivant might be accurate.
Is he useful on the trips?
Not at all. Helpless.
How effective will his Moose Rights campaign be?
Slightly less chance of success than the Pelosi and Trump families enjoying a nice weekend together in a small cottage in Nags Head.
Does he play any musical instruments?
No, for which we are eternally grateful. We did have to hide a harmonica he found because that was going to be trouble.
Where is his family?
Not sure. We know he was born by Molasses Pond near Eastbrook, Maine. He arrived in Bar Harbor with several dozen cousins via UPS. Once his UPC tag was removed it become difficult to track all of his relatives so he makes all Moose a relative.
Where does he live when not traveling?
Gosh, we don’t know. He goes back to our granddaughter and then shows up again with his sleeping bag, suitcase and snacks when we are about to leave. Never has spending money!
We heard a rumor that he bought a Fuji GFX100 and several lenses, true?
NO, not at all. First he does not have opposable thumbs, nor actually any fingers so no camera. If he did happen to get access to a Mr. Mook’s credit card, we would let him buy a couple but not actually let him use them. I would just borrow them. That is a great idea.
Is he really in the running for a Pulitzer or a Nobel prize?
In his mind there exists no prize, award, office or honor he should not already have won. In reality, Pulitzer says, “Cadillac who?” Here is a list of awards he has applied for: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards We do think he would have a keen shot in the World Nettle-eating Championships. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bottle_Inn
Does Cadillac have a job or a degree?
It depends on the day. He claims, as one of his more outstanding qualities, to be a medical doctor, lobbyist, sailer, writer, artist, city planner, dental hygienist, draftsman, lawyer, wine maker and much more. But, no, he actually has no skills and no degrees. That fact does not seem to stop him from choosing a new career every month or so. What he does have is self-confidence and a certain savoir faire. I can assure you he earns no money but needs a lot.
Is it true that he is running for President?
The Moose Minions are not allowed to comment on rumors. It is true that his Moose Rights campaign has opened new doors for him. And one of his platforms, I mean principle demands, is the restoration of the glorious Bull Moose Party. But of course all speculation is pre-mature. He firmly believes that one of the 57 candidates already running is probably honest.