Yonah Campground in Helen, Georgia

Yonah Mountain

“Yonah go camping?” I actually thought Kelly was going to say that the entire trip. It’s a clever little saying for sure, and also a nice little place we will hold fond memories of.  She is still sad she didn't get a shirt or sticker with that slogan on it!

This was our first trip in the new camper. We did some upgrading to accommodate our growing family and added about 10 feet in length. We also chose to go with a slide out and a bunkhouse in the back. As the ever cautious and always remorseful buyer, I had my doubts at first. But ... after taking this beauty out for the week I can confidently say it was a great move!!

We couldn't be more excited!!!  And as you can see Rafa has officially become a camping dog!

We left on Friday and took off for Helen, GA. Of course we had to go through ATL and that severely hindered our progress, but we managed to make it in about 5 hours. Set up was so smooth thanks to Kelly’s proactive packing back home. We basically took it easy the first night and prepared for a week of fun.

During this stay in Helen, we were able to visit an antique house (twice since the kids loved it,  the second round Kelly chose to go to a Winery instead), stop in the coolest coffee shop in the world (JumpinGoat), go tubing on our own at Unicoi State Park, go tubing for real in the Chattahoochee, shop and dine in downtown Helen, visit Babyland to see how Cabbage Patch Kids are born, and hang out with some of our very best friends (the Williams, but missed Mark this trip).

Alpine Brew was SO good.... right on the water and great food.  Then we people watched for about an hour as people kept flipping their tubes on accident on the river.  We were all cracking up! 

Sweet Memory with my girls!

Thanks to Donald for finding this gem!  Next time I'll be hitting up the winery for sure!

As is clear, this was a great trip. The kids had so much fun and Kelly and I were able to feel like we were actually on vacation! The camper came through clutch and provided us with new benefits and amenities. Well, we did get a flat tire, but thanks to my campsite neighbor and new friend Chuck, everything got switched out satisfactorily.

Carter's first fire!  Rafa and the squrrels, and cooking on the outdoor kitchen

Unicoi State Park... a nice friend we met told us about this and gave us her rafts.  So much fun!

Fun times at the campground and camper.  And sorry Caroline, I had to have proof that you fit in this bath at one point in your life! Cinnamon rolls made in the oven were amazing.  Super fun movie night.  And though this campground was small, they had some nice things like this firepit setup.  

Oh what fun with these sweet friends!  

Each of us genuinely enjoyed ourselves.  We will be back!

Peach crisp and vanilla ice creak, chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls... healthy camping trip as usual!  ***I also made pimiento cheese and sausage balls for this trip.  Trying to get back to being creative!  And noting it here so I don't forget! 

One thing I have noticed on these trips: our kids tend to find a time to open up and share a little more about themselves. Whether it’s around a campfire or trying to fall asleep, the time is precious. Carter has always been pretty good about sharing and asking questions, but this trip we had a surprise from Cora while sitting by the campfire. She just randomly said “mom, I miss my friends.” The quarantine has definitely held her back from her favorite place on the planet: school. It was a sweet moment to hear her verbalize those kind of feelings for the first time.

All in all, an awesome trip. We can’t wait to take the new camper back out for some more fun!

Gulf State Park #3

Covid-19 and camping... Donald the only one wearing the mask to check-in

This was a unique trip for many reasons. First, we are still in a global pandemic and coming out of quarantine, so this was our first ever “quarantine camp.” Since we’ve been at home, not in school, and absent from all activities, we reeeeeeeaaaaaaaaalllly needed to get out of the house. We rarely take a trip around Memorial Day but with all of the at home life we decided to get gone.

The next thing that was different is this was the most amount of days we’ve been gone. Our initial plan was three nights but the day before departure we added two extra nights! We had to change sites during the week but it was worth the extended vacation.  Carter got to test out his mountain bike... Kelly and Carter's first ride included the wrong route and a storm but they were all smiles!  

Carter got to test out his mountain bike... about the only one left in Birmingham during this pandemic!

Our first whole-family fishing! No one caught anything and we had the best time! 

A trip to get some ice cream! 

 Lastly, this was the very last trip we would make with our Jayco 19BH. For a while now Kelly and I have considered upgrading to a bigger camper that our family could grow into. So, we listed the camper and sold it. Can’t wait to find out next camper and start the next chapter of adventures! By the way, the first trip this camper took was March 2016 .... to Gulf State Park. It’s only fitting that it ended its reign with us at the same place.

We sold the camper to a young couple with a two year old... pretty much the same as when we started out!  We actually had a lot of connections and it'll be fun to see the adventures they take!  Luke is in great hands.  

Now, on to the actual trip. The short version: it was hot and it was fun.

This place has THE BEST bike trails!!!

The kids had so much fun as always, and Carter got to play with his friend, Liam, who was staying in a cabin. We were able to see them 2-3 nights and got the chance to spend time some time with the Kisers!  Carter got to spend the night one night!

For some reason, the best part for us is always the pool at GSP. That thing is just awesome. We headed out there three times and stayed for a long time. The kids love splashing around and playing. Watching them play makes me realize how good it is to be a kid sometimes.

Carter got his first black eye- the wave won!  He also got stung by a jellyfish on his hand.  Carter 0 Ocean 2

All in all, we will definitely be revisiting GSP because it has become one of our favorites. Long live Luke the Camper.

Our traditional outdoor patio meal and The Shrimp Basket

Cora and Kelly took Rafa to the dog park and had the best time.