RV Camping Trip #3: Lake Ouachita State Park

pics and story to come

SAILING DAY! Always a good day!

We had the chance, in our busy schedule, to finally get a day of sailing in! We decided on DeGray Lake. Being a favorite of both Stacey and mine for many years, plus I know it like the back of my hand having my first sailboat, a 1982 Catalina 25 Swing Keel Sloop, there at Iron Mountain Marina for over 7 years.

Upon arriving at the DeGray Lake Lodge Resort marina parking lot, after an uneventful trip down Interstate I-30 to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, we discovered an obstacle: low water had shut down many of the launching ramps! Thanks to a stranger passing by as we were about to raise mast telling us, saving us the time and effort!

We put the mast back in "trailering mode", tied down well enough to make it down to Caddo Point launch ramp that we were told was still under water.

Once we got her in the water, we had a wonderfully brisk sail in the bay area around Caddo Point and then pointed a little more upwind and sailed into T-Cove, a favorite "T" shaped gunk hole on the lake. Anchored, played music, had lunch and even jumped in the water...briefly...starting to get cold already!

Afterwards we sailed around more until it neared 5pm and we headed back towards the ramp, sailing along mostly at 4-6mph all the way. Nice weather, temps, wind and water! Good time all around! We love that little boat! :)

Boat (RV) Drinks

A recent thread on an RV forum made me think to post this. The thread was one where everyone was freely offering their favorite libation recipes. I thought I'd share my now perfected Bahamian Rum Punch recipe.

I promise, neither of us are lushes...

I just couldn't find a picture with a full glass! It's that good!

Patrick's Bahamian Rum Punch
2 shots parrot bay coconut rum
1 packet crush strawberry drink mix
3 ounces simply orange juice
3 ounces simply lemonade with raspberry
4 ounces dole pineapple juice (best from 6oz can)
Jigger of lime
Jigger of lemon
4 ounces water
Serve over crushed ice

Makes 16oz. drink


ENJOY!

RV Camping Trip #2: Petit Jean Mountain State Park Campground, Petit Jean, Arkansas

Our new header for the blog reflects our "broadened" lifestyle thanks to our new RV!

For our 2nd trip, Stacey mentioned going to Petit Jean Mountain State Park and hiking the Cedar Falls. I hadn't been there in many, many years, and NEVER got to stay – day trips only. So... SOUNDS GREAT TO ME!! :)

We made plans for last weekend a week earlier when the weather reports said low 90's for the high. By the end of the week the reports had changed to high 90's, verging on 100's!! ugh. But thankfully, up on the mountain, the temps weren't that extreme and we did alright....

Well, we did better than alright, we had a GREAT TIME!

Sold 10/12/13! 1998 Bayliner Ciera Express Hardtop 2452 with Trailer $16,500

With some regret, we are selling our beloved 2452. The boat has served us well by keeping me out of the sun, providing a safe boat to travel the lake in and lots of fun had by all! We have meticulously maintained her, added a most impressive swim platform, and kept her in top form! Loved, is a way to put it!

But as with all things, our life is changing and we must let her go to a new owner. So please take these photos, and the following list of items included, and let us know if you or someone you know is interested.

We think the boat would be great for a fisherman that wants to fish all year-round, with the enclosed cockpit and all!

Here are some of her features:

RV Camping Trip #1: Catherine's Landing, Lake Catherine, Hot Springs, Arkansas

Our first outing was at Catherine's Landing, on Lake Catherine, outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas. We couldn't have picked a better location to start our new RV adventures!

The staff was courteous and very helpful on the phone answering my many questions about "can we...?" "will we...?" "should we....?" like the novices that we are! They took it all in stride and had easy-going answers for me.

The amenities included a great saline swimming pool, laundry facilities, game room, guest kitchen, gift shop/lodge with some drinks and beer products too! They also have a huge pavilion with fire pits for larger parties, complete with ice machines, and bath houses. Kayak, canoe, party barge and bike rentals were also for the taking at mostly reasonable rates.

WE BOUGHT AN RV... Yep, I said it... WE BOUGHT AN RV!!

Here we are about to drive off the lot, ready to "Go RV'ing!"

Coming from a lifelong love of boating, I'd always looked on to the shore of those poor landlocked people in their big white boxes with pity, thinking they were missing out on the joys we were having on the water. Well, I can now say... I WAS WRONG!

They had it right all along. I used to say one of the things I loved about boating was where ever you went, you took your belongings/home with you. But so do people in RVs.

I also used to think "How can they be so close to the water and not be in it/on it?" Well, now I also know, you can do both!