We had only welcomed Ginger into our lives a few days before Christmas when we packed up Cloud 9 and headed to Loyd Park. Our 12-day stay gave us the chance to imprint on her little doggie heart and mind our camping routine and way of life. Sharing the close confines of our Airtream meant every moment was a lesson in togetherness and toleration. Her first heat cycle introduced us to the fine art of doggie diaper duty, but she loved long walks, cozy fire-side curls, and all the attention.

The weather was as unpredictable as Texas itself. Christmas Eve arrived warm and dry, with highs in the 60s and 70s, ideal for outdoor celebrations. Then came a sharp cold front, dropping highs into the mid-40s and lows into the 30s, with winds that required retracting the awning. By New Year’s Eve, warmth returned, and New Year’s Day soared into the low 70s, far above normal. Through it all, we enjoyed spectacular sunrises and sunsets over Joe Pool Lake, each one painting the sky in colors that reminded us why we love this lifestyle.

Of course, it was also peak cedar fever season, when junipers release pollen across North Texas. It led to plenty of sneezes and itchy eyes as we spent hours outdoors, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. Cedar fever hits hardest from December through February, and even those who aren’t usually allergy-prone feel its effects.

Meanwhile, we spent time televisiting with family and friends, keeping holiday connections alive even from the forest. At Cliff’s urging, Jon wrote a blog about his mom’s last Christmas so he could preserve its little details. We also caught up with longtime camping buddies and made new acquaintances with full-timers who will likely become part of our circle of regulars.

Midway through, we decided to relocate to a quieter lakeside site after new neighbors turned their spot into a bustling compound. Holiday camping often brings amateurs who haven’t mastered campground etiquette, but our move restored the peace we came for.

Most evenings were cozy and festive. We watched holiday movies, cooking shows, and travel programs while Chef Cliff worked his magic with the Instant Pot. His crowning achievement? A New Year’s Day Hoppin’ John, a traditional Southern dish of black-eyed peas, rice, green, and smoked pork. Eating Hoppin’ John on January 1, accompanied by cornbread (thanks to Mel and Scott!), is said to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead: the peas symbolize coins, greens represent dollars, and cornbread stands for gold. Our version was hearty, flavorful, and steeped in tradition, a perfect start to 2026.

Ginger’s big adventure ended under the glow the first Super Moon of the year, shimmering over the lake like a promise of renewal.

Twelve days at Loyd Park gave us more than a holiday break, it gave us time to bond with Ginger, reconnect with friends, and embrace the beauty of nature’s rhythms (even sneezy ones). Welcome, 2026!