Finding Light Amid the Darkness

We rolled into Loyd Park on a warm, sunny Friday afternoon, the kind of day that makes you grateful for Texas winters. Our campsite came together quickly, just in time for Jon to hop on a Teams call (a reminder that even in nature, work sometimes tags along). By late afternoon, we were scooting around…

Adventure Rekindled in Dinosaur Valley

We had our sights set on Loyd Park for the weekend, but late Thursday afternoon, everything changed. A cancellation at Dinosaur Valley RV Park meant we could join the Heart of Texas Camping Unit, our local chapter of Airstream Club International, for their holiday gathering. After drifting away from the club while caring for Jon’s…

Scooters, Sculptures, and Stings – Oh My!

There’s something magical about a crisp fall Friday – the kind that invites you to slow down, savor the season, and maybe even try something new. Our latest weekend getaway had all the ingredients for a memorable adventure: scenic camping, a dash of art history, and a few unexpected twists. We arrived at Site 28…

An Unexpected Friendsgiving

When we arrived at Loyd Park for a quiet fall weekender, we weren’t expecting to be invited to a Friendsgiving celebration. Yet we found ourselves at a pavilion by the lake, surrounded by about 50 friends new and old at tables overflowing with food. Smoked turkey and baked ham anchored the feast, while Chef Cliff…

Mission: Shenandoah (Day 7)

Day seven of our journey brought us to the heart of Shenandoah National Park – finally! Our destination: the iconic Skyline Drive, a 105-mile stretch that winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views, especially in the fall. With a speed limit of just 35 mph, the drive invites you to slow down…

Mission: Shenandoah (Day 6)

Day six of our journey marked a shift – from the bustling energy of Washington, D.C. to the peaceful embrace of the Shenandoah Valley KOA near Harrisonburg, Virginia. The drive took about three hours, winding through Northern Virginia’s spectacular fall foliage, the very reason we chose this season for our trip. Every turn offered a new burst…

Mission: Shenandoah (Day 5)

Day five of our journey brought a refreshing change of pace as we explored The Wharf, a vibrant waterfront neighborhood in D.C. with more than 80 restaurants and shops, four hotels, and a mix of residential buildings. We had lunch at Lupo Marino, a cozy Italian bistro with a modern twist. Cliff enjoyed the grilled…

Mission: Shenandoah (Day 4)

Our second full day in Washington, D.C. was one of solemn reflection and historical immersion – a journey through the heart of American memory. We began at Ford’s Theater, the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, and the Peterson House across the street, where he spent his final hours. Though the government shutdown kept us…

Mission: Shenandoah (Day 3)

Our third day began with a short drive to the Greenbelt Metro station, just a few miles from Cherry Hill RV Park. Parking was free (thank you, weekend!), but the ticket kiosks? Not so user-friendly. We missed a train trying to figure them out – but with trains arriving every eight minutes, it wasn’t a…

Mission: Shenandoah (Day 2)

Day two of our journey took us from Nashville to Cherry Hill RV Park just outside Washington, D.C. – a ten-hour drive that tested our endurance but rewarded us with unforgettable views. We started the morning with a quick breakfast and coffee, then hit the road after topping off our tiny gas tank. The route…