We finally returned to Loyd Park, after a nearly seven-month absence. During our time away, we redirected our weekly camping budget to a monthly visit to Jon’s mom in Illinois. Now that her condition has stabilized, we felt comfortable embarking on a weekender at our favorite backyard campground. The weather was perfect, with daytime highs…
The weekend weather forecast included slightly cooler temperatures, with highs only reaching the mid-90s and lows dipping to the mid-70s. Considering eight of the last 10 days saw temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, the slight dip was a gift from the climate gods. We actually were able to spend time outdoors–dining al fresco, walking…
This weekend, we were surrounded by several large groups of people who had encamped for the maximum time allowed–families with children, pets, friends, and visiting relatives, which meant we had to witness more than our fair share of dysfunction. Their shouted expletives, screeching voices, and excruciating karaoke punctuated an otherwise peaceful experience. We arrived in…
In the northern hemisphere, meteorological spring begins on March 1, with the spring equinox occurring on March 20. That means the first weekend in March can vacillate between winter and spring. Fortunately, we experienced spring-like weather throughout the weekend, with mild temperatures, gentle breezes, and clear skies. We arrived on Friday afternoon and immediately went…
We arrived on Friday afternoon, anticipating a chilly night. After setting up, we realized we had forgotten the charging cable to our Surface Pro, which meant Cliff would have to severely ration his use of the 90 percent of battery power left on the device. So, as Cliff prepared Date Night dinner, Jon raced back…
After the recent winter storm, we’re happy to say that the only reference this weekend to ice and salt had to do with margaritas. We arrived at Loyd Park on Friday afternoon, with Cliff setting up while Jon took a lengthy work-related call from a colleague in Boston. By sundown, the temperature had dropped into…
Last Sunday afternoon, when we decided to stay the week, we had no idea we were about to endure yet another winter storm — one that would result in thousands of canceled flights, hundreds of traffic accidents, dozens of highway closures, at least 10 deaths, and Cloud 9 encased in ice. Although our water supply…
Jon tested positive for the COVID virus in mid-December, having avoided the infection for more than two years. His illness, while relatively mild, meant he couldn’t join Cliff in preparing Cloud 9 for an anticipated arctic blast a few days later. Consequently, Cliff performed what we call a “soft winterization,” which involved draining the water…
A respite is defined as “a short period of relief from something difficult,” which is what we experienced this weekend as we returned to Loyd Park. Next weekend’s trip to Illinois will bookend last weekend’s trip home from visiting Jon’s mom, but this time we’ll be packing up her belongings and moving her to an…
We took the Thanksgiving break as a chance to return to Jon’s hometown for a few days to see his family. We do this roughly once a year — but this year was a little different. Jon’s mom needs to move to an assisted living facility, so the trip centered on touring Cambridge House and…
Garinns on the Go 