October 2021 - Big Guy Tiny Trailer

Lance Shake Down Trip was a Long One

Lance Shake Down Trip

Our Lance shake down trip was much longer than we planned. Our 2075 camper was projected to arrive in May, but it was August when we took delivery from Bankston Motorhomes in Huntsville. We were so excited and Bankston gave us a red-carpet delivery!

It was also just a few days before a long trip that had been on the books for many months. We tried to squeeze in a short trip for the Lance, but it was just too busy a time. However, we did have several days in our driveway where we were able to test some systems and get somewhat comfortable with the Lance.

Our first trip in the Lance was over 2,500 miles, covering six states, with twelve stops, and twenty-four nights. It wasn’t quite as bad as it sounds because we were able to test some of the systems in our driveway and get to know it better. We did not, however, cook in it or sleep in it until the trip.

Towing the Lance

One reason we were unable to do a short Lance Shake down trip was a change in our tow vehicle. We just were not happy with the impact of big trucks on the interstate with our Ford Expedition. The long trip was coming up quickly, so we rushed to purchase a truck and equip it with a bed-liner and cover. Those few days were quite the whirlwind! We managed to acquire a Ram 2500 diesel. It towed the camper well and big trucks did not push us around nearly as much.

Ready for Lance Shake down Trip — New Ram Truck and Lance 2075

The Campsites

We have camped for five years in small, teardrop campers. A twenty-five foot camper was a big change regarding flexibility in campsites. We have not really worried about the size of sites before, but it is definitely a consideration now. This trip involved twelve different campsites, so there were a lot of unknowns.

First Night

Our very first night in the Lance was dry camping at a Harvest Host. It went well and there was plenty of room for us. However, we were uncertain what to expect from the batteries. We only have one solar panel, but it did a good job of keeping the battery up until the sun went down. I set the refrigerator to propane and it was a game changer. It significantly reduced our electrical draw. We used as little power as possible and were able to use the inverter to power our morning coffee. So, this stop confirmed successful operation of the solar panel, inverter, and refrigerator on propane. Yay!

Lance Shake Down Camping — Dry Camping at Silver Springs Vineyard

Five Nights with a Teardrop Camping Group

We have enjoyed camping for several years with Southeastern T@Bs, T@Gs, and Friends. It is always a great time with the wonderful people in the group. This trip we were at Roan Mountain State Park in a bit of a challenging site. My husband had to back in uphill and the truck had to be parked in an angle because the site was not very long. He is an excellent backer though and it went well.

The larger holding tanks in the Lance came in handy for this extended stay. However, we relied on the bathhouse quite heavily and did not do a lot of cooking as we did not bring a honey pot.

Sadly, one of our friends noted an issue with the roof rack. One rail had come undone. It was very disturbing because it was dangerous to travel with it loose. It required getting to the top of the roof. Fortunately, one of our friends who is younger and more limber climbed up and attached it for us. We did not have any kind of an incident that would have caused the rack to come undone and will be requesting warranty repair.

Another Challenging Site

Ohiophyle State Park in Pennsylvania was another stop that was quite challenging. It is in a very mountainous area and many of the campers were in tents. Our site was not level and there was a lot of small hills. We had lifted one side up, but could not get the trailer off the ball because the truck was in a slant. Finally, we had to give up the side leveling to make it work.

This was two nights of dry camping and we made it through okay. Loving the solar panel and propane-burning refrigerator!

The Other Sites

Setting up the Lance in the other nine stops was blissfully uneventful. There was electricity in all nine and they were relatively large and level.

Lance Shake Down Performance

During the trip, everything in the Lance was used. Though we use bathhouses often, we did use the shower. It took some trial and error to figure out the hot water, but we got there. However, it has very limited capacity. The heat, air conditioning, and outside kitchen were also used.

We discovered on the trip that the space under the bed is not aligned properly and is rubbing. The lock is also bent. Additionally, the door is not locking securely. We are taking the camper to Bankston to leave for these and previously identified warranty repairs.

Three New States

We planned this trip to camp in three new states toward our goal of camping in all fifty. The new states were Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Below are links to individual posts regarding our time in each.

We are looking forward to having the Lance for camping in the remaining ten states in the lower forty-eight. Rentals are planned for Alaska and Hawaii.

Pennsylvania, A New State on a Long Trip Fall 2021

New York, a New State on a Long Trip Fall 2021

New Jersey, New State on Fall 2021 Trip

Room for Our Pup

Our goldendoodle, Sophie, was the main reason we moved from a teardrop to a much larger trailer. We lost our dining area to her crate and also had practically no floor area. It was so much more comfortable in the Lance. One day we were inside the entire day because of heavy rain. It was quite comfortable.

Puppy on Lance Shake Down Trip — Room for Sophie

Lance Shake Down Conclusion

Our Lance Shake down trip confirmed that we are in love with the 2075. It suits our needs in this new puppy-parenting phase of our life. Not too big, not too small—just right! It is a beautiful camper and I am confident we can get our list of issues resolved before our next trip.

Happy Camping!

Pennsylvania, A New State on a Long Trip Fall 2021

Pennsylvania

We have visited Pennsylvania before, but this was our first time to camp there. Our camping included two state parks on the western side of the state and an RV park on the eastern side. Western Pennsylvania is very mountainous and reminds me of West Virginia. We focused on Harrisburg, the State Capital, as we traveled through the eastern portion of the state. It was quite different.

Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiophyle State Park is a highly-rated park because there is so much to do. It has whitewater rafting, rail trail biking, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, and zip lining. The park is a dream if you are young and agile. Unfortunately, we are neither. Therefore, we did not experience some of the park’s finer things.

The Kentuck Campground

The park’s Kentuck Campground was a challenge for us. We arrived later than normal and mistakenly passed our campsite. This led us to a dead end and a need to turn around in an uphill campsite. The Lance is a much bigger camper than out T@B 400 and the space was very tight. Consequently, my husband felt a lot of stress because of the event.

Pennsylvania Kentuck Campground — Site # 155

Our site required a sizable lift to level the trailer. However, the truck was uphill and we couldn’t get the trailer off the ball. The trailer released when we finally gave up on the side-to-side leveling. By that time, it was quite dark. We were also dry camping. It certainly was a stressful set up!

Fallingwater

I wish I could say we were there for all the outdoor activities, but that was not the case. We were there to see one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous creations, Fallingwater. Wright designed it as the summer home for a Pittsburgh businessman. The 1939 house rests over a waterfall and is most impressive. We obtained tickets for an outdoor self-guided tour. We would have needed to book an interior tour in April. I had no idea that kind of lead time was required, so it was outdoors only for us.

It was a beautiful day and the property that surrounds the house was quite extensive. Actually, it was like an easy hike in the woods.

The campground is only a few miles from Fallingwater which was very convenient. It is a very mountainous area and it was a beautiful drive.

Lastly, we had an excellent meal at Brenda’s Family Restaurant. It was just down the road and the food was delicious.

After such a difficult start, our stay at Ohiopyle State Park was great for the rest of our time there. Sometimes, you just have to push through.

Raccoon Creek State Park

Our two nights at Raccoon Creek were very relaxing and low stress. I had to be careful to book a site that allowed pets because they are pet specific. Apparently, it is a requirement for Pennsylvania State Parks. We did, however, have a nice level site. The only negative was hickory nuts that frequently dropped from a nearby tree. We had a little sunshine, but it was mostly cloudy or raining.

We just hung out at the campground for our one full day there. Our day involved a ride to the beach and a drive around the park.

We also stopped at the Wildflower Reserve. It was closed, but I left husband and pup in the car while I looked around.

Wildflower Reserve in Pennsylvania — Wildflower Reserve

I bet it is very nice if you are there at the right time of the year. However, this wasn’t that good time to be there. There were only a few wildflowers, including the strange one below.

Lastly, we had ice cream cones for lunch and hot dogs for dinner. It certainly was not an eating healthy day!

Pennsylvania Capital, Harrisburg

Because we like to visit cities and state capitals, Harrisburg was a natural choice for a stop on the way back home. It is also near Hershey, on our list as well, but we didn’t quite fit it in. Harrisburg’s 2010 population was 49 thousand so it is a good sized city to visit while camping. (We prefer to visit large cities by staying in centrally-located hotels.)

We got a Rover sitter close to our campground in Carlisle for our puppy because we were gone for several hours.

Western Village RV Park

Western Village is a large RV park in nearby Carlisle. It is quite nice. The campground offers full hookups, level, shaded sites, a nice bathhouse, and a laundry. It has a pool too, but it was not open while we were there. I liked that it is so close to Harrisburg.

The Campground’s only negative is that the sites are short. We had to park the truck across the road. It was okay in this instance, but if there had been more cars parked, it could be difficult getting in and out with the camper.

Pennsylvania Western Village Campground — Site #229

Pennsylvania State Capital

Our day in Harrisburg was a Saturday, but happily, the Capital Building was open and a tour was available. The outside of the building is majestic, but the interior is opulent beyond belief.

The photo below is a view from the second floor. It is absolutely gorgeous! In 1903, when President Theodore Roosevelt attended the dedication of the building, he said it was the “handsomest building I ever saw.”

The building cost 13 million at the time it was built and is considered priceless by today’s standards. The dome was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and there is an untold amount of 24 karat gold in the building.

While we were there, a Womens Rights Group was holding a rally on the Capital steps protesting the new Texas anti-abortion law.

National Civil War Museum

Typically, the Civil War sites and museums we have visited are dedicated to portions of the war, like Gettysburg. However, this museum covers the war in its entirety.

I liked that it provided a balanced approach to the war and the exhibits offered the perspective from both sides.

One exhibit addressed the cost of this terrible war. I had heard the statistic before, but revisiting it was still disheartening. The Civil War was the most costly war ever in our country’s history in terms of lives lost and human suffering. Approximately 700,000 died and nearly 400,000 were wounded. The number of deaths was greater than the number of lives lost in all other American wars. The loss of livelihood and property was disastrous as well.

There is a bittersweet monument in front of the building. It is dedicated to the act of providing water to suffering soldiers by the opposing side. Both sides performed this act of mercy many times throughout the war.

My husband and I recently toured the Alabama State Capital in Montgomery. I remember our guide discussing that the delegates from the southern states organized a new government, the Confederate States of America, in Montgomery and swore in Jefferson Davis as President. This picture in the Civil War Museum depicts that event. It was interesting to see that link.

The Cork and Fork

The Cork and Fork is a lovely restaurant just a couple of blocks from the capital. We had amazing weather that day and our outdoor table was perfect! The food and service were very good and my handsome date was very attentive.

In Conclusion

I am grateful that we were able to enjoy so much of the things Pennsylvania has to offer on this recent trip. Fallingwater and Harrisburg were both very wonderful to see and the state parks offered an opportunity to experience the Pennsylvania countryside. Other states we have visited can be seen on our page, States Visited, a Campsite Resource.

Happy camping!

New York, a New State on a Long Trip Fall 2021

New York

This was our first camping in New York, but we visited New York City several years ago. First, we stopped for three nights in western New York near Niagara Falls. Second, we spent a couple days in central part of the state in the Finger Lake area. Our last stop for a couple of nights was in the southeastern corner near Hyde Park. Throughout it all, we saw quite a bit of the beautiful New York countryside.

A significant portion of our travel was on interstates and most, if not all, were toll roads. None of the toll stations were manned and they bill using your license plate. I expect we will be getting a sizable bill in the mail after we return home. There were many service center exits and exits for texting, which is not seen in our state.

As we drove close and parallel to the lakes, Lake Erie in particular, it was windy and driving felt uncomfortable. Big trucks passing coupled with the wind made it feel quite treacherous.

Grand Island

Grand Island is just a few miles south of Niagara Falls and we chose it for that reason. Our campground was Branches of Niagara and it was very nice. The bathhouse and laundry were immaculate and modern. We did our only laundry of the trip while there.

The weather was not very nice during our stay. It as overcast or raining most of the three days se were there, but the temperatures were mild.

Branches of Niagara New York — Site # 23

Niagara Falls

We have long wanted to see Niagara Falls and it did not disappoint! The park is beautiful and very well maintained. The falls were incredible!

Our plan was to cross over into Canada as well, but it didn’t work out. I tried to get a sitter for our pup and did not have any luck. We could have left her for several hours in the crate, but we were not comfortable crossing the border under that circumstance. Also, the Covid test that would have gotten us across was $140 each. That seemed too much for just a couple of hours.

Niagara Falls in New York — Beautiful Niagara Falls

What we ended up doing was spectacular because we rode the Maid of the Mist. It is a ride in an electric boat that takes you right under the American and Canadian falls. We really felt the force and magnificence of nature under the falls. I don’t remember seeing my husband happier than he was on that ride. He said it was almost a religious experience.

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Historic Site

Buffalo, New York was very near our campground. So, we took a day trip to see some of the sights. The actual house where Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in as president is a historic site. They did a re-enactment of the circumstances surrounding his taking office. It was quite dramatic because he was sworn in after President McKinley was assassinated.

The guide at the site provided a lot of information about the issues of the day and President Roosevelt’s demeanor. It was definitely worth a stop!

Manilus, New York

Manilus is located in what is known as the finger lake area. The area is very beautiful and there are many quite large, finger-shaped lakes. I chose this area because it was close to where we needed a stop on our route and the state park was highly-rated. Also, I like to book state parks when we visit new states.

Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park was awesome! The park was beautiful—clean, well-maintained, and nicely-landscaped. We had an amazing corner site with lots of grass around and well-shaded. Our electric site was only $35 a night. We did, however, have to be careful to select a pet site. I also had to show our pup’s vaccination record.

Se used our one free day to just enjoy the park. The two lakes at Green Lakes are a sight to behold. I personally think they should be called Blue Lakes because they are really more like the color of the Caribbean. The two glacial lakes are very deep and are products of the last ice age. The lake appears green because of the presence of calcium carbonate.

In the photo below, the chalky white areas are reefs comprised of living organisms called “microbialites”.

The park allows swimming in the lake from Memorial to Labor Day. One can also rent rowboats and kayaks.

There is a wonderful trail around the lake that is relatively flat and wide. My husband hiked it with me and it was a wonderful afternoon. We encountered these weird-looking mushrooms. I thought they were kinda cool.

Rhinebeck, New York

Rhinebeck is very near Hyde Park and we were there because we wanted to go to the nearby Franklin D. Roosevelt Library. The countryside there was very beautiful.

Interlake RV Park

Interlake was a very cute campground because it was very decorated for Halloween. We had full hookups for $63 a night.

We were just beginning to see some turning of the leaves during the last couple of days in September. The photo below was taken from an empty site in the campground.

Reinbeck New York — Beginnings of Fall Colors

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library

The FDR Library was our main reason for stopping at Reinbeck. We had a full day dedicated to seeing it but discovered that because of Covid reduced hours, it was closed that day.

Our day was spent instead in the camper while it rained heavily and in late afternoon walking the grounds of the library. We were also checking to see if we could tour it as we left the next day with trailer and Sophie in the parking lot. We knew she would be okay with windows open because the high temperature was forecasted to be in the low seventies.

The Roosevelt family home is also on the property, but was not available for tours. It appeared to be undergoing significant work. It was a grand old home for its time with an incredible view from the rear.

FDR’s home in Hyde Park New York — Roosevelt home in Hyde Park

Careful planning made the strategy work. We had scoped out a corner of the parking lot and had sandwiches ready for lunch so we wouldn’t have to stop on the road to make up for the late start.

Entrance into the library required tickets and a specific time. We obtained the earliest possible tickets. They were for 11:30. So, we were able to spend about an hour and a half touring the library.

I learned that this was the first ever presidential library and the presidential office in the photo below is only office in a presidential library that was actively used by a president.

Val-Kill

We also stopped by Val-Kill, which was Eleanor’s home for a number of years. The home was not open, but you could tour the property. It was nice to see.

The Great Lakes

We have now seen all five of the Great Lakes. Before this trip, Lakes Ontario and Erie were outstanding. While on a day trip to Buffalo, my husband and I drove to Wilkeson Pointe Park to see Lake Erie. It was a cold and very windy day, but I managed to put my hands in the water.

While camping at Branches of Niagara, we drove to Porter on the Lake Town Park to access Lake Ontario. It was getting close to dusk and the lake was quite beautiful.

In Conclusion

I never expected New York to be so beautiful. Two places we really wanted to visit on our trip, Niagara Falls and the FDR Library, are there and were the highlights of this long trip. Each stop in the state was different, yet very special.

Conversely, the worst thing thing on our trip also happened in New York. I got a ticket that will be almost $200 for taking a trailer on the Taconic Parkway. Evidently, everyone in New York knows that you can’t take a trailer on any “Parkway”, but this Alabama gal was oblivious to the rule.

Check out our adventures in other states on our page, States Visited, a Campsite Resource.

Enjoy the ride, guys!

New Jersey, New State on Fall 2021 Trip

New Jersey

This was our first visit to New Jersey. Almost all of our time there was spent in Sussex County, the northernmost county in the state. It was rather difficult to find campgrounds there because it is the most densely-populated state in the United States. However, Sussex County is a relatively rural area and the countryside is beautiful.

Two things we learned about New Jersey: you do not pump your own gas there and you cannot buy a New Jersey refrigerator magnet to save your life. We collect magnets on our travels and attempted at least seven or eight times to acquire one. No such luck!

The Great Divide Campground

The Great Divide Campground was a relaxing stop on our trip. Our site, G20, was nice and level. We had our whole section to ourselves the first night, but several campers were nearby on our second night.

This campground, like a few others on our trip, was highly-decorated for Halloween.

The Great Divide is a family campground and is set up for lots of activities for children. We were there during the middle of the week, but the owner said they are 80-90% occupied on weekends.

We spent most of our free day at the campground. It is a cute place and we mostly had it to ourselves. It was one of those beautiful fall days where the temperature is almost perfect and it felt great just being outside.

All About the Puppy

Sophie liked walking in the campground with us, but she really loved the dog park. Practically every campground requires dogs to be on leash, so it was great for her to be able to run in the dog park.

I just love to see that little girl running around at breakneck speed. She always seems so happy!

Deer in the Campground

On three separate occasions, we saw deer in the campsite across from us. They did not seem especially afraid of us as long as we didn’t get too close. It was pretty cool to have them in the neighborhood.

Deer in New Jersey Campground — Deer across from our campsite

Jersey Food

However, we did briefly go into nearby Newton, the county seat. It is a lovely little town with some interesting old buildings. It is only 60 miles from New York City, but it is a totally different world.

Interestingly, most of of the highest-rated restaurants in Newton feature pizza. Dominick’s is number 1 and they make a fine pizza. The photo below is of what we took back to the camper. They also had great service and we got to enjoy a young woman with a lovely New Jersey accent. She could tell that we were not from around there.

In Conclusion

Because of the whirlwind of our many stops on this trip, it was nice to have a laidback day to just chill. I know that Sophie enjoyed the time with us focusing on her. Lastly, Sussex county was beautiful as the leaves were just beginning to turn. We will have to visit Newark sometime to get a taste of big city New Jersey. However, I do feel we have experienced some of the best of its rural countryside. Check out our page, States Visited, a Campsite Resource to read about other states.

Lance Shake Down Trip

Towing the Lance

The Campsites

Five Nights with a Teardrop Camping Group

Another Challenging Site

The Other Sites

Lance Shake Down Performance

Three New States

Room for Our Pup

Lance Shake Down Conclusion

Happy Camping!

Pennsylvania

Ohiopyle State Park

The Kentuck Campground

Fallingwater

Raccoon Creek State Park

Pennsylvania Capital, Harrisburg

Western Village RV Park

Pennsylvania State Capital

National Civil War Museum

The Cork and Fork

In Conclusion

Happy camping!

New York

Grand Island

Niagara Falls

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Historic Site

Manilus, New York

Green Lakes State Park

Rhinebeck, New York

Interlake RV Park

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library

Val-Kill

In Conclusion

Enjoy the ride, guys!

New Jersey

The Great Divide Campground

All About the Puppy

Deer in the Campground

Jersey Food

In Conclusion

Happy Camping Y’all!