Sunny Sunday

The weather is mild and sunny this morning. When I walked the dog down by the lake I marveled at how gorgeous it always looks in the early morning, no matter what the weather, but when the sun shines across it, it is absolutely beautiful. Of course I keep forgetting to take my camera with me.

I might as well weigh in on the subject of the "it" factor of RV parks and campgrounds, as I have definite opinions and they are probably different than those of many other RVers. I have given this a lot of thought over the past few weeks, and realize that the campgrounds I comment on in my blog as being great places are those that are run by great folks. That isn't to say I don't appreciate scenery, spaciousness, and all the rest. But I like to walk into the campground office, tired from driving and from wondering if I will find a camping place before I get too tired, and be met with a welcome that makes me feel they have been waiting just for me, and yes, they have the perfect space, a level pull through.

I have come upon many such campgrounds in my year of travel, and some make me wish I could stay for a while whereas others are just a pleasant place to stop for the night. I could easily spend a few weeks at the Village of Trees on the Snake River in Idaho. What a beautiful and friendly place! I wouldn't even have to leave the grounds to go sightseeing, but could just loll around down by the river or at my campsite, or in the CG store.

The campground in Asheville I stayed at last year, and will return this year for at least 3 weeks, is also one of my favorite places. While the actual grounds are laid out very nicely, the location can be a bit noisy since it is so conveniently located right off I-40 and US 70. You can hear the diesel engines going back and forth to the interstate all hours of the day and night, there is a train track running parallel with I-40 and Rte 70, so you might as well enjoy hearing the whistle blow, and Gene Lummus Harley Davidson is right across the road. Last year they had a rally while I was in town and I found myself liking to watch them going by and hear that unique sound of the Harley.

Both these campgrounds are rich in the "It" factor to my way of thinking, but that is so subjective I wouldn't want to recommend either of them based on "It". The people who own and run these parks are the very best, and that makes them special to me.

In contrast, I stayed overnight at an RV resort in Indio CA last year and it was the worst place in my entire travels. It was in a beautiful location, immaculately groomed, squeaky clean in all areas, running over with amenities, and run by the snobbiest people I have ever met. Knowing that I was new at RVing (I told them so) they put me in a spot that would have been difficult for all but the most experienced driver to maneuver in to, with concrete islands here and there to make it more of a challenge, and then stood there trembling with worry that I would hit their precious palm tree as I pulled into my spot. If I hadn't already paid I would have just driven right on out the gate. It ruined me for anything with "resort" in the name from that time on.

So that is my take on the subject. YMMV. (Your mileage may vary).