Adventures, Campgrounds, Camping Essentials, cooking, Travel, Uncategorized

Fathers Day Perfect Camping Gifts


Father’s Day is just around the corner, everyone is looking for something Dad doesn’t have! What could he use or what has he asked for before?

Making camping easy , fun and hassle free is what taking life easy is all about. Having things available to help with that, well, makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Not everyone likes to go camping and have to cook every meal. I love to cook while camping, but, certainly not every meal. Having the tools at hand makes preparation quick .

I used to be the one who made several trips inside the camper, always forgetting something. One of the best things we have found is this useful caddy, for storing utensils, spices, paper towels and more.

BBQ Grill and Picnic Caddy

Right now it’s 10% off https://amzn.to/4mO3JPP

We have a few tables we set up at our site to use for the ice maker, radio and more. This table makes having or using an outdoor kitchen more manageable. With zipper. Posited to stow away dishes, flatware, napkins and daytime snacks. I would never leave door in it overnight or unattended.

Easy to fold away for carrying and for camper or truck storage.

Camping table with storage

Extendable table with storage https://amzn.to/4kqZuIi

I’m not sure hi ow many times we have used this next item at camp, but, at home it has become invaluable. We use all Ryobi tools because the batteries are interchangeable. You can see me blowing off our rug at the campsite, small pebbles and leaves are no match for me! I’ll Link it below too, but, our fave is this Ryobi battery operated fan.

Recently we had a power outage due to tornadoes. It saved us during a slightly warm evening . Useful for those who boondock too! There is a shelf sitting one and one that clamps. Both could be handy depending on your situation.

This one has the battery out which includes an extra charger, perfect if you’re already a Ryobi fan….pun intended lol.

Ryobi Fan Kit

The clip on is perfect for bunk areas in a camper where an extra breeze is needed or for those women over fifty who get the hot flashes like myself. Either way, it’s sure to do the trick

Ryobi clamp on fan

Small enough to carry under the belly of our 16 foot Wolf Pup, I love this portable leaf blower , easy to use and lightweight. does the job we need for our camp area to keep it clean.

Ryobi portable leaf blower

The most recent lifesaver is a power inverter. I never understood what these were until our home power went out form the recent North Alabama tornadoes. Granted, only six hours, but , this was the handiest tool of all. Charge your phones, power lamps and much more from the battery pack. We have extra power supplies so we are always prepared. A great gift for the man or woman who has everything. They may not think to buy this for themselves.

This non Ryobi but compatible inverter has a two pack available now. One for home and one for the camper. At just $59.99 for a limited time, you can’t miss!

Power inverter compatible with Ryobi

The next item is the most used at our campsite . Our Blackstone griddle does everything we need for breakfast and dinner. We snack at lunchtime, how about you?

We have had ours for four years and absolutely could not be happier . Surface area is enough for us and a few guests . We have the stand , but, you can use on a table like a concrete one available at most campgrounds.

There are many sizes and options available, this is ours along with the legs.

Blackstone 22” griddle

If you don’t have outside speakers on your camper or you’re just chilling on a lake for a fishing day, this little JBL speaker comes in handy great sound at a great price!

JBL Speaker

As often as we use our phone, we have multiple charges in varying places. This retractable charger is handy. The cords aren’t hanging out everywhere and you could also use it inside your camper as well as your tow vehicle.

Retractable Car Charger

Want a comfy chair, even for the biggest guy? This one fits the bill. A gift to my husband three years ago, the size does matter. It’s large enough for two kids or a larger person. Up to 400lb capacity and a handy side table to hold the phone or binoculars.

Anti Gravity Chair 400 lb capacity

These are just a few of our favorites we have purchased and used. If you decide to purchase for your Dad, friend, grandpa or yourself,we do earn a small commission as an Amazon Associate.

Have a great day celebrating Dad, Grandpa and all those step up dads out there!

Adventures, Campgrounds, Travel

What’s Your Place of Solitude?


There’s a commercial from Progressive where a girl interrupts two people speaking, so she can complete her social media post. In the now generation of “ all about me “ , this is what comes to mind. These unhidden gems, people have discovered , then , they show up! Take over a beautiful location, previously unspoiled , want to act like they just discovered it. Make it their own and create noise, buildings and traffic.

“ practicing gratitude, manifesting abundance “

We discovered our current camping location because of good friends, who had been fishing and camping here for forty years. It’s our local place of solitude. I need to be near water to be peaceful, it slows down the pace.

Hammock and Paddleboard

Found the hammock stand with side table #founditonamazon here!

Wheeler Lake

This property has had several names over the years as well as a few owners. We’ve only been camping here four years. It was a KOA for a short time , now Beyonder Getaway. They want to add more to make it a destination location. More sites, perhaps a marina and more activities. This they hope will bring in more people. Choose the right activities, prices and proper site maintenance , that will certainly help. The bath houses are not bad with multiple toilets and two separate showers for each gender. They installed new shower heads which helped a great deal .

We have few campgrounds close enough to home where we can “ getaway” and be a short trip home or to work. This location been great for us a couple times each year for camping close to home. Nestled in Mallard Creek area on Joe Wheeler Lake, part of the Tennessee river. It’s on a peninsula and I’ll include a map location and camp site map too.

Beyonder Getaway Campsite Map

Fishing is fantastic as my friend Jim and his buddies can attest.

Jim and his catfish catch
Conrad and a huge catfish
Jim and Gary with another haul
The McDuckersons

I definitely recommend Beyonder for those passing through, it’s a short trip to I 65 through Alabama or east / west on highway 72. A great family place with horses, beach, zip lining , boat rentals and more. We prefer the less busy time through the week, they offer discounts for Mon-Thurs stays .

Offer for 15% off Mon-Thursday- Call to reserve and guarantee rates.

They have added many campsites in the last two years and have several cabins if you don’t have an RV of any kind. Tent camping down by the water is a “ roughing it “ option on the property.

Remember, wherever you travel….

On your way from

PEACE ☮️✌️

Adventures, Campgrounds, Travel, Uncategorized

Camping is Here Again Happy Halloween


It’s been a while since I have written anything, we have had quite the whirlwind of a summer. More to come later on that subject.

May is normally a month that we go camping, and stay about a week to be near our friends who fish the entire four weeks they’re camped. Fish fries, campfires, paddle boarding , nature and great friends! Always a special time with Jim, Pam and anyone who comes along to join the party.

Tommy, Jim and Me
Jimmys catch!

https://amzn.to/4628xHP

Click link above ! Produces plenty of ice
Jim my buddy

This location is convenient to home, less than 45 minutes, easy if working or when mom comes to spend the day.

Mom

We made our plans for the local KOA ( now Beyonder ) May is also David’s birthday month so we love to spend time there during that special event. We try to get the same spot as very time, most times we do!

Our Favorite Site
The McDuckerson family

This campground was recently purchased by BeyonderGetaway with few changes . It is still our favorite local campground and I will link the new owners information in case you would be interested. I’ve reviewed the KOA in north Alabama on Google and several other sites. It is full of amenities, from horseback riding, kayaking, boat rental, fishing, playgrounds, zip lining and a community pavilion. New reservations for us start on October 30 during Halloween!

If you’re traveling the southeastern United States , it’s just over the border from Tennessee into Alabama. Two and a half hours south of Nashville, thirty minurtes from Huntsville, very close to large cities and lovely small towns.

We’re here, it’s breezy and cold. Forecasted to be 26 degrees in the am, I’ll take the 50 degrees and start n right now.

My stick

I’m always up early at camp, this time, there was a wonderful thing happening! Check out the thousands of birds who came for breakfast of brim! I couldn’t tell what the birds were, but, it was spectacular! They covered a large portion of Mallard Creek.

We brought candy with us ,just in case there are ghouls and ghosts about tonight. We’ve decorated our site with pumpkins, heads and witches!

Marley and the mannequin
Carving these tonight

Finished carving!

Cackling witch !!

https://amzn.to/49eMh09 #founditonAmazon

Happy Halloween 🎃💀👻🧙🏼‍♀️☠️🧟‍♂️🧌🤡🕷️🦇🧛🏻‍♂️👺😈🕸️👽🏕️ have a great day!!

Adventures, Campgrounds, Travel

Our Favorite Camping Necessities


Check out this Idea List on Amazon: Camping Travel Necessities by Patty Pickens https://a.co/hol7A12 Here is out link to favorites!

I wanted to share some of our favorite things we have used and currently have in the camper. This is not a comprehensive list but it is some thing that everyone could use if you don’t know where to start!

Travel

LONG TIME GONE


What’s been going on lately?

It’s been a long time since I posted any of our travels, no particular reason, but maybe it’s because I was working in retail. That will do it, wear you out, walking all over a big box store, moving, running, lifting all of the above. I was done with it! I had been in retail, mainly as a manager since 1981, yep, that’s how old I am. I was starting to feel it too. Someone I had connected with previously on Linkedin,, contacted me about a position as a stylist. Clothing you mean, I can do that! I love clothes, I love to shop. After three interviews, various documents, many weeks of waiting and a pay cut, I now had a work from home job. Me, who laughed about the change during Covid initially in March of 2020, it seems so long ago. I was working for Belk as a manager, I loved the job and the people, I did not like being tired all the time. Is it age or is it work? I found after just two weeks, it was the work.

I actually have a subscription to my tried-and-true friend of the below, Bio Freeze, when it comes to quick relief, this is what I keep on the bedside in camper and at home. I will be honest, I do not need it as much anymore, but it is a lifesaver for quick relief.

In February of 2022, hang on let me back up, in July of 2021, we started selling on Amazon, fairly small time. Kitchen goods, food, Halloween and Christmas. Retail arbitrage mostly. It was a good extra income. Now, February, we got into watching thrifting, Goodwill, yard sales and assorted resale videos. We already loved thrifting, this can’t be hard, right? And, now Ebay as another income source. I have inventory organized in excel, labeled totes and soon a storage building. We now have an antique booth too, at El-Maries Antiques and Art Marketplace in Hartselle Al. Our booth is The Purple Crayon more on that later about the name and why. All of this was the catalyst for taking the at home job with Amazon. We wanted to be self-sufficient, two people on an adventure. Being able to travel, work on the road if needed and eventually have a brand. The brand part hasn’t happened yet, we have ideas though. I am currently working on logos, getting the right picture of what our products will be. Home 2 Camp is our Amazon name, and the plan is to have products used for camping, storage, kitchen pet supplies etc. Easy travel items for the organized camper.

We love to camp! In March 2019, I bought a camper for my 55th birthday, see I am that old. We did not want anything too large, just enough for sleep, cook in an emergency and a bathroom. The Forest River Wolf Pup HQ is what we finally settled on buying. It still is perfect for us. We did not want a huge payment to add to no debt, so, it was the 16 foot trailer we purchased.

I know I am all over the place here but getting to now is an adventure in itself. The goal is still to travel as many places as possible and do it sooner than later. Current situation is I am working from home with Amazon, set up in my already office for crafts, lol, and so far, so good. I have yet to work on the road. That may happen during October on a vacation we have tentatively planned.

So, catching you up on the latest was my goal here. We have only travelled locally lately, but I will be doing a post on our last long trip here soon. I am also going to start rating products we have received and purchased for our camping trips and storage. I will only post things we have actually used so the review will be honest.

Stay tuned for another post for Two People on an Adventure!