I got to my new campsite in the middle of the afternoon. The mountains I drove over yesterday weren’t anything like the ones last week but man, the road up into the campground here at the park is really, really steep! This truck did a great job pulling the r-pod in these West Virginia hills. When I arrived at my site, I was amazed to have this entire mountaintop to myself! I didn’t have any concerns about that, but I was pleased to see two more couples come into the campground with trailers.
It’s quiet as a church mouse up here. I heard some owls just after dark and a coal train. And the squirrels were in the hickory trees all around me all afternoon. I opened the awning and set up my chair outside and enjoyed the 75° temps and the warm sunshine. A few weeks ago, I purchased an adapter for my tripod so I could use the iPad as a camera. I got it out and played with it for awhile. I had a blast setting the timer for 10 seconds then running to see if I could get in the picture in time!
I wanted to tell you about what happened yesterday. I always sit in my truck before I pull out and pray for travel mercies. I list off all the things I’m going to be talking with Him about as I drive. Then I pray the Prayer of Jabez and ask Him to send me whoever He needs me to talk with that day. I hadn’t driven a hundred feet when I came around a corner and there was a whole crowd of folks my age sitting around a campfire. I stopped and rolled down my window.
“You kids look like you’re having entirely too much fun!”
“Oh, we are!!!” Everyone turned around and smiled and waved. We made some small talk and one of the gals asked if I was traveling alone. I told her all about Girl Campers and how I’m taking this camper around for a few months and we are raffling it off. One thing led to another and the subject of my writing came up. When I told them my writing is faith based and that I even have a Sunday Evening Prayer Circle, one woman came over and took my hand and asked if I would pray for her granddaughter who is sick with ulcerative colitis. I opened my blog and added her name to the prayer list. Before I left them, I took their hands and prayed with them…right there in the campground. God is so good…I asked, He delivered. Immediately! I know it happens so often, I shouldn’t be amazed. But I am always in awe at that.
I’m in the home stretch of the West Virginia tour now. Just one, maybe two more nights and I’ll be back at the Ponderosa for a few days. It’s been such an amazing trip and I’ve seen some beautiful places. I’m looking forward to heading south next week. If you all have any recommendations for campgrounds or state parks in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina…I’d love to hear them!
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“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.”
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NIV
Townsend, TN has beautiful campsites! Of course TN has many nice places to camp. Sounds like you won’t be coming to MS!?
I just don’t think I’ll make it that far south this time! But…you never know with me! ❤️
We love Chippokes State Park in Virginia (near Jamestown and Williamsburg), Mountain Pass Campground near Harrogate, Tennessee (close to Cumberland Gap and no cell service but a cool, secluded spot by the river), Campfires Lodging just outside of Asheville (clean, large spaces, close to everything, spectacular views), Cherrystone Family Camp, Cape Charles, Virginia (has cabins as well) and Chincoteague Island KOA ( off season only as flies and tourists dominate in the summer)
Thank you! ❤️
Westmoreland State Park in Virginia is set where the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay converge…making the water “brackish”. Stratford Hall (Robert E. Lee’s home) is close, as well as George Washington’s birthplace. James Monroe’s childhood home is nearby just outside of Colonial Beach, VA…which, by the way, has the 2nd largest beach front area in the state of Virginia. You don’t want to miss this area…it is known as “the birthplace of Presidents”! Charming and quaint! If you decide to come here, let me know. I would love to meet you.
Thank you, Donna! ❤️
Hi Ginny – middle TN has a lot of history and you should visit my hometown Gallatin, Reader’s Digest Nicest Place in America! Home to Bledsoe State Park, but you’ll need to assess, as I am not a camper. Quick drive to historic Cragfont, Wynnewood, Bledsoe’s Fort and others. Try local owned Top Hog for great BBQ and catfish. Get Mr Fixit to join you! Further east and in a beautiful park of the state is Fall Creek Falls State Park.
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Natural Tunnel State Park, about 5 hours south of your home, I believe.
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