Wow what a presence from That's Camping at Danforth Bay.
We had a nice friday night "driveway" conversation with That's Camping member WerSilly (Jenn, Bob, & their 3 girls, and their Jack Terrier "stud"). They had a GREAT vacation and was really impressed with the crystal clear lakes in New Hampshire and Rivers.
However we were really disappointed with the situation that TC member Bowcamper had with some security issues. See discussion boards!
My kids have become friends with the kids of TC member Flintstones. We hope you have a great trip in Virigina and can't wait to hear about your adventurers.
It was nice to meet up with That's Camping member golflm and his family. I hope we were able to answer all your DB questions and found it funny how close we live to each other "at home". Also what screename is "Lisa". I can't seem to figure this out!
Hopefully TC member Campnuts is having a nice "quiet" time this week at DBCR! Although I noticed that the ballfield was a little bit noisy while we were stargazing last nite. So I'm anxious to hear your report next week.
Of course it will be great to see Debbie and Mike next week when they arrive for their vacation.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Beautiful Day at Danforth Bay!
What a difference a week can make!!! Last Saturday rain, rain, rain. Today sun, sun, and lots of more beautiful sun! Summer at its peak. Overall, what a great glorious day! At the Brookside beach we found a nice clear sand bar at a more (or less) private beach near the end of the Merry Meeting sites. This sand bar features CLEAR and CRISP water (where where the brook comes out). The water is even more crystal clear and refreshing that at the Brookside beach. Something new that we found this week at Danforth Bay. We went to Brookside beach early and stayed until about 3PM. Our 2 year old even feel asleep in the shade on a towel.
Danforth Bay is now using what I'm going to call "controversial trash trailers". I've talked to 2 people and they don't like them!!! I have no real opinion of them. If they indeed empty them each night it should be NO problem. Leave them past dusk then skunks and other creatures will be invovled. I say lets give DBCR a chance to see how these work!
I'm glad that DBCR didn't close the second pool yet. I think they should wait until after the busy season. The campground is still full but very quiet during the evening when I visited last week.
Danforth Bay is now using what I'm going to call "controversial trash trailers". I've talked to 2 people and they don't like them!!! I have no real opinion of them. If they indeed empty them each night it should be NO problem. Leave them past dusk then skunks and other creatures will be invovled. I say lets give DBCR a chance to see how these work!
I'm glad that DBCR didn't close the second pool yet. I think they should wait until after the busy season. The campground is still full but very quiet during the evening when I visited last week.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Heritage NH Review
Heritage NH Review
We visited Heritage NH this week during our family vacation in the White Mountains area. Heritage NH, which is located in Glen, NH, and owned by the Morrel family is closing its doors for good after their 30th anniversary this year.
During our recent visit when we entered Heritage NH we were immediately greeted by an 1600s “English woman” who welcomed us into “the port”. We quickly proceeded to buy our boarding tickets ($11 for adults and $5 for children) and after viewing the English village boarded “the ship” when the captain rang the bell. The captian told us the boarding rules and then proceeded to show us the pot that we would use for our essential facility needs. Upon departing to the New World (in New Hampshire), we were able to view each room including a replica of an Indian village with real fish in a simulated river including a waterfall. Each room moved up in years. We learned about colonial times.
In the colonial print shop we learned that it took 1 week to produce a newspaper that cost 1 cent. Each family was able to get a souvenier copy. The fireworks display in the Presidential speech room wasn’t working correctly.
Each member of the family has their favorite room, mom likes the Algonquin Indian village, dad likes the train room and Mt. Cranmore skimobile replica, our kids like the 1800s mill room, the snow scene room (with real ice pole – like at Storyland), and civil war balloon.
Overall, if you have never been, visiting Heritage NH is a must see. Heritage NH has not changed too much in the several years that we have visited. Last year seem to be the most memorable and the most educational because our oldest son did the study guide for his homeschool lesson. If you want the whole experience have your kids try to find all the answers. Overall it will be sad to see Heritage NH shut down. Our family has enjoyed visiting this attraction each year (especially when it is raining). We hope that they incorporate many of the attractions of Heritage NH into the Storyland Park which is located next door.
My photos of this attraction is located
HERE
We visited Heritage NH this week during our family vacation in the White Mountains area. Heritage NH, which is located in Glen, NH, and owned by the Morrel family is closing its doors for good after their 30th anniversary this year.
During our recent visit when we entered Heritage NH we were immediately greeted by an 1600s “English woman” who welcomed us into “the port”. We quickly proceeded to buy our boarding tickets ($11 for adults and $5 for children) and after viewing the English village boarded “the ship” when the captain rang the bell. The captian told us the boarding rules and then proceeded to show us the pot that we would use for our essential facility needs. Upon departing to the New World (in New Hampshire), we were able to view each room including a replica of an Indian village with real fish in a simulated river including a waterfall. Each room moved up in years. We learned about colonial times.
In the colonial print shop we learned that it took 1 week to produce a newspaper that cost 1 cent. Each family was able to get a souvenier copy. The fireworks display in the Presidential speech room wasn’t working correctly.
Each member of the family has their favorite room, mom likes the Algonquin Indian village, dad likes the train room and Mt. Cranmore skimobile replica, our kids like the 1800s mill room, the snow scene room (with real ice pole – like at Storyland), and civil war balloon.
Overall, if you have never been, visiting Heritage NH is a must see. Heritage NH has not changed too much in the several years that we have visited. Last year seem to be the most memorable and the most educational because our oldest son did the study guide for his homeschool lesson. If you want the whole experience have your kids try to find all the answers. Overall it will be sad to see Heritage NH shut down. Our family has enjoyed visiting this attraction each year (especially when it is raining). We hope that they incorporate many of the attractions of Heritage NH into the Storyland Park which is located next door.
My photos of this attraction is located
HERE
Going Seasonal: Monday AM Commute
Well this was the 1st week that I did the commute from Danforth Bay to/from my place of employment.
On Friday afternoon, I left around 230PM (from the Burlington area) and traveled up I95. The traffic was GREAT. None! I got up to Danforth within 2 hours and time included stopping for the "cheap" gas in Wakefield, NH (25 cents per gallon less than the average Mass prices).
This morning, like clockwork, I woke up at 5AM. The night before I decided I need to make up some walking that I didn't do because of a motorized vechile (that I will talk about in another post). Austin wanted to go on the walk as well so I carefully woke him up. His sister wanted to go as well but she wasn't moving even after a few pokes and prods. Austin and I took a casual walk up Main St. Danforth Bay through the ballfield. Not a soul in site. We headed over to the ball field area. Did you know they have sprinklers on the ball field? We then ventured up to the Bluffs at Danforth Bay. Austin was a little bit cautious about heading up because he was too young. I assured him it would be fine. We took a nice walk up through the hills. The temp was nice in the low 70s and their was plenty of daylight (if this becomes a tradition this might be a problem in late August). We even saw the sun rise over one of the rolling hills of the Bluffs. Austin and I joked about which site Patty and I would like to have when we hit the current requirement age (of 50 or rather NO children living at home). That makes it about 16+ years or whenever our youngest leaves us (not that we are counting). Hopefully the waiting list won't be as long as it is to get into Danforth Bay!
There was definatley more activity in the main part of the campground when we returned. Lots of dog walkers and morning joggers. We got back to our site at 6:15AM and I quickly got ready for work (without waking up the others which is amazing in itself being in a camper). I hesitantly left the campground around 645AM for my 2 hour journey. I stopped at the Dunkin Donuts in Ossipee. These establishments are NOT AS QUICK as the ones we have here in Mass. I think I waited at least 15 minutes in line. My patience level was fine until I hit the Mass state line! Traffic was fine until I hit Rt 128 in Peabody. What a mob scene -- I kept saying " Isn't anyone on vacation or playing hooky to go to the beach today?"
Now Danforth Bay is too far for me to commute each day but leaving Monday morning gets me to work more or less on time and the NO SUNDAY checkout is definately a benefit of being seasonal!
On Friday afternoon, I left around 230PM (from the Burlington area) and traveled up I95. The traffic was GREAT. None! I got up to Danforth within 2 hours and time included stopping for the "cheap" gas in Wakefield, NH (25 cents per gallon less than the average Mass prices).
This morning, like clockwork, I woke up at 5AM. The night before I decided I need to make up some walking that I didn't do because of a motorized vechile (that I will talk about in another post). Austin wanted to go on the walk as well so I carefully woke him up. His sister wanted to go as well but she wasn't moving even after a few pokes and prods. Austin and I took a casual walk up Main St. Danforth Bay through the ballfield. Not a soul in site. We headed over to the ball field area. Did you know they have sprinklers on the ball field? We then ventured up to the Bluffs at Danforth Bay. Austin was a little bit cautious about heading up because he was too young. I assured him it would be fine. We took a nice walk up through the hills. The temp was nice in the low 70s and their was plenty of daylight (if this becomes a tradition this might be a problem in late August). We even saw the sun rise over one of the rolling hills of the Bluffs. Austin and I joked about which site Patty and I would like to have when we hit the current requirement age (of 50 or rather NO children living at home). That makes it about 16+ years or whenever our youngest leaves us (not that we are counting). Hopefully the waiting list won't be as long as it is to get into Danforth Bay!
There was definatley more activity in the main part of the campground when we returned. Lots of dog walkers and morning joggers. We got back to our site at 6:15AM and I quickly got ready for work (without waking up the others which is amazing in itself being in a camper). I hesitantly left the campground around 645AM for my 2 hour journey. I stopped at the Dunkin Donuts in Ossipee. These establishments are NOT AS QUICK as the ones we have here in Mass. I think I waited at least 15 minutes in line. My patience level was fine until I hit the Mass state line! Traffic was fine until I hit Rt 128 in Peabody. What a mob scene -- I kept saying " Isn't anyone on vacation or playing hooky to go to the beach today?"
Now Danforth Bay is too far for me to commute each day but leaving Monday morning gets me to work more or less on time and the NO SUNDAY checkout is definately a benefit of being seasonal!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Hemlock Grove Campground Review
Stan provided this campground review of Hemlock Grove Campground in Arundel, ME. Stan gave it a grade of A-
This place sounds like a WINNER!!!
Dates & Cost
Dates Camped: 7-2-2006 - 7-11-2006
Site Camped On: 40
Size of this site:Large
Cost: $35.00 with 0 kids!
Campground
Size: Large
Type: Some Seasonal (~20-40%)
Registration: Easy, Quick and Painless
Grounds: Well Maintained and Clean
Owners/Staff: Friendly and neatly dressed
Staff Comments: Owners are from the area and can/will steer you in the right direction for beaches/stores.
Quietness: Quiet
Highway Noise: Very Minor Traffic Noise
Average Site Size: Large
Facilities
Restrooms: Super Clean
Restroom State: Modern, State of the Art
Hookups Available: 4-Way (W/E/S/C)
Electric Hookup Available: 20/30/50 AMP
Internet Capabilities: No Comment
Camp Store: Limited
Activities & Entertainment
Planned Activities: None
Days of Activities: None
Fishing: No Comment
Swimming: Ocean
Game Room: No Comment
Other: Basketball Court
What's Near by: the ocean, gift shops, antique shops, yard sales, flea markets and a million places to eat.
Comments
This is a fairly new campground maybe 5-6 years old. The sites are large and easy to back into. There are 5 sites in the open for "Aircraft Carrier" type rigs that want to hit the satellites although these large rigs will fit easily into most of the treed sites without any problem. This is a quiet campground with no planned activites and NO POOL. There is a little kids playground ith swings/slides and a basketball court with a net at only one end. This is a place to use as a base for going to the beaches and all the other things you'd do in southern Maine. It's located 10-15 minutes from US Rte.1 in Wells. There are several "pack-em & stack-em" campgrounds/RV parks there if that's your cup of tea, or a roomy/quiet site here. We liked it enough that we're returning the end of July for a long weekend.
If this is your 1st. visit to the area, I urge you to try The Maine Diner on US Rte.1 in Wells. This place is a landmark diner serving comfort food. There is usually a waiting line but they'll give you a beeper for when it's your turn.
This place sounds like a WINNER!!!
Dates & Cost
Dates Camped: 7-2-2006 - 7-11-2006
Site Camped On: 40
Size of this site:Large
Cost: $35.00 with 0 kids!
Campground
Size: Large
Type: Some Seasonal (~20-40%)
Registration: Easy, Quick and Painless
Grounds: Well Maintained and Clean
Owners/Staff: Friendly and neatly dressed
Staff Comments: Owners are from the area and can/will steer you in the right direction for beaches/stores.
Quietness: Quiet
Highway Noise: Very Minor Traffic Noise
Average Site Size: Large
Facilities
Restrooms: Super Clean
Restroom State: Modern, State of the Art
Hookups Available: 4-Way (W/E/S/C)
Electric Hookup Available: 20/30/50 AMP
Internet Capabilities: No Comment
Camp Store: Limited
Activities & Entertainment
Planned Activities: None
Days of Activities: None
Fishing: No Comment
Swimming: Ocean
Game Room: No Comment
Other: Basketball Court
What's Near by: the ocean, gift shops, antique shops, yard sales, flea markets and a million places to eat.
Comments
This is a fairly new campground maybe 5-6 years old. The sites are large and easy to back into. There are 5 sites in the open for "Aircraft Carrier" type rigs that want to hit the satellites although these large rigs will fit easily into most of the treed sites without any problem. This is a quiet campground with no planned activites and NO POOL. There is a little kids playground ith swings/slides and a basketball court with a net at only one end. This is a place to use as a base for going to the beaches and all the other things you'd do in southern Maine. It's located 10-15 minutes from US Rte.1 in Wells. There are several "pack-em & stack-em" campgrounds/RV parks there if that's your cup of tea, or a roomy/quiet site here. We liked it enough that we're returning the end of July for a long weekend.
If this is your 1st. visit to the area, I urge you to try The Maine Diner on US Rte.1 in Wells. This place is a landmark diner serving comfort food. There is usually a waiting line but they'll give you a beeper for when it's your turn.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Mt. Chocura Hike Pictures
My oldest son and daughter hiked up Mt. Chocura Mountain in the NH National Forest last week (only July 6, 2006) after camping at National Forest state park Jigger Johnston.
The following link has some pictures.
Mt. Chocura Hike PIctures
Let me know what you think!
The following link has some pictures.
Mt. Chocura Hike PIctures
Let me know what you think!
Mt. Chocura Hike Pictures
My oldest son and daughter hiked up Mt. Chocura Mountain in the NH National Forest last week (only July 6, 2006) after camping at National Forest state park Jigger Johnston.
The following link has some pictures.
Mt. Chocura Hike PIctures
Let me know what you think!
The following link has some pictures.
Mt. Chocura Hike PIctures
Let me know what you think!
Sunburst Onions at Danforth Bay
The snack bar at Danforth Bay is now located near the brand new 3 beach volleyball courts (BTW: e-mail if you need players... I used to love Volleyball as a teen/young adult). This is conveniently located near the brand new pool and 3 new tennis courts as well (hopefully opening soon -- delayed because of the rain in May and June).
New at Danforth Bay this year is the Sunburst Onion kiosk. According to Craig they are going to try it out at Danforth Bay at certain peak times to see if gets any business. We tried an onion on the forth of July (with double ranch sauce). It was so good that between the 4 of us it didn't last 5 minutes. I highly recommend trying this out! The cost is $7.00 with 1 dipping sauce 50 cents more for another dipping sauce.
New at Danforth Bay this year is the Sunburst Onion kiosk. According to Craig they are going to try it out at Danforth Bay at certain peak times to see if gets any business. We tried an onion on the forth of July (with double ranch sauce). It was so good that between the 4 of us it didn't last 5 minutes. I highly recommend trying this out! The cost is $7.00 with 1 dipping sauce 50 cents more for another dipping sauce.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Jigger Johnson
Back from vacation. Got lots of stuff to post here in the next few days. Stay tuned.
Here are a couple of Jigger Johnson Campground pictures. I highly recommend this campground for people who like to rough it a little (e.g., no cable tv, running water, or electric). Very natural, large, private, sites.
Check it out!
Jigger Johnson Campground
Here are a couple of Jigger Johnson Campground pictures. I highly recommend this campground for people who like to rough it a little (e.g., no cable tv, running water, or electric). Very natural, large, private, sites.
Check it out!
Jigger Johnson Campground
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Danforth Bay Update
We are here for the week. If you haven't been here in over a year you are good to see some real positive changes:
* New Pool is open as of July 1st. Its a little bit cold right now because it needs to "adjust"
* New Volleyball courts are open
* New tennis courts look like they will open soon
* Drive-in movie is now at the Volleyball courts with the movie being projected on the mainteance shed.
* Security gates are now up! Make sure to bring your $10 refundable deposit for gate card
* Brand new paddle boats
* Roads look like they are 100% completed
* Storage area is done. I believe you can "stay late" or "arrive early" and park your camper there.
* Improve cable
* New Pool is open as of July 1st. Its a little bit cold right now because it needs to "adjust"
* New Volleyball courts are open
* New tennis courts look like they will open soon
* Drive-in movie is now at the Volleyball courts with the movie being projected on the mainteance shed.
* Security gates are now up! Make sure to bring your $10 refundable deposit for gate card
* Brand new paddle boats
* Roads look like they are 100% completed
* Storage area is done. I believe you can "stay late" or "arrive early" and park your camper there.
* Improve cable
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