When you open yourself up to life, Life opens up to you!: Sycamore Lodge, Jackson Springs, NC

Waved goodbye to Virginia on the 11th of November and heading to Jackson Springs, North Carolina. Smooth drive once again. Stopped to restock our supplies and that went well. It works well for us to do that on travel days, this way we are good for the week or so. Arrived at Sycamore Lodge mid afternoon and set up camp.

Sycamore Lodge is a beautiful campground. One of the nicest we been in thus far. Long spacious sites, mostly pull throughs, perfect for our RV and can accommodate the really big rigs.

Actually, the sites in the area we are at are meant for those traveling together and can fit two rigs. Width wise you have plenty of space to move around and set up camp, have picnic tables and fire rings, can even squeeze a vehicle in. In true resort style, the sites are on the close side but still feel roomy enough that your not shaking hands with your neighbor. Sand and gravel mix pads mostly level, did have to put a couple blocks under the front wheels though.

Holly Tree dressed for the holidays
with Pine Needle Tinsel

Many trees, made me feel as if I was back on Amboy Road as there was a big ole American Holly on our site. Growing up, we had two Holly Trees out front, they were so beautiful and always full of red berries. Now here again, this one to is just full. Lots of Holly Trees here that are more bushlike, with leaves without the “teeth” of the American Holly. I believe they are called, Yaupon Hollies. Pretty with thick waxy leaves and lots of red berries. Makes for a nice view and the birds love them.

Quite busy here for November but I'm sure nothing like it would be in the summer. This place has so many amenities and every weekend has events going on. Pool, playground, horseshoes, mini golf, a pond for catch and release fishing, canoes, shuffleboard and more. All of which are kept in working order. There is a Lodge with kitchen, reading rooms, library, gathering room and more. The Campstore is well stocked and the staff always friendly and ready to do want ever they can to make your stay better. The bathhouse is wonderful, my favorite kind. Instead of separate areas for men, women, shower, toilets; this had 10 individual rooms. Each had a solid locking door and contained all you needed: shower, sink, toilet, mirror, hooks and bench! Your own private powder room with lots of hot water and well maintained.

Grist Mill Cabin

The campground had once been a private estate: the lodge, campstore, community center, several of the cabins were all from that time. How beautiful living there must have been. Speaking of the cabins, there were 6 or 7, two are remarkable. One had been the Artist Studio of the daughter from the original estate. Another, a grist mill, the Water Wheel still in operation. What fun it would be to sit on the patio and just watch that go round and round.

The weather, unfortunately, was not conducive to doing much of anything. We were there during that crazy Artic Blast that hit almost all parts of the country, so most of time we were there it was cold or rainy or both! Got in some walking, bike riding, intermingled with games of Horseshoes, Shuffleboard, and Corn Hole. Did give us lots of time to catch up on things inside and fortunately the weather cleared for some full moon gazing.

Not much more of note except one entertaining item. The day before we were to leave a Class C pulled into the site next to us. A woman got out and started setting up camp. Something vaguely familiar but not strongly. I did notice when she pulled in a Basset Hound sitting up front, I love Bassets, having had one of the best while growing up. Dandy will live in my heart forever. Anyway, pretty soon she bought out the dog and I decided I just had to go and say Hi. While rubbing those wonderful ears I looked up and asked the dog's name. She said it's Molly. I did a double take and at that moment it clicked, we had meet Barbara and Molly when we were camping at Gettysburg! Yep, small world even when camping!

On to a place of lots and lots of love and laughter. Onward to Kannapolis!!