Somehow, someway, we managed to leave exactly when we wanted, noon.
The Crusader was standing tall in her spot at Hampton Boat and RV Storage (HBR). So far, our favorite place to park her when not in use. They provide tight security and electricity, which enables us to keep our fridge running.
After unpacking, we made sandwiches for lunch. Ron checked the air in the tires then climbed in the truck saying these words as he started us in motion:
“Alright guys, 12:50. Y’all ready for a road trip?”
With those words we started the slow roll out of HBR.
Ron said, “I’ll feel like we’re gone when we’ve crossed the bay bridge.” Crossed:-)
Breathtaking as always, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel had little traffic.
Personally, if I’m driving my anxiety level is higher, however, Ron doesn’t mind. So I told him, “As long as you don’t mind driving, I’ll ride along.”
Passing the Turner Art Gallery just south of Onancock, VA reminded me of my friend Kelly, who introduced me to the gallery. She managed the gift store at Fort Magruder Inn in Williamsburg where I worked during college as a Front Desk Clerk. When my Mom moved to VA, she hired her. Mom and I worked the evening shift. One of my favorite memories of that time is Mom bringing the money bags over at the end of her shift.
As I was telling Ron things I hoped we could work on as a couple during our time away, I was reminded of the movie, “Save Yourselves.” A hilarious movie about a young couple who escapes for a vacation, going off-grid to work on themselves and their relationship. Ron and I have had similar conversations to theirs, which makes us relate to them. Unfortunately, aliens invade and they are oblivious. Hopefully, we won’t have any alien invasions while gone:-)!
Bottle Shock is the other movie we chatted about as we crossed the Chesapeake. One of our all-time favorites we discovered while dating.
Rain was part of drive, causing minor flooding.
Crossing the Delaware line at 4:38, we arrived at Trap Pond Park shortly after. A state park run facility, it is a hidden gem. One of my oldest friends lives just outside the parks entrance, which makes this a regular stop for us. With a 4.6 mile multipurpose trail for walking and biking, a serene pond for water sports and the Baldcypress Nature Center, the park has lots to offer its campers.
Before our guests arrived, we did a walk around the campground. One of my favorite parts of camping over a holiday weekend is the decorations. Flags were everywhere for this fourth of July weekend. Born in America is a privilege we should never take for granted. Thankfully, the people we are surrounded with for the 245th celebration of the birth of our nation, don’t.
Diagonal from us. 
Neighbor’s flag. 
Everything matched. 
Camp host.
Preparing for our guests, I got the fire started. Unfortunately, with pits like these, airflow from the bottom is limited. Much effort required to get this blaze going.
Adam and Wendy Cooke came for dinner. Friends for years, we met when I worked for Nautica. Wendy was the Merchandise Manager at Patrick Henry Mall, one of the best I ever had the privilege of working with in Macy’s. We’re both in different chapters of our lives now, but our friendship remains strong.
Grilling burgers and dogs, we reminisced over the fire. Adam’s sense of humor had us laughing. Wendy’s energy always uplifts and encourages me. I miss the days of working together, but I love our fireside chats.
Cucumber salad made with homegrown cucumbers from my friend Vickie’s garden. 
Adam and Wendy