Vividacious Dog Dogs

Season 1; Episode 2

What a difference a month makes! 

After thawing out from the maiden voyage, doing a little internet research and shopping, we were ready to take our first solo trip. We were about to park at an amazing intersection: The one where perfect spring weather meets dogwood season in full bloom. It was, in the words of our fellow dogwood lover, Leenie, a “vividacious” weekend. 

Unable to reserve a primo spot at The Lake of the Ozark State Park, we were chomping at the bit to leave early and secure an open, non-reservable, first come first occupy spot. With a good packing list and a thorough trailer check, we made it out to of the drive (barely) by 1:30 on Friday. If we had any issues during the one hour trip, they were quickly lost amid the spectacular volume of full, white dogwoods dotting the landscape. Our hopes were running high. The memories began at the park entrance when Happy Ranger (campground host and check in stop point) told us a story about his brother who evidently trailer camped for years but always relied on his wife, Millie, to do all the work. It was the perfect analogy for us and from here forth, Leah’s camp persona is Millie.

After scouting the prospects, we selected site 153 near the boat ramp. We liked it’s view and thought it would allow for easy backing. Boy. Were we wrong! P Rob gave a gallant effort for 10 minutes before turning the wheel over to Millie who, after several tries, got it parked in it’s spot. Thankfully, we didn’t need much leveling and we quickly went about setting up our weekend waterfront home. This actually went very well both in delegated duties and in execution. The finished product was just as we had dreamed and both of us beamed with satisfaction under the blue skies. Lil Red was set up on a beautiful site, awning unfurled, rug out front, lights hung, tables, chairs and candles adorning the set up.

We had time for a late hike along Lakeview Bend Trail where we encountered an odd omen. A slightly wet and charred Winnie the Pooh bear doll propped up against a tree with a far away look it it’s eyes. We never saw Roo, Piglet or Eeore. We found it fitting since we have often quoted A.A. Milne “As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.”

That first night was fantastic as we finally cooked outside and enjoyed a sunset, a fire, our twinkling awning lights, and the slowly emerging moon in about three fourths phase. We slept great with the windows open – the only noise coming from our 3 am wake up to pee in the shower (Lil Red is equipped with a “Euro bath”-more on that later). 

A failure to communicate led a to a troublesome oversight when we awoke to no bacon for breakfast (humor intended). Probby was content to read and reflect in bed with wonderful window views while Millie was making fire and cowboy coffee. Millie came up with fried potatoes to rescue breakfast and the day was unfolding with uber anticipation. Prob was breaking in the eno hammock (Big T’s influence and recommendation) hung in a perfect spot just beyond the fire. 

Dogwood season is not Dogwood season without our dear friends the Phillies. Shawn and Leenie hustled to join us before lunch and we proudly showed off our new home and added their adorable gift of a flag hung out front. I gave them a tour and described our Lil Red home as a one bedroom, one bath with a eat in kitchen and an unfinished basement. (Lil Red’s queen bed lifts on hydrolic pulls for storage under the bed) They were sweet to like it and we sold them hard to buy their own and join us on the road. 

After lunch, we headed out for the main event, our 3.25 miles of wilderness hiking through the heart of Dogwood country on the Woodland trail. If the sheer beauty wasn’t enough to stop your heart, Leenie decided to deliver the line of the weekend when, during a photo stop, she misspoke and asked “if Leah wanted to do one kissing.” After peels of laughter, we realized she was harkening back to a previous dogwood trip where they took a photo of each one kissing a dogwood bloom. Shawn and P Rob were disappointed but happy to play the joke back over and over. Many photos and videos were taken on the arduous 2 hour hike in an attempt to capture the beauty but the lingering image will be the blessing of marveling at God’s creation with like minded, believing friends. 

Upon completion, the boys needed some ice cream from the camp store. While waiting, they met three, young,  20 something men who had flown a private plane from Texas to the State Park airport just to kayak for the day and camp for the night before flying back home. They were nice gents and when we saw them later, we gave them most of our beer as they had no car to drive to get some. 

The happy contentment spilled over to the late afternoon as Paul and Shawn walked over the muddy bog to reach a log that gave us a better view of the bluff across the lake. Strolling back to camp we met an entertaining gentleman from California who was traveling with his dog to Canada before returning to California. He showed us his fancy Mercedes “camper” and regaled us with stories of undercover work as a part time deputy.

The evening meal was a collaborative effort of chicken, grilled veggies and fruit. The flavor and fellowship in the fading light were the essence of what we hoped for when we bought Lil Red. Sadly, the Phillies eventually left behind a magnificent fire to drive home. We were pleased to find hot water for our inaugural bathhouse showers and we snuggled off to sleep.

Leaving day is always bittersweet. We took our time and enjoyed a real camp breakfast with bacon (thanks, Leenie). Sitting and studying the camp venue, we began to realize it takes all types. For every compliment we got about our camper, there was a young boy on an electric scooter making endless laps past our site. Millie happened to comment once or twice about the annoying motorized interruption to the peaceful sound of nature. And for every classic “Old Red” fishing camper, there’s a couple like us with a new Winnebago – who didn’t take to the outdoors with our same zeal.

One final chore was our first experience with the dump station. Fortunately, our late departure kept us from public ridicule while we learned to drain the grey tank, drain the black tank and use Jake the Snake for the first time. All went well enough and we sadly waved goodbye with a heart full of gratitude and memories and a growing confidence that “we got this.” Millie and I held hands and soaked in one more dogwood vista as we drove away.