Monday, July 26, 2010

Up a Creek

We completed our first camp at Cedar Creek (COE) Park along the shores of Old Hickory Lake, Mt. Juliet, TN.

Arriving after Dark on Friday we found the park and access very easy. The sites are large, well spaced and most have at least a lake view. All sites have 50 amp power and water. Largest rig seen was about 42 Motor home.

As per the pic the boat travel was part of the plan. The park has a boat ramp, sandy beach and two small bays to tour. A word to the wise. They close the gates to the park at 10 pm., however, arriving after 10 pm you can pull the pin at the gate and enter. Seems to be a slight plan to deter cruising the campground by those not registered. However, could be a problem should one spend a bit of time at the nearby marina bar and try to drive back.

We had a new experience on this trip. After launching the Kayaks a few times prior, we tried our Dogs, Bailey and Bella in the Kayaks. What a treat. They both did well. Bailey is a bit heavy at 40 lbs. and the paddling was more work. I may attempt letting her swim and tow the boat. She does have a life jacket after all. Bella was quick at home. Denise accompanied Bella. Now, Bailey has a desire for better wine and I had to curb her sipping due to her driving. She attempted to exist the boat on every leaf and twig, rocking the boat.

A moon lite evening cruising the lake with Denise and two dogs. Where can you beat it? We are enjoying the boats along with dogs as we extend our camping. Only about 10 days prior to our 4,000 mile journey to Yellowstone and Tetons. That should lead to more posts for the host of followers on the Rubber Rats.

I am currently parked in the lot of Camping World for small repairs prior to western trip. At least things are breaking now and hopefully not in the Badlands of South Dakota. We will enter the Badlands on the first day of the Sturgis Bike Rally so we should have many new and "interesting" pics for all.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Taylor Bay Dry Camping




WOW! Little did we realize how pretty and pristine Taylor Bay would greet us. The Forest Service Ranger who recommended the campground was right on. This was our first attempt at truly dry camping. The campground does not offer any utilities, with only a single vault toilet.


However, the camp sites are spacious, gravel and well shaded. The campground includes a paved boat ramp and small dock. The location is near the Energy Lake and Nature Center of Land Between the lakes (LBL). The only requirement is purchase of a $20 annual back country camping pass and all the LBL is yours. I recommend you do yourself a favor and explore the LBL and back country camping. Dispersed Camping is available in all federal lands only for your asking.
We enjoyed a shaded site fairly level and with a good view of Taylor Bay. We could launch our Kayaks from the boat ramp and tour the bay and creek located at rear of the bay. We have so enjoyed our new "boats". We only have to launch a 45 lb. boat and paddle our way around in quiet waters. I can even fish from the boat. No motors, noise or pollution from the kayaks.
We survived dry camping for 4 nights on our water tanks. We showered in the motorhome and utilized the generator sparingly. We enjoyed company from home on Sunday, cooking steaks on the grill and playing in the lake with the kayaks.
We had a near full campground for the 4Th of July holiday. However, not a full campground on such a holiday is great. During the fall we should have the place almost to our selves and a much more quite experience. If I included a map I would have to kill my readers to keep the place a bit secret.
I do recommend you tour the LBL and visit the back country sites. You may camp anywhere off a paved road unless the are is prohibited. This is dispersed camping at its best. Have fun and save my some fish fillets.
Happy Trails,
Barry