No, this is not the gulf coast of Texas! This is site #54 at the Pioneer Family Campground in Lake Village, Indiana. I have rented this site for January 1 – December 31, 2011. I’m trying to picture it minus the snow. :) Believe me, I won’t be there when any snow is around!After wandering around the country for almost five years, I’ve decided to spend the summer closer to family. My daughter, Robyn, and her husband, Dennis, and two of my granddaughters, Avery and Phoebe, live about 30 miles away in Dyer, IN. Robyn and Dennis made a trip down to the campground today to check it out for me. (You can only tell so much from a website.) They both thought my rig would fit in well here, and there are no neighbors on the left. I had thought of staying for only a month or two, but the monthly rate is $500. I can have the site for the year for $975, so were I to stay for the whole season, that would average out to less than $10/night. It’s 45 miles from the Chicago area where my brothers and sister live, so I bit the bullet and made the reservation today.
I won’t arrive there until May, and still have the option to make trips to other areas during the summer like the UP of Michigan. This idea is growing on me, and Dennis reminded me that they are installing a heated outdoor pool in their backyard this spring. So, when I go to their house to do my laundry, I can spend the waiting time taking a dip in the pool. :) Not too shabby! I never thought I’d be spending that much time in Indiana, but I’m pretty excited about it. Any ideas of things to see and do in northwest Indiana would be greatly appreciated…
Tonight’s sunset was the best so far this year at Anahuac. Please notice the American kestrel in the upper right corner. :) Just had to sneak in a bird…Thanks for stopping by…. talk to you later, Judy
Posts
That is a good price that close to Chicago. We spent a week at the Yogi Bear campground in Portage, IN while visiting the big windy. I could not recommend that place.
ReplyDeleteI understand your title after reading the blog. My first thought made me smile, as I pictured you on stage catching the bullet in your teeth fired by a magician with you in a skimpy outfit. What can I say, I am not completely normal :)
I think you made a wise decision. You aren't obligated to stay there, and at the monthly price you will break even very quickly. Life is too short to not spend time around our kids and g'kids. It's also nice to get a rest from being on the move constantly.
ReplyDeleteI've missed a lot of traveling the months I've been in Sacramento, but wouldn't trade them for anything in the world!
Sounds like you have made a good decision - great rate! I think you will find lots to do in Indiana. I love the area around Elkhart and the Amish towns. Having a "home base" is going to be nice for a change.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't spent much time in northwest Indiana. We were in northeast Indiana near Elkhart and spent a lot of time there. I think you'll be really happy you bit this particular bullet. But snow is not a good thing so don't go too early or stay too long.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a "plan" to me. Close enough to visit, but far enough to not be in the way.
ReplyDeletewow..a year in one place..that will be strange for you..but good to be near your kids..good for you for biting the bullet!!
ReplyDeleteYou did good! Now just stay away from the snow...
ReplyDeleteMac & Dianna
That sounds like an awesome plan! Having spent last summer in the UP we certainly have recommendations!
ReplyDeleteMackinac Island
Sault Ste. Marie~watching the freighters
Marquette's city park
our very favorite ~ Copper Harbor's State Park (in the dark here you will see more stars than ever before in your life!)
many, many places along the coast of Lake Superior
MI has awesome state parks actually, but they are quite popular in the summer time with the residents of the state so I'd recommend reservations
most of our time in IN was spent around Elkhart while waiting for a repair one year.
I'm sure it will be a great year!
Just to clarify, I will only be there for the summer months. No snow for me! It was just cheaper to take the yearly rate than the monthly rate. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen you get to Michigan's Upper Penninsula you are kind of in our territory back home. We are just on the other side of Lake Huron sort of across from Saginaw. Lots of trees:))
ReplyDeleteSounds like a heck of a deal on that campground for next year. With the snow gone and leaves on the trees, it looks like a nice spot too.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a good decision.
To answer your question about our rig...
ReplyDeleteWe have a 40 ft. dp with 4 slides ~ a big behometh!!! I should clarify however, that when we stayed in the majority of the state parks was in the earlier 2000's when we had a 33 ft. tt with 2 slides and only required 30 amps. That is also the amperage that we had at Copper Harbor this time but if you're careful you can make do with the 30. Just let me know if you have any more questions and you can email too!
That looks like a fabulous spot to spend some extended time next summer and to be near your family. No doubt we all will be treated to some bird pictures from that area. Chicago is for the birds? Naw, that can't be true! I happen to have a soft spot for Chicago because it's the first city that I explored on my own as a young adult.
ReplyDeleteWhat a horse trader for the price of two months you have it for a year, maybe you could sublease it for the time you not there.Even so you will be close to family all summer. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna..
ReplyDeleteWhat a deal and such a lovely spot! Since we are still here in Goshen for another day or two (or three!) I heartily advise you to stay away from the snow! No problems getting around in town and it is lovely to see, but I am ready to head a bit more south! Congrats on your bullet biting!
ReplyDeleteBiting the bullet? You better call a dentist! LOL
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a good plan in place. BTW, we are downsizing, but there are a few treasures we will put in storage.
Travel Safe
I am jealous of your sunset. It definitely didn't look like that in Houston!!! Could it be buildings, smog, driving in gridlock traffic or all of the above?
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend the Amish areas around Goshen and the sand dunes along Lake Michigan. There's a state park called Indiana Dunes State Park that has some beautiful dunes. Notre Dame also is a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteI love the sunset picture!
I don't know much about Indiana, but it sounds like you made a great decision! After your summer there, you can tell us about the "don't miss" places. Congratulations on biting this bullet!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's good to step out of the box and so something different...a wise decision, I'm sure....family is very important..Don't miss the Amish country..Indianapolis has lots to do, and a neat children's museum....You did good.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3091.htm
ReplyDeletehttp://fofarms.com/
http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3080.htm#wild
The top link is a peaceful place to be in the woods. Most of the big bird migration here is in the fall. Still nice to visit. The second link is to Fair Oaks Dairy Farm. Excellent homemade ice cream AND cheese. Fun for kids to see the workings of a modern dairy. Last link is a great park for fishing from boat or bank. Also, just nice to be in the middle of nowhere and at peace. I'll send more ideas if I think of any. I'm a NW hoosier currently living out West.
Sounds like a deal! I was near Chicago a couple years ago and had a great time - so much to see.
ReplyDeleteIndiana has a lot to offer. I am more familiar with central and southern parts, but I am sure there will be lots there to keep you busy. Great deal on the park.
ReplyDeleteThat annual fee is a great idea. I didn't know you could do that. Pretty cost effective, you can travel when you want and basically have that site as a home base. I like that idea.
ReplyDeleteLove the new header. Perfect form, look at those straight legs and pointed feet! I give it a ten! :)
Nice pick, Judy. You can't live in bricks and sticks for $10 a day! A heated pool at Robyn's next summer? Woo hoo! Remember you need a swim suit in town, Judy. I wonder what Emma would do in the pool? That's a good way to wear her out.
ReplyDeleteBeing close to family is priceless!
ReplyDelete