S11 Team camp

we had done camp on 21st August 2021. It is located in Shenandoah National Park.

Camp Location:

Name: Loft Mountain, Shenandoah National Park.

Distance: 100 miles from Henrico, Richmond (approx.)

Site type: Non-Electric

Camp Team: Chetan, Jigar, Keyur, Naman, Niraj, Sachin, Vishal and me

Experience:

It all started on one fine evening(two months before) after our evening practice. It had been a long time we had no team party or get-together. So one of our team member said about camping and couple of us showed interest and decided to go for camping. Chetan, our team's punctual and first responder booked the campground. Also created a separate group with all the enthusiasts. Not sure how much serious all are, just had the site ready and since two months to go, ignored it for the time. Just a week before the camping day, we started talking about it like do we want to go for it, how many are interested, timing of our next match, what all things are needed and so on. Six members were ready(all the initial interested ones) and we decided to go on with the plan. Sachin, as usual one of the most eager person to join any team event to help team bonding, invited couple of future s11 members to come along for the camp. We now have 8 members and planned who is going to get what and what we are going to do on the camping day. On 19th after our practice session, Sachin announced he would not be joining us due to some personal work. By now we got used to this sudden surprises from him, as he generally does these last minute changes after initially showing lot of interest and encouraging others to join. We are now back to 7. On 20th, a day before the D-day, Chetan and me got the necessary items for the camp. Next post our match we were about to start within 2 hours for the campsite, came to know that the two future S11 members are unable to join and we were only 5. Oh forgot to mention, Jigar called us on 20th asking about the camp plan and was looking for personal invitation, unfortunately we have not printed any invitation cards, but he being kind hearted agreed to join us. we are now 6 again. Chetan and Naman being very persuasive were after Sachin and Vishal to join us at any cost. Sachin mentioned his personal work got cancelled and thanks to efforts of Chetan and Naman, Vishal and Sachin agreed to join us. So we are now 8 again. This is not unusual for us , as it is exactly how we persuade to get 11 players for a match. Naman being our nutritionist (food expert) and caretaker to ensure everyone has got something to eat of their own choice, took the order from each one of us and got the food items from various restaurants. Me being picky and orthodox, he took extra care to ensure I eat something. So we decided to go in two cars, one Chetan's 4Runner and other Naman's Highlander. we left to our homes to rendezvous at my place at 2pm. 

Chetan, our most punctual guy was ready and picked Sachin, Vishal, Jigar along with their belongings and instead of coming to my place waited for us at Rest Area(still unclear why they missed the exit, may be easy for nature call). Naman, our other driver along with conductor Niraj picked the food, then Keyur and came to my place around 2:10 pm. The car is already full with all the belongings and almost little space left to fit in mine. Keyur felt he and me need to sit on roof of the car so that the luggage can fit in. But Niraj, our jugaad expert somehow adjusted all the luggage and me and Keyur able to seat in the back seats of the car. Around 2:30pm we started from my place and went to Kroger to take beverages, ice bags. Keyur and me being kids(or treated like) driver and conductor went to get the beverages and got chocolate milk for us. we then met our other group at the Rest Area who by now are skeptical if we are going to make it. We then set out for the campsite. As there is literally no space in our car, Chetan and co took the next exit on I-64 to get firewood and additional ice-bags. On our way we had good debate on hindi vs gujarati songs. Keyur insisted on one gujarati song which Naman refused, but upon Niraj's additional support for Keyur, Naman put the song. Keyur was fully into the song while Naman waited for the chance to change it, but believe it or not, luck is with Naman, due to bad network in Keyur's mobile could not continue the song. Then Naman played some patriotic songs and topic moved to patriotism and one of the great warrior of India, Vikram Batra and movie released on him. By the time we realized we were in traffic jam and again we were discussing which vehicles would we allow to pass us and which we should not. Naman, kind-hearted allowed a big truck to cross us and gave him way in the jam. we waited for our other group to join us at exit 99 near the popcorn shop. This time it was our turn to wait. The other group arrived and we entered the skyline drive and went towards the campsite. It was Single lane and even though Naman was driving good, due to sensors in his car we came to know that he was crossing the line(it beeps whenever lane is crossed). We saw a deer on the way, standing on the side of the road, lucky enough, thanks to sensors Naman was within the lane. Soon we reached the campsite at 5:23 pm. We booked two campsites, expecting both to be on opposite side but to our surprise they are not and they were one behind the other with a road in between.

We pitched our tents, unloaded the luggage from the cars. Chetan being an expert camper, had set everything ready to eat, for sitting around the campsite. Everyone being hungry readily sat with their drink and plates to eat. Me being like a touch-me-not for the non-vegetarian food, Keyur did the serving for us(Vishal, Jigar, Keyur, me) and Sachin and Chetan for others. Naman felt happy that everyone got their share and liked the food. Somehow the conversation went onto ships and Naman being a ex Merchant Ship Engineer got reminded of his old days. He was so passionate to explain his experiences and how the life of an Ship Engineer would be. Everyone were asking rapid fire questions about the job(only what they want to know) but Naman being so excited about people asking him about Ship, went on to tell what he wanted to say mostly technical, which went over our head for most part except for Keyur who seems to be knowledgeable of it. Naman was so involved in explaining he lost control of bottle in his hand. since then everyone was more keen on making sure he does not hold anything or anything near him than listening to what he is saying. Overall it was very informative session. Niraj was quiet throughout the session, as though like a parent observing the kids talk and play. we are done with one round of dinner. Chetan, Niraj started to setup the campfire. Jigar, the Uno expert giving KT to Sachin about the game. we were playing Uno while Niraj gathering all the dried sticks and chetan arranging the firewood. with lot of effort, oil they succeeded in setting up the campfire and it was dark already. Since they were only three chairs others waited for their turn in someone got up for nature or personal phone call. We had good fruitful discussions about the future strategies for Suprising 11, while Chetan is busy cleaning the area for fear of bears might join us. The restrooms are very close to the campsite so it made life easy for many of us to walk in the night. Around 8:45 pm we had our final round of dinner. Food was good and as we were making lot of noise discussing about our strategies we decided to go to amphitheater where there is no sound restriction. It was a long adventurous walk through the woods with plants and trees on both sides. For Keyur every plant seemed like poison-ivy. Sachin the brave person always in the middle of the group so that if anything attacks he would not be the first one. we reached the amphitheater around 10:00 pm. We were the only ones there. Started conversations on various topics about Shenandoah, valleys, Chetan's new dog, Sachin's analysis (he wants people to listen to his pre and post match analysis), my night vision binoculars, everyone's struggle to convince their life partner to join this trip. Being tired we decided to go back to our tent.

we reached our tent, Vishal wanted all of us to stay near the campfire but, people decided to hit the tent for sleep. Keyur, Niraj, Naman, Jigar and me in one tent and Chetan, Sachin and Vishal in another. Keyur actually had brought two comforters for extra cushion for comfort but unfortunately we distributed all the comforters across the tent base. Soon we five hit our sacks and Naman our Dj put some light music which was on and off due to network issue kept us awake instead of sleep. Soon some of us went to sleep and now we could hear all the sounds of woods(insects, flies) along with ours(snoring). it was like a sound competition among the insects, flies and us. I guess we all know the winner. There was heavy wind flowing and it felt little cold to some of us. With some difficulty we all were able to sleep except for few times need to wake up for nature call. Around 6:30 am except Niraj we all got up and got freshened. Naman and Keyur still want to sleep andso decided to stay in the tent. By this time Chetan as usual our first responder was ready and then Jigar , Vishal Sachin and me we all went in car to shelter where we can take shower. unfortunately none of us had coins to turn on the shower. Sachin, who was half sleepy got freshened there along with Vishal. Jigar and me came back to tent walking. On our way we went to amphitheater again to enjoy the spectacular view of the Shenandoah valley. Finally Niraj also got up. we all were ready for our morning chai. Chetan again has set everything ready for preparing chai and Maggie for breakfast. Jigar our chai chef, started preparing the tea with ginger. Naman wanted less sugar and Jigar wanted more sugar. the debate seemed like not going to end. Keyur came to our rescue and settled it. Finally chai was ready and everyone enjoyed it. On the other hand, me persistent with the small stove(though not necessary) had prepared soup. Since we have firewood left from the previous night, decided to put the campfire again. Niraj, once again the wildlife wanderer brought the dried sticks and Chetan set the campfire. The only missing person was Sachin who was on phone for a long time. Initially we thought it was his life partner as he was talking for hours, later we came to know it was one of our other team member. Meanwhile Keyur being a responsible person went and handed over his Chai as others were trying to drink it. Unfortunately Sachin do not drink Chai and Keyur felt disappointed. Naman then prepared Maggie with great effort as though he was preparing biryani. It was very good. We all had Maggie and some of us had tea once again, this time with less ginger. Keyur was not satisfied though. I went to bring corn and Keyur was coming from the restroom. we were talking about how to roast them and all of a sudden he shouted Snake. we both were about to step on a small rattle snake. It was not perturbed by us and was moving slowly towards the bushes. Keyur started calling others. Soon everyone gathered and started analyzing about the snake. There were so many snake experts amongst us. It slowly went to the bushes. Chetan, Sachin and Vishal were there until the last sight of it and bid farewell to it. we then roasted corn on the campfire grill. Niraj and keyur took all the efforts in make it a fine roast. It was delicious. Naman added lemon to it for extra flavour. Meanwhile conversation started about cars and everyone turned towards Chetan's 4runner as it was completely customized. Niraj and Chetan went for a test drive. We started playing Uno again. By this time Sachin also became a pro in that. As usual Vishal always won the game. we completed couple of games but Niraj and Chetan had not returned. Felt like Niraj has went to car shop to purchase a new car. They were back and wrapped up our luggage and tent. We throwed away the trash in the allotted bear proof trash cans and left for home in the same cars as we started. Reached home around 1:45 pm. It was an amazing and wonderful trip with all the team members. All is well.

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Motts Run Reservoir

 

We had done hike to Motts Run Reservoir on June 27th  2021. It is located in Fredericksburg, 

Virginia State.

Hike Location:

Name: Motts Run Reservoir

Distance: 63.7 miles from Henrico (approx.)

Total hiking distance: 5.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 605 ft.

Hike Team: me and  my wife.

Hiking Experience:

We woke up at 5:30am. We have tried to get up around 4:30am but we could not do it. We got freshened, packed the breakfast and lunch and started around 7:15am. The hike location is around 1 hour 15 minutes journey from our home. The weather was sunny along with the cool breeze. We took country side road instead of interstate highway. We saw beautiful farms, fields, gardens, cows, horses and excellent houses and villas also. Some houses have extraordinary environment with lakes and farms. The entire road had beautiful scenic views on either side. To enjoy these things we always look for country side road only. Around 8:40am we have reached hike location. we saw two parking lots over there, one is at entrance of the location another one is near the river for that parking lot we to cross the first one. Initially we had lot of confusion about the trail. The instructions which we got from the net are not clear. We have to follow the red blazed trail that is Mile run trail. we have searched for the trail for sometime but we could not find it so we asked about it to bikers passing by and they guided us which way we have to go.

Then we started our hike around 8:50am After following that trail for sometime we felt like we were missing our trail because we saw the red color marked trees but we are going different trail. We understood that we were following some other trail which 8 miles hike trail. Then we moved to 5 miles hike trail and continued our journey. After 0.3miles we have reached the Lake view trail that is green blazed trail which lies on left side of the Mile run trail. We climbed down on that trail for 0.4 miles and saw beautiful lake view. The view of the lake was really beautiful. Then we were heading back to the mile run trail. While coming back from the Lake view trail it was very steep and it was nice workout for us. then in 5 minutes we have reached the Mile run trail. This hike very nice hike, the trail not a narrowed trail this time. We saw so many other hikers and bicycle riders also. In some places wooden benches also.

After we walked for 1.2 miles we have reached the Laurel trail that is purple blazed trail. We climbed down to the Laurel trail. It is 0.2 miles distance to the lake. This time we saw different view of the lake. We saw people fishing and there were so many fallen trees in the water. Then after 5 minutes we came back to the Mile run trail. Not only on the lake but during the entire trail also we saw so many fallen trees. After sometime we crossed a small wooden bridge and then after some distance from that bridge there were two small benches on the left side of the trail. Then we crossed another small wooden bridge also. But this bridge is not very strong like the before one, it was shaking while walking on it. After sometime of walking we have reached the creek of the Mile Run trail. We saw big stream also over there, saw so many small fishes in that stream. We had breakfast around 10:30am there and spent sometime over there. We liked the stream, fishes and water sound. We felt very pleasant environment over there. After 10 minutes we started our hike again, now we have to reach Turkey Ridge trail for that we were retracing our steps on Mile Run trail.

After Half an hour we have reached the intersection of Mile Run trail and Turkey Ridge trail which is yellow blazed trail. On this trail we were completely climbing down, we saw so many benches on the left side of this trail. The entire view of that benches and that place was just like a classroom. we were so surprised and did not understood why the benches were arranged like classroom in a hiking place. After half an hour of walking we have reached the yacht around 11:30am. At that place also we saw some benches here also they arranged those like in the classroom, also that looked like a camping area. From that place the scenery was simply excellent. We took so many snaps of that place, and took rest for sometime on that yacht. Then we saw some people were doing boating and fishing over there.  We thought that those boats are their own so if we want to do boating we have to get our own boat. But anyway our hiking was done we have decided to ask in the counter about the boating. At that recreation area we so many kayak boats and motor boats, we have decided to take motor boat if there is any availability. We went to the counter and asked there about the motor boats, they said a good news that we can take a boat for rent over there only. Then we took a boat for 2 hours. We have started the boating around 12:15pm. 

We thought boat driving is little bit difficult but it was so easy. There were 5 forward speeds, 3 reverse speeds and only one handle and we have to operate left and right. With cool breeze and the water splashing sound the ride was amazing. It was very huge lake we have took so many snaps and videos there while on the boat. The scenery, weather and the view of the lake simply beautiful. We saw deer at one side of the lake, initially we didn't expect any deers or bears in this hike because it was very crowded hike, another side we saw one small turtle also. After sometime around 1:00pm we had our lunch in that boat in the middle of that lake with cold breeze. We had never done so much easy boating like this.

We saw so many people fishing in that lake, we took big round around the lake. After 2 hours around 2:10pm we returned the boat. We enjoyed this easy funny boating a lot. We returned to the parking lot around 2:15pm and started our way back to home. We did not feel much tired, when we were coming back from lake view trail and laurel view trail we felt little bit difficult but walked on the normal plain road more time than that. We expected the lake view and stream views but we do not have any idea about the boating. It was really a surprise to us. We have never done boating like this on big lake. We reached home around 3:20pm. We enjoyed this hike a lot and we have came back from there with so many wonderful memories with us. All is Well.

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Pennsylvania Trip

 

We went to Pennsylvania on July 2nd 2021.(Independence Day weekend).

Brief Summary:

 Place: Pennsylvania.

 Location: Pennsylvania.

 Distance: 316 miles.

 Members: Me, my wife and my friends.

 Transport: Audi Q3.

 Duration: 5 hours 34 minutes.

Experience: 

Day 1 - Cabin:

On 2nd July we woke up around 6:30am. Around 10:00am I went to airport, parked our car there and brought the rental car. we started at 11:16am. First we went to the Indian store to get some vegetables and few other items. We decided to cook all our favorite delicious items at the site.

We started our journey to cabin around 12:38pm. Before the start of or journey we brought the food for lunch. Around 1:20pm we had our lunch. First we drove on the interstate for about an hour and then our journey was completely on mountain road. On the way we saw so many horses, cows, farms and fields. We saw so many beautiful sceneries as well. Weather was so good as well. It was not too sunny on that day. There were trees on either side of the road and were intertwined and look like beautiful arches. Sometimes we passed the road in between two mountains. After sometime we reached the city of Pennsylvania. Before we reached the cabin we saw so many types of cabins which made us think how our cabin will look like. We thought our cabin might be in middle of the trees and in a lonely place. While we were thinking like that, suddenly we  got doubt if were we travelling on wrong direction, because we were still on the narrow road and seems like we were reaching the dead end. The road was not suited for travelling in a car. After sometime we entered into very narrow road still we did not see our cabin but within 2 minutes we saw our cabin in the middle of the trees and it was in completely a lonely place like exactly how we thought about it. We reached our cabin around 5:45pm.We entered into cabin and put all the luggage in the living room and checked rooms, beds, water, electricity and everything to see if they are in good condition or not. Yes they were in really good condition we really liked it very much. Then we reached our car in the parking spot in front of the cabin.

Then we saw a pavement into the cabin. Beside the cabin there was a big ground, in that ground there was a picnic bench and a big fire pit and some chairs. On the left side of the cabin there was an old fashioned bore pump and beside of it there was a small stream. The entrance door of the cabin was like creaky net door and there was hall before the main entrance. there was a another picnic bench and so many out door games also there. In the main hall there was big sofa and a tea table, left side of the hall there was one bedroom. In the hall under the TV there was a wooden box with some indoor board games. After the hall there was a kitchen after that one full bath and another bedroom also there. In the hall there was a staircase to the another bedroom with half bath. In that bedroom there was an antique wooden box with full of teddy bears. Other side of the bed there was a closet with extra comforters and pillows and one wooden bench also there. Around 7:30pm our friends arrived. They also took a look around the cabin and liked it as well. We had our dinner around 10:00pm. Then we saw a movie until 12:30am and around 12:45am we fell asleep.

Day 2 - Laurel Caves and Living treasure animal park :

Next day , it was Saturday we woke up around 5:30am and got ready. we had our breakfast around 8:30am. Then we started to Laurel Caves. It was our first attraction in this trip and it was one hour away from our cabin.

We saw so many white horses in the beautiful farms on our way, it was just like a movie scene. We reached caves around 10:55am. These caves are very huge and very deep. They arranged the caves with very beautiful lights. These lights gave awesome look to the caves. Some places in the caves are very slippery. In the caves some ways were very narrow and low height also. Our knees almost touched the ground. We saw different glowing bacteria also , it was coming from the cave's walls liquid. These bacteria are harmless and just glow in the dark. When we went deep down to the caves it was getting cold. This was one of the sand cave in the world. Because of some chemical reactions the cave walls are transforming into sand. We enjoyed the caves a lot. This was different experience than with other caves. We came out from the caves around 12:32pm. 

We started to Falling Water around 12:40pm. But the Falling water entry tickets are sold out so we planned to go to the Seven spring Adventure park. We reached the park around 1:40pm , we enquired about pass, activities timings and everything so it was too late to take the pass, even if we take the pass we cannot complete all the activities so we decided to go to the Living treasures animal park. We had our lunch around 2:30pm on picnic table. Then around 3:15pm we started to go to Zoo. We took the entrance tickets for the zoo. In the zoo we saw a big tortoise first, it was really a big one and was eating carrots. The shell of the tortoise was very hard it was not doing anything even though we tapped on it. Then we saw the deers, ducks, camels, bysons, horses, bears, tigers, wolves and birds, some kind of reptiles as well.

We fed some of these animals. It was very nice experience we had while we were feeding to the animals. We enjoyed a lot with those. And some kind of animals and ducks are gentle only but when we go near to them with food they were very aggressive, sometimes they were eating and poking our fingers. We did not get hurt but it was funny experience. There we saw Ponies also and kids were riding them. Our friend's son also rode those. It was a lovely moment for them too. Then we saw so many types of birds like eagles, owls, parrots, peacocks swans and so many kinds of hen also were there. I never seen before these many kind of hen. We went to zoo in perfect time I think as all the animals were very active. Especially the grizzly bears and wolves are very active and they were roaming very fast in their boundaries and also bears and wolves were big in size. We saw two tigers there one was white and other one was Bengal tiger,

they are also huge but they were just resting. We saw so many kinds of monkeys also and as usual they were very active and aggressive with funny acts. Even though we know how the monkey will behave we did not get bore unknowingly we spent a lot of time near those cages. We saw many zoos before but we enjoyed this one a lot. We never fed animals like this. The animals also were very active and seems like happy to see humans. We came out from zoo around 5:20pm and we reached our cabin around 6:00pm. We decided to put campfire and make some barbecue items. Then we pitched our tent. The ground was very smooth with soft grass so it does not took much time to pitch the tent. Then the campfire, it took a lot of time for us to arrange it because of the cloudy weather the wood took too long time to burn. But at last we arranged the campfire. Meanwhile we were cooking some barbecue stuff to eat. After sometime everything was setup- the camp fire, hot and spicy food, tent. We sat around the fire, eating food and were talking about the caves, zoo and entire our trip of that day. Then we went into the tent and played couple of card games. After sometime it started getting cold, so we went into the cabin and had dinner around 10:00pm. We started to plan our next day of our trip. We had a plan to go to Seven spring Adventure Park , so we booked our tickets online to the park and for adventure activities. Then we watched a movie and slept around 12:00am. 

Day-3: Seven Spring Adventure park

The next day morning we woke up around 6:00am and had our breakfast around 10:15am. Then we started to Seven Spring Adventure Park around 10:50am.

We reached the park around 11:15am. Then we entered into the ticket counter, we already booked for all day pass for all the activities so we got the wrist bands(passes) for the entrance to all the activities. Once we came out from the counter we started our adventure activities in the park. In the park we saw big ground first, everybody were roaming, taking photos and kids were playing games over there. There are some rides and water activities and some indoor games also there. First we decided to do water activities. Water activities are little away from the rides, we did one and half mile hike also for that. We saw big lake over there, we wore the life jackets first and did the water car riding, paddle boats, paddle cycling. This paddle cycling was a different one, we never saw it before anywhere, it was very interesting one but we have to ride it slowly. Then we did all other rides also. While we were doing kayaking we sung songs like in the old movies and we had the perfect weather also at that time, cloudy and cool soothing wind.

We enjoyed a lot with water rides. Then we were ready to go down to do the other activities in the park. There was a ride called alpine slide to go down. In this ride we have to ride our car on the slide. It was really funny and adventurous, we all enjoyed this ride a lot. Once we came down in front of our eyes we saw so many outdoor and indoor activities. We plan to do outdoor activities first then after lunch indoor activities. Then we did the Chair lift there, we saw amazing views, mountains and we saw people who were doing the alpine slide. While we were doing chair lift ride we thought that we can do the alpine slide one more time once we reached there but there was long queue so we did not do that. Then we all did the trampoline thing and kids did the Rockwall climbing. We had packed our lunch from the cabin so we had our lunch on park bench around 3:00pm. Then we went to play indoor games. First we started playing indoor games with Miniature golf, it was very funny and little bit difficult to hit the ball into the hole in one shot. 

Sometimes it took too many shots to hit the ball but we all are enjoyed it. Next we went to play Bowling, this was a favorite indoor game for me and my wife. We really enjoyed to play this game with our friends it was like competition between us. Then kids wanted to play in swimming pool but we did not allow as there are already too many people in the pool and felt it might not be safe. Then we went to play Arcade games. We bought four cards and we all played got many coupons to buy toys. After that before we bought the toys we had our dinner around 8:10pm. Then we went to buy with the coupons, there was a big line to change the coupons into points to the card and finally we got our points to the cards then bought small toys with all the points. We played these Arcade games very quickly because it was getting time to get a place to watch the fire works. Then we came down to watch fireworks around 9:10pm and  finally we got the perfect place on ground to watch. Around 9:30pm they started the fire works and for 15 minutes continuously they lit up the fireworks . We watched the fireworks before also many times in different places but these were really different and beautiful and also sitting on the ground and watching that was a perfect view. We watched fireworks before in Disney land in Florida but we like these fireworks more. Then we reached the cabin around 10:25pm. We packed all our stuff and talked about our entire 3 days trip. Then the next day we had a plan to see the Laurel state park and the waterfalls. Then we slept around 1:15am.   

Day-4 Laurel hill state park

The next day morning we woke up around 7:00am. That was the last day of our trip so we were all busy in packing all our stuff to vacate the cabin.

Around 10:15am we had our breakfast then we packed all the stuff and placed those in our car and last we were ready to leave. We stayed in this cabin for 3 days only but when we were leaving we felt like it was our home. We played games here, enjoyed the small outdoor games activities, did camping, cooked delicious items. We enjoyed a lot in this cabin. Around 11:40am we vacated our cabin and started to Laurel hill state park. While we were going in that route we saw the horses and beautiful scenic views one last time. In 15 minutes around 12:00pm we reached the Laurel hill state park. We saw there was a big lake and so many people were playing over there. We parked our car in parking lot and went there to see what type activities are there.

There we saw all the water activities only and also we already done those in Seven Spring park. Even though if we want to do those again there was a pretty big line to the tickets so we did not go there. Previously at the cabin we came to know there was beautiful waterfall in that park, we searched for nearly 20 minutes and then finally we got the information that we have to do the small hike to see that falls. Then we started hiking to the falls around 12:24pm. It was the first time we did the hiking without shoes but without a problem because it was not very steep. We used the sticks as support for us. We talked about our entire trip while we were walking. While we were talking we heard the water sound after sometime, reached the waterfalls. The falls really are beautiful but these falls are not natural, they are man made. But they built it very beautifully, almost looks like natural falls. The water was very cold, in that hot weather we enjoyed the temperature of water, we felt so fresh. We took lot of photos there and then started to go back. We reached the parking lot and started to go home around 1:40pm. We had our lunch in Taco bell and reached airport. We returned the rental car and drove home in our car. Reached home around 7:00pm. 

    We really enjoyed this trip very much. We stayed in excellent vintage cabin, saw different places, had thrilling experiences, saw beautiful scenic views, did different activities and played lot of games. We happily spent these holidays with our friends, collected so many beautiful memories and happily reached our home with those. All is Well.

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Little Devils Stairs

We had done hike to Little Devil's Stairs on 20th June 2021 . It is located in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia State.

Hike Location

Name: Little Devils Stairs

Distance: 102 miles from Henrico (approx.)

Total hiking distance: 6.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 1480 ft.

Hike Team: me and  my wife.

Hiking Experience:

We woke up at 5:00am. We tried to get up at 4:30am but could not do it. We got freshened, packed lunch and breakfast nd started around 6:40am. It is two hours distance from home. The weather was cloudy and the temperature was normal.

On our way we saw so many horses and cows grazing. As we have taken country side road, we saw so many green farms and fields all the way along. It was very pleasant to watch these sceneries in the early morning. We were about to reach the parking lot then we saw a deer. We reached the hiking place around 8:48am. We started the hike around 8:55am. We followed the blue blazed trail to the left of the parking lot. Initially there were some stairs going down and then there was a stream with many rocks and less water. As we hiked further the trail was so narrow only one person can walk and it was surrounded by many huge trees on either side of the trail. It was a muddy trail and got steeper. There was a water stream flowing down besides the trail. We crossed this stream several times to follow our trail. It was like a zig zag crossing the streams. There were huge rocks on the trail and we climbed on the rocks to proceed further. It has been long time climbed such huge rocks. The slope of the trail is also very high felt like almost we are crawling on our knees. It was quite challenging but we enjoyed it as there was stream flowing beside us. The sound of the water, birds chirping, green trees made us feel as though we are in jungle and adventurous. 

The trees are very tall and wide. Many a times we used to lose our trail and search for the blue mark to find it again. Almost for 2 and half miles the trail is covered with rocks. Sometimes we need to climb between two rocks to move further. After hiking for about an hour we had our breakfast on one of the rocks beside small waterfall. Around 10am we continued our hike. There were many fallen trees besides the trail but did not block it. The water in the stream is very cold and it was fun crossing it though it was slippery. There were many earth worms all over the place. Some of the rocks were very slippery because of the streams, so while we were climbing we almost have to walk on four legs like an animal. At one point we were climbing a big slippery rock and there was no place to put our hand and push our self to go up, the rock was so soft that we just have to give pressure with our feet and climb. I crossed that easily but my wife was too afraid to climb that. There was another rock to the left of this slippery rock. My wife decided to hold both the rocks and climb between them. She got half the way and reached her left hand to top of the rock to pull herself.

She was holding the rock and coming slowly and suddenly she was about put her hand on a SNAKE...!! She started shouting and climbing down instantly. I did not see that snake and I don't know what is happening and why she was shouting. She ran away so fast 10 steps down and then she told me. Obviously, now she had only one way to come up even though it was difficult for her. Now she is no more afraid of the rock, as her fear of the snake was much more. She was so frightened at that time, but later we felt it was so funny her reaction. After that we continued climbing, crossing the stream many times. Small plants and stream were glittering with thin rays of sunlight which escaped the leaves of the tall and wide trees. It was very beautiful scene to watch. After sometime we saw big waterfall. It was pretty far from our trail. There was no any proper route to go near that waterfall. We saw it from our trail only and we moved on. We were traversing the hill and now our trail got separated from the stream.

We continued further and no more rocks on the trail and no more climbing just walking on the narrow road. Soon we reached an intersection with the fire road with yellow blazed trail. We have to continue our hike on that road for almost 4 miles. So we took another break around 11:16am, had some food and around 11:25am we started again. So far we have hiked uphill and now this trail is complete downhill and it is covered with small stones making it hard to walk. There were no more water noises of the stream, no huge rocks and no snakes along this trail. Being wide we did not feel like it was hike and was not enjoyable. we sung some songs and remembered our way uphill and incident with the snake. Around 1:05 pm we reached the parking lot. We had our lunch on the way to home and reached home around 3:00 pm. We really had a great time compared to our previous hikes we have done and still cannot forget those memorable moments with waterfall, rocks, streams and all. We enjoyed this hike a lot. All is Well.

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Harbor View

 

We went to Harbor View RV Campground on May 28th 2021.(Memorial Day Weekend)

Brief Summary:

 Place: Harbor View RV Campground.

 Location: Virginia.

 Distance: 60 miles approx.

 Members: Me and my wife.

 Transport: Class A Motorhome.

 Stay: 28 May 2021 - 31 May 2021

Experience:

            We have been thinking to do camping in RV at least once for the past 2-3 years. Having seen many RV campers beside our tent camping, we thought that we need to rent a RV no matter what and get the experience of life in a RV. Around February when the pandemic situation was improving we decided to go for camping and to compensate for not being able to do any camping/outing over the past year planned to take an RV. As a first step started looking for campsites. Most of the sites are full and could not get any spot for couple of days. But we did not lose hope and luckily we got one spot which was available in Harbor View RV Campground. Even though we have booked it, to make sure the campsite was really booked on our name, have called them and confirmed. Then with no further delay started googling which RV is best suited for us and how and where to book it. Just like looking for a new apartment when changing location, with more excitement we started looking at multiple RVs. Soon came across Outdoorsy where the RV owners post their vehicles for rent. This is just like Turo app for cars(we once rented a smartForTwo car using Turo). Again started looking at various RVs especially the interior layout, length, and should we drive or tag it to our car. We finally decided to drive the RV instead of tagging it and found 2018 Jayco Alante which is 26 feet in length. It is smaller in comparison to general RVs but for us two we felt this would be perfect. So we booked the RV through Outdoorsy for 28th to 31st May. Ae were waiting anxiously for the Owner to confirm our request. we got the confirmation from the Owner in a week. Our Joy was endless. By the time our camping dates arrived, We spoke with the Owner regarding what all the things would be provided, how RV works, and a week prior to our D day we went and saw the RV. It was simply majestic. The Owner is around 70 miles from our place and 60 miles from the campsite. So the plan is to take our car to the Owner's place, drop it there, pickup the RV and go to camping. We thought a lot about what to carry, what to leave behind and done with our packing. Finally the day has arrived.

We started around 8:30 am in the morning on 28th May from home. We have taken Biryani previous night and kept it for the next day afternoon as by the time we reach camping it would be lunch time and also we cannot get the food in the morning time. We had our home made breakfast in the morning. Around 10 am we reached the Owner's place. He was very helpful and gave full details once again how to operate the RV, pipe connections, operations inside the RV. Around 11 am we started our long awaited dream of driving an RV. It was about 60 miles from there to the campsite but due to narrow roads and traffic it took us about 1 hour 15 mins to reach the campsite. The driving experience is awesome, For once we were sitting at so high position could see the road ahead and traffic lights even there are vehicles in front of us. The drive was very smooth, The gear system is attached to steering unlike having it to the side. One good thing is we placed all our stuff in the RV in such a way that while driving the items do not roll off. That is one thing we need to be careful. We reached around 12:20 pm the campsite.

After completing the check-in formalities the campsite guards showed us our campsite. It was not very far from their office. We parked the RV in the designated spot and then deployed the auto retractable Jacks for the RV to stand on Jacks instead on the tires. we then hooked up the electric cable first. Ensured that internal lights and other things operate as normal. Then setup the water hose from the city water pump. Finally connected the Sewer pump to the outlet provided in the campsite. So there are three things provided on the campsite, a electric hookup, city water pump for drinking/cooking and drainage outlet. Around 1:30 pm all the setup is done and all set to spend the next three days in this wonderful RV and campground. We slide out the living area which has the Sofa and the dining table along with the bedroom with nice queen size cozy bed. From Interior the RV has a bunk bed which can be moved up and down and located above the driving seat. Then have the Sofa to relax and watch the TV (connected to the opposite end). The Sofa can be extended to bed. Beside the TV we have the Wash basin with two basins. and then the kitchen with three burners. One small micro wave, Oven. and then the refrigerator with two doors , space enough to keep the food stuff. beside the sofa we have the dining table with two soft cushions to sit. Then have a small bathroom with shower and basin with cupboard. Then the bedroom with proper ventilation and adjustable fan. There are many cupboards to put our items of kitchen, clothes. It has nice centralized AC unit and both provision for both Hot and Cold water. we were provided with utensils, towels just like any hotel room. we are also provided with DVD player along with lot of DVDs. In the exterior we have the Awning - which is like a Canopy/window share attached to the RV. There are many storage spaces to the exterior just like we have storage spaces in a bus. we have the folding table along with five foldable camping chairs. Then we have the outdoor camping grill along with gasoline. We have slide out the awning and setup the table and the grill.

After exploring the RV inside and outside(to some extent) we then had our lunch around 2pm. It was wonderful experience sitting on the dining table watching movie in an RV and enjoying the view from the glass window. We took some rest and then decided to take a walk around the campsite to explore the area. The campground is not very large and has lot of RVs and all the sites were full. There was a huge lawn on one side of the campground and other side all the Rigs(another name for RV). There were wide variety of RVs and some have decorated their RV and site spectacularly. we returned to RV and then got ready to grill something on the outdoor griddle. It slowly started drizzling and enjoyed hot food in the light drizzle. Then it started raining heavily. Unfortunately it was raining the whole night and next day. So we stayed indoors. which was one big advantage having an RV, as it is like being at home. As we cannot go outside we played various board games which were provided. we sat on the bunk bed and played. It was amazing experience as though sitting on a tree house except surrounded by glass and walls of the vehicle. Then prepared our dinner, it felt as though we are at home and preparing our food. We had our dinner watching some good old movie, we have taken our laptop and connected to DVD player with HDMI cable(provided by the Owner). The weather is very cold and being muddy roads there are many damps across the campgrounds. but we are determined to go out to enjoy the colorful light decorations of other campers. It was still drizzling and we had a little night walk through the trails. It was a chilling wonderful experience. we returned to our RV and took rest for the night. 

Next day morning we got up around 7:30 am. The little bathroom is just large enough for a person to do his job. The shower was splendid and amazed by the way they all are arranged. After getting refreshed had our breakfast. It was raining heavily so we stayed indoors. Played couple of other games. watched some movies. Then had our lunch. we had planned a very great traditional menu for the three days. we had a delicious ice-cream post lunch. we took some rest and then went to the office in the rain to see what else do they have to offer us. The office was closed and we could see they have swimming pool, mini golf, volleyball court and couple of other games we do not know. Being cold we could not linger much longer and returned to our mini home. Watched some funny episodes in laptop. we have got lights to decorate the RV but due to rain we arranged the lights interior across the Sofa window. Then had our dinner and retired to bed.

On Sunday morning as usual we got up in morning, refreshed and had our breakfast. It was still drizzling but got out took some pictures in the cold weather and then sat in the camp chairs observing other campers. Most of the campers have electric golf carts for moving across the campground and it is very useful in these situations. That added to our wish list, hoping one day we might be able to rent that as well. There were pets around, some group of people have setup a canopy and arranged like a wedding reception with elegant curtains and flower gardens. Simply thrilled to see wonderful creative ideas of the fellow campers. we had our another delicious lunch and post lunch there was a live music show arranged by the campground team. By this time there was no rain and temperature was little warmer then in the morning. we had a long walk along throughout the campground. Walked the entire campground, saw various RVs, decorations. There was a pond to the back side of our site. Then we played the flying saucer in the large lawn infront of us. Great experience to play in the open green area. We got tired after some time. The decided to have something on the outdoor grill. After our dinner we watched movie. Then we packed most of our stuff as next day we need to check-out and then retired to bed.

        On the last day of our trip, we got up little early and after our breakfast went to the office which was open this time. The weather was good and could see sun after two days. There were some wonderful paintings drawn by one of the camper. We took golf puts and balls from the office and played mini golf. There were 9 holes. Some of them were challenging. The side walls are not tall enough to stop the ball so need to chase the balls that went off the course. Then we came back and played with the volleyball, provided by our Owner, beside our RV. we prepared our lunch, planning to have it while driving back home in our car. Then we emptied the sewer tank, filled the water tank and removed the hooks. Pulled the jacks up and then finally we are ready to leave. we then checked-out and left around 12:15 pm from the campsite. Again enjoyed the driving experience of such a wonderful motorhome. Returned the RV, moved our stuff from RV to our car and then we started our journey to home in car. we had lunch on the way. It was a wonderful experience overall to stay in a RV. Even though it was raining, we were able to enjoy the most and definitely a lifetime experience for us. Able to strike one item from our wish list. On our way home we talked about how was the camping what went well, how to make it more exciting next time if we plan to etc. we reached home around 3:30 pm. It was memorable experience. we enjoyed it thoroughly. All is well.

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