When in Angola.....

This past weekend our travels took us to Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN. This was suppose to be our annual "Friends Camping Weekend," but our friend's truck had other plans (Sorry Don and Deb!)

We had our favorite spot, site 452, on top of the hill and wouldn't you know we had the whole loop to ourselves. It was so nice and quiet despite about 5 inches of rain, severe thunderstorms and the biggest swarms of mosquitos we've ever experienced. 

We have stayed at Pokagon numerous times and know the area quite well. In fact, when we go to Angola we have a set list of things that we need to cover. 

• The Pickle Factory Outlet Store
• Clay's
• Moe's Southwest Grill
• Gays Hops-N-Schnapps Discount Liquor Store
• and now I'm going to add the Pizza Hut Lunch Buffet! (thanks for the tip Doug!)

We also discovered some amazing campsites in the 100 loop. After all these years, I thought this was the loop for group camping, but come to find out, they have 27 electrical sites in this loop too. We are planning to go back in September for the Seaplane Splash-In event and will definitely have to try one of these sites next time. A couple of them have beautiful views that overlook Lake James.

We hope that Don's truck is feeling better and is back on the road again soon. At least we have another trip booked with them this season to look forward to.

Pokagon State • Site 452

I wonder what is in my Tervis?

Always trying to take a picture of the Pod at night
with our lights. This doesn't do it justice, but
one of the better ones I've taken.

We had the entire loop to ourselves. 

Here's our bounty from the Pickle Factory Outlet.
We considered renaming the Pod the Pickle Pod.

Spontaneity at its finest!

If you know me, you know that I'm a list-maker and a planner. I usually have at least two lists going at all times (at home and at work). I'm organized and love to plan! On the other hand, I love to be spontaneous too and just roll with things. This definitely summed up our last camping trip to Hayes State Park for the weekend of May 17-19.

Hayes State Park • Site 160

A couple of weeks ago we returned from our first camping trip in Ohio and we literally rolled home, unhooked the Pod and jumped in the car to head to my Mom's to celebrate Mother's Day. We didn't unpack anything but the things we needed to start the work week. 

Once we got to Mom's, my brother said they were going to Hayes State Park with another couple (Always great to be with you Trina and Noah. It had been WAY too long)  and we should join them the next weekend.  We decided the Pod was packed and we might as well go. I literally made reservations on Wednesday night and we left on Friday morning.  I didn't make any lists or do any planning. Brother told me what to bring and had the food all figured out. I made a quick stop at the grocery store and we headed out. We experienced all kinds of Michigan weather from cold to hot to humid to sunny to rainy all in a short weekend. One of these days, I hope Michigan can figure it out. I also hope I won't have to pack a hoodie in July!

We did have dinner at Jerry's Pub at Wampler's Lake (finally!). We had stopped there a couple of times and couldn't get in because they were so busy. My brother made reservations this time and we were seated right away. If you are ever in the area, I'd highly recommend stopping. Ideally, you'd want to sit on the deck with the view of the lake, but it was cold and rainy when we were there. I had the lake perch dinner and it was some of the best perch I'd ever had. We started the meal with a BBQ Pork pizza to share. It was outstanding!!! I hope they make it part of their regular menu. I'd definitely order that again. 

Even Louie was cold!
Glad he brought his sweater.

Always look forward to my Brother cooking up a good
breakfast on Saturday morning.

Louie may be a little spoiled.

Love a good campfire!