It's That Time...

 May is once again on our doorstep and if you stop here regularly to read my grammatically incorrect writing you would know it's officially BBQ/ RV'ing season!!!

I had complete intention on taking the KCBS (Kansas City BBQ Society) judging class this month but I ended up not signing up. The intention was to learn and sample what the judges in our area are actually looking for in competition BBQ. Seems logical right?  Then I could cater my cooking to suite the taste that was desired and win millions, quit my job and open a chain of BBQ restaurants across the Midwest that would allow me to sit on my fat ass the rest of my existence. That's the plan....yea for sure. (Back to Reality) This year I actually had full intention to start trying to cook competitively and venture into the sub-culture that is competitive BBQ Then after looking at our lives currently, it was clear that this little thing I wanted to do needs to wait a few years. I know they say that things just get more complicated as your kids get older and I'm sure this is true. That might be why there are very few people without gray hair on the BBQ circuit. Jokes on them, my hair is all falling out so they wont be able to tell I am well into my 30's. Anyhow, this could also be something that the kids and I could potentially get into when they get a little older. Then again, I could think of nothing worse than spending a weekend with my Dad in close quarters in high pressure situations when I was young.  Come to think of it, the few times we did...I still remember vividly so it might not be a bad thing. There is a Comp up north that I still might take a swing at in the fall that is sanctioned by KCBS.... so you never know.

As you might know from stoping by here often, our big trip to the gulf coast is going down this month. I actually am a little nervous. It seems like an Odyssey and somewhat of a challenge for our family. For some reason I feel like it may turn into a scene of the elementary classic "The Oregon Trail" where we will need to caulk the camper and attempt to float the Cumberland River. Having said that, traveling with an RV is pretty much exactly like the Oregon Trail with the exception we have cell phones, repair facility's and infrastructure should problems arise. The similarity's are pretty crazy to be honest. In reality it will go off with out issue and we will have a great time. Anyhow, this will be one of those trips we either fully embrace the RV lifestyle or immediately sell it upon return home. Stay Tuned!

*photo from Florida State parks

The place we are going apparently has good Wi-Fi (and Cable) So we wont be as disconnected as our last trip so look for regular updates on our travels. The next Post you read shoud be from Northern Alabama as we navigate through the South Eastern Portion of the US with our 7,000 lbs home on wheels in tow.

Easter Weekend Un-Plugged

Johnson Shut In's State Park was the Easter Weekend Destination for our family for 2015. I scrapped the Table Rock Trip due to conflicts with work and picked one of the few remaining full hook up sites in the newer Campground at Johnson Shut In's.  

This state park has some very unique geological features that are very un-common for this area and apparently any area. The major attraction is the "Shut-In's" and they did not disappoint, even if it was too cold to venture into the water. For over a century folks have been using this area as natures water-park during the summer. Rock Jumping and water slides through the eroded granite are popular things to do in this ruarl part of the state. My first impression is that this is no place for small kids to swim and play, further up stream might be a better fit. 

Unfortunately, this park is known for a more recent even that has changed the landscape in a matter of minutes doing great damage to what took 1.4 billion years to create. In 2005 the upper reservoir of a pump back type power plant failed sending over a billion gallons of water into the valley below. It changed the course of the river, destroyed the infrastructure of the park and leaving everything in shambles with up to 10 feet or more of sediment in the park.  The Shut in's area were filled with  boulders, trees and re-bar from the failed structure. Fast forward nearly 10 years and the park is slowly rebounding and I would consider this park to be one of the best state park's in the Missouri System hands down. As you would expect, the park embraced the disaster and actually incorporate it into part of the unique history. The accident itself is somewhat ironic as the features of the park were created with water over time and yet it took only minutes for water to alter the landscape forever.

Learn more about this park here: mostateparks.com/park/johnsons-shut-ins-state-park

Our home for the weekend in site # 211 in Loop #2. The site was full concrete, clean had water and sewer hookups. I have come to appreciate the large paved pads at camp sites. They are especially nice when it rains. I spent most of the day on Saturday at camp with no shoes. 

The site was fairly Un-level but given the geography of the area, this would be necessary for run off. Hooking up the hitch's bars was a bit of a challenge but really no big deal. 

The Camp-Store at this park is one of the best I have seen in a public park. This area is so remote, you do not get cell coverage, TV stations, or even a good radio station. The closest store of any type is likely 30 minutes or more away so having things available should you need them are very nice. This store is stocked with the typical things you find at any camp store such as Ice Cream and treats and a lot of the staples for cooking if you forget something. They also have a large selection of odd items that people must buy like flags, signs, toys and so on. For being the first weekend that it was open, it looked to be very well stocked. The patio also serves as the home for wayward teenagers looking to find out what is going on on Facebook via the Store's WiFi Hot Spot.

Because there is a lack of info flowing in..(cell service and TV) getting caught in a potential weather situation could be problematic in this location. This campground has concrete shelters within every loop, most within less than 200' away from most sites. Another welcome change from the tinderbox shelters offered by some of the other state parks. 

You can rent bikes here too...even bike trailers.

Full laundry center as well. Everything was very, very clean. Much appreciated compared to other Missouri State parks. 

Our rule for Video Games is only when in the RV. Even then, its old school. It gives them something to do after the sun goes down. 

New Visitors Center. We didn't make it inside as both days we were in the park before it opened. 

The "Shut In's"

See....No Shoes.

Sam's disappointment after being told we were going to head back and eat lunch. 

Easter morning BKFST on the Grill.

EB (Easter Bunny) happened to find us here as well. He brought the boys their promised baskets full of hyper active chocolate and treats. He even had planted Egg's in the grass for them to find. 

On Sunday, we hiked the Scour Trail. Its a new addition to the park that allows you to get down into the path of the damaged hillside. The force of the water literally scoured the earth down to bedrock. Some of this has not been exposed in over 1 billion years. Interesting. 

The New Re-built Reservoir in the distance. This one is made of concrete.  

Snack break  before entering the scour.

Max called this the "Cookie Rock"

Who says you cant cook in an RV like home? We had a complete Easter meal including a 8# ham, potatoes, mac and cheese and vegetables.

Roasted Peep's were surprisingly tasty. 

It was a great trip for all of us. Close to home, yet felt like a world away. I know why this place is popular in the summer but our visit made me think this is a good place to see no mater what the season.