Just couldn't stand to put the truck camper away for the winter without one last fling. We called up some TC friends who were relatively nearby and talked them into coming to camp on Casco Bay in Freeport, Maine for the weekend. It would either be one of those glorious times in late fall in New England or we'd freeze. But being intrepid souls (and owning propane furnaces and generators) we decided to go for it. After all, LL Bean is open 24/7 and we could always go to the hunt/fish store and either buy long johns or warm up by the wood stove.
Joe and I arrived first and set up by the water. We camped at Recompence Campground which is owned by Wolfe Neck Farm, a 600+ acre salt water farm with spectacular views out over Casco Bay to the Atlantic Ocean.
Feet up, we relaxed and enjoyed the 50F degree warmth, bright skies and watching a local clam digger work for a living.
As more TCs arrived during Friday afternoon, the fog started to roll in, getting denser and denser. Wolfe Neck has a large cow herd and, cows being the curious creatures they are, they came to see what we were doing.
As it had rained during the week, the ground was quite wet. Since there hasn't been a prolonged frost or cold spell yet to firm up the ground, we found TCs sort of sinking. As more rain was coming, we decided to get them all out of the field and herded into what higher ground we had. Only one got stuck and the guys had a great time with tow straps and deciding the best way to ease it out. And yes, the Ford did pull the Chevy out.
This camper didn't get stuck but was sort of listing to port before Ron wisely moved it.
Mike T and Stoney brought up a trailer full of tents, propane heaters, and propane lights which we set up to have a cozy place for meals and socializing. Good move since we had a couple of pretty heavy rain squalls. Thanks again to both of you for the extra work and to all the others who brought gear to make the weekend comfortable.
Lots of people brought firewood and we kept a blazing fire going for three days. Since this was a boondock, we occasionally used generators but for the most part, propane and fire kept us comfortable. The temperatures stayed in the 50s which is remarkable for this time of year - plus no snow! However, when you add cold ground from frosts and a cooling ocean with 50 degree temperatures, our TCs looked like our own herd in the fog -
Hard rains, dense fog, cozy tents, good friends, great food and drink and lots of tales told of places seen and places to go made this a super weekend. Sunday morning broke bright and clear so we moved outside to have a farewell breakfast by the bay.
Most had to leave Sunday for work on Monday, but four friends followed us home and camped at our house until Tuesday. Had a "girls day" Monday and headed north up the coast to some of my favorite Maine places. The guys started winterizing our TC and we finished it up today. Our yard looked a bit full of TCs but now it's sadly empty.
Looking out the garage second floor window at dawn:
Thanks everyone for coming up. The unplanned gatherings with good TC friends are really special. Can't wait til spring and the next TC gathering.
* This post was
edited 11/11/08 04:02pm by TwoMaineiacs *
2008 Host Rainier 9'6" dual slide on a 2005 Ford F-350 Diesel DRW
On the Road Again from Rural Maine Our travel blog with photos
Sounds like that field was an excellent case of mandatory 4-wheel lo. I pull in and out of similar conditions where I park my truck every day. She gets parked with 4x4 engaged.
Wish I could have been there, though. Looks like a damned good time .
CBChannel 17Space Ghost '1991.5Dodge W-250 Power Wagon - Club Cab Long Bed V8 5.9L 4spd H.D Auto 4x4 4.10 Gears '1974KIT Kamper 1106 - 11' Slide-in '1987Pullman Mini Camper '2004Bi-Mart 4x8 Cargo Trailer
Thanks for making it happen. It was, as are all our TC gatherings, marvelous in spite of the weather.
Mr & Mrs FarcticOx
FarcticOx
Run Silent, Run Deep BLOG
2003 F350 Diesel DRW. and 6 brand new Michellin XPS Rib 16" LR-E Tires
2005 Arctic Fox B1150 solar powered dry camper.
220 Watts Solar, 2 300AH 6 volt AGMs, Yamaha EF1000iS Generator
What a great looking set of photos and friends. And I must say a wonderful heard of beef cows.
BTY; Mike T, I have not forgot about the game, next time I see you! I hope soon!
2010 F150 Super Cab XLT 5.4 4X4 Short Box
1988 Nortstar 8' pop up TC
Honda 2000 26th Marines RVN 69-70 Semper Fi M-14 was the only Woodstock I saw in 1969.
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