We just returned from our very first Tearjerkers gathering, the 2012 Spring Gathering in Virginia Beach, sponsored by the Old Dominion Tearjerker Chapter. It was a last minute decision to attend, since it was held at First Landing State Park, a mere 20 minutes from our house.
The campground was surprisingly full when we arrived on Friday evening, so we had to take a site a bit apart from the other teardroppers. Saturday's weather was gorgeous, and we were able to switch to a newly vacated and much improved campsite, nice and shady, underneath the live oaks! We had planned on taking a hike on the wonderful trails in the southern section of the park, but instead ended up walking around and getting tours of the other 12 teardrops, and getting to know their owners. After all, we can hike at First Landing anytime! It was an interesting mix of Little Guys, and home builds, our favorites being a brand new Little Guy Silver Shadow (with the star gazer window), and a first outing for a young couple's home build. Great craftsmanship on his first build from a guy with no experience. We were very impressed! Camp-Inn is still #1 in our book though!!!
Saturday night was a group potluck with lots of delicious food, and then just sitting around a campfire and conversing, before the predicted rain sent everyone scurrying for their tears! Everyone had wisely packed up earlier in the day, and after a night of steady rain, all of the others had left by the time we pulled out on Sunday morning.
It was a good first experience, overall. So, thanks to Betsey, for encouraging us to attend (a few posts ago). I imagine there will be more to come, and I would encourage our fellow Camp-Inn owners to get involved with your local Tearjerkers Chapter.
The campground was surprisingly full when we arrived on Friday evening, so we had to take a site a bit apart from the other teardroppers. Saturday's weather was gorgeous, and we were able to switch to a newly vacated and much improved campsite, nice and shady, underneath the live oaks! We had planned on taking a hike on the wonderful trails in the southern section of the park, but instead ended up walking around and getting tours of the other 12 teardrops, and getting to know their owners. After all, we can hike at First Landing anytime! It was an interesting mix of Little Guys, and home builds, our favorites being a brand new Little Guy Silver Shadow (with the star gazer window), and a first outing for a young couple's home build. Great craftsmanship on his first build from a guy with no experience. We were very impressed! Camp-Inn is still #1 in our book though!!!
Saturday night was a group potluck with lots of delicious food, and then just sitting around a campfire and conversing, before the predicted rain sent everyone scurrying for their tears! Everyone had wisely packed up earlier in the day, and after a night of steady rain, all of the others had left by the time we pulled out on Sunday morning.
It was a good first experience, overall. So, thanks to Betsey, for encouraging us to attend (a few posts ago). I imagine there will be more to come, and I would encourage our fellow Camp-Inn owners to get involved with your local Tearjerkers Chapter.
