Introduction
Now you may have fallen for the balderdash presented in the recent crop of books and magazines fixated on the world of glamping. Those books are mostly written by glamping gals and they are filled with every sort of aberration of the ancient recreational art known as camping. To a person like me who grew up in Scouting, with a father who had actually met Sir Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement, glamping is an entirely foreign concept. For us real camping guys, it is immediately understandable why virtually no books about glamping are written by guys.
Yet, the incontrovertible fact is my lovely and most endearing Spouse is a dedicated glamper. And even though we spent thousands to purchase our Class-C RV “El Camino Del Monte” for camping, it is true to say there will be no camping unless it is high class glamping. So, for the sake of domestic tranquility, I have had to adapt my camping style to her glamping style. – – Yes, call me a coward because I have compromised my beliefs, but I remain a happily married coward.
I might also add that both of us, the long-time camper and the beautiful and dedicated glamper, have had to modify our style of glamping to accommodate the whims and extremes of Malicious Monte, the namesake and real ruler of our RV.
(For those of you who want a taste of what glamping is all about here at Serendipity Farmhouse, refer to the following posts: 4th of July Glamping and RV Cooking – Two Easy Meals.)
The three smartly dressed and well groomed gentlemen appearing in this post’s featured image are none other than dear Grandson #3 (GS#3), yours truly, and, of course, esteemed Son-in-Law #1 (SIL#1). We will be your hosts introducing this, the very first chapter of the very first section of the forthcoming and soon-to-be-best-selling-book “The Guy’s Guide to Glamping – A Serendipity Farmhouse Perspective.”
Section 1 RV Trip 2021-05 – Serendipity River Park – Chapter 1 The Beginning
This particular trip has been long in the planning (over two years) and many times postponed. The reason for postponements this year were caused by a medical diagnosis that indicated our greatly loved GS#3 has acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Much of the RVing season was lost to us while GS#3 underwent the first phase of chemotherapy. And throughout that most difficult period, GS#3 kept asking, “When will we be able to make our RV trip, Granddad?”
The dilemmas and tribulations brought about by chemotherapy, COVidiocy, and work schedules, kept causing the trip date to be moved back. Finally!! Finally!! There was a break in clouds and the sun shone through, we finally found a date when GS#3, SIL#1, and I could make the trip. No matter what might come up, I refused to have that date changed.
And things did come up. Do you remember that water leak in our front yard that I wrote about in SFH Journal: 2021-10-11 through 10-17 – Dark Autumn Reflections? Sure enough to my dismay, the only day the plumbers could come out was on the second day of our planned trip. I would not be deterred, lovely Spouse and I found a workaround. The trip would go on!
Then, SIL#1 sent an email. GS#3 was not doing well and he might need a blood transfusion, our trip might have to be postponed. That’s when beautiful Wife and I went to the church and made a direct plea for assistance or intervention. God heard us and answered in the affirmative – on the day of the trip, GS#3 was strong enough and the trip would go on!
With this good news, the three guy campers now threw everything they had into getting ready for the trip. A real camping trip. A real camping trip with a few modifications to accommodate dearest glamping Spouse. It would be a real guy glamping / camping trip. No gals allowed!
Without question, two important lists had to be prepared – the menu and the movie list. I took care of the menu, ensuring that it would be a menu remembered by all. GS#3 volunteered to prepare the guys’ night movie list. It consisted of a primary grouping and was accompanied by a large number of alternatives. Below, you will see the most fantastic menu ever, followed by the three movies that were actually watched on guys’ night.
The Muppets (2011) – Full Cast & Crew – IMDb
Muppets Most Wanted (2014) – IMDb
The big day finally came. El Camino Del Monte (ECDM) departed Serendipity Farmhouse and travelled the 20+ miles to pick up GS#3 and SIL#1. Although the forecasts had originally been threatening, the weather turned out to be perfect for an Autumn RV trip. After some forty minutes on the road, ECDM pulled up next to the house that all seasoned travelers know as the landmark announcing arrival at the gateway to the Shenandoah National Park – the town of Front Royal.
Within minutes, GS#3 and SIL#1 were aboard ECDM with all their carefully packed belongings – two small knapsacks, pillows, and a highly favored blanket. – Let the adventure commence! – And we were off, heading to that hidden oasis of happiness known as Serendipity River Park (SRP). Owned and operated by our dear friends Don & Louise, SRP has been a haven and resting place for ECDM and it Serendipity Farmhouse crew on several occasions over the last four years.
(See Serendipity River Park – Re-Creation to learn more about Serendipity River Park.)
Just after we crossed over Chester Gap on US522, I called the secret, only disclosed to us Serendipity River Park phone number. The delightful voice that could only belong to our dear friend Louise immediately answered. We told her our expected time of arrival and she informed us that everything was ready for our two-day stay. – Both GS#3 and SIL#1 eagerly awaited meeting Louise and having their first view of SRP.
The miles quickly passed under our wheels and it seemed like no time at all before we were pulling down the long, bumpy lane that leads to Serendipity River Park. Then, there she was, Louise was standing to the side of drive waving her ‘hello’. ….
Tune in next time for the continuation of our RVing adventure.
Some Glamping / Camping Facts: Please view the pictures below. Take some time to compare and contrast. On the left you will see an amazingly beautiful and dignified glamping gal. You will note that she is drinking her afternoon tea from the finest of China and her table is adorned with flowers. On the right, you will see two real guy campers awaiting a gourmet dinner of hot dogs and corn chips. SIL#1 in the foreground is sporting a fine pair of bare feet while wearing suitably worn and frayed sweatpants and t-shirt. GS#3 is quietly musing on the wonders of nature while attempting to become invisible to all biting insects. – The glamping gal is happy and the camping guys are happy.
