September 16 - Strafford, NH

September 16, 2017

My overnight here at the Lake Winnipesaukee South KOA will be one for the books...or a blog entry. Two different GPSs offered two different routes to get here; the lack of any signage indicating I was nearing a campground didn't help. I finally found the place and was impressed with the layout and the number of folks lakeside enjoying the 80° sunny weather. 

Once on my site and taking a quick look around, I saw most sites were filled; something I'd expect for a weekend. Campers were sitting around their sites in large groups and I knew that these folks were local and frequent visitors here probably booked for the season or at least extended stays. It was like Croton on a larger scale but with an atmosphere that would please my fellow Croton RVers. I'll try to get more photos tomorrow before I leave. There are old-timers in their Class A's and young families in their fifth wheels. You could tell the playground was near by the constant and deafening screams of the kids trying to out-scream each other. Fortunately, that's died down and, in the dark, the common site is the campfire.

Site 8, as you can see from the map above, is a corner site and the people traffic is heavy as are the golf carts, pickups and people walking dogs. Every male who passes is carrying a beer or two. Kids by the dozen are racing on their bikes up and down the hill that is labeled "Campground Road." Older boys are carrying fishing rods as they pass by to go down to the lake. The road is very busy; something I don't get to see very often, if at all. This setting is a "people-watcher's" gold mine and so I, being one, took advantage and set up my laptop on the picnic table outside to finish "My Stay in Maine" blog and get it posted. As usual, folks passing by take a long look at my Winnie and some even commented on "a good looking rig."

As it got darker the people traffic slowed way down and no sooner had I finished and posted, when, in the dark, I heard, "Hello...hello." I saw no one due to the bright LED in my awning and not knowing anyone surely didn't think someone was talking to me. But, that was not the case. Veronica from across the road, in the big Allegro was being careful not to trip over the many exposed roots of the tree at the end of my site. Her left swollen leg was in a soft cast from ankle to knee. Indeed, she was coming to visit me. She introduced herself and admired my RV. She's recently widowed and thinking about downsizing. Well, for the next 45 minutes (yes, I timed it), she was non-stop telling me about her life, kids, grand kids, both husbands, where she lives, how she travels; she one of ten children so I heard about the life and death of each of the parents and all about her siblings. I learned where each of her grandchildren live and go to school, the talents they possess, the accomplishments of those children and their parents from their birth to their current career position. I have never hard anyone squeeze as much information about everyone in one's family as I did in those forty-five minutes. In addition to the family I now know so well, I was told of her group of seasonal friends across the way.  The younger among the group maintain, repair and setup the Class A for 'Ronica." I could go on but you get the idea. No matter. Not only wasn't I going anywhere but I think I fulfilled a need and I'm okay with that.

Sunday I take off for Fisherman's Memorial State Park in Rhode Island for three nights (my next blog) during which time I hope to have granddaughter Sara stop by to pick me up to enjoy sushi together in Narraganset. Here's a 180° look at the lake as I left:

Notice the lush greenery that was is beginning to turn.

Winnie ready to rock and roll for the three hour trip to RI