On a hot, sunny weekend in June, travel hags from Maryland and Delaware came together for a weekend of fun camping out in Janes Island State Park in Crisifeld, Maryland. We hitched up the r-pod camper to go the few short miles to Janes Island which is located at the southernmost point in Maryland (actually south of Virginia). I so love this scenic, waterfront campground with wooded sites, most of which have water views. It’s great even for a day trip.
Eight women and two men camped in cabins, tents, and campers, endured a horrific thunderstorm, told stories, got a lesson in martial arts and kayaked to a private beach just before a wonderful meal. Some of the hags were advised not to go to Janes Island because of the bugs. Nonsense! There are bugs, but the bugs are deterred by repellant. The magnificent views and rustic setting, with the amenities of a good campground, far outweigh the inconvenience of having to use insect repellant. We put the screen room on our r-pod and it made a great shield against the bugs in the evening.
Here’s a video recounting the weekend
Originally we planned to have our meal at the waterfront pavilion, but the thunderstorms were so threatening that the park ranger deemed it unsafe for us to be outdoors. So the ranger and park staff allowed us to use Nature Center (and the microwave) to serve and share our meal. The center has huge windows that look over the water and marsh. The views of the pending …. and soon existing thunderstorm were spectacular.
Of the eight kayakers, only three were experienced. The rest were either first-timers or beginners. The group paddled up the 1.25-mile flatwater trail to an island that has a 7-mile sandy beach, that is also one of the few beaches in Maryland that is dog-friendly. A group came right behind us with two large dogs loaded in their canoes, and the dogs had a great time romping in the sand and water.
Our friends from Delaware – Shari, Brigitte, and Elisabeth used inflatable kayaks. These things were amazing because they were strong, sturdy and had a hard frame. The surface was like canvas. They were easy to maneuver and as fast as the others. Check them out in the video.
Kathy Mackel (who did not join in the paddle) came with her hag-man husband, Andy. Andy entertained us with his bodhran and recited the “Address to the Haggis” by Robert Burns – complete with a Scottish accent. Kathy told a story about an embarrassing moment when she accidentally “de-robed” the hostess at a party she attended.
Dan Burgoyne (my hag-man), as always, was a huge help to everyone. However, he opted not to spend the first night. When he returned for the Saturday night meal, he brought our pet parrot, Baby who entertained us by talking and singing. Baby is 17 years old and has been going places with her man – Dan for years.
For those who have an r-pod and are wondering if the screen room will hold up in a storm, the answer is Y-E-S. We tested it in pretty brutal circumstances. And while a few stakes came out of the very hard ground, the room itself stayed in tact.
Interested in a Travel Hag Adventure? Be a fan and LIKE our Facebook Page. We post announcements there. Our next adventure is scheduled for July 23rd. We’ll be kayaking in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County.
