Hidden Meadows RV Park, Pine Island MN

We got our first camping trip of the 2018 season in the books at Hidden Meadows RV Park in Pine Island. Jamey plays bass, along with his dad, who plays guitar, in a cover band, After School Special, based out of our old hometown of Rochester, Minnesota. So, when his band had a gig booked in Rochester, it was a default opportunity to camp in the area. Hidden Meadows RV Park did not disappoint.

New Doggy Friends

Nestled in what can really only be described as a meadow, this campground is less than 20 minutes outside of Rochester, but it feels a lot more secluded and rustic. The Zumbro River runs through the campground with lovely hiking trails along the river.

Thanks to a wild winter, they had just opened the campground that weekend. A handful of season site owners were there, but we were one of the few weekenders so we had our pick of sites. We got a great pull-through site with our nearest neighbors several sites away.

As we were making dinner Friday evening, a couple in a fifth wheel pulled into one of the spots a few sites away from us and the husband stopped by to introduce himself. Immediately he declared Hidden Meadows RV Park as one of their favorite places to camp, asked if our dogs were friendly and wanted to play with two their dogs. Buddy nearly shouted with joy as their two dogs bounded over to say hello. As all four dogs were chasing each other around and being goofy, a family came down from the seasonal site section on a golf cart and again proclaimed how much they love the campground. The kids got to pet the dogs, the dogs got to run around like crazy before we all returned to our own sites.

Bonfire and Chill

After another great steak dinner, grilled by Jamey, we settled in around the fire with our drinks and set in for an evening of low-key relaxation.

In one of my winter shopping sprees, I ordered a portable hammock with a stand – I’ve tried the kind that you hang between trees, but I can never find two trees the right distance apart on a single campsite. This hammock is shockingly easy to assemble, and so comfortable. I don’t know if I’ll ever use my chair again! If I had a blanket, I could have slept outside on that thing all night long.

Eventually, Jamey joined me in the hammock and we had  nice cuddle by the fire as we admired the stars. Buddy snoozed on the elevated dog bed and Toby snored inside on his couch. That was a real “life is good” moment.

Dr. Strand Arrives

Jamey’s dad (who lives in Fargo) was in town for work and staying through the weekend for the gig, so he came to stay with us at the campground around 10:30 pm. I called it a night and went to bed around 11, leaving the Jamey and Scott some time for father-son bonding.

Breakfast and Playtime

Saturday morning, Jamey made us breakfast and I took the dogs for a long walk along the Zumbro. Since hardly anyone was at the campground, the owners didn’t mind if dogs were off-leash as long as they were well behaved, so Buddy got to frolic through the woods free from his leash. He took in all the sniffs, peed on all the strange smells and chased squirrels to his heart’s content. On the way back to our campsite, we stopped to play with the neighbors dogs again. By the time we were all ready to head out for a bike ride, Buddy was already worn out, and Toby was happy to be on his couch again.

Biking the Douglas Trail

The three of us hopped on our bikes and head out towards the Douglas Trail into Pine Island for lunch and beers. The trail is a former railroad track, it’s flat, paved and is dotted by farms along the way. Getting there we had to take a few crushed gravel roads and a portion of the trail was under construction, so it was a good thing we brought our mountain bikes.

We arrived at Trailhead Bar & Grill in time for THINGO with lunch. We didn’t win anything, but the games were free and bar bingo is always fun, even when you leave empty handed. A few beers and a few apps later, we got back on our bikes, retraced our tracks and got back to the campground in time for the guys to get cleaned up for their gig in Rochester. As Jamey grabbed his things and headed up to the shower (there was no sewer hookup, so we had to use the public showers), Scott settled into the zero gravity chair, I grabbed my Kindle and climbed into the hammock. Thirty minutes later, I woke myself up snoring (thanks, allergies) and Scott was dozing on the chair. Outdoor afternoon naps are the best. Eventually, Scott got cleaned up, and they headed into Rochester for the gig.

Live Music at Charlies Pub

I planned to go watch the band for at least part of the time. But before I could get dressed and ready to go, my phone notified me of severe storms coming through. I wanted to wait out the storm to make sure everything was OK at our site and keep nervous Buddy calm. Two whiskeys and an hour of thunderstorms later, I was too comfy on the couch to go to town. I texted our friends and canceled my plans and spent the rest of the evening finishing my book (The Wife Between Us; I don’t know how I feel about it, but I devoured it) and going to bed early. Honestly, I needed the quiet, alone time.

Time to Go

Sunday morning came and it was time to go. Scott left bright and early to get home to Fargo and we tore everything down. Since I bailed on friends the night before, they were kind enough to have us to their house for brunch Sunday morning. These friends are long-term dogsitting their daughters German Shepherd as she is in training for the military. Nikita is an adorable young puppy (less than two years old) and Buddy loves to chase and wrestle with her. Toby even enjoyed chasing them around playing referee when too much fun was had. He also tested the comfort of both couches in their living room, deciding the most comfortable spot was the same spot their Pomeranian prefers. Poor Zack hid under the table and cowered in fear from these crazy Shepherds!

My First Time Towing

After a lovely brunch and such a fun doggie play date, we hit the road. I drove home, the first time I’ve pulled the camper. I’ve pulled the boat behind our old vehicle plenty of times, but this was the first time I’ve pulled the camper. With the RAM, it hardly felt different from regular driving – in fact I passed several slow drivers!  I needed the practice since I’m taking the camper down to Okoboji next weekend for a girls getaway. This will be my first trip sans Jamey. I think everything will go well, but stay tuned for the next post to see how it turned out!