Glamping

I always want to have things in common with my grandsons and one grandson is so involved in Boy Scouts, merit badges, camping, etc. So for his recent 13th birthday, I decided to take him camping.

NOW, you must understand that my idea of camping is the first floor of the Holiday Inn Express! I do not do 'bugs', crawling, slithering creatures or sweat. I prefer to 'lightly glisten'. As much as I loved running around Ireland and it's landscape for a month, I would not apply the same zest to Central Florida in hot humid, June!!

But, we do what we must so we went GLAMPING (glamourous camping).

We checked into our Glamping site which was fantastic. It is a large, tall, roomy tent with a screened in porch, rocking chairs and a bistro wood table with chairs. Inside the air-conditioned living space is a queen size bed and two twin beds, nightstands, lamps, coat rack, dressers, small refrigerator, microwave and safe. Did I mention the air conditioning? So nice and cold.

Hot coffee, fresh fruit and danish are delivered each morning by electric cart so as not to disturb your sleep.

Picnic tables and grills are in front of each tent.

I was told the bathroom and shower were just a stone’s throw away and I had thoughts of an unvented port-a-potty found on an old construction site or worse. Not so at all. The building was very close, quite large, air conditioned with individual camp site numbers on the doors. You access it with a key card and what a lovely surprise. It was HUGE. Seriously, you could bring air mattresses and sleep four or five people comfortably in your private bathroom!!

All amenities are handicap accessible. The shower had excellent hot water and a good strong spray (if that’s what you like). Plenty of room, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, fluffy towels, etc. The large one room houses the shower, toilet and large countered sink.

We had a great time checking out the petting zoo, definitely fun for all ages. The pot belly pigs were too funny (especially from the rear) and I could only imagine the 'road rash' to their poor undersides.

The alpacas were having a disagreement, so we stayed clear as they do enjoy spitting on you! The little goats were hysterical. No gate or fence would keep them contained and they roamed everywhere - think of herding cats.

The emu loved the water being splashed upon him by one of the staff when, in fact, the staff member was trying to relocate the emu away from two calves. She gave up.

Bison lazily roamed and a Shetland pony was happy to much the green grass. Several peacocks proudly showed their colors but kept their distance - smart birds!

I was ready to jump in the pool, but I was talked out of it so we could do archery. Seriously?

I'm ready for my close-up!

We finished that afternoon's activities with a session of archery. He is really quite good at archery but now I need a referral for an orthopedic check out my right shoulder! I relinquished my bow and spent the rest of the time on a picnic bench cheering him on.

Darn that pool would

feel good now.

Our first evening, we went to the steak house on site. The food was great, but my grandson nearly broke the bank with his order!! He may be only 13, but he is 5'7", weights 125 pounds and wears a size 11 shoe. He had an appetizer, fairly large sirloin steak, steak fries, and iced tea. He is such a foodie. Of course, about an hour later he was hungry again.

The Saloon, has line dancing lessons on Friday nights with DJ following the classes and a live band on Saturday night. We stopped at the Saloon to check out the line dancing and when I suggested getting up on the floor, he almost ran for the bathroom to hide – totally embarrassed! Poor kid!

There is a ‘town’ area complete with a general Store, a post-office, a game room, a fitness center, etc. The general store had pizzas and sandwiches made fresh, different salads, large assortment of drinks, hats, t-shirts, etc. There is a western store with everything you could want to be a cowboy/girl.

The resort also even offers a sit-in outdoor movie.

Since there is no TV or radio, we spent a simple evening sitting on the front porch and listened to the sounds of surrounding tent occupants (not so close as to be intrusive). There were several sites that must have enjoying a family reunion. They were grilling out while playing bean bag and horse shoes. Their laughter and cajoling were the perfect ending to my day. So ultra relaxing – we turned in for the night.

The next morning, I literally dragged my grandson from bed (that boy can sleep!), we went horseback riding. My horse, Tank, was the perfect gentleman. My grandson’s horse, Ace, was new to the ranch and only wanted to go into the trees. It was funny to watch Shane duck limbs and try to convince his horse to follow the others. He did pretty well.

We rode to a large area of oak trees, affectionately called the “Saddle Graveyard”. Apparently whenever a saddle reaches the end of it’s use, it is placed on the trees in this copse. I thought that was rather nice that well-worn and loved saddles get a ‘retirement’.

It doesn't look like Ace is awake either!

The Saddle Graveyard

We decided to have the General Store pizza for dinner the second night and naturally he wanted his own. After cooling off from horseback riding, we decided to go 'downtown'.

Downtown consists of a general store, post-office, game room, fitness center, etc. The general store offers pizzas, fresh sandwiches and salads, large assortment of drinks, hats, t-shirts, etc. There is a western store with everything you need to be outfitted as a cowboy/cowgirl.

My grandson ordered his own large pizza, a bag of sunflower seeds, sweet tea and for dessert, Rollo candy. We drove around a little and decided to take the pizzas back to the tent.

Notice that he preferred eating in the air conditioning and on the bed!

On our way to our tent, we stopped to appreciate the beautiful sunset.

Rodeo Time! I was so excited - I hadn't been to a rodeo in decades.

First came a very patriotic

display of horsemanship

highlighting the riders' talents

and displaying our national flag.

People were on their feet,

singing along, some with

salutes, others with their

hands over their hearts. It

was really very special.

Starting with the barrel racing, the bucking broncos came next. This was really fun to watch. The horses were not appreciating the riders and some riders didn’t last long, but a few really gave the crowd a show. Afterwards, the barrel races took place. Those are some really, really fast horses and the youngsters riding them were very determined to win.

Then came the bull riding. HOLY COW – one bull was stomping and kicking to get out of the corral long before his turn. He was one very aggravated bull.

When he finally broke free, he was determined to get that rider off fast. Poor rider bounced like he was on a bungee cord and went flying over the bull’s head but uninjured. I can understand why the rider wore a helmet. I'd be wearing a Kevlar suit.

That bull ran around the field, snorting, kicking up red dirt (which landed on Shane), kicking the fencing, and evading the other riders trying to get him into a corral. Very exciting!

After the rodeo, we had an opportunity to meet some of the riders and the beautiful horses.

By the end of the rodeo and the 'sit-in' movie was just beginning and people stretched out on the lawn. The live bands were playing in the saloon and the party had spilled out onto the boardwalk and grass area with everyone having an awesome time.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience – wholesome, family-oriented and worth the costs ($300 per night for Glamping). I hope my grandson remembers this for a long time and maybe even tell his children about my idea of camping!