Our visitors are what makes That’s Camping so special, and I am so grateful to each and every one of you! To show our appreciation, Mike and I would like to send someone a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate

The contest rules are simple:

1. To enter, you must be a registered member of the discussion forum. If you aren’t already a member, it’s easy to join. Fill out the registration form using a valid email address. Once your email address has been verified, you are all set to start posting. No personal information (such as mailing address or full name) is needed for registration. Just a valid email address.
2. Post at least one message to our forum, and you will qualify for the contest. No limit to the posts, as long as what you are posting is relevant to the topic or board. If you are a new member, a good place to start posting is our “Introduction" board.
3. At the end of approximately two weeks, a random post will be chosen and that forum member will be the winner of the $25 Amazon Gift Certificate. If by chance, a post from That’s Camping Admin is chosen, another post will be chosen. The winner will be notified by email. If within two weeks, there is no response from the winner, then a new winner will be chosen.
4. Note: Only posts made within the two week span will qualify. The first post to qualify will be #8028.

Good luck everyone, and thank you so much for making the 2008 camping season awesome! 

Wow, I have a huge batch of campground reviews to post, and I apologize for taking so long to post them. Things just got busy around here, doing other stuff. We are heading out on vacation Friday (tomorrow) so tonight I am going to work on getting them all posted.

Again, thanks for your patience!!!

He developed a rash on his left forearm. I went online briefly and found a web site that recommended Benedryl extra strength creme (containing Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2%), so we got a tube of that. It definitely seemed to help a lot with the itch. He also wrapped his arm at night before bed. At that point, I was still unsure of how poison ivy spreads, so we didn’t want to take any chances. Note: about the Benedryl creme, do not take any Benedryl pills at the same time as the creme. There are warnings on the package!

Now, after doing some additional research online, I now know that poison ivy is NOT spread from the rash or from the “weeping” fluid from the rash. But it is very important to wash off all of the original oil from any clothes, shoes, toys, etc. Also, keep in mind, that dogs can carry the oil back to you if they walk through the plants. If you believe your dog has any poison ivy oil on his fur, then he also needs to be washed.

No product will make poison ivy go away; it will take about 2 weeks for it to run its course. The creams and treatments are only used to lesson the itch and pain, but it will not make it go away.

I won’t pretend to be an expert on poison ivy, so I will just list some helpful links that are much more detailed and experienced:

• www.drgreene.com - great site, safe and sound information on poison ivy. There is also one more article I found on his site.
• Poisonivy.us - lots of advice from real people, and what worked for them
• What does poison ivy look like?
• Wikipedia - lots of general info plus links at the end of the article.

Hopefully you will not need to use these links any time soon, but it is important to know ahead of time what to do when you think you or a family member has been exposed to poison ivy.

Do you have any helpful tips for poison ivy? Post a comment here or join in on the discussion on the forum!

Specific Fair Links:

• Deerfield NH Fair dates: Sept 25-28, 2008. This was a fun fair. We went a few years ago. I think I might like to check this one out again this season too. From Massachusetts, it’s less than an hour and half ride, and could be a great day trip!Google Map
• Rochester NH Fair dates: Sept 12-21, 2008. We have never attended this fair, but I think my husband would love it. Looking at their web site, it looks like they have monster truck shows. Could be very fun. Rochester NH is also a fairly quick drive from Massachusetts. Check their web site for discounted tickets to purchase in advance. Google Map
• Sandwich NH Fair dates: Oct 11-13, 2008 (Columbus Weekend) - This is another wonderful fair, with lots of horse shows, I also love the llamas. Google Maps
• Hopkinton NH Fair dates: Aug 28-Sep1, 2008. Sounds like a fun fair, we have never been. It’s close enough for a day trip, so we might check it out! Google Map
• Fryeburg Maine Fair dates: Sep 28-Oct 5, 2008 - Gotta go to this country fair at least once in your life. Google Map
• The Big E dates: Sep 12-28, 2008 - A long standing Massachusetts fair. Many years ago, we camped nearby and spent the day. It’s a huge fair, almost too “commercial” - Google Map
• Topsfied MA Fair dates: Oct 3-13, 2008 - This was my first country fair. My husband Mike took me so many years ago. Funny how I have never been before I met him! I love this fair. Close to home, so we like to go during the week. I love the Flowers building, and the farm animals are awesome. Google Map
• The Oxford Maine Fair dates: Sep 7-13, 2008 - haven’t attended this one yet. Google Map
• Vermont State Fair in Rutland VT. dates: Aug 29-Sept 7, 2008. I had not heard of this fair until this year. Google Map

Other Fair Links:

• Vermont Agricultural Events - a thorough list of Vermont’s Fairs, Festivals & Field Days
• VT Living - another detailed list of Vermont fairs.
• NH Living - a detailed and thorough list of the New Hampshire fairs
• ME Living - detailed list of Maine fairs.

We have what looks like a baby hawk - possibly a Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Goshawk or Sharp-shinned Hawk. They all look very similar in my Sibley field guide (a book that I highly recommend).

(More photos @ my flickr account)

Here’s the story: Last night (Sunday) Mike noticed something on the tar in front of the shed.  At first, he thought it was a piece of wood; Then he saw it move. He yelled to me to check it out, and I went onto the outside deck to look. Of course, I grabbed my camera. Its back was to us initially, and its tail looked a bit bent or sideways. Then he turned around, and we saw his profile. He was gorgeous. It was so thrilling to see.

I went to get a closer look outside on the grass nearby, and he didn’t fly away, which led me to believe that perhaps he was injured or wet, or maybe just too young to fly. We just had a very big rain t/-storm and I thought perhaps he was drying out.

It was going to be dark soon, and I didn’t want him to be injured or killed by the night creatures (fisher cats, foxes, coyotes, etc) so I went online trying to find information about wildlife rehabilitation; after leaving several messages on answering machines, at around 8pm, I got a return call from Jim Parks from Wingmasters.net.

He explained that it was very common to find babies that fall from trees. They are at the “branching” stage, and cannot fly yet. They walk out onto a branch, and a big wind or rainfall can knock them off the branch and onto the ground. Jim was very nice, and said that if he was still there tomorrow, to give him a call, and he could come out and see what’s up. But he explained that I shouldn’t be upset, because it’s just nature, and sometimes we can’t help what’s meant to happen.

Anyway, we watched him hobble / hop from the tar to the grass and in between a ladder and a big tree. He ended up moving himself under our utility trailer where he stayed for the night. Mike checked on him later and early Monday morning and he was still there.  I also checked this morning around 8am, and he is still under the trailer.

Latest UPDATE: I gave Jim another call this morning, and he said that from looking at the photos I emailed, it is a Cooper’s Hawk. He said they do not do well at all in captivity, and have never survived, so unfortunately he doesn’t want to take him in. He also told me that they are very secretive birds, and the parents wouldn’t be making any "noise" because they don’t want to draw attention to themselves.

Also the Cooper’s Hawk is becoming more popular, because of all the bird feeders, they feed mainly on little birds. I did throw the little guy some tuna, and he said that they do not "smell" food, but it might attract rodents that he could eat. He is not worried about him finding food, that there is plenty of grubs and rodents around.

When I arrived home this afternoon, I immediately checked under the trailer, and our little Coopers Hawk is gone! Our backyard is wooded, w/ lots of brush, vines, & leaves, so I am hoping that he either found a better hiding spot, or his mom came and helped him, or maybe he tested his wings and was able to fly.

I did check for loose feathers under the trailer, and there was none, so I am thinking only positive thoughts. I miss the little guy, silly, but it was one of the most exciting things to happen, and I am a little sad that it’s over.

At least I have some photos & I learned a lot about a wonderful creature!

Some links about hawks and Coopers Hawk specifically:

• Photos of Juvenile Coopers Hawks
• Coopers Hawk

We found a wonderful gem to stop for lunch on Saturday afternoon. Larson’s Lunch Box is a little take out “shack” located off Rt 1 on Upper Main St.

I ordered the Haddock Patty Sandwich ($4) with a 1/2 pint of NE Clam Chowder ($3.50). Mike ordered a pint of homemade American Chop Suey ($3) and the four piece Chicken Tenders ($4.50)

The chowder was awesome, homemade “from scratch” with fresh Maine steamers & clam stock. It’s not a real “creamy” base and if you don’t like fresh clams, then you probably will not like this.  It’s not like the more creamy commercial-like clam chowder, which I do love but I also loved this too, for a nice change. The only complaint was that the large chunks of potatoes were al dente, but it wasn’t bad.

My haddock patty sandwich was “square” - it was a frozen not fresh haddock patty, but it was so much better than a McDonald’s fish filet.

Mike’s fried chicken tender pieces were delicious. I didn’t get to test-taste them, so I had to take Mike’s word that they were very good.

I did sample his American Chop Suey, which was wonderful. Homemade with lots of tomato chunks, hamburg, and onions, it was filling and delicious. There was generous amount in that pint!

Their menu also included Lobster ($15) and Crabmeat ($11) rolls, burgers, hotdogs, chicken (all white meat) salad sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, french fries, onion rings, and chili.

While we were waiting for our order, we spoke briefly with another couple and they said Larson’s was very clean, with excellent food, and they always visit when in the area. They also made an observation that all the cars in the parking lot were “out of state” and that it was surprising how everyone finds it!

I guess I can only guess how everyone else found their way to Larson’s, but we were driving by, and saw a little line forming by a little take out shack. We were hungry so we stopped.

Larson’s Lunch Box is a reasonably priced, delicious stop for a quick take out lunch. We will definitely return.

Google Map link

View Larger Map

During a recent “Cell Phone Service” discussion on the forum, one of our regular contributors (Wersilly) suggested that cell information would be a good addition to the campground review form, and I wholeheartedly agreed.

While some may disagree, thinking it is unfair to rate something that the campground has no control over, I think it’s something that affects the camping experience, whether good or bad.

Do I think lack of cell service is important enough to discourage a camper from visiting a campground? No, I don’t think so, after all, it’s CAMPING. But if a location does not offer cell service then it’s helpful to know beforehand. This will allow the camper to be prepared, especially if they are expecting to keep in contact w/ their employer or family member. If it’s known beforehand that cell phone service is not available, then a camper can make other arrangements or let their contact(s) know ahead of time that they cannot be reached at the campground.

I hope review contributors will include this information on any new reviews sent in to us. It’s details like this that make our reviews so helpful to our visitors! Thanks for all your support!

Rosie's Restaurant is located near the White Lake State Park, and directly across from Sammy's Inn. They offer breakfast and lunch, along with ice cream (Gifford's ice cream). We had a delicious lunch. I ordered the "Chicken Burger" which was described as a fried real chicken breast, not chicken patty. Mike ordered a Cheese Steak Sub w/ Peppers and Onions. Both our sandwiches came with a choice of chips, fries or onion rings (rings are an extra $2)

Both our lunch choices were delicious...although I did have a bite of Mike's steak sub, and it tasted a bit salty (like soy sauce) but he enjoyed it very much. The french fries were great, but I kind of wish we ordered the onion rings. yum, I do love onion rings. They serve Gifford's ice cream and the flavors looked so appetizing, but we were stuffed after our lunch, so we passed on the dessert.

I grabbed a menu from the sit-down restaurant, and they offer lots of breakfast choices, including omelettes, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and interesting combo meals, like "3 silver dollar pancakes & choice of meat" for $8. They also offer "Healthier Options" like egg beaters, egg white omelettes, and turkey bacon or sausage. For lunch, there was burgers, hot dogs, fried seafood, steak subs, and salads to name just a few. Prices are reasonable.

The hours of operation were a bit confusing. There was a big sign outside that stated they were only open only until 2pm, but it appeared the the Take Out area was open after that, so I decided to phone the restaurant and ask them to clarify. I spoke to a friendly gentleman (the son of the original "Rosie") and we had a great conversation. He told me a bit about himself and the restaurant. He graduated from culinary school and worked at the Mount Washington Hotel restaurant for many years, before taking over the reins of his mom's restaurant, which she opened over 20 years ago.

So, here is the scoop (hehee ice cream pun intended): Rosie's Restaurant inside dining is open from 5:30am to 2:00pm (Breakfast and lunch). The outside Take-Out and Ice Cream area (where we ordered) is open from 12pm to 9pm (but closed on Mondays)

We enjoyed our lunch at Rosie's, and will definitely return. I found another review online that raved about their breakfast, so we will have to plan a morning visit next time we are in the area. Also, I would like to check out the ice cream for a early evening treat...

Yum, now I am hungry after writing this review! Do you have a favorite restaurant while camping? Visit our food forum and share!

Note: I told the owner that I was writing a review of his restaurant, so if he has any corrections or additions, I hope he comments!

I also must give a huge thank you to Bob, Patty and family (NewEnglandCamper) for organizing a special Friday night social for some of the That’s Camping forum regulars. It was so much fun to meet some of the great people that have made the forum such a wonderful place to hang out.

Shout outs go to:

• Mike & Kathleen (mdcamping) and Sara the Sheltie
• Jodie & Jeff (NH Camping Family) w/ Maggie the Beagle Mix
• Ms Cheyenne (Sue & Steve) with Miss Emma the German Short Haired Pointer
• Maryann & Aaron (smitnlit) with Smokey the Pug
• with the BIGGEST shout-out to Bob, Patty, kids, Mowgli, Bailey, and (I think) Kia (the new one who I am terrible to possibly forget her name)
• Oh and a little BIGGEST shout-out goes to “L” (Bob & Patty’s daughter) who did a fantastic job handling Bailey at the Pets Events. I was so impressed with her dog skills, Bailey is lucky to have her as his trainer! (Note: I didn’t want to mention her full name)

It was so nice to meet ya’all with your families and pets.

To view photos from the weekend, please visit the Pets Weekend album in our Photo Gallery.

This is the message on their web site:

I don’t know if it is a permanent situation, I really hope that it is just for this year or two. Perhaps they can find a buyer. I really hope it stays as a campground, and doesn’t get sold for land to build houses or something. Some conglomerate hopefully won’t scoop it up for condos on the water.

Thanks to MaxFox, one of our web site visitors, for bringing this to our attention. We wish the owners of Little Ponderosa Campground good luck in the future!