Traveling through the interstates and roadways on the eastern part of the USA we were exposed to numerous toll roads and bridges which was a real eye opener to us from the western states – it seemed like every road we took, even Interstates had toll fees and they were VERY expensive! Some folks mentioned that there were ways to get around them, being unfamiliar with the alternate “toll free” routes we did not dare venture down the busy and narrow city streets with our long rig.
From Maryland we sliced right through the middle of Baltimore on I-95 into a loooong tunnel to get to the other side of town headed for Washington D.C . Took the WA beltway (I-495) west aimed for Virginia. As we exited the urban areas and started getting back in to the country side, the mood and rhythm of the road started to change; traffic flow was more manageable, drivers attitudes turned calmer and the views of the mountains and fields were a welcome sight, many times we were treated to beautiful scenes that is a true testimony to God’s greatness since only He could have painted these perfect pictures!
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| To GOD be the glory |
We had originally intended for the trip to North Carolina to take a couple of days but thought that it would be nice to be able to attend Sunday service at a local church and since it was only about 500 miles and an 8 hour drive we decided to make a bee line towards South Mountain Family Camp in Casar North Carolina. (click on link)
The sign at South Mountain Family Camp signaled us that we had arrived. Proceeded to the RV parking area to discover that we were the only ones here and had a choice of spots. We found one with full hookups, 50 amp service, in the shade and right next to a creek, couldn’t get better than this J
As we finished getting set up a jeep came rumbling across the driveway, stops in front of the RV and out comes a big Rhodesian Razorback dog and a gentleman who introduces himself as Birk, who turns out to be the Camp Director. Quick introductions and he informs us of worship service at 11 in the local church. He then jumps back on the jeep and zooms off towards the top of the hill where he has a family from Florida staying in one of the cabins for a few days as they fled the devastation that Hurricane Irma brought to Florida.
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| All alone next to a creek |
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| Even the humming bird thought it was peaceful |
Sunday Service at Pisgah Baptist Church was a time of spiritual refreshment. The congregation as a whole was true to the legendary southern charm and the Pastor delivered a thought provoking message that rang true to our times.
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| Local Church just around the corner from the camp |
Lunch was at a local diner called Norman's featuring southern dishes such as grits, fried okra and livermush! (ask a southerner what this is) Proceeded to the grocery store to get supplies and headed back to the camp to a very quite and star studded night.
In the morning Birk came by to talk about tasks for the day and decided to tackle the mechanical issues that were looming over his head. First order of business was to fix a broken front strut on the camp buggy, CHECK; then came the "limousine" a place golf cart that had steering problems, a bit of welding on the steering arm, CHECK, last but not least was the 4 wheeler that had a stripped hub spline, asked Birk to procure a section of square key stock and with a bit of modification to the axle spline and hub, he had functional 4 wheeler 😇 !
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| The smile says it all |
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| The Limo" Birk, myself and Jub in the back seat |
Carol and Teresa (Birk's wife) started the day cleaning and sanitizing one of the cabins that had been previously used. They then prepared a luscious lunch which we ate at the picnic table next to the creek. For the latter part of the afternoon, Birk suggested that we walk a trail that he blazed which turned out to basically be the property perimeter. We crossed creeks, went up knolls, jumped over gulleys, strolled down paths and ended up in a clearing that was the camps recreational area.
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| Birk and Teresa Mullinax (Executive Director) with Jub (Rhodesian Razorback) out on a trail |
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| The mushrooms were huge |
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Endless trail
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| Clean, clear fresh water |
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| A friend we met along the trail |
Dick Avis, a CWCF/ RV'ers 4 Christ volunteer and Bobby (South Mountain Family Camp Board Member) came to help with the chores the next morning. Dick was tasked to get on the tractor to clear the ground cover along the sides of the roads and to smoothen out the ruts and dips on the gravel road. Bobby was to drive the pickup while Birk and myself were on the back with big snips to cut the high limbs and clear the blind corners of trees and foliage.
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| Bobby and Birk taking a breather |
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| Dick having fun on the equipment |
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| Where is the ladder when you need it :-) |
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| Dick showing off his RV'ers T shirt |
South Mountain Family Camp (link) has a well laid out website jam packed with amazing and beautiful photographs that will give you a sense of how tranquil this camp can be both in the summer and winter months. The pictures I took cannot do justice to the wonderful images online - I implore you to click on this link to visit the website and look over the facilities and photo gallery tabs. The pictures from the website will tell the story better than any words can, some of the images evoke a warm fuzzy feeling that makes you want to be right in the midst of all this. This is more than a camp, it is a sanctuary for tired souls, a refuge to the lost and a haven for those seeking. The camp may have been around for a while, but Birk and Teresa have come on board in the last 4 years and with them arrives a new and fresh perspective that lends to the overall dynamic of the camp. They are cultivating the vision that will carry the camp to the next level that will prayerfully distinguish it form the other camps. With this couple's extraordinary past life experiences and former professional positions, God has put the perfect husband and wife team to nurture this camp onto the next maturing stage.
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| South and West wall of future Lodge |
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| East basement wall of Lodge |
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| Architectural Model of Proposed Expansion Plan |
As we get ready to head for the next project, we leave with a heavy heart for in the very short time we spent with Birk,Teresa and even Jub; it felt like we had known them a lifetime. They have become dear to us and we can only pray that our good Lord will continue to protect, guide and give them peace knowing that they are in His fold. We leave you with a couple of photos that will linger on for a long time.
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| Carol's best walking friend |
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| Bonfire at the Mullinax Residence |
We thank our Lord for the opportunity to serve those who serve.
Blessings to All
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