CURRENT RIVER FLOW AND TOM'S COMMENTARY

Click here for current river flow for our river at the Antlers gauge.  Provided by USGS

Click here for National Weather Service Information for the Kiamichi River

Flow should be 100 cfs or more for canoe trips (2000 cfs is very exciting) but we can still enjoy canoeing in the river right at the camp when water is lower.

Check here for other major Oklahoma stream levels.

Click here to read past commentaries and see more of Tom's humor or lack thereof.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Paul had a turn for the worse yesterday and sad to say he died today about 9:30 AM.  His heart just quit on him after so many surgeries and drugs to try and fix his ruptured intestine.  The docs kept saying he was going to be alright so his death came as a shock to all of us.  I am extremely saddened by my loss of such a great friend and helper.  I miss him terribly already.  The campground will never be the same without him.  He was so loyal.  He was my buddy.  Tom

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Bring your motorboat and catch some crappie.  This is the time of year when they start gathering up in large numbers in various spots on the river.  Your job is to find them and then catching them is easy.

Weather is warming up nicely for some good camping.  Several folks are doing the canoe thing on the river.  It is running just right for cruising down the river without having to paddle too much.

Paul is still in ICU in Tulsa.  They have had a tough time getting all the infection removed from his abdomen.  They said yesterday that they now think he will be healing enough to go home in about a week.  Running this place is a little more than I want to do without Paul.  I am retired you know.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Two days and I will be 65 years old.  I am currently now too old to die young.  Funny thing, I don't feel any older than I did say 20, 25 days ago.  Life is good.

Paul has had another setback.  They have now operated 3 times to fix the same problem.  This time they left the incision unstitched so they won't have to keep whacking him open.  Poor guy.  He's sick of that place.  You know what they call the med student that graduated with the worst grades in his class?  DOCTOR.  I think that's the guy that Paul got.  Looks like at least another week in the hospital for him.  For those who pray, he needs it.  Thanks.  Seriously though, I suppose he is getting very good treatment.  Its just that he waited too long to see the doc.  A good lesson for all of us.  Tom

Monday, February 15, 2010

Can you believe we all lived to see the year 2010!  This is very exciting.  I am assuming all of you that are reading this are still living although I probably have a few fans that have passed on.  Who knows?

Friend Paul is doing lots better in the St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa.  He has recovered somewhat from a surgery and several days in the hospital ICU.  He is now in a regular hospital room and may be home before the weekend.  He has requested that rather than send flowers and gifts that you send money to me here at the campground to use as I desire.  Make it a large check if you would.  Its been a long winter.

Our river is running just right for fishing from a motorboat.  Its deep enough to run up and down with the motor not hitting rocks.  Also just right for canoeing but not for me.  I turned over one time in early March and learned my lesson about canoeing when water is cold.  Probably shortened my life by 10 years.  I froze my tucus off.  Tom

Friday, February 5, 2010

Mrs. Tom and I are back at the campground for the spring season.  I will be sending out a reminder for all campers to get here soon before hot weather sets in.  We have enough canoes for groups up to 120 to canoe at one time.  Spring is the best canoe water.  It is pretty exciting when the river is up from winter rains.  Just talked to the horse rancher.  He says he will be providing horse rides for our campers this summer.  Plenty of shade for everyone.

Our caretaker, Paul, is in ICU at Tulsa.  When I got here from our winter break I found Paul to be very sick.  He is one of those tough guys who thinks they don't need doctors.  I was the same way until I got hemorrhoids.  I couldn't quite see the problem good enough to fix it myself.  Anyway, I got Paul to the emergency room where they determined he needed immediate surgery to fix a tear in his intestine.  So he will be down for a while it looks like but hopefully back to work by March.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Still wintering on the gulf coast.  I think its about time to head back to Oklahoma.  The weather is better there than here and I hear the sheriff down here is looking for me.  I didn't do nuthin wrong and even if I did I don't plan on getting caught.  I may run for public office.  Seems I would make a really good politician.

Fishing is only fair in the gulf this year.  Mrs. Tom caught several redfish.  The legal size is 20 inches long.  I had to stretch a couple of them but they turned out to be legal.  Haven't eaten them yet but they taste very good.

Spring is soon and we are already getting reservations for camp and canoe groups for our exciting canoe water which occurs every spring up until late June.  After that the river is usually too low for good canoeing but is just right for swimming and fishing. 

Hope to see lots of new folks at the campground this year.  Tom

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Too cold for camping.  Too cold for canoeing.  Stay home.

Mrs. Tom and I are parked right beside the Gulf of Mexico at Palacios, TX.  Its a little warmer here but will get to 20 by Friday and then nice and warm the rest of the winter ???  We'll be fishing and boating and relaxing in the warm sunshine.  Hope the same for all you folks.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

On the road again.  Mrs. Tom and I are camping out in East Texas waiting for Jan 2 when we have a family gathering at sister's house in Midlothian, TX.  After that we head for the gulf coast for a month or so.  We parked our RV at the Scenic View Marina RV park in Lone Star, TX for a few days.  A very good spot to spend a few days of your life if you have an RV or you can stay in their motel.  Beautiful view and park right beside the Lone Star Lake.  Very reasonable rates also.   www.scenicviewmarina.com

Our river is really humping.  A good time to try your new kayak you got for Christmas

Mrs. Tom recently asked me who was playing football that night.  I said "Tennessee and some other team".  She replied "I don't like either one of them".  I have determined that being blonde and turning gray are closely related.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Merry Christmas to everyone.  Getting a few hardy campers this time of year.  Weather is a little iffy.  Just right for Yankees.

Mrs. Tom and I just traded our older motorhome for a modern newer one.  Now we can get in to those uppity RV resorts.  They won't have a clue that we are rednecks until we open the door and let the 5 dogs out and put Mildred the squirrel out on the picnic table.  Then we tie the clothesline from the RV to the fence post nearby and hang up a few undies.  Shortly afterwards is when the manager seems to show up.  Even when I show them my money, my college degree and my new black church shoes they still seem offended.  Anyway, we are going to head out this week and give it a try.  Will probably end up on the Texas coast somewhere very warm.  Have a nice winter wherever you are.  Tom

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Cold here today.  Just right for watching football and other indoor activities.  Cabins will be 20% off during the winter up until March 1, 2010.  They all have heat.  Swimming will be free.  Come see us.  Tom

Monday, November 30, 2009

Thanksgiving was good again this year.  Mrs. Tom did a good job.  Too much food as usual.  Dallas Down River Club was also here for their annual Thanksgiving outing.  I had to help them eat their food on Saturday evening.  Pretty good.  Almost as good as store bought.

I took my recently purchased water scooter out to the river for a trial run.  It was my first time on a jet ski.  How did I know the thing has no reverse or neutral.  We put it in the water and I cranked it up and ran right into the river bank.  Some of my wards were brave enough to laugh.  I didn't have my gun.  After a little repositioning I cranked it up again and took off up the river.  That thing goes like a wild mountain goat.  I'm not going to try again until warm water comes back.

Our river is up and down this time of year according to rainfall.  Right now it is down very low but still passable with a canoe.  Also good for gold panning if you don't mind the cold water.  The water level has to be pretty low to have access to the good spots for gold flakes.  Tom

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

No news this week.  Nothing happened.  Thanksgiving next week.  Come to the campground for Thanksgiving and we will treat you like family.  In other words, you bring the food and we will help you eat it.  We will be having our annual Thanksgiving party next Saturday night with the Dallas Down River Club.  I know I can sucker those guys out of some free food.  They don't watch the leftovers very well.  I tell them the dogs got it.  They fall for it every time.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Beautiful weather for this time of year.  It can't be long til cold sets in.  That's when I pack up and pull out.  The rest of you folks can stay here and enjoy winter.  Me, Mrs. Tom, the 5 Chihuahuas and Mildred the squirrel will be somewhere warm.  Will be going to South Texas or South Louisiana this year.  Can't go to the same place twice because they might remember me.

I bought me a water scooter the other day.  Some call them jet skis.  When spring comes I'm going to try it on the river.  I may not be with you much longer but it will be fun til then.

The river is still running just right for some nice canoeing.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Beautiful weather this time of year.  Just right for camping outdoors.  We have plenty of firewood.  Water level in the river is just right for some peaceful canoeing down the river on a balmy afternoon.  Sardis Lake is dumping 1200 cfs into the river and will continue to do so for about 1 more week unless we get more rain.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Some good rain has brought our river up for some really exciting canoeing.  More rain expected tonight but stopping before the weekend.  Don't plan to canoe unless very experienced.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Sardis lake has stopped releasing into our river so the level is going down to barely running unless we get immediate rain.  It is raining right now but very lightly.  Supposed to come some thunderstorms late today.

Our 5 Chihuahuas are really enjoying living with us and we enjoy them most of the time.  However, they tend to doodle in the floor a little too often.  Mrs. Tom has put me on permanent "doodle duty".

Gold panning in the river starts tomorrow.  Don't miss it.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Our annual Garrett family reunion is just weekend after next.  I got my gun all cleaned and oiled.  Didn't have to use it last year but you never know.  In any case I don't want to be caught off guard.

Had my VA medical checkup last week.  I asked the doc if I would make it to 100.  He said that would be a little too fast for a wheelchair.  What do you call the med student that graduated with the lowest grades in his class?...................You call him Doctor!  Scary isn't it?  Still be kinda hard to get along without them.

Beautiful weather the last few days.  This is the best time of year for camping.  Fishing is pretty good.  Water is still warm enough for swimming.  Gold panners coming this weekend.  Room for you.  Been eating too much.  Life is good.  See you soon.  Tom

Monday, September 14, 2009

Good rains upriver are bringing the river levels up for some neat canoeing.  Weather is perfect.

Monday, September 7, 2009 - Labor Day

Everyone has left the campground after a really nice weekend.  Mrs. Tom and I are back from our summer break in New Mexico.  Lots of work was waiting for me here at the camp.  Might be time for my autumn getaway.

Our river is too low for canoeing but is really nice fishing and swimming.

Make plans to be here on the first weekend in October.  The GPAA gold panners from Greenville, TX will be here along with other big events in the area.  On Friday and Saturday, Oct 2 and 3, the Bigfoot Festival will be in Honobia, OK and the Deer Festival and Outdoor Show will be in Antlers.  Both are exciting and entertaining and well worth seeing.

Get ready for fall foliage.  The best time is first or second week in November.  Be sure to visit the Talimena Scenic Highway for the best scenery.  Its just up the road.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Our river is running very slow and low.  Not at all good for canoeing.  Maybe it will come back by mid September.  Sometimes it does.  Camping is still good and the Labor Day weekend is coming soon.  Plan to stay with us and visit the Choctaw Labor Day Festival at Tuskahoma just 35 miles up the road.  Free big name entertainment.  Its a really big deal for this area of the country.  Wynonna Judd is on Friday Sep 4 and Neal McCoy is Saturday Sep 5 along with other popular singers.  Check out http://www.choctawnation.com/Events/dsp_LaborDay.cfm Free carnival rides along with crafts, activities and Indian stuff.

I played bridge yesterday with the grouchy old ladies at Red River, NM.  I had a ball.  Ended up in first place in a group of 24.  That'll teach them.  Being grouchy does not make you a better bridge player.  Just makes you grow old faster.  Tom

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Still raining today at the campground.  May bring the river up for decent canoeing.  Call or check the river levels before planning a canoe trip. 

Mrs. Tom and I are still hanging here in the mountains of New Mexico.  It's a little cold here each morning with temps near 30 but warms up as soon as sun comes up.  We plan to stay here until its gets cool in Oklahoma.  May be a few years.  We also plan to go home if it snows here.  That will probably happen first.  In the meantime we shall continue to enjoy the scenery and weather and fishing and playing bridge and eating out and visiting friends and . . . .

Friday, July 31, 2009

Good rain upriver bringing water level up for some neat canoeing in our river.  Should be over 500 cfs for this weekend.  Just right for peaceful canoeing with a few fast spots.  No dragging the canoe.  Weather has cooled a little making camping pretty good fun under our giant shade trees right on the bank of the Kiamichi River.  Local fisherman, Allen, has caught some catfish lately that weigh over 20 pounds.  Come see  us.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Hope you made it to church today.  Mrs Tom and I went to the Eagle Nest Community Church.  Nice folks.  The preacher had a good message for all them other folks.  I don't need much preaching.  I have a wife.

We parked our RV this year behind the Angel's Attic, a used resale shop that sells nice stuff really cheap.  They moved into this location about 2 months ago and so far none of their toilets were working.  I volunteered to try and fix the problem.  The sewer was stopped up outside the building.  Anyway, I got it fixed pretty quickly and was fixin to leave when the manager lady asked if I would fix this and that and do this and that and on and on and on.  So I now have a permanent job for a few weeks.  The only trouble is that they don't pay anything.  (My life story).  They do let me select a few choice items from the store to keep for myself.  I'm collecting stuff to build a new bath house there at the K River Campground.

We are going to try and do some canoe trips in the Lower Mountain Fork River near Broken Bow, Oklahoma.  They have really good canoe water all summer due to the generators running every day at the lake that feeds the river.  It's about 1.5 hours from the campground to the canoeing spot.  They have several canoe outfitters over there but they are completely booked up for the next 3 months, especially on weekends.  We will be charging more than they do because of the travel expense but at least you folks that must go canoeing will have another option to try.  I hear the float trip is very exciting and very cold water.  Not for me but some folks really like that.  So give us a call a few days before your planned trip so we can prepare.  We can take a group of 6 or more over there or we can meet your group at the canoe spot.

I see some clouds moving in and hear the thunder.  It rains every day here in the mountains nearby and sometimes here where we are parked.  Temperature is about 45 at night and 82 daytime.  A little hard to take when I could be staying a lot warmer there at the K River Campground.  Don't waste your money coming out here.  Just go to K River Campground and sit in a bucket of ice in the shade and enjoy.  It don't get no better than that.  I don't know why I even come here.

Tom

Friday, July 10, 2009

Mrs. Tom and I are enjoying the cool mountains of Eagle Nest, New Mexico.  Sorry we can't be in Oklahoma to enjoy the nicer weather you are having there.  The campground is still open so come and have fun.  Tom

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Our river is down to a trickle but is really pretty and clear.  Good swimming and fishing and gold panning.  Not good for canoeing until the next big rain.  Getting booked up for the 4th but still plenty of room for more.  We have one small cabin left and lots of RV and tent sites.  Bring your swim suits and sit in the river late in the afternoon when the trees are shading the swimming hole.  Let the running water flow over you and forget your troubles.  By the way, all our camping and RV sites are in the shade of giant trees and right on the river bank.

Mrs. Tom and I are leaving for the cool mountains of New Mexico some time next week.  Its really good that most of you guys are full time workers so maybe the mountains won't be very crowded.  The weather there is the main attraction.  Gets about 80 every day along with a thunderstorm in the nearby mountains most afternoons.  Very scenic and good trout fishing.  We see lots of friends that we have met the past few summers.  Maybe the old ladies will let me play bridge with them this year but probably not since I don't match up to their standards for bridge etiquette.  It seems that I am not allowed to hum, whistle, chew a toothpick or sing while playing.  They just don't know how to enjoy life.  If they wudn't bigger than me I would show them a thing or two. 

Paul will be running the campground while we are gone.  He does a really good job but I don't brag on him to his face or he may think he should make more money.  Steve and Chuck will also be here to help out.  See you soon.

Tom

Monday, June 22, 2009

The Corps of Engineers misled me.  They have already closed the gates on our river flow.  By tomorrow we will be down to a trickle in our river.  Canoeing is over until the next heavy rainfall.  My apologies to all who planned to canoe this week.  Still good swimming and camping and good times for all who come camping.  We have plenty of shade to share and our beach and swimming area is really good.  I will probably sing and dance as some additional entertainment.  Tom

Friday, June 19, 2009

Just spoke with the Corps of Engineers at Sardis Lake.  They are releasing water into our river at the rate of 1000 cfs.  They told me this flow would continue for 1 week from today.  This means we have really good canoeing for at least another week.  Come see us.  Tom

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Nice warm weather.  Just right.  We are setting new records every week for number of canoe trips and campers.  Guess everyone has the camp out bug.  The river has been just about perfect since mid May due to lots of rain.  The lake upriver has been dumping about 600 cfs for more than a month but its about to stop.  The lake level is just about down to normal so the water dumping is soon over.  I expect a very low running river by Monday, June 22 so this weekend is probably our last for good canoeing unless we get more rain.  Sad, sad, sad.  Watch the link above to see the river water level.  Make sure it is running at least 100cfs if planning to canoe.  Otherwise it is "get out and pull the canoe" listen to the wife complain, "get out and pull the canoe" list to the wife ............

Still lots of good camping, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, gold panning, etc, etc, etc, and of course I'll be here to entertain or harass.  However you want to look at it.  Tom

Tuesday, June 11, 2009

Not likely to get any rain here for the coming weekend.  Make your plans to come camping and canoeing.

Getting lots of scouts and church groups this year for camping and canoeing.  Sometimes they go to Mountain Fork river near Broken Bow, OK but that river is running too high for safe canoeing this year.  Our river is getting kinda low but is still pretty good canoeing.  May get more rain this week.  Bring your group but call first to make sure we have available canoes.

Last week we had the Moyers Baptist Church revival here every night at 8 p.m.  I really enjoyed the speakers and the music.  Will probably be an annual event.   There were lots of us sinners there for the revival.  I learned a lot about the bible and I think I may start a church for blonds.  Can you imagine???

Still room for more here at the campground.  Plenty of shade, the water is warm, the folks are friendly, life is good.  See you soon.  Tom G

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Beautiful Memorial Weekend here at K River Campground.  Weather was near perfect and the river was running just right for exciting canoeing.  Our campground was completely full up.  We had about 300 nice folks here to enjoy treasure hunting, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing, relaxing and just enjoying the outdoors.  Thanks to WWATS, Keith Wills and members for the treasure hunts.  Thanks to GPAA, Don Brisendine and members for the gold prospecting events.  Gold panning wasn't very good due to high water.  Everyone seemed to have a very good time.  There was a real shortage of blonds but I'm willing to wait. (But not too long).

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Beautiful sunny days with perfect outdoor temperature.  River running just right for exciting canoeing or kayaking.  Scouts had a ball this past weekend camping and canoeing on the river.  Had to rescue the Scout Master but all the kids did fine. 

The campground is filling up fast for the Memorial Weekend.  No cabins left but a few RV and tent sites for late planners.  Lots of fun activities for all - - metal detector treasure hunts, gold prospecting, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, horseback rides, campfires, drink any beverage, relaxing, hot food booth with lots of goodies, camp store open with unique items, more...

Bring enough steaks for me.  Mrs. Tom is getting a little iffy lately when it comes to cooking.

Tom

Monday, May 11, 2009

Still raining off and on.  The river is pretty exciting.  Not up to flood stage yet but running fast.  Good canoeing for some.

Mrs. Tom and I went camping this past week at Beaver's Bend.  She took her squirrel, Mildred, along for the ride.  While there she decided it was time for Mildred to return to the wild because there were lots other gray squirrels there.  We opened the cage and Mildred jumped out and started playing in the dirt and then climbing trees.  She played all day long with the other squirrels.  At dark she jumped back in her cage, got a drink and went to bed.  We brought her back home.  Oh well.

Business is brisk for the Memorial Weekend.  We are basically full already but are preparing some temporary spots for any last minute guests.  The gold prospectors and metal detector guys and gals are filling the place up.  If you are coming be sure to call ahead for a reservation.  Its going to be a fun weekend, rain or shine.  Lots of activities and some really good food serving area this year.  Gold and metal detector equipment will be on display and some for sale.  It will be a good time to learn about these hobbies.  Everyone will be friendly and helpful or they will face the firing squad.  Come see us and bring the kids.  Tom

Thursday, May 7, 2009

River is still up to very high level.  Should be down to good canoe level soon.  Its actually running high enough to smooth out all the rapids.  I'm thinking about floating down on a nice sunny day.  Won't have to paddle much.  I fell in one time when it was like this.  Could not get the canoe to the bank due to strong current.  It was a blonde moment.  I now know why blondes have more fun.  It was very exciting.

Allen is running his fishing boat up and down the river.  Just right for that.  No rocks to hit.  Yesterday he caught a few catfish.  One weight 20 lbs he says.  I saw it and it looks more like about 12 lbs.  Fish stories are really good around here. 

Our big groups are waiting for water levels to go down.  That's probably a good idea. 

Canoe this weekend if you are brave enough.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Plenty of rain.  River is running about 20,000 cfs.  A little too fast for safe canoeing but will be going down to a really fun level very soon.  Lots of canoeing planned for May.  Am having to get another outfitter to bring us a few more canoes to borrow for the busy season.  May is always the favorite time for group canoe trips.  Nice weather and the river is usually just right for exciting canoeing.  Still have room for more during the week and maybe on one or two weekends this month.  Fishing will also be really good after water level goes down.  Tom

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Beautiful weather.  Just the right amount of rain to keep river running at an exciting level.  Come out and catch some sun, some fish and some natural scenery.  Hummingbirds are here for the summer.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

River is running just right for exciting canoeing.  We had 3 nice fellers come and canoe last weekend.  They went about 45 miles upriver and stayed 2 nights along the way back.  Said they had a ball.  They saw 2 elk, 5 deer swimming across the river, some bald eagles and various other varmints which may have been some of our locals.

Several coming this weekend to try their luck at not turning over.  The water is still a little cool in my opinion but can't slow those adventurous types.  My adventure has slowed to chasing the wife around the kitchen table and trying to find where I left my eyeglasses.  Usually I spot them when I look in the mirror.

Allen the fisherman is ready to guide folks up the river for some exciting and rewarding crappie fishing.  Water is just right.

Tom

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Things have gotten quieter now that Spring Break is over.  Weather was really good for several families who stayed with us throughout the week.  Not so this week with lots of rain and getting cooler.  Typical for this time of year.  Should make for some really good canoeing if that's your thing.  I have just about given up on canoeing until the water gets to bath temperature since I tend to turn over a lot.

Time to make your camping plans.  One nice cabin left for Memorial Weekend.  Gasoline is cheap and we have no depression here in SE Oklahoma.  In fact, if a depression were to come we wouldn't know about it for at least 6 months.  Not much changes here except the weather and the leaves on the trees.  Just the way I like it.   Tom

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Recently returned from South Louisiana to Oklahoma and our campground.  Lots of memories from being there this winter but also happy to be home.  We are getting ready for the spring camping season with lots of reservations coming in already.  We need some rain to keep the river flowing.  Lots of fun times ahead.  Some scouts, church groups and reunions headed our way.  Also having a "really big" Memorial Weekend with the WWATS (World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers) metal detector club and GPAA (Gold Prospectors Association of America) gold panners having a fun event here at the campground. Should have plenty of room for everyone to come and participate or just watch.  May run out of trees for outdoor toilets.

If ever near Morgan City, LA be sure to go north up to the Cypress Bayou Casino for dinner.  Best Cajun food in the state and huge quantities.  Could probably split 1 plate 3 ways and still get full.  Also if you want an RV site or motel down on the Louisiana coast you can try my favorite place - the "Port Fourchon Marina and RV Park".  That's where I worked this winter.  Some neat folks and unique area.  Great fishing, sightseeing and restaurants.

We are an authorized Garrett Metal Detector dealer if you have any such interest.  Haven't advertised it much but we are beginning to get a good bit of interest in the detectors and accessories, including gold hunting gadgets.  Check it out.

Make your spring camping plans soon.  If you have money to spend we will take it with no questions asked about where you got it.  See you soon. 

Tom

Sunday, February 1, 2009 SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

A beautiful Sunday here on the gulf coast of Louisiana.  Already about 60 degrees at 7 am.  Mrs. Tom caught another drum yesterday.  About 30 pounds.  I've got pictures to prove it.  I will show them for a quarter.

We plan to leave here this week and meander back toward the K River Campground.  I've been working too hard here so I think I will take a small vacation.  While here to relax I have worked about 50 hours every week helping to rebuild this campground after Hurricane Gustav wiped it out.  Its been kinda fun but I'm getting antsy to get on down the road.  I managed to rebuild one mobile home back to livable condition.  Its really been fun working with the five women who keep the place operating.  They have a motel, a cottage, a marina, several mobile homes and an RV park to manage.  I would not want their job.

A little quiet at the K River Campground.  Good canoeing water right now and should remain until hot summer.  Spring is coming soon.  We are having a Memorial Day get together for the GPAA gold prospectors and some treasure hunters.  Will be a really fun time for everyone at the camp.  Get your reservation soon.

Gotta go.  Have to borrow a connection to the cable TV so I can watch the Super Bowl later today.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Great weather here in south Louisiana.  Mrs. Tom caught a 25 pound salt water drum yesterday.  She had a tough time getting him up on the bank.  Too big to eat so we put him back.  Locals say drum are about the best tasting fish.  She fishes right beside the motorhome.

Cabins are booking up already for spring and summer.  Should be a good camping year.  See you soon.  Tom

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!  Mrs. Tom and I are still hanging in South Louisiana.  Wonderful weather here.  Gets about 75 every day and it hasn't rained in 3 weeks.  Very strange place.  We are the only winter RVers in the area.  Not much to do other than fish, eat and relax in the warm weather.  Just right for a winter getaway for us old timers.  For the rest of you I recommend K River Campground.   Tom

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Too cold for camping.  Too cold for canoeing.  Just send your money and stay home.  Tom

Mrs. Tom and I are at the south end of Louisiana at a place called Port Fourchon.  We are camped in our little motorhome along with 5 chihuahuas and Mildred the squirrel.  Nice place with ocean fishing right across the street.

This RV park and motel complex is run by 5 women.  When I arrived they asked me if I was a handyman.  Wellll, I don't like to brag but there is very little I don't know how to do.  Especially around a RV park.  So they put me to work the same day.  I am working on mobile homes that were basically destroyed by Hurricane Gustav.  Water got about 2 feet deep in the trailers and destroyed the floors, walls, appliances and everything under the trailer.  If they were mine I would bury them out back but they rent them for $1800 per month so they are worth repairing I guess.

At least the weather is nice here.  Around 70 everyday and around 60 at night.  The warm temperature is what we were seeking for a couple of months so we can avoid the cold stuff at K River Campground.  Very unique part of the world.  All the stories you hear about Cajuns and South Louisiana seem to be true.  Very friendly folks.

Friday, December 5, 2008

A very pretty day with lots of sunshine.  High temp about 45.  Lows in the 20's.  No tent campers coming this weekend.  Can't understand why.  Guess they wouldn't be happy without shade.

Mrs. Tom and I are pulling out for the warmer weather in the deep south.  Not sure where yet.  Just plan on laying low where the sheriff and our kids can't find us.  Might do a little fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.  We will be back by the end of February for the spring camping season.  We are already getting reservations for reunions in May, June and July 4 weekend.

Make reservations now for the Christmas Holidays.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Cold and cloudy outside.  A really good excuse to stay indoors and watch football.  Might even get the wife to fix me a snack.

Thanksgiving is this week.  Hope its a great time for everyone.  Don't let the economy nightmare mess up your annual event.  Just consider any setback a challenge to overcome.

Several hardy campers planning to be here for the Thanksgiving weekend.  The Dallas Down River Club will be making their annual appearance.  I enjoy helping them eat their food.  Other miscellaneous campers will also be here.  If you want to be a miscellaneous camper come join us.

Mrs. Tom and I are planning a getaway to the deep south for a month or two.  Just after Thanksgiving is the plan.  Our 5 Chihuahuas and Mildred the squirrel are anxious to go with us.  Lord help us

How to keep toilet paper use to a minimum.  Click here..  Try it at home for the wife and daughters.

Tom G

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Mrs. Tom and I just got back from a fall foliage tour of SE Oklahoma.  It don't get no better than that.  Weather and tree colors were perfect.  The mountains and landscape are something you just wouldn't expect to see in Oklahoma unless you've been here.  Come check it out. 

Our river is running very low due to no rain in several weeks.  We are still skinny dipping in the river.  You would have to be skinny to get wet in 2 inches of water.

Tom G