We woke up to the same sound that had lullabied us to sleep: Pine Creek, at the bottom of the steep bank from our campsite, engorged with the spring rains. Baltimore Orioles sang from overhead in the tree canopy as we had our percolated morning coffee. Prepared for spring camping, we had packed extra blankets and wrapped up in our camp chairs, lingering over our strong brews, perking a second pot, and savoring our Sunday morning communion with nature, reflecting on the fun we had performing the night before.
On the previous day, we had packed our music gear and camping equipment for an overnight stay (taking time to draw pollen art on our Jeep, Layla, before pulling away). Having set Google Maps for "Main Street, Hegins," we were surprised when we exited Interstate 81 to find the beautiful Camp-A-While campground tucked into the side of the mountain. We were greeted by the sound of Pine Creek tumbling through the campground after days of rain and orioles singing from the tops of the blooming tulip poplars.
Parking outside of the office, we saw a group of people congregating at a pavilion to play bingo. Walking over, we asked them where the music entertainment usually sets up, and they thanked us for coming as they pointed us to the lawn. It was clear from the start that this was a place where people have fun.
Michelle and Rob, the campground owners, were in the lodge as we walked in. They gave us a map and a campsite close to the lawn and assured us that if we needed anything, we should just ask. Some campers were hanging out in the lounge and game area. A Bath and Body Works candle was burning on the counter, and a camper commented on the new scent (Banana Cabana). Michelle told us how to access the bathhouse on the side of the lodge, facing the pool. We took note of the store's provisions (including homemade peanut butter cookies 😋) and told her that after we had set up camp and our music equipment, we'd be back for a propane tank to make the next morning's coffee.
Heading around the loop to our campsite, we saw the access point for the nature trail (Rob later explained that the trail is a mile loop and that their campground sits on 103 acres bordering 81.) Our campsite was perfectly situated overlooking Pine Creek. After settling in, we went down to the lawn to set up the music equipment. I remarked, after seeing that the otherwise pristine pool had a layer of pollen on it, that we hadn't escaped it, after all, and we were grateful for our supply of cough drops. Michelle said that the pool is Rob's pride and joy, and we could see why.
Campers gathered for the music with lawn chairs and golf carts at the grassy area, and despite the threat of rain and some eventual sprinkles, many people stayed through the evening until dark. There were people of all ages there, and an energetic young girl named Scarlet played the tambourine and shaker and sang along to "Little Red Rooster" and "What' Going On?"
The next morning, we walked the nature trail loop, a well-maintained path surrounded on each side by ferns and mountain laurel in bud. Coming down to the other side of the campground, we discovered an outdoor recreation area with volleyball net, basketball, and horseshoes, next to the catch and release pond. Mike, a friend we had met the night before, was out drinking coffee on his deck. "You definitely chose the right direction on the nature loop," he laughed (the campground slopes down from the office side, and the trailhead at the top of the loop on that side climbs less and has a steeper descent). He told us that the seasonal campers on that side all know each other, and the kids have a safe place to play. Further around that loop, we struck up a conversation with two nice young men at a cabin who were loading up their ATVs on a trailer to head home to New Jersey.
We are so glad to have discovered this campground and to have started meaningful relationships with such friendly people!
~in peace and love, Vicki and Dean
