Today I was thinking of the day trips we’d take with our fellow campers. Those special journeys to area shorelines like Point Judith, Charlestown and Galilee. We’d pack up some gear, fill our coolers, strap the canoes to the station wagons and head out to explore. I guess this stroll down memory lane came about when I remembered an old cassette tape one of my summertime neighbors gave me decades ago. I may put together a little slideshow with those campfire songs playing in the background. With that thought, so many wonderful memories came to mind. Sunny days at Point Judith snorkeling with friends, fishing off the rocks for Flounder or building sandcastles on the beach. I even recalled the day I found my first Pole Spear in a couple feet of water just off the sandy shore. Quahogging in the shallow waters of Bluff Hill Cove in Galilee without a clam rake came to mind. We used our feet back then and had the cuts to prove it. We’d do the same at the Charlstown Breachway with canoes by our side. I still remember the day I saw my first Horseshoe crab. Mom let me know to always keep a safe distance of course. Most of us would fall asleep during the ride home, but once we got back we’d all run off the dock and jump right into Johnson’s Pond. Our folks would prepare the catches of the day while we enjoyed ourselves in the water. When the cowbell rang we knew it was time for a smorgasbord of seafood to be enjoyed with our campground family of friends. Someday I’ll put that slideshow together, but for now, I’ll just relish in my reflections of yesterday.
The memories we make today are the treasures we’ll hold dear tomorrow.
Fall weekends on the pond came to mind this morning. As children we stayed outside most of the day. The temperature dropping a few degrees didn’t change that. We’d throw on progressively heavier clothing and enjoy the subtle changes of the off season on Johnson’s Pond.
Most packed up and headed back to the city before this magical time of year began and wouldn’t return until Memorial Day weekend. We were lucky to have our primary residence less than an hour away, so for us that was not the case. Our Camp Ash didn’t suffer from a lack of use.
The air was cool and fresh, and there was a quiet that didn’t exist on a hot summer’s weekend by the water. This was the perfect recipe for expanding a child’s imagination. In those early years I’d build entire ranches with twigs and pine needles. I’d break up tiny branches, stick the twigs in the ground and create corral fences, barns and log cabins. Nature’s toys!
Eventually we’d take in our floating docks by laying them on rollers. That’s about the time I learned about leverage. The boats would get winterized, but we’d still take out the canoe or jon boat until the pond froze over. Once that happened it would be time to skate the pond. That experience went beyond peaceful. When the ice was safe enough, we’d skate the entire cove. I still have vivid memories of my neighbor Vinny losing himself in the present as he made the most of the experience.
Although the days ended sooner and cooler, a roaring fire accompanied by an old song or scary story, and our combined laughter made every hour a bit more valuable. The stars above seemed a lot more abundant too. Maybe it was because our senses became more aware as we were absent of distractions. Whatever the case, I’ll always cherish those special moments together off season on the pond.
Happy camping!
Ron Ash aka My RV Guy
IT’S TIME TO SCHEDULE YOUR RV WINTERIZATION
My RV Guy offers an RV winterization service to protect your RV from cold weather damage by draining the water system, blowing out lines, adding RV antifreeze, and preparing vulnerable components for storage. This process prevents pipes from freezing and cracking, ensuring your RV is ready for use in the spring. You can schedule this service through My RV Guy to have their technicians prepare your vehicle for the winter.
How My RV Guy’s Winterization Service Works
Draining the water system:Water is removed from the fresh water tank and hot water heater.
Bypassing the water heater:The water heater is bypassed to prevent antifreeze from filling it, which saves antifreeze and makes the process more effective for the plumbing.
Blowing out lines:Compressed air is used to remove any remaining water from the water lines and pipes.
Adding RV antifreeze:Non-toxic RV antifreeze is pumped through the plumbing system to protect it from freezing.
Protecting vulnerable components:This step helps protect components from the elements, though the exact details can vary by RV and service level.
Why Winterize Your RV?
Prevent freezing damage:The primary goal is to prevent water from freezing in your RV’s plumbing, which can cause pipes, tanks, and other components to crack and burst.
Ensure readiness for spring:A properly winterized RV will be ready to use when warmer weather returns without needing extensive repairs.
How to Schedule Service
You can schedule your RV winterization service directly through My RV Guy. Their website myrvguy.shop provides information on services and how to contact them.
Some say we are all interconnected and what happens to one can touch everyone. I learned early on that this happens in our local business environment as well. The Rhode Island racetrack first opened in 1941 as a result of a Buick salesman known as Lucky. B A Dario had a passion for breeding thoroughbred horses so he decided to buy a small racetrack in town. This would eventually give birth to what is now Twin River Casino which was formerly “Lucky’s” Lincoln Downs.
Just over a decade earlier the Lavoie family of Glocester began making plans for a restaurant in Chepachet. They would use retired trolley cars from what was the Woonsocket Fairmont Line to create the diner. When the Pascoag Race Track officially opened The Purple Cat Diner expanded and flourished serving horse owners, jockeys and trainers. Until recently the shabby remains of the restaurant’s former glory still stood over our beloved village. Today an old family friend (Al Constantino) and his partner are recreating the property from scratch. Another idea in its infancy which will maintain Chepachet’s unique flavor while building fantastic memories for all. Hopefully they will be able to reintroduce the trolley cars in some way.
Feel free to share your memories related to this story. I’d love to hear from you. (photos by Frank Foster)
My RV Guy 