Eisenhower State Park -- Memorial Day Weekend 2012

Eisenhower State Park (Melvern Lake)
Melvern, KS
Memorial Weekend 2012
Site #92

Spent some quality time with friends at Eisenhower State Park Memorial weekend 2012.

This was the maiden voyage with the new tow vehicle, and are we glad to have it.  The weather was changing on the way to the site and we faced near 30mph headwinds and then as we arrived the sky opened up and we had thunderstorms the remainder of the evening.  The wind would have blown us all over the road in the Pathfinder so glad we upgraded before this trip.  Slightly disappointed in the gas mileage but with the wind I can't complain too much. 

The site itself was gorgeous with an overlook of the lake, wildflowers galore outside our window, crushed gravel paths which were wide, good fishing, amazing swim beach and a nearly new playground. 

Took a 5 mile walk around the park on Saturday and met up with some other friends on Monday.

One remark, Kansas has recently gone through a major upgrade of computer systems and the current usage of this is not going well.  This ranged from slow performance to no one knowing how to resolve issues.

We did decide to purchase the Annual camping, vehicle and fishing permits so we are set for the year and can go as much as we like.

Here is an image of our friend's son playing on a log (see the breakers in the water)









Of course at this age they have little enthusiasm for the outdoors so nice to have something to occupy themselves.  All of them were swapping games and playing something that they others had.  Of course they were relaxing in the shade.









Here is some information on Eisenhower State Park and some images.

Link to Site:  http://www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/Eisenhower

Tips:
1.  Book early as the better sites fill up especially on holiday weekends.
2.  Nearest store is a long ways from there so don't forget.
3.  IKE's general store has a small amount of things for sale that you may need but forgot.
4.  IKE's sells ice cream
5.  Restrooms/Showers are not private throughout most of the campground (they don't have roofs) however at the 5 star primitive campground they are VERY nice.

Generic Images:
New Playground

 Directions

Campering Defined and Hilton on Wheels Profile

A friend of ours (who has similar setup) commented that we are not "really" camping...more like Campering.  Given that we have TV, DVD, Running Hot Water, A/C, Heat, Memory Foam Bed, Fridge, Electricity wherever we go now I would have to agree that it is more Campering than traditional on the ground in a buggy tent on a hot humid midwest day.

With that said I wouldn't change a thing for a variety of reasons:

1.  We have done the tent thing for years -- not as much fun as you think it is on a 100 degree July day with 3rd degree sunburns after spending the day floating (like Gilligans Island...a 3 hour tour turned into an 8 hour debacle)
2.  A Popup (1992 Jayco Deluxe) is much better than a tent but not quite as nice as current setup.
3.  Setup is a breeze, pull in, plug in and you are good to go.
4.  I like hotels but I like the natural aspects of camping, why not have a bit of both.
5.  Thunderstorms in a tent with 30+ mph winds is not the time to realize that your tent isn't as waterproof as they let on it is.
6.  A/C in the midwest is almost a requirement.
7.  Not all campsites are equal.
8.  Not all campsites have shade, running water, etc so why not bring it with you.
9.  Bugs suck (literally and figuratively)
10.  My walk to the bathouse or restroom is about 15 feet.
11.  Not all community showers, restroom facilities are created equal.
12.  Cost of a night stay is very inexpensive.
13.  On water or "natural" beauty comes at an added cost for physical hotels (if I book early or luck out) it is a matter of choosing the right site.
14.  Can't build a campfire in the middle of a suite.
15.  Food tastes better cooked outdoors or over a fire.
16.  Amenities at a number of camping facilties are quite good (ranging from basic to outdoor pools to wi-fi to cable...)
17.  Eventhough the comforts of home travel with us we still have the great outdoors at the bottom of the front steps and are at our disposal whenever we want it to be.
18.  Fishing, Hiking, Geocaching, Photography, Floating/Canoeing are within easy reach.
19.  Camping 'folks are generally gracious and nice but the rig makes it easy to tune those out that are not.
20.  Campering is a cost effective way to see the country and find off of the beaten path locales.

Specifics of our Rig:

1999 Ford F150 Lariat Extended Cab 4X4 with E2 WDH and Sway; Tekonsha Brake Controller.
 (not image of ours but looks almost identical)

2012 Jayco Swift 264BH

(side view)

(floorplan)

The Beginning

The purpose of this blog is to document the goings on with the Olathe KS Johnsons and share with family and friends.  The majority of our travels will be done in our "Hilton on Wheels" so you will see numerous camping pictures.  We will also share the goings on whether it is significant milestones, ramblings, travel, opinions etc.  Feel free to comment or ask questions as you see fit.