Because my first posting about Thunder BRidge Campground was on my farm blog, Holes In My Jeans, I'll put a link to that one here so the beginning of our story is all in one place.
Even though we didn't close on the property till yesterday, we began working there about 3 months ago, fixing up cabins, doing repairs, clearing paths and building new tent sites. We've been there just about every day. We're lucky to live only 2 miles away. Last weekend I went there alone to take care of a few small chores. I was daydreaming, you know how you do, kind of creating your own story in your head. James and I had camped there a few nights earlier and heard a blowing noise outside our shelter. We felt pretty certain it was a bear, but didn't see it. As I daydreamed and drove down a gravel road that morning it was like I made that bear appear. To my right, close to one of our new tent sites, was a small black bear. He (or she) stopped to look at me then turned and loped off. I grabbed my phone to get a picture but he'd already turned his back. He didn't wave, or at least I don't think he did.
Here's my picture. If you zoom in you might be able to see something black and furry.
I have mixed feelings about seeing him. It's exciting to see a bear and I like the idea of sharing space with one, but I don't want it to become a problem at our campground once people start bringing food around.
There are also 2 very hungry foxes living there. I say hungry foxes because they're leaving carcasses all over the place. The male fox is very large. We've seen chicken remains, baby deer and pig remains and other things we don't recognize. They appear to be living under one of the buildings and are seen almost daily. While foxes are pretty animals, I'm ready for them to move on. The fox population seems huge this year. We had to give away all our chickens because we'd lost so many to foxes. Our neighbors have said the same thing.
There are so many more discoveries to make. When Adam was little James told him stories about finding hidden treasures. James and I both have had dreams about finding doorways in our house that lead us to spaces we didn't know existed. They're always exciting dreams. That's how we feel right now as we explore this place.
So glad that you all found the dream to reopen this place. It has been in our lives forever, with Allen living on the premises while growing up because his dad, Bill Shafer worked there and did a lot of work on the premises, Happy that it is being used and not sitting to become a real eyesore.
Oooooo now I REALLY can't wait to explore the place!
Exciting
Many more fun adventures ahead ❤️