2024 In the Rear View Mirror - Travel Recap

Dec 30

As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on an incredible 2024 filled with adventures, memories, and over 10,000 miles traveled in GR84RED. From short local escapes to extended cross-country treks, this year was nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights of our journeys—a whirlwind of exploration, family time, and new discoveries.

April: Family Fun at Pine Lake RV Resort

We kicked off our travels in April with a heartwarming trip to Pine Lake RV Resort in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Joined by our son and grandkids, we embraced everything this family-friendly resort had to offer. From its beautiful surroundings to activities that delighted all generations, Pine Lake proved to be a gem. It's a place we’ll surely return to, as it’s perfect for creating lifelong family memories.

May: A Return to Odetah Campground

May brought us back to one of our favorite Connecticut destinations, Odetah Campground in Bozrah. Nestled in a serene setting, this RV park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Whether we were enjoying the scenic lake views or simply unwinding around the campfire, Odetah felt like a home away from home. For this trip it provided a central location to three different destinations. First, a round of golf at Windham Golf Course, followed by a Jayhawks concert in Hartford. The following day had us visiting the Submarine Force Museum followed by lunch in New London with dear friends Anthony and Pauline Norcia.

June: A Grand Adventure to Tennessee (and Everywhere In Between!)

June 2024 was a whirlwind of adventure as we made our way to the Vienna/Villagio RV rally at The Ridge Outdoor Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee. But before the rally even began, our journey took us through a tapestry of states and experiences.

Upstate New York: We started with a tour of Fort Ticonderoga, immersed ourselves in the Olympic history of Lake Placid, and marveled at the stunning waterfalls of Watkins Glen. Each stop added its own charm and beauty to our trip. Fort Ticonderoga gave us a vivid look at what was once a very strategic military outpost for first the French, then the British, and finally the Colonial army. The non-profit Fort Ticonderoga Association does a tremendous job retelling and reenacting its rich history. Definitely worth the stop. Mark has always wanted to visit Lake Placid and the Olympic arena where the 1980 US Hockey team defeated the USSR in the “Miracle on Ice”. Standing in that arena felt a little like going to church. Finally our second visit to Watkins Glen included a hike up the WG Gorge and a round of golf at Trumansburg Golf Course north of Ithaca.

Pennsylvania: Friendship Village Campground in Bedford, PA, provided a quick stopover, offering a peaceful retreat as we continued south. Mark was able to wet the fly line in the campground pond, where several Largemouth Bass were landed. It’s a spot we highly recommend for fellow travelers seeking tranquility, fishing and a friendly staff.

West Virginia: Bel Meadow Golf Course in Clarksburg, one of our favorite Harvest Hosts, welcomed us once again. As with our previous visits, we played nine holes of golf and enjoyed drinks at the clubhouse, soaking in the hospitality and stunning views that keep us coming back.

Kentucky: Ashland, Kentucky, introduced us to the storied US-23, also known as the "Country Music Highway." We toured Loretta Lynn’s childhood home in Butcher Holler, a humbling and inspiring experience that brought country music’s roots to life. The following day saw us at Carter Caves State Park for a tour of one of Kentucky’s many cave complexes. Kentucky has so much to offer. Their State Parks are some of the best we have visited in the 40+ states we’ve toured. We will definitely include Kentucky in our future trip plans.

Finally, we reached Tennessee for the much-anticipated rally, where we connected with fellow Renegade enthusiasts and shared stories of the road. The Ridge Outdoor Resort provided the perfect backdrop for camaraderie, laughter, and learning.

Looking back, 2024 was a year of adventure, connection, and discovery. Each destination added a unique chapter to our story, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 holds. As we close the book on this year’s travels, we’re filled with gratitude for the open road, the incredible places we’ve seen, and the people we’ve met along the way.

Here’s to more miles, more memories, and more adventures ahead in 2025 and beyond!

Campgrounds visited on this adventure.

Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks - Perfect location for exploring the Adirondacks and the Lake George/Lake Champlain area.

Watkins Glen / Corning KOA Resort - One of the best of the many KOAs we’ve visited. Perfect for a multi-night stay in the area. We’ll have to revisit this one for a road race at The Glen.

Friendship Village Campground & RV Park - Though we only stayed one night, this is definitely on our list to return when we’re back on the PA turnpike.

Ashland / Huntington West KOA - A great RV park that acts as the gateway to US-23, the Country Music Highway.

The Ridge Outdoor Resort - If this were a hotel it would be the Ritz Carlton or St. Regis. Probably one of the most luxurious parks we’ve parked at. Perfect for our rally attended by over 80 people, and centrally located to take in all that Sevierville and the Blue Ridge mountains have to offer.

Here’s a photo gallery of our Spring and Summer adventures