Dan and I regularly take walks around our neighborhood. In the past, I’ve noticed this little camper lawn ornament and wondered what the story was behind it. Were they campers? What kind do they have? Where have they gone? Where will they go? They happened to be out one day as we walked by, and you know me, I couldn’t pass by without starting up a conversation and asking them my camping questions.

It turns out they are Brandy and Eric Frank, and like most campers, they are very friendly. They currently have a popup which they bought in 2018 when they had a 5 month old little boy. They wanted their son to enjoy camping, but they wanted to do it in comfort. So, they bought a new popup camper which could be towed with the vehicle they had back then. They are a young couple, and one has to admire anyone who camps with a young child.

Since 2018, they’ve enjoyed KOA’s and Camp Jellystones because these campgrounds offer activities for children. They are wise. A bored child is not a happy child, and how fun would that be? They also like the affordability of the popup and being able to store it in their garage. The downside is the popup does not have a bathroom.

Enter this year and thus Covid-19. The Franks wanted to take a longer trip to the Smokey Mountains. However, they wanted to be self-contained where they could be mostly isolated. They decided to rent a Class C. We met them a few days just before they were headed out with the Class C. I had wondered what they would think of the popup after renting the Class C.

They loved the Class C. They loved the size. They loved how it handled the curvy roads in the Smokey Mountains. They loved having a bathroom and a shower! They loved the easy setup – 15 to 20 minutes each time. The only downside was not being able to drive anywhere else easily without a separate vehicle.

Regarding their trip, they said the mountains were beautiful, and “driving through the National Forest was like a dream.” Sounds like they got bit big time by the travel camping bug, don’t ya think?

Once home, it just so happened the Franks needed to purchase a new vehicle. What do you think they bought? We saw it when we walked by their home. It was a brand new big ole truck. A pretty blue color. Of course, I had to ask. Is it part of a plan? What’s your guess?

Their plan is to purchase a travel trailer in about 5 years. I’m not sure why as to the 5 years, but I wonder something. Do you think they will wait 5 years? Maybe I should start a pool. Do you want a square?

In the future, the Franks hope to visit the Grand Canyon, Florida beaches, Wisconsin Dells, Indiana Dunes National Park, and of course, their cute little boy wants to see Yogi Bear at all the Camp Jellystone’s.

I hope this young family gets to do all that and more! What great memories they will make for their family! And what great conversations we will have when Dan and I walk by!