Glamping Sites to Visit in 2013: Day 9 of 15

Now that you’ve read my book, Glamping with MaryJane, you need to find a fabulous place to get your campin’ glam on.

We’re back for a 9th day of where to glamp in 2013.

Texas is known for its out-of-this-world charm, hospitality, and old-world elegance. Sinya, on Lone Man Creek, near Wimberley, has managed to combine all three, then add a touch of African safari to its repertoire, without the fuss of cross-continental travel.

Sinya — on Lone Man Creek
Texas

Each modified safari tent is styled simply, but with immense attention to detail that feels serene and open.

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While every coordinated corner invites you to have-a-go and test out each remarkable view spot.

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At night, the stars come alive for miles and the warm days turn into still romantic nights that will enchant …

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  1. Jennifer Memolo says:

    Wonderful!

  2. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Pretty cool digs, I should say! Wow!

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  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Such a blue eyed baby!!

  2. Corri Riebow says:

    Beautiful!

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Marathon Journey in July

I’m up to four miles. It’s been in the 90s, but the smell of fresh rain on my morning run after a beautiful storm the night before … a wonderful way to start the day!

Photo Jul 09, 3 40 10 PM

  1. Laurie Dimino says:

    Run Megan Run!!!
    Four miles is a great accomplishment! Keep up the great work.

  2. Winnie Nielsen says:

    That landscape is breathtaking! While you are pushing yourself forward in distance, it is nice to have the lovely view to distract yourself!

  3. Pamela Martin says:

    Your magazine is great! I’m so happy I subscribed! I live on a potato farm in Northern Maine. In looking at your blog finally, I noticed across the bottom of your picture you have what looks lice a lace ribbon inscribed with farm girl romance. Is this an app others can use with their own pictures. I really loved it! Thanks for a new lens with which to live life on a farm from a women’s perspective! I’m hooked!

  4. Deborah says:

    Keep going Megan!!! I love the different smells as I run. I think somehow running intensifies smells (new mown hay, pine trees, newly plowed earth…) mmmm. NGU (never give up)

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Outpost Gadgetry

Intrepid outdoorswomen, gather ’round!

I’d like you to meet …

Earl.

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Photo courtesy of Meetearl.com

That’s right, Earl is a gadget,

not a guy.

(Really—who needs a guy anyway?)

Anyway …

Earl promises to be a remarkably handy fellow to have around. I can imagine when I lived year-round, 30 miles beyond the end of a dirt road, deep in the Idaho wilderness, how handy-dandy getting to know a guy like Earl would have been.

He … okay, it … is a brand spankin’ new off-the-grid gadget that could save your life.

More rugged and durable than any smartphone (and most guys), this little machine boasts:

  • a GPS to give you precise readings of your location, direction, and elevation
  • weather sensors to accurately forecast changing conditions in the most remote locations
  • a transceiver that connects to analog and digital radio frequencies up to 20 miles away
  • a glove-friendly infrared touchscreen with 3D joypad and gyroscope
  • a laminated solar panel that provides up to 20 hours of battery and charges in 5 hours with direct sunlight
  • a water-/dust-/shock-/mud-proof design

Oh, yeah.

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  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Wouldn’t this have been handy when you spent a year out in the wilderness in a Wall Tent back in the day? Pretty amazing gadget for sure! I love it when new ideas get financed with crowdfunding and then move forward.

  2. Karlyne says:

    But does he do the dishes?

  3. CJ Armstrong says:

    And, does he make the bed and chop the firewood!?
    Great idea for a great gadget!

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  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Cutest outhouse ever! My Grandma should have loved the curtains! Hers, on the farm, was very plain, but immaculate inside! Do you think people back in the 1930s-50s gussied up their outhouses? I wonder.

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Caraboat vs. Sealander

“Salute British ingenuity. Behold, the ubiquitous mobile home, a two-wheel tribute to the British spirit of adaptability, and to the great and growing pastime of messing about—in caravans.”

So begins the video below all about the Caraboat.

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Back in the late ’60s, a man named Tom Car dreamed up this little watercraft, which is truly a land caravan (glamper) that doubles as a houseboat. Using a 6 1/2-horsepower motor, this wasn’t exactly a seafaring vessel (think the Perfect Storm for about 10 seconds, then cut to credits), but what a sweet little idea.

The curtains are a nice touch.

I wonder how long it took to get those swans in the shot?

Only 64 of these beauties were made before they stopped production, rather quickly. (Click here for the rumored theory on why the Caraboat went out of production.) This caravan-boat is now highly sought after by collectors.

I saw this retro video and just about died. You’ll love it.

The music is divine.

The quality—fabulously ’60s.

And they even have tea on board.

*Listen for this line:

So yo-ho-ho-ho to you, too!

It’s a doozy.

Now, let me introduce its new and updated cousin, the Sealander. The German-designed Sealander has taken this idea and transformed it into a modern machine.

The two ads themselves are strikingly funny! Maybe in 60 years, someone will be laughing at our “modern” Sealander.

Oh, how times do change.

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    How cool is this one??? While the British one had nicer amenities, the new one offers a lot of style and better engineering. My only concern would be if the wind picked up suddenly, would the thing topple? Most likely the Germans had that all worked out. Plus, the Sealander looks to pull with a compact car quite easily. However, I still think I like your new compact Glamper the best , Mary Jane! My husband? He would most likely take to the Sealander.

  2. Barbara Gudgeon re caraboat says:

    We are starting off tomorrow on our Caraboat, we bought it last year and this will be our second trip, It is an old caraboat but we have had a wonderfull time restoring it to its former glory. It is for living on, has plenty of room 2 single beds and a fold out double, beautiful shower, pantry, toilet, kitchen, every thing is wonderfull. Barbara and Joseph.

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My Marathon Journey in June

Sure, summer weather makes it a lot easier to get some exercise, but summer travel can sometimes put a damper on our best intentions. I decided if I was willing to lug my running shoes all over the Northwest this past month, I’d better be willing to use them! And as it turns out, a looming half-marathon is a very good motivator. Guess that’s the point, right?

My official “training” does not begin until later in July. In the meantime, I’m just working on being ready for that training to begin.

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And it’s an awesome way to start any day The Foothills of Boise, Idaho, are home to seemingly hundreds of running and biking trails. Visiting family a few weeks ago, we enjoyed a run most mornings, and I kind of kept up with the seasoned runners. Clocked 3 miles a day … and learned it’s much easier to run when you’re with good company. And the views, well, they speak for themselves. Inspired!

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And the following weekend I was in Portland, Oregon, for a college reunion. While the company was also wonderful, they slept in a bit, so I enjoyed some muggy morning runs solo along the Willamette River. I ran 2.5 miles and learned that a path filled with folks happily enjoying their own morning exercise is also a good motivator.

Glad I brought my running shoes. I look forward to the next path this marathon journey takes me on.

  1. Terry Steinmetz says:

    Way to go, Megan! I know you can do it.

  2. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Keep up the good work, Megan! You are so smart to ease into the process so you don’t injure your achilles or knees.

  3. Debbie says:

    You go girl!!! 🙂

  4. Laurie Dimino says:

    Sounds like you are off to a “running” start! (Sorry couldn’t help myself…lol).
    Seriously, YOU GO GIRL! Glad that you are getting practice in before the real training begins, and the fact that you are enjoying it- well, its surely a sign that you will be successful in your journey!
    Hugs,

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  1. Carol Upton says:

    What is the name of your font for the “farmgirl Romance” title?

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Glamping Sites to Visit in 2013: Day 8 of 15

Now that you’ve read my book, Glamping with MaryJane, you need to find a fabulous place to get your campin’ glam on.

We’re back for an 8th day of where to glamp in 2013.

Have you been hankering to visit our neighbors in the Great White North? Do you love wildlife, five-star food and accommodations, and a good rest filled with adventure? If preserving wildlife habitats are also at the top of your list, visit the Clayoquot (pronounced Cla-kwhat) Resort this summer.

I think they’ve thought of just about everything.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada

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Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

Imagine a place where guests enjoy all-inclusive, five-star vittles and beverages; a massage with your minimum 3-night stay; and activities such as rock climbing, horseback riding, ocean or fresh water fishing, whale and bear watching, Wild Side First Nations Interpretive trail trek, river and sea-kayaking, archery, hiking, skeet shooting, target shooting, mountain biking, surfing, zip line, paintball, tree platform climbing, and even surfing.

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Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

You’ll have a blast launching yourself into new experiences.

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Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

Scaling mammoth cliffs.

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Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

Feeling the thrill of wildlife watching, bears, and whales, and eagles, oh my!

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Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

Or buckle down and giddy-up for a ride on the equestrian side.

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Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Resort; http://www.wildretreat.com

As they put it, “Couples, grandparents, school-age children, teens—regardless of experience—find their ideal program of custom-designed fun and adventure at the Resort.

The months of May and September are perfect for couples, while the summer months might better suit high-energy family gatherings.”

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  1. Elizabeth says:

    The video was mesmerizing; gorgeous views! To see a Bald Eagle dive for food that close to me would be amazing. I’ve never tried kayaking. I’ve gone canoeing a few times & usually sleep like a log when I do canoe. The resort looks tempting with all the beautiful scenery, wildlife & amenities. I do love to swim…I wonder what the water temperature is there right now;-) Thanks for sharing this wonderful place with us.

  2. Winnie Nielsen says:

    How I would love to visit this place! It all looks so amazing and fun. I have spent time visiting Vancouver before but only in the city. Who knew this treasure was just outside the city limits?? Thanks for sharing and I am keeping this one on my bucket list for sure!

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