Heading south from Dallas our next stop was Meridian State Park at Meridian, TX. This is a very unusual park in that it has only eight sites for RV’s, but they are all full hook up with water, electricity and sewer. The park itself is quite large with a lake and offered boating, fishing, hiking and lots of your basic nature stuff including a bird blind overlooking a dry pond.
Upon returning from the local grocery store I noticed that the travel trailer in the space next to us had a New York license plate. A gentleman sporting a white mustache framing his mouth and trailing down his chin and a stocking cap on his head was on a ladder working on something or other on his trailer.
He saw me when I got out of the car and we declared the obvious in unison, “Hey, you’re from New York!”. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. After our previously reported encounter with a couple of NY campers, I had no idea whether this friendship would last more than a day or two, but I was willing to give it a go. This talking in unison thing continued, “Where in New York are you from?” Again, we both answered at the same time, “Upstate in the Catskills”. This time I beat him to the punch,“What town?”
“Oh, I’m sure you never heard of it” he answered as his wife came out to see what all of the laughing was about. “Well, Tim and I live in Roxbury so it can’t be smaller than that”. Turns out they are from Hardenburg, just a few miles down the road over the hill. At the time he said Margaretville because it is a much larger nearby town and the odds would be better I had heard of it.
Well, now I had to give a shout to Tim to get out here and meet our neighbors. Of course, the conversation turned to who knows whom and where do you eat, shop, etc. and we did find some common threads. The Metnicks for one, but then everyone in the Catskills and beyond know Dennis and Amy! Our conversation continued until the impending rain forced us to retreat indoors to our respective domiciles promising to get together the following evening for a bonfire and cocktails and more raucous conversation.
Drinks and folding chairs in hand Tim and I walked over when we saw their fire start up. I opened with my usual question in 2022, “Are you guys vaccinated?” It was a relief when we all answered in the affirmative. She provided a baked Brie with apples, not exactly a casual offering for a first time visit so we were off to a good start. The talk was friendly, fun and lively.
They left the following day to go to Lake Whitney State Park, only a half hour away and we made plans to visit them there one afternoon when the weather permitted. I prepared a pot of chili and some cornbread for them and watched weather.com nonstop until the weather warmed up and dried up enough for us to venture over for a second visit. Since this visit went well I guess it is safe to reveal the name of our new friends, Brian and DJ Jones. DJ and I have remained in contact via text as we venture in different directions around Texas. We do plan on getting together back in the Catskills and I have no doubt that we will!
A few additional images from our visit to Meridian
Ain’t that a kicker!! Good to know we’re world renown, or at least in Meridian, TX!
With you and Dennis, one of you is famous one infamous. I’m sure you can figure out which is which!
Hi Jill,
In looking at your new friends, I think we photographed their daughter’s wedding several years ago at Full Moon!
Ask Brian about how his lovely daughter packed a pistol for some photos!
Yes, you did! They told me that their daughter was married at the Full Moon. They are really nice people!