Eventually the adventures became a major part of our lives, sometimes lasting several days at a time. In 2007, we began documenting our adventures on a family website. Much to our surprise, many friends and family members wanted to experience their own adventures or join us for ours. Such was the inspiration for this website.

Our mission is to make the planning of your adventures easy and predictable. We have done the research and have personally visited and reviewed all listed sites. The PB&J Adventures website features detailed information about places to go and things to do. Destination reviews include lots of pictures, campground or lodging details, fun and educational things to do in the vicinity, dates of local events, maps for directions, links to official websites and reservations, and most importantly, a personal account of a local adventure by a real family.

We hope you enjoy the website, and we sincerely hope your family experiences the same benefits we have. If you have questions about any of the sites or events we recommend, please contact us. 

Thanks for visiting PB&J Adventures,

The Richardson Tribe
 

Note, we have received no monetary compensation or consideration in any manner for inclusion in this list. Our reviews are honest accounts of the places and events we visit. We accept payment for banner ads and/or management of ad campaigns only after a destination has been anonymously  reviewed and the review published.

This week, one of our favorite destinations is in the top 5. Fort Mountain State Park is an incredible place for camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and so much more.

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Rocky Mountain Recreation Area - Armuchee Georgia - More

Rocky Mountain Recreation Area is located off the beaten path in Northwest Georgia near Armuchee (pronounced ar-mer-chee). The 5,000 acre park is the product of a partnership between Oglethorpe Power and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Rocky Mountain Recreation Area is a wonderful local resource that is almost free ($5 parking fee) for the public to use. There are two lakes, a beach, a playground, and a beautiful campground with water and electricity.

The campground is filled with tall hardwoods and pines that go right down to the edge of the water. As can be expected lakeside camping sites are not very level (typical for lakeside campsites), but they are large and shady. Non-lakeside campsites seem much more level.

One of the best things about Rocky Mountain Recreation Area is the ability to pull your fishing boat (or canoe or kayak) right up to you campsite. You have to make sure to secure your watercraft though because water levels fluctuate based on electricity demand. Water is pumped into a reservoir on top of the mountain during low-demand times, then released to generate electricity as the demand increases. It's like a battery.

The fresh lake water provides more than just electricity, it's also a cool refuge from the heat of the day. The beach is big and sandy, and the water is cool and refreshing. The park's beach is pretty popular with the locals, so it can be just a little crowded on holidays and weekends. Fishing is another way to enjoy the lake, and fishing is great here. Antioch lake is known for largemouth bass and sunfish, but there are plenty more species than that in the lake. Rocky Mountain Recreation area's second body of water is Heath Lake. Heath Lake is open the first ten days of each month.

Rocky Mountain Recreation Area is a great place to get away and relax. All activities here lend themselves to peace and quiet. If you want some additional adventure, the park planted in one of the best areas for adventure. It's near Rome, Taylors Ridge, James H Floyd State Park, Ridge Ferry Park, the Chieftains' Museum, Cave Spring, Cedar Creek Park, Rome Braves Baseball, the Heritage Park Bike Path, and so much more. This is one of our all-time favorite areas in north Georgia.

Click here for a lot more pictures and details about Rocky Mountain Recreation Area in Armuchee, Georgia.

Antioch Lake is beautiful and loaded with fish.

You can park your boat at your campsite.

The beach is a favorite with the kids.

Raised Bed Vegetable Garden - More

When we started this part of our micro farm project, we knew very little about raised bed gardens. Our parents had gardens when we were children, but as adults, we've never undertaken such a project. Rebecca purchased a book titled Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre by Bret Markham, and it has proven to be an invaluable resource which I repeatedly reference as the project progresses. Additionally, various gardening blogs, videos, and governmental and educational websites have provided guidance, albeit sometimes incorrect or dated.

Being on a shoestring budget, my first big investment was the purchase of 18 used railroad crossties for the sum of $90. They're heavy enough to stay in place and they'll last forever. For peace of mind, I used heavy gauge plastic to create a watertight and airtight barrier between the crossties and the garden bed. I used cheap 1"x 2"s as stakes to hold the crossties in place, then filled and packed dirt between the beds to stabilize them. Shimming with bricks to level the crossties created beds between 12-16" of amended and finely tilled topsoil. After their installation, the 18 crossties established three 24' x 5' beds for a total of 365 square feet of garden space.

Filling three very large beds with dirt could have been quite a chore. Fortunately, we have access to my father's tractor equipped with a bucket. It made short work of gathering topsoil from our little cove and placing it in the beds. I designed the beds' width and spacing based on the tractor's wheelbase and bucket width. I can easily drive between and through the beds if necessary. The soil is dark and rich (probably from 22 years of my fertilizer and expensive topsoil running off my lawn). Unfortunately, the dirt is also riddled with fescue sod and clover roots a foot deep. We hand hoed one of the beds because out tiller was on the fritz. I ended-up renting a small tiller for the next weekend. It was $40 well spent. I added some peat and bagged garden soil to make it a little fluffier and help it hold moisture, then pulverized it. I wanted to add vermiculite, but I couldn't find any locally before planting time. I'll add some next fall.

For the rest of the story, click here

Henry (lower left) oversees the work.

Radishes were the first to emerge.

A happy cherry tomato
 

Paddling - Healthy and Affordable Family Fun - More

Paddling can be relaxing or exhilarating, and everything in between. It can be a peaceful slow jaunt on still water, or a frantic battle against the rapids. When we decided to begin our canoeing adventure, we opted for the slower-paced version. This we did for several reasons. When we began researching this activity in 2010, the children were 6, 6, 7, and 10, Rebecca and I were both pushing 50, and the challenge of carrying enough water craft to fit us all on a Jeep Wrangler narrowed our choices considerably. We had a lot to consider.
 

Ultimately, we decided to ask Santa to deliver two Dick's Sporting Goods canoes capable of accommodating three people each. I figured out that two canoes could be nested with very little modification allowing them to be carried with a minimal footprint. On Christmas Morning 2010, Santa delivered. Now, getting canoes for Christmas might seem a bit odd. It is, after all, pretty cold in the winter, even in our neck of the southern woods. In fact, for the first time in my life, there was snow on the ground on that Christmas morning. Needless to say, we didn't run right out and get in the pond. We waited a couple of days for that.
 

With regards to carrying the canoes on our Jeep, I began my research well in advance. I found a watercraft rack manufactured by Warrior Products which was really nothing more than a luggage/light rack without the basket. It served its purpose but proved to be a bear to install correctly (I am providing no link because I really can't endorse it). Once the rack was attached to the Jeep, I discovered how difficult it was to load the two nested canoes by myself. I usually have some help, but I prefer to know I can do it solo if I have to. I solved the loading dilemma by installing a Cabela's Canoe Loader and Rack. This ingenious device made it much simpler and safer to load the canoes, plus it added significant support to the rear portion of the canoe rack.
 

So, with the transportation issue resolved and two new canoes, paddles, and life vests, we did what any eager family would do, we headed south. Our christening voyage of the Minnow and Manatee (yes, we name everything we own) was in the 70+ degree waters of Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National forest. We couldn't have asked for a better first experience. We were able to see and touch manatee while paddling around the peaceful waters. Bonus? No one was eaten by a gator!

We have since taken the canoes on several trips and have enjoyed them immensely. We even tried a little of that "moving water" canoeing, but we think we prefer the slower pace of still or slow-flowing water. If you are considering a way for your family to experience some water-based fun without breaking the bank, consider canoes or kayaks. If you aren't sure, visit a state park or outfitter and rent one to try on for size. Just remember your gear.

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We enjoy nice scenic paddles on still water.
Live Oak Landing, Freeport, Florida


Paddling white water is a challenge and lots of fun!
Big Cedar Creek, Cave Spring, Georgia
 

Willie B carries our canoes on a Warrior Products Watercraft Rack and Cabela's Canoe Loader.
Salt Springs Recreation Area, Florida

In 2007, the Richardson Tribe reserved a cabin at James H Floyd State Park, a place we'd visited only once. The cabins were new and very clean, and the park was lovely. We spent two glorious days relaxing and having fun. This trip stands out for us mostly because the three-year-old twins' experienced their first real hike. As we were checking out on our final day, a couple in a "class c" motorhome were checking in. We admired their coach, and dreamed that we might have one some day. It was approximately one month later that we purchased our first motorhome. The rest is history.

James H (Sloppy) Floyd State Park is a precious gem nestled in a little valley near Summerville in Northwest Georgia. The park is named for James H Floyd, otherwise known as "Sloppy," a local politician (state representative) from decades ago. The surrounding area is primarily wooded, but there is also plenty of farm land.
 

Regarding amenities and activities, James H (Sloppy) Floyd State Park has plenty. The park features two lakes where you can rent row boats and pedal boats (motorized boats are not permitted). If you have a Georgia fishing license, you can fish from shore or the footbridge that crosses the lake. There are two playgrounds: one near the lake and one in the campground. If you have children and plan to camp, we really recommend the sites 20 through 25 are very near the playground. Site 21 practically owns the playground, making it convenient to enjoy a campfire while the children play nearby. Hiking and mountain biking are virtually unlimited because the Pinhoti Trail runs along Taylors Ridge, a short hike from the lake. If a shorter hike is what you have in mind, you can hike up to the old marble mine and reflection pool (en route to the Pinhoti).
 

If you like rockhounding, this is the place for you. Taylor's Ridge, especially this portion, is covered with shattered rocks. Apparently a geological event caused the limestone to buckle and shatter, like an explosion. The result is amazing. What's even more amazing is the fact that much of the rock is a very fine laced agate. You will also find rose quartz, druzy quartz, pink marble, purple chert, fossils, geodes, and more. There are also a couple of other rockhounding and fossil sites nearby.
 

There are occasional events at Sloppy Floyd State park. One of our favorites annual events is Adventure Day. This is an entire day dedicated to activities such as rock climbing, fishing, archery, bb guns, snake shows, good (free) food, and more.

In summary, this James H Floyd State Park is simple, but it's beautiful. There's no miniature golf or game room. It's a place to fish, hike, mountain bike, rockhound, and relax. This is our kind of place.

For more pictures, details, and PB&J Adventure Journals, click here.

The cabins at Sloppy Floyd are clean and cozy.


The RV sites at Sloppy Floyd are large and level.


Pedal Boats can be rented at Sloppy Floyd.

If you're old enough, you may remember this line from the movie Animal House. While being paddled during a fraternity hazing, Kevin Bacon's character was forced to say "Thank you sir, may I have another" after each whack of the paddle. In a way, I can relate. We continue to camp at Stone Mountain year after year, and continue to be frustrated at the condition of the campground and the seemingly casual way the "Theme Park" area is run. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start with day one of our visit.

Springtime at Stone Mountain can be exceptionally beautiful. The park is covered with flowering trees and shrubs, and the landscape is absolutely beautiful. We had friends coming into town, so we decided Stone Mountain would be a great place to meet them. We planned to camp at Stone Mountain for two nights beginning on a Friday.

In order to avoid Atlanta Traffic, we decided to wait till later in the evening to arrive at the park. We arrived at the gate around 10pm and paid our $10 fee to enter the park. This, by the way, is a per vehicle fee. If you tow a vehicle, don't drop it outside the park, or you'll have to pay two fees. Yes, $20 just to get to the campground.

I knew what to expect when we got to the campground. The office was closed so I proceeded to my site. Unfortunately, the condition was even worse than I remembered, so I pulled into an empty site for the evening with plans to move in the morning. I put out the slides and hooked up power. No electricity! Oh well, no big deal. Homer (our RV) is self contained and everything works without outside electricity (except the microwave and coffee pot).
 

The next morning I took a walk to find a better site. I observed exactly what I'd seen over the past six years of camping here. A campground with so much potential, the largest in the state, slowly falling apart. To be fair, they have made improvements to a portion of the campground, but for the most part, the sites are poorly maintained, the roads are crumbling, and trash is accumulating. I chose a somewhat level site (probably 5" slope to left and back) adjacent to my original site before heading to the campground office to purchase tickets for the park's attractions.

Fortunately, I had no problem changing our campsite (the campground was almost completely empty). The lady at the office was very nice and apologetic. I felt sorry for her because I'm sure plenty of first-time visitors come in angry about their site. As I said before, I knew what to expect, so I was pretty cordial.

While at the office, I purchased six tickets for the park, around $150. It's a little easier to swallow the expense here because when you purchase tickets at the campground, you receive a second day (to be used any time in the calendar year) for no additional charge. We piled into Homer and headed for the RV parking near the attractions. The plan was to ride the shuttle, but were informed the shuttle only runs when enough people are camping. Of course, the water taxi wasn't running either. This information should be very obvious on their website, and it is not.

The amusement park (I really hesitate to call it that because of the lack of amusement park rides) officially opens at 10:30am (seasonal) and closes at 5pm (yes, even on the weekend). We arrived at 11am, and were surprised to see that very few of the shops were open (most did open later, seemingly random). The train and Summit Skyride were running, and the miniature golf and Skywalk features were open, but that was about it. We decided to play some miniature golf then ride the Skyride to the top of the mountain to meet-up with our friends. We were excited to see so few people in the Skyride line, thinking it would be a very brief wait. Unfortunately, they seem to have reduced the frequency of runs because of the smaller crowd.
 

The view from the summit of Stone Mountain is pretty amazing. The Atlanta skyline is pretty amazing from here. You can also see the North Georgia Mountains as well as two nearby rock mounds similar to Stone Mountain. One is Arabia Mountain, and the other is Panola Mountain, a state park. We decided to walk down the mountain instead of riding. The kids ran most of the way. The plan was to catch the park's train back around to the attractions. We stood and waited for the train, which slowly passed us without stopping. We waited for it to come back, but it soon became apparent that the train didn't stop here anymore. Fortunately, there is a shuttle bus that stops at that location periodically.
 

Back at the attractions, the kids first wanted to go see the animals at the "Plantation." We all love farm animals and especially remembered the goats from previous visits. We weren't disappointed. We spent a lot of time petting the sheep, goats, and pigs, and talking with the ladies that take care of the livestock. After touring several of the old homes and other structures at the plantation, we proceeded to park's 4D theater for a Yogi Bear movie. We all loved it! The kids were also eager to try out the new Sky Hike, a sort of obstacle course on stilts. All four of the children and I decided to give it a try. There is a very similar feature at Dollywood with one exception. Dollywood's "Adventure Mountain" always offers a relatively easy route. I witnessed a pretty small child that got really scared on the third obstacle. He had no choice but to proceed through the entire level. Our kids did just fine, but I was ready to get off before I completed the first level. There are three levels. It's a great feature, but I think some alternative exits should be added.

After a full day at the park, we headed back to the campground. We were so looking forward to a nice relaxed evening by the campfire with a view of the mountain across the lake. This is what keeps bringing us back, the view. Other than having a hard time keeping the firewood I purchased at the office lit, the evening delivered. It was beautiful. In all, our memories of the day were all positive. We had fun, saw some sights, and got a little exercise. We plan to come back in the near future to use the second day of tickets, and perhaps ride bikes at nearby Panola Mountain State Park. Yes, with all my gripes about the campground and the park in general, we keep coming back for more. So I'll say it again: "Thank you sir, may I have another?"

Note: As critical as I am about the Stone Mountain Campground, I still recommend a visit. Just be aware of the condition of many of the RV sites. I cannot give an opinion on the tent sites, and many of the RV sites near the office have been redone. So, if you don't expect too much, you might not be disappointed.

To see lots more pictures, details, and journal entries about Stone Mountain Park, click here.

Stone Mountain from the campground

Many of Stone Mountain's RV sites are deteriorating.

The view, particularly the sunsets, are awesome
at the Stone Mountain Park Campground.

The hike up mountain is brisk to say the least.

Our favorite part of Stone Mountain Park: the sheep, goats, and pigs at the plantation's farmyard.

A face only a mother could love. Baaaaad hair day!

There are many ducks and Geese on the lake at Stone Mountain Park.

A New Adventure (in our own back yard)

A few months ago, Rebecca mentioned that she represents the first generation in her family that didn't learn the old-timey methods of self sufficiency. Ours is the age of convenience. Everything comes from the store processed, pre-packaged, and ready for consumption. Just pop it in the microwave, washer, or whatever electric device fits the need. We take for granted our day to day needs because they are typically right there at our fingertips or just a short drive away. In our travels, we have visited many parks and museums that display and demonstrate the tools of the past, and we're always amazed at how resourceful and creative people can be. These folks knew how to solve problems and prepare for the worse. They raised, preserved, and prepared their own food, made their own clothes, heated their own homes, and taught their children how to do the same. Life was tougher back then, but their skills could sustain them when times were bad. Those skills are important, even (especially) in this day and time.

So, we decided to begin the process of learning some of the old-timey skills while applying some of our modern knowledge by building a "Micro-Farm" at our Georgia home. Nothing massive, and nothing too high maintenance (we still want to travel). We are fortunate to live very near to my parents and other family members, so we have some help when we're away. However, I still want to automate things so that feeding and watering tasks will be minimal.

The process of building started well before Christmas. The plan was to make Christmas gifts of some of the animals and supplies. My first step was to convert an old screened-in sandbox into a chicken coop, a fiberglass greenhouse into a goat shelter, and to erect some goat-proof fencing. My experience of raising a goat as a child taught me that goats are brilliant escape artists. That skill, however, is about the only brilliant skill goats have.

Since the addition of four goats, four rabbits, and six chickens, I have made a few fencing adjustments here and there, built a rabbit hutch, built a portable chicken/rabbit run, and built a new goat condo. We are currently looking for more laying hens while building a raised-bed garden area.

This project has resulted in a lot of work, but the benefits are already beginning to become evident. For instance, Lee Thomas, our oldest (12) has created a chore list that assures the animals are fed and watered daily. He did this on his own with little resistance from his siblings. Additionally we are currently harvesting about 3 eggs a day from our four laying hens (the other two are too young), so we need more hens. The children (and Rebecca and I) are learning a lot about animals and responsibility as a result of this experience.

So, there you have it. We are officially a family of "micro-farmers." As I said before, we certainly do not intend to stop our on-road adventures. I am currently designing automatic feeding and watering systems so we can travel with some peace of mind (and remember Paw Paw can help too). I plan to publish periodic updates as the farm evolves, so keep an eye on PB&J Adventures. In the meantime, go somewhere, do something!

Henry, our baby Kiko/Boer mix buck is a cutie! His doe companion is Lucy (see picture to the right). Lucy is a Nubian breed (milk goat). We are hoping their offspring will be as beautiful as they are.

The chicken coop was formerly a sandbox.


Our four laying hens getting used to the new crib.
 

Feta and Brie enjoy a hay ball at the "goat condo."
 

Heath and Lainey bottle feeding the babies.