Celebrating a Birthday in a Tent--Who Me?

No one could believe it when I said I wanted to go Glamping for my birthday this year. First, they said "what the heck is Glamping?" Then, after I explained they said "you've got to be kidding. You? Glamping?Have you lost your mind?" You see, Glamping is a combination of camping with a glamorous touch. You don't arrive and then put up a tent, like I hear some folks do. You arrive, and are escorted your "tent" and taught how to operate the "equipment."

 

Full disclosure: I'm not a camper, never having slept outdoors in my life. In other words, I'm not much of an outdoor girl, but these tents and the outdoors were different from our Girl Scout days.

 

The tents are about 10 by 12 feet, with walls, floor, en suite bathroom with shower, heat, coffee pot, and if you're lucky, a cat to sleep at the foot of your bed. Oh, did I mention, also comfy twin beds.

 

 

Our tent

 

 

The front porch

 

Day One: Our arrival was on Friday afternoon with plenty of time to gather in the ceramics studio of our host, an artist. It's kinda the "living room" for campers. The cozy room was furnished with a large sofa, multiple chairs and a big table. Right out the door was a huge fire pit, for later in the evening. Lisa brought music and we all (6) brought food and beverages to tide us over until dinner time.

 

After the fire pit was revved up and we had a few adult beverages, we sat around the fire and told war stories. (All girls will understand what consistes of a "war story" and we're not talking!) The scene was just perfect with mountains in the background and a huge meadow before us. Rather than risk life and limb for dinner out we opted for a pizza delivered to us. To end the evening, I carried one of the resident cats "home" with Lisa and me and the beautiful gray girl slept at my feet the whole night, a perfect companion (and foot warmer).

 

 

By the fire, but mIssing two of the six

 

Day two: We woke up and Lisa and I were frozen like logs. All you could see were our heads sticking out from under the covers. Our heater had run out of propane during the night. We were told at "orientation" that we were to call immediately if such a thing happened. Within a few minutes, help arrived and we were toasty warm. After a huge breakfast, we visited Blue Ridge, GA, a lovely town in the north Georgia mountains a few miles away. It was a girl-shopper's paradise. (We all agreed that no man we knew could have lasted more than 5 minutes in this town.) It was a day of touching and searching for the perfect prize. I won it (as far as I was concerned).....a St John dressy jacket....at a much reduced price. We all agreed it was perfect.

 

The town of BR has some respectable restaurants. When I say that, I mean restaurants that have good food and don't gouge tourists (like so many towns I could name and won't). You won't believe this, but we all ordered the same entree. Yes, we were a compatiple bunch.

 

 

Elaine treated us to lunch in Blue Ridge. (From left to right, Lisa, Bobbi, Margaret, Elizabeth, Susan and Elaine).

 

The big birthday dinner came later that evening and bountiful it was. The meal, along with a perfectly decadent birthday cake, made by Elizabeth, kept us all on a chocolate high for many days following. Bobbi brought French champagne, so we were in heaven. Naturally they had put those candles on the cake that won't go out as I huffed and puffed until I had help from the audience.

 

 

Dinner and Cake with the Owner and Hostess of the Glamping Grounds supervising

 

 

 

Birthday Girl:

 

Elizabeth, The Thoughtful, gave me this tiara and a wand to go with it. I granted many wishes. After all, what are friends for? Another dear friend (Margaret) gave everyone t-shirts that said "Sensational Susie Sisterhood." It made me cry.

 

 

Love the t-shirts! We're on about the fourth course by this time.

 

Following dinner, we once again experienced the fire pit. This time, I was led into the dark by the hostess who commanded I make a wish and then I was to release a fire-filled Chinese-like lantern. Into the sky the lantern floated up and down over and over until it disappeared into the distance. What a perfect ending to a wonderful weekend with special friends.

 

What I have to do now is figure out another out-of-character celebration. Sky-diving, anyone?

 

Glamping? We were at the Martyn House in Elijay, Georgia. We filled 3 of the 4 tents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[mts to mov mac]

Happy Birthday, Susan.

[Eva]

Sorry, so late. but sincerely wish you have a good day, Susan.

[mov to flv mac]

Nice pictures.
Happy Birthday, Susan!!!

[photo edit]

this place is nice.. secluded.
looks just a tiny bit messy but maybe it'a just because it's fall. i think summer would be magic there :)

[Suzanne]

Susan, I must admit, now that I've seen the photos and read your blog, maybe I'm a bit inspired to Glamp for a weekend...especially since you did and raved about it. Glad the bathroom was indoors. - Suzanne

[Susie]

What are we going to do for your b'day next month?? I'm ready!
Susie

[Nancy Stewart]

Susie,

Being part of your birthday bash, complete with Susie narration, photos, and friends, was the most fun I've had since you were in Broadway, Va. Wish I had been there, except when the propane went out! Ohhh! Those mountains get COLD!

Next year? I'm thinking. I hear that the New River Gorge has zip lines.

Nancy