We went to Raystown Lake last fall on a whim and loved it. It was far away enough to feel like we really traveled somewhere yet close enough that it didn’t feel like a major life event on the drive It was a beautiful setting and offered lots of amenities, activities and attractions. And of course there’s 35 miles of single track that are accessible right from the campground.
So naturally while we were there in October we scouted the whole campground (actually 5 separate loops) to find areas we preferred and set a return date for Ryder’s Easter Break which fell in mid April. This time around we stayed in the Point Camp which is set on an idyllic peninsula with either lake views or waterfront sites nearly all the way around the loop. We found a great waterfront spot above the lake although access to the water was down a somewhat steep embankment. Talley took up most of the length of the pad so we had to park the truck alongside, but that was no issue since our site was probably 150 feet wide. Our picnic table and fire ring were down a level and had a private view of the lake. it was spectacular.
The only downer for the trip was that Kris was recovering from a sinus infection and laid low most of the time. But hanging out at the site and roasting marshmallows was just the right pace for her while Ryder made friends with the neighbors’ kids and Ethan did his best to keep up with their antics.
Selfishly, I really wanted to come back to ride the Allegrippis trail system. I did coax Ryder out for a short ride the first day which I loved having him in tow… I hope that this starts to grow on him and he pursues it a little more (I know, I know… I cant project). Saturday and Sunday were the two best rides I’ve had in years and certainly since getting the new mountain bike. Each day I got a little more than 10 miles in on much more diverse terrain than what the Annapolis area has to offer. 10 miles may not seem like much, but for someone trying to regain riding fitness again it was perfect and this length allowed me to push hard the whole duration but enjoy it as well.
Let’s not forget that it was Easter weekend and even though Sunday got off to a cold and rainy start (mixed with some snow flurries), we decorated eggs (Saturday) and had our egg hunt once things warmed up a bit. This was our second Easter camping but the first with Ethan really on the go and searching for his eggs. Both boys had a great time and I’m hoping we can return in the fall which is not only our favorite time of year to camp, but also to ride.
