Whether you’re looking for a socially distanced vacation nudge, DIY project inspiration, or a bit of soul shine, this blog post from Sara Dunn, VP Deposit Operations and Electronic Banking, is the essential read you need in your life today.
Some of my fondest childhood memories were spent around a campfire while primitive camping as a family. The Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York provided the perfect backdrop for weekends off the grid. Even before “unplugging” was a necessity for a healthy recharge, my parents relished in packing up our station wagon and heading out into the woods, often with family friends in tow. Whether it was roaming the wooded trails, casting a line into a pond, or clumsily tripping into the fire pit (there was no fire burning yet!), cherished memories were made during each excursion.
Once in high school, and having relocated to Oconee County, I continued my love affair with the mountains. Day trips with friends to Panther Creek, Blood Mountain, and Helen gave us the opportunity to feel a world away from home- free from the classroom, part-time jobs, and household chores.
A couple of years ago the itch for the great outdoors came calling again. Finding it harder and harder to unplug from the daily grind, and seeking a project that could unite my interest in interiors with my partner’s construction skills, we set out to find a vintage camper that we could make all our own. After months of searching online ads and countless social media camper groups, we got a hit on an “In Search Of” request, having proactively pictured the size and style camper we desired. The previous owners shared their stories of past excursions, which due to health issues had been halted, and ultimately gave us their blessing to make Lil’ Scotty our own. Within 24 hours we were the proud new owners of Lil’ Scotty, a new-to-me 1984 Serro Scotty pull behind camper.
Over the next three months we worked tirelessly to overhaul 125 square feet on wheels; I pieced together a vision board as a starting point of the interior while John busied himself with structural and electrical repairs. My vision for the interior included a crisp white backdrop with touches of gray, and lush pillows and linens to create a cozy and inviting aesthetic. Referring to ourselves with a laugh as the “Chip and Joanna Gaines” of campers, we spent countless hours painting, installing new light fixtures and hardware, laying new flooring and commissioning a fellow OSB team member’s mother to recover all of the upholstery. In order to keep the new additions light weight, we opted for peel and stick wallpaper and adhesive backsplash tiles. Décor and accessories came last, including a crocheted wall hanging, a small plaster cow skull, a plethora of falsa blankets and textured pillows, in addition to custom Lil’ Scotty playing cards and journal to document our impending adventures.
Since seeing our vision through, we have taken about 10 trips throughout north Georgia and North Carolina. Much like camping as a child, trips never go quite as planned. We blew a tire just 20 miles out of town during our maiden voyage to Lake Hartwell. We’ve been rained out by an unexpected downpour in Helen which turned to snow by morning. We’ve setup in the pitch black of night and accidently lured a young bear to our campsite when we tossed out a stale bagel. While those mishaps make for great stories, our favorite parts of this journey are the ability to enjoy the destination and connect with new people we meet along the way. The ringing of a phone call or text message are obsolete, traded for the soothing sound of a flowing brook and birds chirping. The smell of bacon frying at sunrise, later replaced by the unmistakable scent of a campfire at sunset. Lil’ Scotty provides the perfect sanctuary for a temporary escape from the norm and a reminder of how important it is to experience life, not just live it.
