Welcome to A Crock of Schmidt. Here you will find campground reviews from all my camping adventures over the years. I also share cool attractions and destinations we’ve been to, great hikes we’ve done, and some insights on our hobbies. Once in awhile, I toss in some ramblings on whatever nonsense moves me at the moment. Thanks for coming by and I hope you find something that helps and/or entertains. If you do, kindly tell a friend about this place.
Aspen Crossing Campground – updated review
November 12, 2019
Aspen Crossing Campground was the first campground to which we intentionally returned back in the early days of our RVing career. Like other spots we sought out as we gathered our camping legs, Aspen Crossing was an easy, relatively short drive from our home. It quickly became a favourite. Trains were part of the draw.
George Lane Municipal Campground – review
November 5, 2019
We popped our cherries at George Lane Municipal Campground in High River, Alberta. That may sound like a typical prairie high school prom story but alas, it isn’t. In this case, it’s the simple tale of our first ever camping excursion as RV owners. The year was 2011. Summer. We had purchased our very first
So This is Imposter Syndrome
October 25, 2019
44R jacket. Matching 34/32 slacks. Complimentary 17 dress shirt. Vibrant, yet professional, tie. I’m a time bomb? Okay, not exactly, but considering I put it together in under an hour at Value Village while retaining current-century fashion sensibilities is worthy of a little fist bump. Such was my Friday afternoon last. An unforeseen, panicked shopping
The Return Intern
September 10, 2019
I have a fantastic idea. It’s a self-serving idea, to be sure, but I believe it to be fantastic nonetheless. I haven’t looked for a job in nearly fifteen years. I haven’t had a job for more than ten of those. But kids age and spouses lose jobs. So like a fledgling, I awkwardly tumbled
Bighorn Campground – Ya Ha Tinda – review
August 17, 2019
RV camping can be an expensive pursuit. Check out the price tag on a brand new Airstream if you need proof. After years of camping in old, used trailers found on Kijiji, last spring we took the plunge and purchased a 2019 Geo Pro right off the lot. We then doubled down and added a
Redstreak Campground – Kootenay National Park – review
August 10, 2019
Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park (part of the world-renowned Rocky Mountain National Parks in Western Canada) is another campground whose reputation precedes it. Talk to Calgarians or lurk on Alberta camping Facebook forums, and Redstreak is regularly lauded. Like all raved about camping spots, I had to find out why. This was the summer
Astotin Lake Campground – Elk Island National Park – review
July 31, 2019
Chalk one up for us little guys. I regularly mock massive RV owners. Usually just in my head. And certainly never in person. It’s one of those petty judgments we all secretly relish. I am well aware that they are by far in the majority when it comes to travel trailer choice. The storage lots
Rockwood Geo Pro 16BH – One Year Later Review
July 17, 2019
You would never marry someone after the first date. Well, you shouldn’t, anyway. Likewise, rating a travel trailer such as our Rockwood Geo Pro after a single use, or single season, doesn’t make for the most accurate assessment of its suitability as a mate. Much like dates, new trailers put on a good show a
McLean Creek Campground – McLean Creek PRA – review
June 19, 2019
CLERK 1: Do you need firewood. ME: Yes, please. CLERK 1: Oh good, how many bags? ME: Umm. Well, how much is it? CLERK 1: $10 per bag. ME: Hmm. Two bags, I guess. CLERK 1: It’s supposed to rain tonight. Are you sure you don’t want three? ME: [???] CLERK 1: [smile] ME: [???]
Know Thy Golden Handcuffs
May 23, 2019
Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” The man was centuries ahead of his time with that meme-worthy nugget. He was Facebook before Facebook was cool. Or invented. He was also full of shit. Truth is, knowing yourself is the beginning of depression. And self-loathing. Knowing myself has never so much as