Monday, June 7, 2021

Thunder BRidge, Our New Adventure

 I was going to begin a whole new blog for this, but I didn't have the energy tonight, so thought I'd just write about our new adventure here in Holes In My Jeans. We're getting many holes in our jeans these days so I suppose it's fitting to include it here.  

Many of our friends and family know we've been embarking on this crazy undertaking, but many of you may not. More than 7 months ago we made an offer on a piece of property 2 miles south of our home. After the long wait, today we are the proud owners of almost 100 acres and more than 30 buildings, first built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the '30s, and more recently it was the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correction Center and also a Big Brothers/Big Sisters camp, which closed their doors in 2009. More about that in another blog possibly.

I'll try not to be too long winded about this because I could go on forever.  For now, I'll tell you what our initial plans are for the property, though we have many dreams that may or may not come to fruition. First I'll say, the property is absolutely beautiful and the buildings on it and the work that needs to be done is overwhelming. It consists of 35 developed acres and 64 wooded acres bordering the Jefferson National Forest. Any pictures I post on here will not do it justice. 

I won't tell you the hoops we had to jump through to get to this point, but I feel like it will all be worth it one day. The first thing we plan to do is to set up a very small, primitive campground, where folks can experience camping like James and I remember doing when we were kids. We want campers to have space to enjoy the outdoors without being bombarded by close camp neighbors, loud generators and TVs, etc. In the wooded part of the property, where most of the campsites will be, are also 2 log cabins, 3 screened shelters and a pavilion with a bath house. We do have plans to have 10 RV sites in the clearing. At this point an RV could not maneuver in the woods. The tree cover is too low and the roads aren't wide enough. 



The rest of the sites in the woods will be tent and van sites, many of which will be in listening range of this creek.





Our son, Adam, will be hosting the campground and will live in one of the houses on the front part of the property. There are a handful of livable, albeit outdated, structures, along with a full gymnasium, commercial kitchen, auto shop, maintenance shop, ball fields, an obstacle course, a barn, barracks, sheds and on and on. 

James and I have already chosen the buildings that will be our art studios, which is pretty exciting. It will be nice to unclutter our home, which has become a dumping ground for canvases, art materials and to put it plainly, a general mess. 

Here are a few aerial views of the property. 




I have lots more photos of buildings and interiors but I'll save them for another post because it's getting late and this is getting longer than I had planned it to be. I just wanted to start somewhere so when we start taking videos and moving forward you'll know what I'm talking about. 

Way more to come. 




19 comments:

  1. Wow, it is beautiful, Karen and James. Its history exudes caring for and supporting others. I eagerly await how you will utilize this remarkable piece of real estate. If anyone can develop it meaningful, you can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Thomas. There is so much history behind this property and we want to bring life and add to the story of this beautiful place.

      Delete
  2. Congrats!!!! It is an amazing property and truly enjoyed our day there with you. Best wishes for much success with your new venture. We are happy to help with anything we can ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Anne. It'll be fun to show you the changes since you were there last. Also, things look different with boards off windows. It's so much happier.

      Delete
  3. This is amazing!! Congratulations! Have you thought of having an art residency on the property? Seems like an ideal place to make art!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Art will definitely have a place at Thunder BRidge once we get things up and running. Maybe art and music camps, studios, workshops, etc.

      Delete
  4. We've passed this lovely property numerous times coming in to visit our sweet friends. Your new adventure does not surprise me in the least, but sounds just like you two - exciting and adventurous! I look forward to watching it happen!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have a lot of my childhood memories here. My step father worked there for 30 years. He was a part of the cabin building if I remember correctly. He slept by the door and the boys would have to get by him in order to exit. One night while one of them was attempting this my step dad had to take him back a notch or three. Thats where he got the nickname Big D. Id love to come by sometime when yall aren't busy and could give me a tour. My cousins lived in one of the apartments on campus and I remember what fun the Halloween parties were. I had many meals in the mess hall too. They had the best pizza. I could go on and on lol. Definitely looking forward to see what wonderful things you all do with this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sissy, we'd love to hear more stories from you. Definitely come by and introduce yourself and take a tour. It's hard for me to tell who all these comments are from. Thanks for reading.

      Delete
  6. What an amazing adventure!!! You are just the best!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lost Acres Farms. We feel very lucky to have this opportunity.

      Delete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Two of my best friends grew up probably very near your farm and Charlene recently moved back to the home place. Kim Dorwin a friend of mine from church here in Richmond was a young camp councilor in the late 1970s that led and supervised the construction of the log cabins by the boys from the camp. Let me know you'd like his contact information for history of that project.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Meggva for the comment. Those cabins are great! I would have loved to watch them build them. Sure, I'd love his contact info. My email address is kpannabecker@comcast. net.

      Delete
  9. It makes me so happy that you and James are taking on this huge project! I was sad when that property was vacated, knowing the potential for use and beauty, and seeing it empty. God bless you,, and Adam too. I'll be eager to follow the progress!!


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jeanette, I'll try to keep up the blog and post photos so you can see the progress. It seems slow going, but we really have gotten quite a bit done. It's just that there's SO much to do. We're sleeping well :)

      Delete