Haven’t been in years but looking for a primitive camp spot in the Dahlonega area. Prefer something near a nice trout stream with hiking options for the hubs and the dogs available. Def do not need water/electric and hiking in is great. As far from any other people as possible is +++++

We are going on our very first cruise and I’m excited and terrified of the unknown. This is something I had absolutely said I’d never do but here we are… Me (40F), hubby (40M) and 2 kids (8F, 11M). We are on the Mariner for a 5 nighter going to the W Caribbean next weekend. Really excited to have our virgin cruise on a tried and true ship!

I’ve booked the non-alcohol packages. I’ve got an internet package and I’ve booked excursions through RC at the ports (ridiculous fear of the boat leaving). What else am I missing?

Is My Time Dining worth a dinner at 8pm (everything earlier is booked already). I am a foodieish type but no one else is in the fam. Can you simply show up to one of the MDR and get a table? What about the specialty restaurants? Lunch vs dinner suggested with kids? What typical onboard activities are good for adults with 2 busy kiddos? I’m concerned they will NOT be into the Adventure Ocean programs. What are your tried and true family/friendly ideas? I see a ton of activities but what do kids tend to enjoy? Can you just let your kids “go off” and do whatever (mostly for the 11yo)? If so, how do you communicate? Silly, but how cold are the nights in late February? Is it the mid 60s with wind that need long pants and pullover or is that overkill? Trying to make sure I pack appropriately but not ridiculously!

Any other first-timer-with-kids advice?

My bathroom has a massive window that NEEDS plants in front of it. Problem is that it is directly west facing and gets a TON of sun (no tree cover). It is frosted glass but that doesn’t help too much. I have never had luck with plants and a west window.

What would you suggest to put there? Pet-safe and I’d love something that vines or drops a bit that I could have in some lovely macrame hangers.

First time cruiser here. We will be on Mariner with the family in February. Our youngest will be 7yo (she’s already 7 now). I feel like many of the shore excursions say 8yo minimum. Thoughts on how that works?

I had my first and only budgie at 8. He lived for 12 years and was the most amazing boy.

Now, my oldest kiddo has been pestering for one so we now have a budgie! It’s been 30 years since I had a bird and I feel like things have probably changed a little since I got a $10 budgie at Woolworths, a $20 cage with 2 plastic perches and used grit paper in the bottom.

Single budgie - is ok as long as we give him a ton of attention? Food: decent seed mix and fruits/veg and a cuttlebone. Any other vitamins or…? Toys: mirrors and destructive stuff still en Vogue?

Anything else? My kiddo researched and has a nice little setup for this fluffer but just want to ask the experts!

Likely the most random post ever...

When I was a kid (1985-1997 probably) we used to go primitive camping right on a creek/river. We would drive up 400 through Dahlonega and then take a bunch of backroads (lots of chicken farms) until we turned into a dirt road. That dirt road seemed to go for miles (and would always be a little questionable early in the season). There were 5-6 primitive camp spots spread along the river/creek and no real established trails except the ones we made every year.

The land was right on the border of private land (owned by some big family) and the National Forest. Around the time we stopped going, the family’s elder had passed and all the land was being sold so no one could go anymore. They were building houses from what I recall. I remember everyone always mentioning they ‘stocked the trout’ fairly close upstream if that helps.

I don’t remember the name of the creek. Dicks Creek almost sounds familiar but it could be Yahoola or who knows.

I would love to figure out where this was or something close. Everyone who would remember details is dead, so no one to ask.