Sullivan, Ohio – A Reunion for the Ages

After leaving Sandusky, our next stop was Sullivan, Ohio, where I got to reconnect with my college housies for the first time in 20 years. The nostalgia alone was worth the trip, but what made it truly special was seeing not just my friends but also meeting their families and realizing how much life has changed for all of us since our college days.

Mike (who now goes by Teddy) had a camper at this campground for years and was clearly in his element. He’s built friendships with weekend regulars and has made this spot a second home. Mike’s amazing wife, Megan, and their twin boys welcomed us right into the fold. Megan’s best friend, Vanessa, had her RV parked nearby, so we also got to meet her and her kids. Scott, my other housie, brought his awesome wife Aimee and their three girls. It was the kind of weekend where laughter echoed from campsite to campsite, drinks flowed freely, and stories from decades ago resurfaced like no time had passed.

The highlight — or maybe the comedy show — of the weekend was without a doubt the firewood debacle. The night before, Mike had proudly hyped up his “connection” with a local Amish guy who gave him what he claimed was the best firewood deal around. He was glowing with pride, and we were all excited for the big fire he promised us the following night. But when the time came, it quickly became obvious the wood was so green it refused to burn. Mike, determined not to lose face, poured what seemed like a gallon of gas onto the pile and then marched around with a blanket, trying to fan the flames and get some airflow. Nothing.

As Mike grew madder and madder, Scott was talking mad shit, cracking jokes about how Mike couldn’t even start a simple fire. The whole group was in stitches watching the spectacle, but the frustration was real for Mike. That’s when Patrick finally stepped in. Calm and steady, he tried a completely different technique — stacking, feeding, and coaxing the fire rather than attacking it — and within minutes, the flames finally caught. Scott immediately kicked off a slow clap, the whole group joined in, and from that moment on, Patrick was forever known as “Apache Blanket.”

It was a total boondoggle of a weekend, filled with drinks, laughter, and more memories than I could’ve asked for. After 20 years, being back with my housies reminded me just how special those friendships were — and still are. Catching up, meeting their families, and creating brand new stories together was the perfect reminder that some bonds never fade, they pick up right where they left off.

Sunset at the Campground in Sullivan, Ohio