WhERE We WERE......

Unnecessary Escalation By Law Enforcement Officers at Holbrook Pond Campground – Our Experience

On the evening of February 28, 2025, between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM EST, what should have been a peaceful evening turned into a stressful and disheartening ordeal for my wife and me due to an unnecessary escalation by law enforcement officers at Holbrook Pond and Campground.  

**What Happened:**  

It all began when Game Warden Officer Brown approached us while we were near the pond, asking if we were fishing. We said no and explained that we weren’t fishing and did not have any equipment for it but mentioned that I had my small HOVERAir X1 Pocket-sized Flying Camera: https://us.hoverair.com/products/hoverair-x1-self-flying-camera-combo (which he called a drone). Officer Brown initially said, “Just make sure that drone doesn’t fly too high and that it doesn’t require an FAA license,” which I assured him it did not. He walked away with no further issues.

Not long after, Officer Brown returned, stating that the drone couldn’t be flown at the pond or the campsite. Confused, I asked for clarification since there were no signs, warnings, or rules mentioned about this policy. I suggested he contact a supervisor to confirm the regulation.  

Here’s where things escalated quickly. Instead of clarifying or resolving the matter with a simple explanation, Lieutenant Sorgen decided to personally intervene. After we had already agreed not to fly the drone and I apologized, Sorgen arrived on the scene, acting unnecessarily aggressive. He demanded IDs we didn’t have on us at the moment (we were simply taking a walk near the pond and had left them in our RV) without any reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.  

When we calmly questioned why our IDs were needed, the lieutenant smirked and, in an intimidating tone, confirmed that “if we didn’t give our names, we could be arrested.” Despite my compliance and reasonable request for clarification, he continued this intimidation rather than defusing the situation.  

**The Outcome:**  

Even though:  

- We had agreed not to fly the drone,  

- Nobody saw it flown, and  

- We complied immediately,  

The situation escalated to include four law enforcement vehicles arriving for what should have been a simple and calm resolution. Eventually, the drone was confiscated despite no evidence of a violation.  

**What We Believe:**  

As campers and part of a large RV community that follows us on Facebook (we document policies for our fellow campers), we believe this was a clear overreach and misuse of discretionary authority. No reasonable or fair officer would have escalated this situation to this extreme when there was no signage, no significant violation, and compliance from our side.  

**Why This Matters:**  

This kind of aggressive and unnecessary escalation disrupts what campgrounds like Holbrook Pond should offer – a peaceful retreat for families and campers. It was stressful, embarrassing, and entirely avoidable.  

**What We’re Asking For:**  

1. **Immediate Review** – We are asking for an internal review of Lieutenant Sorgen’s actions and discretionary enforcement in this situation.  

2. **Return of Our Drone** – We want our personal property returned immediately, without added stress or delays.  

3. **Clarified & Posted Drone Policies** – There should be clear signage for campers outlining restrictions (if any) to avoid similar situations in the future.  

4. **Accountability for Escalation** – We want a formal acknowledgment that this situation should have been handled with more fairness and professionalism.  

This was not how responsible campers – fully willing to comply and respectful of campground rules – should be treated. We hope by sharing our experience, changes can be made to ensure no one else faces this kind of unnecessary intimidation during their stay.

We finally made our first trip since June 2024, and it felt even more special after Craig’s illness in August. We decided to head to Bliss Hills Farm for a week of much-needed rest and relaxation. The drive was about an hour, and the scenery was beautiful—until we hit the dirt road! Thankfully, it was less than a mile. As we arrived, Karen greeted us at the gate with a warm smile, and we got settled in, meeting the welcome wagon: Ava, the family dog! 🐶 There’s something about the open road and the promise of new adventures that fills the soul with joy.

Sunday

Today was all about exploring and connecting with nature! Karen took us on a grand tour and introduced us to her amazing garden. She gifted us some fresh lettuce and kale, and we learned about barrel gardening. Karen grows all sorts of veggies and herbs, including garlic and turmeric. We even met her hen who loves munching on veggies! After the garden, we strolled down to the lake and fed some huge catfish. While relaxing in a swing, we were joined by a six-toed cat—apparently, this breed was brought to the U.S. by Ernest Hemingway! 🐟🐱 It felt like every moment was a reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the joy of being present.

Monday

We went sightseeing today! Metter is just twenty minutes away, and our first stop was a Black-owned hair care store, celebrating our culture and community. We also checked out a consignment shop, where we spent a good amount of time browsing treasures and sharing stories with the locals. It’s amazing how shopping can turn into a soulful experience when you’re surrounded by good vibes.

Tuesday

We had plans to visit the Telfair Museum in Savannah, but it was closed. Instead, we had a lovely chat with a young lady on her lunch break, sharing laughter and stories. We then reconnected with an old friend, Jerome Meadows, a talented Black sculptor whose work speaks to the heart. About 11 years ago, he opened his studio for Imara’s gallery exhibit called “And Justice For All.” After our visit, we enjoyed lunch at Geneva’s Chicken and Cornbread. The food was incredible! I had stewed salmon with shrimp fried rice and greens, while Imara savored turkey wings with rice and blueberry cornbread. Each bite was a taste of home, reminding us of the love that goes into cooking. We wrapped up the day at a special Christmas musical event in the Yamacraw community, where the music filled our hearts with joy and nostalgia. 🎶🍽️

Wednesday

Today was all about relaxation and reflection. We took a long, peaceful walk around the lake, soaking in the beauty of nature and the serenity it brings. There’s something so healing about being surrounded by trees and water, allowing our minds to wander and our spirits to rejuvenate.

Thursday

The highlight of Thursday was simply resting and enjoying each other’s company. We took another walk and ended up relaxing on the dock, feeling the gentle breeze and listening to the sounds of nature. I prepared dinner, cooking a duck in the air fryer and making cornbread dressing in the convection oven. 🍗 It was a labor of love, and sharing a meal together felt like a celebration of life.

Friday

We woke up to rain on Friday, but it only lasted in the morning. The temperature dropped, creating a cozy atmosphere. We took our time packing up our site before the sun went down, cherishing the memories we made during our stay.

Saturday

Bliss Hills Farm was a fantastic place to camp! With only three RV sites and two cabins, it was peaceful and free from distractions. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. Karen and Mike even helped take down our tent to protect it from the wind while we were in Savannah. This trip was the perfect way to relax, reconnect, and ease back into camping. It reminded us of the importance of taking time for ourselves and the beauty of shared experiences. Can’t wait for our next adventure! 🌄✨

**My wise husband's "Sankofa Corner.🚐 Exploring the Life of a Mobile RV Tech: YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEkPmAq3HFg.

Hey everyone, it's been an eventful week here at Diamond Lakes! Let me give you a rundown of our adventures.

We kicked off the week by leaving Warthen and making our way to Diamond Lakes, a journey that took about an hour. As we backed into our favorite spot, it instantly felt like coming home. Setting up our campsite was a breeze, and we were eager to unwind and relax.

As the day went on, we started feeling a bit of cabin fever. When the ducks paid their daily visit, we decided to take a walk. However, the scorching temperature didn't let up, making it unbearable for a stroll. So, instead, we hopped into the car and took a drive around the familiar streets, exploring the area in a different way.

During our drive, just as we were heading back, we heard an ominous thumping sound. It could only mean one thing: a flat tire. Thankfully, we had passed a gas station entrance moments earlier, so we managed to limp our way into the adjacent lot, thanks to Imara's skilled driving. He filled some air into the tire that had been a concern since our departure from Warthen.

With the tire partially inflated, we made the decision to try and make it back. Unfortunately, every tire shop we came across was closed, leaving us with no other option. After a few blocks, the familiar thumping returned, and we pulled into another gas station. Yet again, there was no air available. Undeterred, we continued until we reached yet another gas station, only to find no air there either. It was time to switch to plan B, so we called roadside assistance for a tow.

Enter our saviors, Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins from Little Lady Logistics/Towing. They were the nicest and friendliest couple we could have hoped for. Not only did they tow our vehicle to a tire shop, but they also graciously drove us back to our campsite. However, the tire shop presented a challenge when we couldn't locate a visible key drop-off spot. The Jenkinses kindly offered to pick us up the following morning and accompany us to the shop to leave the key. And true to their word, they did exactly that.

The next morning, we rose early and embarked on a walk while attempting to reach the tire shop. After numerous unanswered calls, Imara had a brilliant idea to call the business next door. It turned out that the tire shop's phones had gone out the previous night and hadn't been reset.

Picked up by the Jenkinses, we were dropped off at the tire shop. However, we soon learned that it would take until the afternoon for the tires to be installed. In the meantime, we had planned to have breakfast somewhere nearby, allowing us to walk back to the shop. However, the Jenkinses, mindful of the scorching heat, insisted on driving us instead. We wanted to treat them to breakfast, but it wasn't a convenient time for them. So, they took us to IHOP and asked us to call them when we were done.

True to their kind nature, they returned to IHOP with a car on the back, and we rode with them to drop off the car. Along the way, we had the pleasure of meeting their amazing children. It was a truly serendipitous moment, with the conversation and connection flowing effortlessly. We look forward to seeing them again before we leave.

Today, as we were about to head back to IHOP for a late breakfast (one of the perks of not having a ticking clock), someone from the site across from us caught our attention. Initially, I thought there was an issue with our car, but it turned out that he recognized us. We had met him and his wife last year when we were camp hosting at Holbrook Pond. He was attending a family reunion, and one of his friends recommended another restaurant as we wrapped up our conversation. Being flexible, we took their suggestion and decided to try out "That Flippin' Egg."

For all you breakfast enthusiasts visiting Augusta, you should definitely check them out. It's an old 50's diner with an atmosphere that welcomes you with Elvis and Marilyn Monroe vibes. The ambiance is fantastic, the servers are friendly and accommodating, and the food is simply delicious.

During our visit, a couple stopped by our table shortly after we had sat down and commented on my drink order of hot water with lemon. As it turned out, they were fellow RV travelers who had parked their RV on the side of the building to join us for breakfast.

But the most memorable encounter was with a young man who sat at the table behind us. Not long after he arrived, the waitress brought out his order, leaving Imara stunned. He had an impressive amount of food, almost like two full meals. When Imara asked him if he planned to eat it all, he explained that he had just finished an intense workout and needed to replenish his energy. After a brief conversation, he swiftly finished his meal and was on his way.

Now, we're fully in relaxation mode, taking the time to focus on ourselves. It's not always easy with our lifestyle, but now is the perfect opportunity to catch up on rest, sleep, have fun, and engage in meaningful growth conversations.

One thing we've learned on our journey is how interesting and unexpected encounters can be. Each person we meet adds a unique and enriching element to our adventures.

Saturday turned out to be a laid-back day. Originally, we had planned to cook out and have the young couple we met join us. However, due to their schedule, it didn't work out. As we needed to move to another site for a couple of days, we adjusted our plans and skipped the grill. Instead, Imara set up speakers outside, playing his soothing jazz playlist while I prepared chicken on the indoor grill, along with baked beans and a squash/zucchini medley. We sprayed ourselves with bug repellent, lit citronella candles, and enjoyed our meal at the picnic table. Afterward, we relaxed in our chairs, listening to the music and cherishing the tranquil atmosphere.

It was the perfect ending to an eventful week filled with unexpected twists and memorable encounters.

Stay tuned for more updates from Diamond Lakes! Let the relaxation continue. 🌞🚐✨

🌟🌟🌟🌟Sankofa Corner (My husband’s wise words) 🌟🌟🌟🌟

🍽️ Introducing "Sharon's Food Corner"! 📸

Hey everyone! I wanted to share something exciting with you all. I have been honoring my wife's culinary skills and decided to created "Sharon's Food Corner." 🎉

Today, I want to showcase her amazing cooking skills by sharing some photos, that will surely make your mouth water. 📸🤤 Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this culinary delight! [YOU WILL HAVE TO LOOK FOR THE PICS IN THIS WEEKS POST)

Isn't it absolutely tantalizing? From the perfect presentation to the exquisite flavors, Sharon likes to truly cook. Every dish she prepares is made with love and passion, and it shows in every bite. I am glad I get to eat some too..lol (Happy Wife..Happy Life)

If you're a food enthusiast or simply love trying new dishes, be sure to follow "Sharon's Food Corner" the pics in this and our next week’s post with different dishes and mouthwatering creations. You'll be taken on a gastronomic journey like no other! 🌟And she would also love to see post your dishes too!!!!