We went to the coast this weekend to go camping with some friends. The forecast was rainy, but I was optimistic that everything would still be fine. We had a back up plan of sleeping in the car, but set up the tent as it was sunny when we arrived. We took a little hike to a look out that is the first picture--it was beautiful. Theo was dressed like the little brother from the Christmas Story to stay warm, and even a slight drizzle couldn't dampen the deliciousness of my fire roasted hot dog. The people there, the s'more I ate while lying in the tent feeding Theo to sleep, the constant sound of the waves, having 3G coverage so I could find out that I have a HUGE chance of winning my family March Madness bracket--all great things. Theo even slept well and had a great first camping experience. Things just went downhill after we went to bed. Some raccoons came to the site, which was no big deal but freaked me out a little. (You have to remember when I am camping, at night every bit of my rational thinking disappears.) Then the wind started blowing (and tons of rain), shaking our tent, but I thought it was a bear, so I kept waking Jon up urgently thinking we were under attack. He even got sucked in, sitting up suddenly, issuing a stern "KA-HISS!" I found out that "ka-hiss" is Jon's go-to defensive noise. Good to know in case we ever do confront a bear, in which I will know that our doom is certain. But if a stray cat is around? We're all good. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much, but the rain stopped long enough in the morning to pack the soggy tent away. Then we went home, skipping our church beach clean up activity as I was afraid of Theo losing a few toes due to cold. I took a delirious 2.5 hour nap and woke up with a fever, my slight cold likely worsened by stress and lack of sleep. I think my jaw is still sore from clenching my teeth all night long.
But don't get me wrong, I don't want to sound all complain-y because there is always a bit of adventure and good storytelling resulting from things not going as planned. I just want to warn my future self--if there is a threat of rain, just sleep in the car, Malorie. Sleep in the car.
8 comments:
oh mal, we are twins. made me laugh so hard. I don't know why we can't have rational thoughts late at night, it just goes to crazytown in my mind.
ooh, sounds chilly. i love to camp but sometimes the waking up is brutal. glad you'll be pampered this week at a hotel!
Oh man! Sorry it was wet and cold, although Theo does look cute and plump. A lot of work, but maybe the hot dog and s'more were worth it??
Oh please. That was the night of your life! :) ha. Glad you guys came and am proud of your semi positive attitude. Next time we should go ahead and plan a camp trip in the summer.
i would recommend one of these: http://www.tabme.de/de/modelle/tb-l/ or these: http://airstreamlife.com/maze/files/2010/04/ardean-miller-3.jpg, http://airstreamlife.com/maze/files/2010/04/ardean-miller-8.jpg
or for more hard core: http://www.sportsmobile.com/4_4x4sports.html or http://squob.com/expedition_vehicles/unicat-dont-mention-the-garbage-truck/
no bears, no rain, no cold nights. you won't regret it!!
James, we want a teardrop trailer so bad!! sigh. Anything bear proof is a plus.
We never did the camping in tents as a family so Jonathan only got experience from scouts and young adult life. I love your good sportsmanship attitude and willingness to try--that is more than I have. My fear of freezing to death takes over and clastrophobia in the tent and I would move to the car. I guess I am saying please don;t ever invite me to camp with you all! Loved reading about it!
mama hall
I think I once backpacked, just to make sure I would be capable of backpacking in the future. It turns out that I am, despite the blisters and tremendous back pain, heh.
Good luck!
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