This weekend was our first camping trip of the year. We were joined by many of our friends. As the weekend got closer the weather forecast got worse and worse. I don't think a single one of us (who were all in tents, except for one in a pop up) ever considered cancelling the trip.
We arrived on Friday in beautiful weather. It was slightly chilly, but perfect camping weather. Not too hot to sit around a fire, but not so cold that you needed a million layers. We got camp all set up, had dinner together, and gathered around the fire ring for some social time. Somewhere around midnight we all went to bed. Then 4AM hit. Sleet. Heavy sleet/ice pellets, temperature dropping. We awoke in the morning to a break in the rain, so hurried up and had breakfast before the downpours started. A group of us went out and did some local geocaching before coming back. It got COLD. Very cold. We were still able to enjoy dinner, and managed to huddle ourselves around the fire. The kids' tent had been leaking, and a few in our group were kind enough to run to town and grab a tarp. By the time I had gotten back, the entire tent was shrouded in a tarp. The kids said it not only kept it super dry inside, but also very warm. I was so grateful that they had done that for us.
Somewhere after midnight, everyone went to bed. I went up and took a shower, and finally laid down about 1:30AM. I was out by 2. We were greeted in the morning to sunshine and warmer temperatures. We had our breakfast and began to pack up. That's always the sad part, knowing that the time to say goodbye is approaching. After everyone got everything loaded, Pokagon State Park decided it didn't want us to leave, via a series of car issues. Fred and Katie had a blown brake line on their truck, No-H backed into a pole with his nice SUV, and my batter died. Used my AAA to get Fred and Katies truck and trailer home, wasn't much we could do about No-H's bumper, and he jumped my van. Then we headed off for a few more caches before leaving town. The kids and I cached our way back home, and it was nice to get to spend those last few hours with them before the chaos of home returned to us.
All in all it was horrible weather, but we had a fantastic time! I'd do it all over again if I could...and I hope that the group starts planning more "family" trips like this! Already looking forward to the next one.
In other news, we have yet to hire another person at work, so I am going to be working crazy hours the next few weeks. The pay check will be awesome! My home life...nonexistent. :o( It's all going to be worth it in the end though.
Also, my 16 year old daughter, Kylie has her very first job interview this Saturday! Wish her luck!
You're right. I'd do it all over again too. The thought of cancelling never did come to my mind.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck Kylie!!!