The first camping trip in a new camper is generally a “learning experience” and this one certainly was. We learned the last time we took a “first trip” that its better not to be too far from a store and restaurant. This one was a bit better since we were more experienced campers. We had a better idea of what to take and leave at home, but a new camper takes a bit of learning. The funniest story is that my husband accidentally connected the water hose to the wrong tank- he connected it to the one you use to clean out the septic tank. Fortunately we caught it just before the water overflowed and came spilling out of the toilet!
The new camper is roomier with more storage, and we enjoyed using it. We went to a campground just 40 minutes from our house with a big creek running through it. The creek is the perfect temperature- not so cold that your submerged parts get numb, but very refreshing in August. The water is crystal clear and the depth varies from shallow wading areas to deeper swimming holes. There are sandy beaches scattered along its length for rest stops and exploring. The current is swift, and the creek is perfect for kayaking. We made several short kayak trips every day.
My youngest son wanted to go kayaking with his friend on a longer trip. To do this, you put in at the campground and pick up the kayaks about 15 miles downstream at a bridge in the next town. Unfortunately, it rained the entire 5 hour trip, and there was no shelter between the drop-off and pick-up points. The boys were soaked, and my son fried what was essentially a brand new phone. It got water in it even though it was in a plastic bag. Except for the weather, it seemed like a good trip and I’ll be trying it myself one day soon.
This camper has full-sized bunks, which were more comfortable for our teenagers. It might also have been the last camping trip with all of us, as the following week, college started. We all enjoyed the trip, and hope we’ll be able to to it again before my husband tows the camper to Louisiana to become a fishing camp till spring.
Friday, after dropping our youngest son off at his high school, we loaded our oldest son’s gear up and drove him 5 hours to his University. We unloaded his stuff, and after a lovely dinner with some relatives who live right next to campus, our son gave us a quick hug and drove away. I thought it wouldn’t be an emotional moment, as he had been at a boarding school for a couple of years, but somehow it was different. More final. I didn’t cry, but I have to admit I’m a bit sad today.
And with that, summer is over. As much as I look forward to summer, I look forward to it being over too. The hectic pace of summer, plus having kids in the house all the time, and with their crazy eating and sleeping schedules is tiring. I am looking forward to tomorrow morning, when everybody is leaving the house except for ME! I have a long list of things I need to do that I have been putting off all summer (pets to the vet’s office, assorted appointments for me, etc) but tomorrow I might just lay around and read a book. I had a really busy week that included driving more than 15 hours. I was accustomed to this sort of schedule when I was working, but I’m not anymore and I’m longing for some alone time.
Favorite Retirement activity of the week- I saw an elderberry bush loaded with shiny black berries on the way back from camping. It was a country road and a Friday morning with no cars in any direction. I wasn’t in a hurry, so I pulled off on the side of the road with my trusty clippers and cut a grocery bag full. When I got home, I looked up a recipe and made myself some elderberry syrup. Delicious!
