Since surviving our family camping excursion last weekend I have taken the time to reflect on some things I've learned about myself and my little brood.
1. When the going gets rough, find the parade. After we'd botched the directions for the umpteenth time and crossed the Bay Bridge into San Francisco gridlock, we accepted the fact that turning around was no longer an option and continuing Northish towards the Golden Gate Bridge was our best option. Just when I thought John was going to reach across the front seat and strangle my over compensatory optimism with his bare hands as I assured him "crossing the Golden Gate Bridge will be fun!", the traffic in front of us parted to reveal an enormous pink ruffled parade float covered in painted Asian women wearing turquoise kimonos and waving sparkly fans right in front of our car. Shelby broke into a high pitched giggle and practiced her own princess wave as John couldn't help but crack a smile at the sight of it all.
2. Always pack a swimsuit. As we pulled out of the driveway to meet our doom last Friday, I lamented about how little I'd packed for myself in the way of clothing when John interjected, "You didn't bring a swimsuit? You ALWAYS bring a swimsuit camping, no matter what." Well, when Sunday arrived and we agreed to turn the car on and let the girls thaw out in it while we packed up, I caught a glimpse of the thermometer. 39 degrees. My teeth chattered and I rubbed my raw, numb fingertips before laughing aloud as I said, "Well, John, I'm sorry I didn't bring my bikini this weekend. I could have worn it as earmuffs!"
3. What is wrong with THESE PEOPLE? The temperature never broke 47 the entire time we were in Big Basin. I don't claim to be a big camper, hiker, mountain person. Sure, I like to rough it every now and then, I don't mind a little dirt, but I've never worn zippered pants that convert into shorts and I don't own a $500 backpack. My camping fashion consisted of running shoes, 3 pairs of socks(one pair on my hands), striped pajama bottoms, 4 shirts of various style, under a hoodie and a fleece, followed by a sleek dress coat of John's. My perfume of choice: Eau de Campfire. I forgot a beanie of my own so I donned the girl's striped beanie, which would have been okay except for the giant crocheted yellow flower on the forehead. Camper Runway, here I come. This being said, I was in no position to judge anyone by their sense of style, but seriously, it's shady and windy and 40 some odd degrees and these crazy Nor Cal Natives are rollin around in Tevas and cargo shorts!
4. Hotels and room service. I guess I really am a girlie girl when pushed. Given a few freezing nights in a tent cabin followed by a lush hotel with room service and heavy cotton bathrobes, I'll pass up camping any day of the week! Upon checking into the hotel I slowly made my way around the room taking in the piles of plump feather pillows, the adorable little highball glasses with their paper caps, the rolled hand towels, I caressed the complimentary bar soaps, admired the carefully creased toilet paper roll, and kissed the mini bar. I AM IN HEAVEN!
5. My husband rocks. He didn't complain about the cold coffee I served. He bought overpriced firewood and burned it like a millionaire. He slept on the cold side of the bed, the one against the wall, under the drafty window and didn't hog the covers. He kept two fires roaring all weekend, in the tent and outside, so we could pretend the weather wasn't that bad. He didn't notice my terrible fashion sense and kissed me after two showerless days without deodorant. He poured me wine when I complained the beer was too cold. He held my hands when I said they were numb. And he washed all our clothes at a seedy laundromat while the girls and I lounged in a hot bath at the hotel. And on our way to his emergency meeting he encouragingly pointed out the outlet shopping before we dropped him off. Did I mention my husband rocks?
1. When the going gets rough, find the parade. After we'd botched the directions for the umpteenth time and crossed the Bay Bridge into San Francisco gridlock, we accepted the fact that turning around was no longer an option and continuing Northish towards the Golden Gate Bridge was our best option. Just when I thought John was going to reach across the front seat and strangle my over compensatory optimism with his bare hands as I assured him "crossing the Golden Gate Bridge will be fun!", the traffic in front of us parted to reveal an enormous pink ruffled parade float covered in painted Asian women wearing turquoise kimonos and waving sparkly fans right in front of our car. Shelby broke into a high pitched giggle and practiced her own princess wave as John couldn't help but crack a smile at the sight of it all.
2. Always pack a swimsuit. As we pulled out of the driveway to meet our doom last Friday, I lamented about how little I'd packed for myself in the way of clothing when John interjected, "You didn't bring a swimsuit? You ALWAYS bring a swimsuit camping, no matter what." Well, when Sunday arrived and we agreed to turn the car on and let the girls thaw out in it while we packed up, I caught a glimpse of the thermometer. 39 degrees. My teeth chattered and I rubbed my raw, numb fingertips before laughing aloud as I said, "Well, John, I'm sorry I didn't bring my bikini this weekend. I could have worn it as earmuffs!"
3. What is wrong with THESE PEOPLE? The temperature never broke 47 the entire time we were in Big Basin. I don't claim to be a big camper, hiker, mountain person. Sure, I like to rough it every now and then, I don't mind a little dirt, but I've never worn zippered pants that convert into shorts and I don't own a $500 backpack. My camping fashion consisted of running shoes, 3 pairs of socks(one pair on my hands), striped pajama bottoms, 4 shirts of various style, under a hoodie and a fleece, followed by a sleek dress coat of John's. My perfume of choice: Eau de Campfire. I forgot a beanie of my own so I donned the girl's striped beanie, which would have been okay except for the giant crocheted yellow flower on the forehead. Camper Runway, here I come. This being said, I was in no position to judge anyone by their sense of style, but seriously, it's shady and windy and 40 some odd degrees and these crazy Nor Cal Natives are rollin around in Tevas and cargo shorts!
4. Hotels and room service. I guess I really am a girlie girl when pushed. Given a few freezing nights in a tent cabin followed by a lush hotel with room service and heavy cotton bathrobes, I'll pass up camping any day of the week! Upon checking into the hotel I slowly made my way around the room taking in the piles of plump feather pillows, the adorable little highball glasses with their paper caps, the rolled hand towels, I caressed the complimentary bar soaps, admired the carefully creased toilet paper roll, and kissed the mini bar. I AM IN HEAVEN!
5. My husband rocks. He didn't complain about the cold coffee I served. He bought overpriced firewood and burned it like a millionaire. He slept on the cold side of the bed, the one against the wall, under the drafty window and didn't hog the covers. He kept two fires roaring all weekend, in the tent and outside, so we could pretend the weather wasn't that bad. He didn't notice my terrible fashion sense and kissed me after two showerless days without deodorant. He poured me wine when I complained the beer was too cold. He held my hands when I said they were numb. And he washed all our clothes at a seedy laundromat while the girls and I lounged in a hot bath at the hotel. And on our way to his emergency meeting he encouragingly pointed out the outlet shopping before we dropped him off. Did I mention my husband rocks?
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