One of my friends parents have a farm in the hill country.
She has invited our family every year to go camping....and each year, I say "NO."
Well, this year, I had run out of excuses and decided to suck it up and just go camping. I mean, how bad can it be?
So, I called all 2 of my outdoorish friends and asked if they had a tent. Luckily I found one.
Then, I found some sleeping bags to borrow. The whole idea of actually sleeping outside was starting to get to me. How could I shave my legs with my Vera Wang shower gel? Where was I supposed to sit to apply my lip gloss in the morning?
Surely I could handle one night.
We drove about 2 hours with a car FULL of stuff for 1 crazy night.
Once we reached the destination....and I saw about 8 other tents already assembled and my fellow campers decked out in tennis shoes, baseball hats, and sunscreen.....
I was in fashion jeans and flip flops. Already, I was showing my lack of camping skills. Who wears flip flops in the dirt? Who forgets a baseball hat when the wind is blowing 15 mph.
Is it time to leave yet? Someone...please tell me this is over.
I borrow someones sunscreen. "Help" my husband set up the tent and I arranged our personal belongings inside the fabric hut that we will be sleeping in. How could this nylon contraption protect me from varmints and intruders?
So I took some deep breaths...and enjoyed the afternoon. Ate enough for 12 people. Watched my kid play all day, ate some more, visited with friends, ate again, and then.....it came. NIGHT TIME.
Where was the bathtub? And the TV? I have taken a bath before bed ever since I can remember. I can do this. I can.
So I get my kid changed....she is in her PJ's and in her very loud distinct voice she belted out "MOM, DO I HAVE TO TAKE A BATH?" So loud that the entire camp heard her. Giggles.
After I assured my kid it was OK to sleep without a bath....she fell right asleep. My husband did about 3 minutes later. Then, the crickets started, other people talking & laughing, more crickets, snoring, wind, talking, silence, crickets.....someone please tell me it is 6 am already.
I am sleeping in a sleeping bag on the ground. I am unable to sleep on my side because my hip bones would be bruised by the rock hard ground I was calling my bed. Snoring husband couldn't turn over for the same reason.
A long night.
Counting sheep didn't work. About 3 hours of sleep under my belt.
Birds chirped about 6 am. I woke up and unzipped my door. I made it. Nothing ate me....and my family was sound asleep in the tent. No one else in our camp area was awake...I was the first one.
I grabbed my bag and ran to the restroom. (yes, we had a bathroom & shower - I would have never agreed to go without one present.)
Top 3 showers I have ever taken. Got dressed...applied my makeup in the tent while everyone else snored.
So, there you have it. My first (and likely last) camping trip. Was a fun time hanging out with my friends all day long....but the sleeping thing is a pretty big issue. So, next year....may be a day trip and I will leave the camping to Dad & Daughter.
The kid had the best time of her life. Spent most of her time on the old tractor & the swing.
Happy camping to you if you go this year....you brave soul. ;)