Camping trip take 2

We woke up Monday morning to a steady mist (despite being promised by the weather people that it would be clear...grr) and took our time getting ready. Jaylie actually didn't get up til 9 or after. We made it back to the campsite around noon and were just hoping that our things were still in the tent and not horribly soaked. The mist had stopped and we were pleased to find that everything was there; the tent was still standing. It was clear as we went in, though, that had we stayed the night, we'd have been very wet. So, we took the top sheets and blankets off the beds and went to the bath house to put them in the dryer. Of course lots of other people had things to dry also so we didn't wind up getting all our stuff dry til around supper time. We took care of getting things rearranged and then had a sandwich lunch and settled down to rest; it was about 2:30 or so. After about an hour of virtual silence, we got up and played for a bit. Since Eric had brought dry firewood getting a fire started wasn't that hard. We decided to have our s'mores first; I think we had earned it. Eric got a good fire going for the burgers and we had a pretty good supper that night. All our bedding was dry, our tummies were full and we settled down to a fairly good night's sleep. The kids all did good. I felt like I heard dogs barking (there were surprisingly a lot of folks who bring their dogs camping) and geese honking all night. (Do geese not sleep?) Morning broke cold and foggy...disappointing me yet again. Even more disappointing was that Ethan woke up with a fever and a barky cough. Right then, over breakfast, we decided we would not spend another night (we had reserved the campsite an extra night so that the kids wouldn't feel cheated...) but would spend the day out there and then head home. We got ready and went fishing at the lake...to no success. However, the sun decided to come out towards the end of that event. Finally, blue sky was everywhere and our spirits began to lift...at least mine did. So we went down to the lodge place where you sign in and everything and played a few games in the gameroom, then we asked about the tower we had seen and the lady at the desk said,"Sure, go on down and climb it." We got to the foot of the tower (which is like a lookout tower. Not quite as tall as the one that they watch for forest fires in but it still was tall and situated on a bluff that would allow for a great panoramic view) to discover that the gate was locked and we couldn't get to the steps. So we drove back down the hill to ask what is up. The lady radios a man and asks him to meet us up there to unlock the steps. He does this rather quickly, and apologetically "I just forgot to unlock it, sorry about that. Watch out for the wasps." As we head up the steps, we noticed more and more of the wasps and by the time we reach the top were telling the kids,"OK here's the top, look at all the trees, lets go!" We hurried back down and went back to camp for lunch. As we were walking back to the tent, Eric remarked,"Now it's not foggy but still hazy from the pollen." As if on cue, my eyes started itching. The fog had lifted and it took about an hour and a half or so to dry the trees out sufficiently to allow the pollen to blow. We took a walk to a slide and swing set, with me tearing up and itching furiously, then back to camp for lunch and rest. We were trying to decide if we would stay and play and eat supper before going home or if we would pack up and leave and eat supper at home. After an hour of rest with me rubbing my eyes to the point that one seemed dangerously red and puffy and gunky, we decided to pack up and go. We were glad we did with how long it took to pack up. We got home around 6. We ate McDonald's, showered and went to bed.
What I gathered is that I really need running water and a sink. I really don't mind camping in cabins, or even popups or RVs but I think tent camping is just not for me. People who do it, and enjoy it, are made of much stronger stuff than I am. The kids say they had a good time, which, I guess, is all that matters. I'm glad I tried it, but don't really want to do it again. Eric says he thinks that the conditions have to be exactly perfect for it to be enjoyable. It just seems like a whole lot of work for very little payoff...especially with rain and fever and pollen.

An update on Ethan, I had him to the dr. yesterday where he was diagnosed with croup and reflux. He is now on steroids for the croup, since he has breathing difficulties anyway, and previcid for the reflux. We'll see how he is in a few days. He seems pretty sick still.

So now you know how our Great Family Camp Out went. I'm still trying to decide how to sum it up...memorable, that's for sure.

D