Camping

Hello,

On Thursday we met Brian and his children at the campgrounds that is only about 12 miles from our home. There was a nice shady spot where we could pitch our tent close to theirs. We set up, took a nice hike on a trail and had a good meal, mostly provided by Brian who does a good job organizing, planning, and cooking. Leroy and I did clean up.

Our downstairs friends came to see our camp set up and check it all out. It was great to see them just to see them, and since they loaned me a mattress which was in their van. My camping pad did not seem to get very firm.

Later we prepared for bed when Leroy and I decided go to the bathroom one more time only to learn that it was closed because of sewer problems. There was another that we could use but it was at least a five minute walk away. Sometimes that is pushing the limits for us. We enjoy walking but bathroom stops sometimes do not leave so much notice. The second option was also a pit toilet. At least there would be no sewer problems there.

During the night Leroy, with a certain amount of embarrassment,  went in the bushes and I struggled a bit more. It was rather stressful. Leroy announced emphatically at dawn, “I am not staying another night!”

By the time Brian got up it was starting to look like rain. At this point Brian said, “I do not really want to stay here and go so far to the bathroom. Who knows when this will be fixed? With the possible rain it could be quite a problem to make the hike.”

We had some breakfast and hurriedly took down camp with just moments to spare. In fact we had a few drops on us, but not too bad.

We came back to our apartment with relief. I was a little uncomfortable being with these people I love very much, but had not seen for some time. None of us had been tested for the virus, but we just decided that we would move ahead and hope for the best. Somehow it is easier to avoid people with whom I do not have such a close connection. What a strange thing to feel this approach/avoidance.

Paula