CAMPING 101

Yep, that's right folks. Tammy was roughin it. She is going camping. Why she finally gave in and said yes, nobody knows! She is not a roughin' it kind of person. She doesn't like bugs and she doesn't care too much for public restrooms. It's the whole gonna get stung by something somewhere on the private body parts and gonna catch some rare germ in the shower thing. Tammy is more of a Gaylord Texan kind of gal. What does she even bring on a camping trip? makeup/shampoo/towels/snake traps? Nevertheless, Tammy and Brad bite the bullet and go with their friends to Arkansas for a few days to experience what the outdoorsman connoiseur calls, "Going Camping". Their friends had all necessary gear and a little extra to make the experience more enjoyable. They even told Brad and Tammy they had an extra tent for them. When Brad and Tammy saw the finished work of both tents, they were less than happy. How would they even get in to that cocoon they call a tent? Oh...this is not a good way to start.....

But as we were getting prepared for the evening, A beautious smell came wafting through the air. That was the smell of grilled hot dogs and corn on the cob. Wait a minute...this camping thing might not be so bad after all! So after grilled to perfection with just a little bit of crunch hot dogs, corn on the cob that was browned just enough to give it a smoky flavor, the Avants' and friends moved on to 'smores and roasted marshmallows. We say roasted but really everyone burns the marshamllow. We all went to bed with lots of laughs and full tummies. One day down...two to go. BTW, no shower on this night. We talked ourselves out of it.

-----On a side note, Brad forgot his contacts case so he threw them away and had to wear his glasses. He was looking for his glasses case in the pup tent and could not find them. He started getting frustrated. It is like 12:00 at night mind you, and I am not about to get out of the tent for anyone to go looking for their glasses case. So instead, I curl up into a ball in the coner of the tent and let Brad begin his search. He found them a few minutes later. He then realizes he still has his jeans on and needs to change into his sweat pants. Well, he is not about to go outside and hike the 100 feet to the bathroom and have all kinds of critters chasing after him. Brad decides that he can take them off laying down. I am still in the corner curled into a ball. I start giggling...Brad is trying to shimmy off his jeans in that tiny tent. I am giggling more. He now cannot find the sweatpants. More giggling. He finds them, puts them on and we get in our sleeping bags.

Tammy, something is wrong. my zipper is stuck

What?

My zipper. I can't zip it up.

giggle.

Tammy! Help me!

Laughing

Stop laughing and help me!

Laughing

Laughing

Laughing

The next morning was again, a load of surprises with smoky cooked over a fire bacon, scrambled eggs and biscuits. Now these are things you can make at home, but there is something about the outdoors that makes it so delish! WHO KNEW??After tummies were full, the clan headed out to do some walking in the woods. Well, the walking lasted about five minutes. All around was flooded. So, the clan thinks lets get lunch together and go ride a pontoon boat. No luck there either. Bass boats were the only ones for rent. Oh, they had pontoons, just not willing to rent them to the city folks I guess. A bird watching deck was all that could be found but still it was fun and a beautiful view. The clan goes back to the camping area to take a nap in their prospective tents. Here is what the inside looked like ...

The girls took a walk around the campsite talkin about all kinds of stuff while the guys hung out. Later on for dinner- Steaks, coal-baked potatoes and cake. Mmm.Mmm. Good times. Good times. This would be the last night and Tammy is dreading going home (did not see that coming) BTW, the girls take showers while dinner is cooking. The bathrooms were ultra clean and smelled like cleanser. It was very nice although the hot water kept cutting out alternating cold and heat and had an automatic shutoff after 2 minutes. Needless to say, the shower was quick!

Around 4:00 in the morning, a pinging is heard on the tent. Ping, Ping, Ping. Is that bugs? What was that? Something just splashed my face! Is that dew? Oh my goodness, it's raining!The last day and raining. Bummer. The camping gear was packed up quickly the next morning and the clan headed to IHOP for breakfast which really was good but pales in comparison to the camp food. The clan heads back home with a successful camping trip in ther vacation portfolio. A few bugs, cold weather, a roaring fire, excellent food and some rain. It was the perfect camping experience!

---We had a great time and want to go again in the fall. We are no longer camping virgins!