Posted in Just for Fun

Anyone who's ever been on a camping trip with a large group of people knows there is always one in the crowd to whom calamity seems attracted.  In any group I am with, that one is me.  I always seem to be the one who is eaten up by mosquitoes, or sleeping on the wettest area of the tent, or has a spark from the fire land on my favorite sweatshirt (while wearing it).  I try to be a good sport.  After all, camping is something my family has done since I was a very little girl.  Don't get me wrong, I really do enjoy being outdoors, and I don't even mind sleeping on the ground so much (unless of course I am pregnant--then's it's really no fun trying to get down at night or up in the morning).  Actually, now that I have children of my own, I really like seeing how exciting the experience is for them.  Few of them get attacked by killer mosquitoes like their mom, and most children think sleeping in a tent is an adventure.

Last weekend, some friends of ours invited us to spend the weekend at a camp near the coast.  The camp was on a lake where we could swim and there was a firepit for roasting marshmellows and nice clean bathhouses for showering.  As we prepared for the trip which we knew would be a fun experience for the children and (hopefully) a relaxing time for mom and dad, I was counting my blessings that I wouldn't have to sleep in a tent or go without a shower.  When we got there, though the accomodations were rustic, we were pleasantly surprised by what we found.  Right away the children wanted to head down to the pond for a swim, so we ladies and children changed our clothes, packed up our gear, and headed for the water.  We had a great time splashing and swimming, and the boys got to use the row boat as well.  After our swim, we headed back to the camp to prepare supper, and what did I find on my foot but a nice, friendly... leech.  Oh, it gave me such a good feeling to see that little fella clinging to my foot.  Did anyone else have any leeches anywhere on them?  Of course not!

Later in the evening, as we were roasting marshmellows on the campfire, I was being bombarded by bugs.  When most people get a mosquito or blackfly bite, it itches a little and maybe turns a bit red.  When I get one, there is a welt the size of a quarter left behind.  The bugs loved feasting on my face, and when they were through, I looked like a character in a bad comedy movie.  At least it gave everyone a good laugh.  Then, after a restless night with several wakeful children, we were ready for a new day of fun!

In truth, we really did enjoy the time of quiet and the break from the regular routine.  Aside from the bugs, leeches, and lack of sleep, I had a great time!  At least I had a nice hot shower in the morning.  And my children have a fun memory.