Back in August of this year, we (meaning my wife, son, and of course me) decided to go on a weekend camping trip at a local lake and campground named Sugar Bottom. We paid our requisite fees and choose our site with care. At this particular site there are around 10 sites that are set aside just for tent campers. We checked out all of the locations (nobody else was there) and decided to set up shop at the closest site. It was actually a nice site with trees for shade, it was quiet, a fire pit was available, as well as a picnic table.
After the 20 or so trips from the car to the campsite, we were finally ready to set up the tent. It should have dawned on us, that as soon as we were taking the tent out of its wrapping, the itty bitty flying critters that love blood began to make their appearance, that it would be an interesting weekend. As we began to set up the poles, in between slaps to the neck,face,arms, and so forth, one of the poles bent at an inconvenient angle. The pole was designed to be a 45 degree angle, it was now a 60 degree angle. After a few choice descriptions of an anatomically impossible series of acts, we got the pole more or less straightened. When we got the poles situated, we set up the tent. It was at this point we encountered a gut wrenching sound, RIP, our hearts sank as we both saw the 13-15 cm tear in the bottom anchor pole slot.
Being an avid fisherman, I decided to repair the tent. Needless to say, it is not very easy to stitch a tent with a # 7 mustad hook and 7 lb. test mono filament line. It wasn't pretty but it was holding. With this minor miracle being completed, we finished organizing the campsite and decided to go do some fishing. I had my typical result from this little excursion. I caught a sunburn and about 3,000 bug bites, with a resultant itch that would but itch powder to shame. My wife on the other hand caught a nice catfish that weighed in at about 2-3 lbs. Even my son caught a few blue gills and a crayfish. I managed to drown a few worms. Oh well, at least I was out doors.
We returned to the camp site and I proceeded to start the fire. I quickly discovered that matches are a good thing to pack for camping, not to mention wood. As I then proceeded to stalk about the campground attempting to make the trees lose their bark with my barking of, in the immortal words of Mr. Spock, colorful metaphors. My wife during this tirade, had quickly and quietly got the car keys and made a trip to the store and returned with wood, matches, and self starting charcoal. She even had the foresight to return with a frosty drink for me. Let me tell you, Mountain Dew has solved many a crisis. Anyway, as I was guzzling my Dew, she had the fire lit. I then prepared the catfish for us, and hot dogs for my son, as well as some chili. As the food was cooking I had set out the chairs to enjoy the rest of the evening, more mosquito bombardiers not withstanding, and began the vigil. At last the food was ready, and we had our meal.
It was after we had retired for the night, after putting out the fire, that the real ordeal began. It was about 11:30 pm when we heard the first rumblings of trouble. It was a distant rolling sound accompanied by a bright flash, that caught our attention. I exited the tent and looked southwest and saw a fantastic light show forming. Problem was that it was headed in our direction. If you live in Iowa, you know how fast these things can develop. So about an hour later, we were laying in our tent listening to the thunderous cannons and constant rat-a-tat-tat of the rain that I made a discovery. My stitch job from that afternoon was coming apart at the seams. I watched in fascination as the gap became a crevasse and our tent became a swimming pool. At least we were on a slight slope and this allowed for easier bailing of the tent.
When we got up the next morning, we proceeded to make the best of the day. We got out of our sleeping bags, towled off, and exited the tent. I am glad the entire camping area was deserted, because i had forgotten to apply my clothing. I was there in the bright morning in all my half frozen glory. If there any neighbors they would have gotten a better view of nature than they would want. Geesh I needed some coffee at that moment. After re-exiting the tent I surveyed the scene. At least it wasn't a total wreck. just ankle deep mud. Gee, all I had packed were sandals, so the squishing between my toes was an interesting sensation to say the least. I looked around and saw the soaking wet wood, charcoal, and matches. No coffee for me this morning. It was then I remembered we had packed the propane camping grill, just in case of emergency. My coffee needs were a definite emergency.
After my coffee was brewed and the first few sips savored the rest of the family joined me. I proceeded to make a shipwreck for us. For those of you unfamiliar with this email me, and I will give you the destructions...I mean instructions to make this treat. Anyway this was accomplished with no issues what soever. I should have known. I had decided I needed a shower desperately, so I loaded my ditty bag and headed off to the showers. All the while, I am leaving a trail of mud to guide my path home. As I arrived at my destination, I was greeted with a sign posted by the rangers that the men's showers were out of order. At this point I think I started to laugh. I did see an elderly couple walking towards me, turn around, and go the other direction with as much haste as they could muster. When I was able to breath again, I began the trek back, it was at this point I saw that the women's showers were not closed. I was tempted though to use it, till I saw the ranger exit it. So I returned to camp.
The rest of the trip was relatively uneventful. Next time we are renting a cabin.
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