camping?

Yes, we did!

The mister and I have only been camping once together and it was a hike-in trip in George Washington National Forest.  We both really love camping, though his version of camping is 'pack-in, pack-out' with the guys, and I grew up car camping with a fantastic pop-up camper.  So, when we first talked about camping with P last summer the Mister had a hard time imagining "family camping".  Over the year he was able to grasp the vision of family car camping, especially when he found out Honda makes a tent that attaches to our car!  Somehow, that sold it for him?!

A few weekends ago we made reservations at Cunningham Falls State Park, packed up our car with all our camping necessities (including a queen size blow-up mattress), and hit the road.  We also talked some friends into joining us, they are veteran family car campers, so P had a friend to explore with once we all got there.

We had a full weekend so we could only go for one night, and we all agreed (after the fact) that for the time and energy it takes to set up for a night of camping, two nights are better than one...next time!  I had to keep reminding myself as we set up the tent, or cooked a meal that it is ok to take your time since this is the only thing that needs to be done right now.  Camping is all about camping, being out of the city, out of the every day tasks, and setting up a tent, collecting fire wood, making dinner; there is no reason to rush, these tasks are what we have to do, nothing more.  It was refreshing to be out in nature and just breathe, wash dishes on the picnic table (by hand!), make breakfast as you eat breakfast since the stove is so small, drink in the sunshine that greets you at 6 am.

We will certainly go back, hopefully soon!