Monday, August 11, 2008

weekend notes: camping!

This weekend was spent in the woods, in a tent, in a kayak, at a picnic table, and most importantly with my husband. On Saturday six of us set out for Pocahontas State Park and I haven't stopped thinking about it.

Jim and I have been talking up the idea of camping since purchasing a new tent for our anniversary, and two camping pillows. You may laugh at the pillows, but I have never slept on the ground so soundly in my life. Some essentials that made all the difference:
  1. a tent just a little bigger than the bodies laying in it
  2. blow-up sleeping pad (we slept on gravel and I didn't feel a thing)
  3. camping pillows!
  4. a sturdy propane stove (we couldn't believe how fast this cooked)
  5. Settlers of Catan
That's the magic combination. Of course, kayaks and a nearby water-park didn't hurt either. But the surprise hit of the weekend was the Settlers of Catan game that we happened to have stashed in the car. We taught the others to play and enjoyed a marathon 3 hour game, complete with lanterns and flashlights. I won around midnight! They loved it so much, they asked for a second round the next morning.

I hope that El Paso has good camping. I guess I'll have to get used to the desert real quick.

Things to do this week:
  • change the oil in my car
  • work on my wedding album (after 4 years, it's about time)
  • run! (only 2 more weeks until first race)
  • buy colorful/matching knee socks for friends to wear in above race
  • get better at blogging!
see you tomorrow (I hope!)

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

You had a beautiful weekend for camping. At least it was in Annapolis, MD. Dad and I are so glad you all had a great time. We are looking forward to hearing even more details.

Anonymous said...

We use an air mattress... talk about the pampered life, huh? I love camping and this weekend did seem perfect for it. Yesterday I wanted Scott to abandon work so we could just go on a whim right then, it is THAT beautiful here right now. Hopefully our clan can join your clan for an expedition before your move to the desert (don't worry, we'll camp there too)!!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great time. We are planning on camping this coming week-end with the "Circus crew". We are looking forward to it. We also hope to make it to Steeler training camp while there.

Erin said...

Karen,
Does that mean you're headed to ElPaso, TX?

Megan said...

Sounds like fun. I agree that the trick to camping is comfortable sleeping arrangements - makes every thing else more enjoyable! Why do you wear knee socks to run in? Just curious. Seems like it would be too hot...but what do I know?!

Muthering Heights said...

That sounds like fun...I would totally need some camping pillows, I'm not much of an outdoorsy person, LOL!

Anonymous said...

Big Bend is right there! You will have camping galore. In college that's where everyone went for spring break. I never got to go, but I hear it's great. Plus New Mexico isn't far. Good luck!