I've had full-on camping gear and supplies for quite sometime. For last 5 and a half years to be exact. They'd all been used exactly once so far. Until yesterday.
When Bobby boy was 6 months old, deep into covid, we went for camping for the very first time. It was cold though, really cold. Bobby boy was wrapped in a warm suit that made him look like and feel like a michellin man or an astronaut. Barely able to walk, it didn't help that he was covered from head to toe, keeping him all warm but making him all wobbly and sloppy! We arrived at the campsite later than we should have, set up the tent, made a camp fire, grilled food. It was fun for sometime. When we turned in to sleep in our 4 person tent, I remember the tent seemed quite large. But Bobby was wobbly and just generally not happy, feeling like he was covered with pillows. The next morning we woke up, made tea and breakfast at the campsite before packing up and heading back. It was not a totally disaster but we were scarred enough that we didn't go back for like 5 years.
This weekend, in lieu of Bobby's birthday, Bobby's godfather Keith suggested camping, and i thought it may be time for second chance! It was a place close to home. The plan was to get there around 5-6 when there is still plenty of sunlight to set up the tent. Grill some meat for dinner. Stay in tent for the night and come back the next morning. The camp site was really nice right next to the lake and had picnic table and grill. Bobby Doggo and i reached about 6 and met Keith there. We were able to unload the car and set up the tent by 7. Bobby helped too! Doggo was delighted to run after the ducks in the lake (without actually getting in to the lake!), gallopped this way and that, free as the birds he was chasing! We put picnic chairs overlooking the lake and watched as boats crossed this way and that. Bobby guessed how fast each of the speed boats must be. Then hot dogs were grilled. Raj had picked up a paneer wrap for me to take to camping, which was delicious!
We sat by the picnic table talking and eating. The sun had set and it was getting pretty dark now. Just after we finished dinner Bobby said i gotto go to poopoo. The rest room with running water was not far but certainly not close while walking. So he and I ran to the car, I turned the car around and we drove to the rest room. I half expected to see doggo running behind the car in the rear view mirror, telling "Mumma, wait for me!", in dog language of course! But luckily Keith had told him to sit next to him and so he waited. Bobby and I came back soon enough. And now Bobby wanted smores. So we did that!
We brushed our teeth and soon Bobby wanted to turn in for the night. Bobby n I got into the tent and Doggo came up to it and hesitated. He didn't want to be left alone outside, that would be unthinkable. But he also couldn't fathom coming inside this weird contraption! After a mix of coaxing and threatening him, he finally waded inside the tent. Suddenly the tent that had felt pretty big last time, now felt very small! He walked around awkwardly, stomping on my legs and other body parts. Bobby kept moving about in stead of falling asleep. Soon it was all too much for me and my head was getting heavier with sleep. Doggo settled somewhere between Bobby n me. All through the night i slept tossing and turning to make sure doggo is taking turns stifling blood supply in my left and then right ankles and legs. I am sure he was enjoying it. It felt it was dark for a long time and then i turned and opened my eyes and it was suddenly morning and light outside. Doggo was looking forward to getting out and galloping about.
Keith tried to get the fire going in the morning but it just didn't work. We packed up and left. It was a good camping trip! Doggo and Bobby both agree. It was a birthday camping trip for both of them! Happy birthday Bobby and Doggo!
