DCFemella

How I did it: My friend R. contacted me about going camping. It’s one of the things that I planned on doing this year, so I excitedly agreed. I was finally able to use the camping equipment that I bought with my ex the year before. After dropping the kids off, I changed, got some camping essentials, and was on my way. I thought it would only take me one hour, but it took two hours. It started getting really dark, and I was alone, so it was pretty scary. Next time, I am definitely going to try to ride with someone. The drive was a pretty one when I got into the Shenandoah Park, so I have no complaints.

I was the last to arrive, but it didn’t matter. My friends had already started the fun times, so I was able to instantly enjoy myself. We began a game that I had never heard of called “Never Have I Ever.” You are suppose to say things you have never done, and if someone had done it, he/she had to drink. After awhile of playing it, we started laughing hysterically and being really loud, so the guy next to us came over to tell us that there his kids were sleeping. We all felt bad, so we went to sleep.

My friends had brought one tent that was reminiscent of the tent in Harry Potter. It was huge, and all six of us fit. I didn’t sleep very well because it was super windy, and I felt like the tent was going to blow away. The next day, I got up and R. was already cooking away. I already know that girl is going to be an amazing mother. She made us bagels and sausages. It started to rain a little, but all of us were ready to go hiking, so we went.

The hike was gorgeous. We saw two waterfalls and were in awe with all the breathtaking views from the colorful leaves. My friends are like paparazzi, so they were snapping away. The guys had to be the adventurous ones and go inside one of the waterfalls. The girls just watched them wincing every time one of them looked as though they were ready to slip. It was time to head back. It was torturous. It was just a huge hill for an hour. My friend N. and I looked at each other and said “Screw this! We are going to do this.” We had to stop a few times to ensure that the group was with us, and we kept going. We finally reached the top and did the Rocky victory dance.

Our friends R. and R., who organized this, went all out with the food. Yummy burgers, trail mix, salmon, wild rice, potatoes, smores, and chips. I know who I want to be with if I have to go camping again. 

The funniest thing that happened was with bugs (of course!). There were these little stick bugs that kept jumping on our food and us. R. wanted to check out this food in a bag that she got from the camping store, so I made it. It was a Chicken Teriyaki stew, and I was the only one who tried it. When I was eating it, one of those stick bugs jumped on my plate. I screamed and without thinking flung the bowl towards N.’s roommate. After making sure he was ok, they started making fun of me. I really need to work on how afraid I am of bugs.

I headed home in a very good mood that I was able to go camping before it got too cold. I had a marvelous time, and I plan on taking the kids next spring.

Lessons & tips:

1. If a bug scares you, throw your hot food in the other direction where other people are sitting
2. Don’t forget that if you are hiking downhill, you will have to go back up eventually
3. Make the best out of any situation
4. Don’t forget to thank the host/ess
5. Have quiet voices when there are kids camping near you
6. Bring a pad so you can sleep better
7. Bring an MP3 player for those insane hikes
8. Bring a stack of Uno cards
9. Take tons of pictures
10. Smile

Resources:

1. Fun, Non-Drama-Filled Friends
2. Sleeping Bag
3. Off Bug Spray
4. Rain Poncho
5. Open Mind

It took me 6 months.

It made me Good Times