Our maiden voyage

Youngest Daughter and I have just returned from our first camping trip. Our family camped every summer for about twenty years, got older, kids moved away, etc., and the vacations became more traditional.

For Steve, staying in hotels/motels suited him just fine. And while I enjoyed all those trips, I so missed the natural world!

This summer I got the bug again, bought a bunch of new equipment at end-of-season sales and invited youngest daughter to join me. She was delighted.

So here's our tent, set up in ten minutes (we practiced at home) just paces from the Russian River in Sonoma County, California. We were only away for two nights. Demi-dog proved to be an awesome companion and enjoyed her first swim in a river. She frolicked!

The first night there was a sudden and VERY dramatic thunder/lightening exhibition. It was not on the forecast so took everyone by surprise. The rain that followed was minimal and sounded wonderful above our heads that night.

Will we venture forth again? Oh, yes -- and soon!