Planning and overplanning

Youngest Grandson caught me on Skype this morning.  He is SOOOOOO excited about next week's camping trip!  The truth is, so am I.  I found a California map that I can easily photocopy so the kids can follow the route to make the drive more interesting.  We'll stop often because we're only going four hours away and there's no rush since we have reservations.

Because we missed the entire last camping season I feel so behind.  I need to assess the equipment - I know we need a new lantern and more tarps so Demi won't be lying in the dirt.  Plus clothesline rope so she'll be tethered on her six-foot leash (state park rules) but still be able to move more freely up and down the rope. This little trek will take more planning because we're so behind.  I already promised the kids I'd take them again in August to another favorite state park and I'm hoping to carve out some time in September and October as well.  The bug has bit!

We're going to Donner Memorial State Park, near Truckee.  Dare I tell them about the horrors of the Donner party crossing the upper passes over the Sierra?  There is a museum and a monument and even a campsite (on a trail where dogs can't go so we'll miss that), but I don't recall the gruesome details in any of the displays.  Read The Story of the Donner Party - there are several titles written by various historians.