Early camping memories...

Every father dreams of packing enough provisions for a few days in his kit and packing off to the wilds of, of ... yeah, the nearest state park with his wife and son to educate them in the ways of our ancient ancestors. I was reminded of our first camp-out when I was cleaning out the barn the other day, checking the camping gear in anticipation of this year's upcoming fishing season.

This first of our grand adventures started out as about 99% of most family camp-outs do -- with the old "tent in the back yard " trial run. This was pretty cool. Doug (my son) and our Ginger (our beagle pup) actually made it through most of the night. 'Course, there was a pretty bright pole light in the neighbor's back yard and the back door to the house was only a few feet away. We were pretty sure we could out leg any monsters that happened to be lurking close-by.

Having passed that test, we geared up for the big one -- the state park trip!! We carefully packed the Blazer with all the best conveniences that Coleman sold. We had two tents (one for sleeping and one for all the clothes, food and other stuff). Boy, we were hot stuff. Let 'er rip ... we were ready for anything. Actually these pictures are of two different trips; one being early on at Houston Woods State Park, and the second being at Salt Fork State Park.

They were pretty cool. We did some fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. Now, I'm not saying our campsites were the envy of the entire State Park Campers Association, but we sure got some glances. It was envy, wasn't it?

As I was saying, we were the envy of all, even the raccoons. It seems on the Salt Fork trip some decided to come for a visit one night and they thought they could stay overnight in our other tent. Well, a few wacks with a stick on the tent sent them scurrying. They sure left it a mess though.

However, we had lots of fun and Pam (my wife) and I let Doug help with the cooking. I think he had fun, and this must have influenced his later life as he actually became a pretty good cook.

Doug was under the influence of a movie that hit about that time called "Strange Brew." It was really funny, and had a favorite line which involved calling people "Hosers." That was his favorite phrase of the trip (see the picture on the right).

We have been camping a lot of times, some in tents and some in cabins. Some have been with Doug and Danika, his wife, and some just Pam and me. I only hope they are able to spend this kind of time with their kids. It is amazing how much you learn about each other from camping. The outdoors is a great workshop and nature is a fantastic teacher.

Many men go camping all of their lives without knowing it is not the woods they are after.

Hooah