While Balthazar’s first camping trip was actually over just before 10:00pm, he did get some good exposure to camp-life and the adventures that surround it.
Balthazar has been going on about a camping trip for days now. We’re not exactly sure where he picked this up, but I couldn’t be happier. I love camping and haven’t done any since becoming a father. Camping is one of those experiences I wanted to bring to my son however, and eagerly awaited the day. As the weather hasn’t been very favorable over the last week or so, there was concern about thunderstorms. Amy also thought that it be best to spend a single night out instead of a weekend or longer. As all of this came together, we finally decided to just setup a tent in the backyard near a fire pit I built in the late winter.
It has been raining off and on over the last few days, so wood was damp and difficult to burn. He saw how difficult it was to get a fire going, and how after a while of trying, the materials had dried and caught. Amy had to go inside to cook on the conventional stove – still hot dogs, however – but eventually the fire started up and looked like it would hold.
Then it started raining. The wind came in pretty fiercely and some low, rumbling thunder could be heard. There was also some minor lightning – the horizontal type, often behind the clouds. That was enough for Amy and she went in the house. Balthazar and I stayed out to brave the storm in the tent. As we were getting in, I spotted a baby snake moving through the grass. The boy got to watch as a young Copperhead slithered around to avoid the cat and eventually went under the tent. Not a good place for it, as a four-year-old in a tent is like a bull in a china shop. He was jumping all around and rolling even though I reminded him to try and not crush the snake. I hope it got away.
The trip was over by bedtime. Balthazar wanted to go back inside just before 10:00 when I told him it was time to go to sleep. I think he was hoping he could avoid having to go to sleep more than he wanted to leave the campsite. He said he had a great time anyway.
Unfortunately, it’s now been three days and the tent remains in the backyard. It rains about once a day and leaves the tent somewhat wet by the time I get home to do something about it. Oh well. At least it’s getting good and aired out for the first time in 10 years or so.