HAPPY CAMPERS - Segment 3 (Scroll down for earlier segments)


     My search for the elusive happy camper continued after marriage. 

     For our first vacation, I suggested to my wife that we try camping.  I depressed, I mean, impressed her with my backyard and vacant lot credentials. Her primary experience was 5-star, luxury suite hotels; not much to build upon. I tried to convince her there were many happy campers in our midst.  I thought, if anything could bond the relationship of newlyweds, it would be camping, especially if we could get involved in a happy camper’s group.

     Connie was skeptical.  She knew happy and 5-star hotels went together, but she didn’t know about happy and camping.  It didn’t sound right to her.  But after a brief period of weeping and carrying on, lasting no longer than an hour or so, I convinced her that this would be good.

     The next day, I looked for a tent with a remote.  Not finding it, I took a couple of dollars out of savings and invested in a cozy little pup tent.

    “Why didn’t you buy a two-man tent?” Connie asked. “We’re a bit larger than pups.”

     “This will be romantic,” I said unconvincingly.

     Thinking ahead, I surprised her with bikes for each of us.  I had seen many campers riding bikes with all they needed right on the bike.  I thought if this works out as well as I have planned, eventually we won’t need the car.  It will just be the two of us, our bikes, and all our gear.  I could feel my adrenaline starting to pump with the heightened expectations as I comforted Connie in her distress.

     Before embarking on our vacation of a lifetime, I suggested we try the bikes.  Being skeptical of my intent, and cautious about over-exercising, Connie said, “I hope this isn’t going to be the Tour de France.” 

     “Not at all,” I reassured her, “just a little Tour de Neighborhood.” 

     After coasting down and walking up several hills in the area, Connie said, “I think I might do better on a stationary bike, as long as I don’t have to use the pedals.”

     “You’ll have a hard time keeping up with me on a stationary bike, “I explained. 

     The day for our departure finally arrived.  After diverting my wife’s attention with some chocolate, I fastened the bikes to the bike rack on the trunk.  Then I went down my checklist, making sure we had everything we needed for our first night in camping heaven.  “Bikes, two sleeping bags, tent; yep, we’ve got everything,” I assured Connie.

     Along the way, we stopped occasionally to ride our bikes. 

     “Riding would be much easier, if we could take the bikes off the rack,” Connie suggested.

     “I'll take them off when we get out of all this tar and gravel,” I answered.

    
     We finally arrived at our destination for the evening.   I looked around to see if we might be near any happy campers, but everyone was already asleep.

     After setting up camp, we squeezed into our cozy little tent and lay down.  “I’d better get our sleeping bags,” I said as I jumped up and ran back to the car.  

     
     After getting settled, I thought how pleasant to be away from all the distractions of a hotel: TV, air conditioning, running water, comfortable beds with a mint on your pillow...We were well on our way to becoming happy campers, until morning.

 

To be continued...check back soon