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| Jeffrey and hot dog. |
Last month we went camping. In the rain. November is Vancouver's rainiest month, and the Scouts have a tradition of camping this month and calling it their "Rain Camp" and usually they do in fact get rain.
On the Friday after Thanksgiving, we arrived at about 6 pm. It was very dark by then, so we had to wander around the campgrounds with flashlights looking for a good spot. I was impressed that we were not the only ones there. We were, I think, the only ones there without RVs.
The style for camping during rain camp is in hammocks. Self-made hammocks. Fortunately, the old scout master came along to help us set up the hammocks, which are made with a 50 ft. rope, a blanket, and a tarp. The tarps completely cover the bags and as long as the bags stay up, they are completely dry.
When we arrived, it was dry, but by 9 pm we were getting a steady, but not hard, rain. Fortunately, we were about done setting up then. We enjoyed some hot dogs roasted over the fire, some cookies, and then made a beeline for the hammocks.
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| Keeping the fire alive |
I actually brought a tent, since I was worried about there being enough trees, rope, etc. I always forget how uncomfortable sleeping on the ground is. And it was near impossible to get warm. It was in the low 40s at night, which is not as bad as it could have been. But having grown up in Florida, I am not used to any kind of cold-weather camping. And I am using the same sleeping bag I have had since I was 12, and it is sporting some holes, so I'm not surprised I was cold.
The rain continued most of the night. I also realized at 3 am that our site was not far from a railroad. Of the 10 boys that came, 7 went the hammock route, and 3 stayed in tents.
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| Jeff inside his bag under the tarp |
Even though the sun would not come up until 7:30 am, and even then it would be foggy, boys started getting up at 5 am. "I was bored" was one's excuse. We got the fire going since the rain had finally stopped. One bright lad had left his shoes outside his tent. The bacon was a big hit, but I was the only taker for the eggs. They spent a lot of time roasting potato chips over the fire.
Light did finally arrive and we realized we were right next to the ocean. Surprise! The campground guy came around and looked at our condition and didn't charge us for the night. One small win!
We then packed up all the gear and headed back and by the time we left it was raining again. Overall, a very soggy, cold night out.
We then packed up all the gear and headed back and by the time we left it was raining again. Overall, a very soggy, cold night out.
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