…whole life

We went on our first camping trip since being back in the country, and
it was a new type of camping for us. Friends* invited us back in
February to camp with them in Jellystone, a camp resort just south of
the MI-IN border (not quite the same as south-of-the-border in SoCal)
and just north of I80 (when I say “just north of” I mean “bordered
by”). We knew that they were all taking pop-ups, but we were not
prepared for the urban-like population density, and the massive motor
homes that were there. They all headed down on Thursday night, and
ended up setting up camp in a summer downpour. We arrived in the
morning to a clear sunny day. Our spot was on the edge of two of the
campsites, and the five families looked a little like a wagon train
camped in a circle. Since we have been outside the camping lifestyle
for a while, we had to procure some new equipment. This time around
it consisted of a 8 man tent (yes a little ambitious for a family of
4), a single propane burner, 2 folding chairs, and a little
battery-powered lamp. Other things were borrowed, like an additional
sleeping bag, a tarp, 2 more folding chairs, and a bike rack. The
camp site only took an hour and a half to get to, and the campground
was equipped with a store, 2 pools, a water park (4 water slides),
planned activities, and even luxury cabins for those willing to pay.
It is a family friendly place and kids wander at will. The speed
limit posted is 51/2mph but it did not seem to apply to kids on bikes.
Our spot was right next to the playground and the athletic field, and
there was usually activity all day keeping the kids busy. It only
rained one night, but it rained a lot.

I took my recently acquired (thanks B!) bocce ball set, and us men
played a few rounds on the field. It was fun to play in a space that
provides for all types of game play. Tony liked to throw the pallino
so far that we could barely see it and our pitches were dangerous.
Paul and I preferred the short game that was more like putting in golf
and a little more competitive.

The best parts were seeing the kids play together, and being able to
spend time with adults around the camp and around the fire at night.
We would do it again, for sure. Only next time we will seal the seams
of the tent before we leave.

*Thanks Lance & Stacy, Chris & Tony, Paul & Missy, and Nora & Matt for
inviting us and letting us settle on your sites.