The Worst Camping Trip Ever

We'd been looking forward to this trip for a couple weeks. A weekend at the coast, near Orick - away from the heat and smoke. Waves. Fern Canyon. S'Mores.

Friday morning I woke up with a sore throat. Ugh, I thought. Allergies. Or all the smoke. Maybe a cold, but I wasn't going to let it get me down. I felt a little rough, but not too bad. I have some wondrous drops called "Immune Support" with zinc, vitamin C, echinacea, et al, and I was taking them every few hours. I worked until 2:30, then headed off to a doctor's appointment. Good news there - cortisone injections should help my pain, and if they do, the next step is radiofrequency ablationing, which is more long-lasting. It's just mechanical pain - no neurological losses. Yeah!

Got the kiddos, packed up the car, dropped off the dog, and we were on our way!

Arriving at 9 or so, we set up our stuff (my friend Jeanie had set the tent up for us already, bringing it when she came that morning - Jeanie, you rock!) Made some sandwiches for the kids, roasted some marshmallows, and the kids were ready for bed.

I knew I was in trouble about 2am. I woke up with my teeth chattering. It was a deep, bone-numbing cold, which I knew came from inside - the weather outside was mild, not foggy at all. My sleeping bag is rated to 20, and I was wearing (in addition to sweats) a hat and socks. Checking the kids, I found them toasty and off in dreamland. I knew it was a fever, and not a good one.

Saturday morning broke beautifully. It was an absolutely perfect day at the coast. No fog. A bit of overcast, but not much. No wind. We walked the few short steps to Big Lagoon, and the kids ran off some energy. Jake showed off his incredible rock-skipping skills - he really is amazing. I fed the kiddos some sweet potato muffins, tried to choke down a cup of coffee, then we loaded the kids into the cars and ventured into McKinleyville. The kids played at McDonalds while Jeanie did some laundry. It was an awesome outdoor playground. As soon as we got back, I knew I was in trouble, but I didn't want to let the kids down.

We loaded up and went to the beach. The kids had a blast! Emme was afraid of the waves (it usually takes her a day or so to get used to them) but Jake was a champion wave chaser! I buried him in the sand. Emme had a couple other little girls to play with. Then, back over to the lagoon, so the kids could swim. Yes, I said swim - it was that warm! Not warm enough for adults to do more than wade; kids are amazing.

Meanwhile, I laid on a towel and tried to sleep. I was miserable. There was no denying it anymore. The monster had me. Throat - hot, swollen, excruciatingly painful. Head - didn't hurt if I lay absolutely still, but let me make the terrible mistake of trying to move it - shooting pain. Left ear - there's a small man in there, with a very sharp knife, and I don't think he likes me very much.

As soon as we got back to the campground, I started loading the car - yes, it's only Saturday afternoon. Sweet Nicole helped me. Jake had a blast helping me get the air out of the air mattresses! Jeanie offered to take down the tent for me. The kids were disappointed, but they could see how sick I was.

After a few stops on the way (milkshakes, potty stops for the kids, trying to explain to my little readers what the words "Hell's Angels" mean when they're found on a vest or a Harley, naps for me) we were home. My bed never felt so good.

And I couldn't get it out of my head - Mommy, why would anyone want to be a Hell's Angel when God loves us so much?

Yesterday morning I was at work - only because the clinic I work in is open on Sundays and I NEEDED A DOCTOR! Thankfully, it isn't strep, and zithromax seems to be helping. Jake played with neighbors most of the day, and Emme found some friends to spend the night with...which means she stayed there until bed time, then came home because she missed me - awwww. I didn't think she'd make it all night, but I wanted to let her try. I guess that's part of growing up.

And there will be other weekends, other trips.