Vacation so far…

• We have so far seen the following wildlife: a skunk in our own back yard while pulling out of the driveway at 4:00 am. Or 3:58 to be precise. It’s the first time we’ve ever left for a vacation on time.
• The drive was fine. No major backups for accidents, congestion, or construction. The soft roof container stayed put and didn’t flap they way I feared it would. The children asked “are we there yet” roughly 1,173 times between home and the campground.
• Spirits, so far, are high. So is the mosquito count.
• There is cell signal at the campground now and there was none 7 years ago when we were last here. I’m both happy and sad about it.
• One kid is on latrine strike, and the other, upon encountering an outhouse for the first time, commented “Daddy, I don’t like this bathroom. Daddy, it smells like cows in here!”
• My kids are the loudest ones at the campground and I’m going to lose my voice telling them to lower their voices. Thankfully, mostly so far it’s joyful excited happy noise. I’m sure our neighbors still hate us right now.
• The kids loved sleeping in a happy pile in the tent. I fell asleep on my back with Sprout holding my right hand and Kiddo snorgling my entire left arm. ❤️
• I woke up to the sound of a nuthatch honking in the trees and a spectacular view of mossy woods. *happy sigh*
• We forgot to bring a mug for me, so I drank lukewarm espresso-strength instant coffee out of a soup bowl this morning. I’ve joked about drinking my coffee out of a giant vat before but it’s harder than it sounds. I may or may not be wearing some.
• Today we are headed to Roque’s Bluff, which is a state park that offers swimming in both ocean and lake on either side of a road. Children are ecstatic. Adults are going along with what the kids want because happy kids make for happy travels. Can I add that it’s misty raining and only 66 degrees so far and they want to swim NOW?

Overall? I’m thrilled about everything except the misty rain but even that is wonderfully atmospheric.