The Griffith Zoo: Aaaaaaarrrr-Veeeh

On Friday we loaded up the kids, a mountain of homework, the dog, the bunny, and headed up to Lost Lake for the weekend. We had to try out the recently acquired 5th Wheel, which we fondly refer to as the RV; however, you must say it this way: Aaaaarrrr-Veeeh....preferably with the Cousin Eddy twang. For those of you that are die hard RV people, we know it isn't an RV. It's a trailer. Aaaaarrrr-Veeeh is just more fun to say. So there.

Anyhow, we had a wonderful weekend. It was a bit of reality check, though. When Marc and I were dating and newlyweds we were backpack campers. We would take off for a long weekend and walk around Mt. Hood or Sisters. No tent, freeze dried food, and no bathroom facilities save for a trowel and a tree. After we were married we graduated to horses and trail riding -- it's easier on the knees and the view is great. We still roughed it, but we covered a lot more ground in less time. Then came the kids. We remained die hard campers. Tents all the way! Every year we would cram the back of the truck with bikes,stroller, tents, coolers, and a sundry of other supplies. We would spend the weekend tent camping. We were filthy, we would juggle the coolers and food, and we would freeze at night, but we would have a wonderful time. There were some perks to tent camping. Pit toilets and food that didn't have to be reconstituted were big improvements over backpacking or horse packing. We would mock those "campers" that would roll into the campground with their camping rigs. Wimps. That was until last summer when we got rained out. I recall standing there beneath the sagging tarps as the kids shivered next to the dying fire. Hey, kids! Isn't this fun? Over in the next camp spot Mr. and Mrs. RV were revving up their generator. Probably turning on the heat and changing into dry clothes. Sigh.

After that trip we talked briefly about the pros and cons of getting an RV or trailer. It would be great, but we just couldn't justify the cost. No, we were going to have to stick with the ol' tent. So, this year when we were offered a hand me down fifth wheel in great condition we jumped at the opportunity. After this weekend, we realized what a blessing it is! Heat is not overrated. Neither is a toilet at 2 a.m. Need I mention a kitchen? Oh, yes, we are eating crow and it is tasty! There is no going back now.

Needless to say we had a great weekend. Marc felt good, the kids were happy for the change of scenery, the weather was perfect, and our faithful friends, Steve, Mel and their kids, made it a great weekend! It was a wonderful break from work, school, and the clinic. We are refreshed and geared up for treatment tomorrow. Many thanks to Carrol and Karen for giving us such an amazing deal on the Aaaaaarrr-Veeeeh. It's a huge blessing and we love it!