I Love Camping!

I'm going to Yellowstone on Sunday to go camping. There is only one of the many campgrounds still open and I will be there. Since it hasn't really gotten cold and snowy yet, I'm going to command the Gods to drop all of their worst weather on my little trip this weekend. I'm dropping the dog off at my parents (National Parks are not always the most dog friendly) and on my way through Bozeman, I'm picking up a passenger. A guest, if you will. Someone to share this experience with. You know, a Girl.

Normally I would have hung up the camping hat and nestled in until I get excited about summer in the middle of March, then get all pissed in the middle of some mud puddle campground that it isn't summer yet. Normally the Vanagon and sleeping bags would be used only for passing out in front of the Old Post and sleeping one off (Merry Christmas!). Normally I would never be able to talk someone into this little adventure, but she suggested this. (attention is gained, ears are perked in her direction) She said she would love to go camping this time of year. (heart beat is gaining speed) She says it would be "so much fun" to camp out in the Vanagon. (reaching terminal velocity, critical mass) WITH ME. (Not only did I just shit my pants, but I shit other people's pants. Somewhere "Joey" from "Blossom" went "Whoa!") What can I say, other then marriage there is nowhere else to go then camping when it's cold out.

One problem. She tends to think that it is cold out when myself (normal people) think it is OK out. The Solution. The Vanagon, or "The Turtle", has 2 Germanic strength heaters and I have packed 4 sleeping bags. One for me and three for her. Also the camp stove for hot liquids, hot meals, and setting her on fire when nothing else works.

I spent the first 18 years of my life with my parents and older siblings in the back of a Vanagon seeking out family adventure from coast to coast, Florida to Alaska, all over the Rockies, and every National Park we could care to visit. I watched my parents debate divorce and become very pro-choice after 1000's and 1000's of miles and 100's and 100's of campsites. I swore up and down that I would figure out a better way. Here I am, a multiple VW owner and taking this girl down the beginning of a really long road trip, with a very possible, very violent ending, many years from now. When I told my parents I needed them to doggy-sit, they ask why, I explained, they responded...

Dad: "That is going to be so much fun!"

Mom: "What the fuck is with you and your father?! Why can't you just take a normal trip?! Why do you and your father have to put us through this shit?! Why are you trying to push her over the edge?! I hope she doesn't try to kill you! Gaaawwhhddd!"

I am so excited!