Tips for Camping, Summer Edition 2008

1. Be prepared. The kid wanted to make sure that each bowl that was in our camping box had its own spoon. Since, you know, you need lots of miniature plastic spoons to eat your hot dogs. (Actually we had potatoes with cabbage one night and corn and sausages the next. And by we I do not include children under the age of 4. He had some trail mix and some corn. And maybe a kid's Cliff bar.) 2. Drink lots of water and wear hats. It will be hot and sunny - and humid if you go camping the one weekend in the summer when there is actually a possibility of rain.
Just so you know, the kid is not such a great hiker. And Mr. Burli made us give up on this hike even though I was certain we could make it to the mine. But we turned around since even though we saw 2 golden eagles and looked for various nature-type stuff to draw later - I had suggested nature bingo where you draw pictures first and then cross then out but JT insisted it would be better to draw them after the hike - he just wasn't into the hike. On the way up the mountain (it was a reverse hike), I had to carry him in this pack. He is much too big, but it still is easier than carrying him on my shoulders.

3. Eat lunch at the Austrian restaurant at Lake Cuyamaca. The aforementioned kid had a meltdown after the hike and nearly went crazy in the car. Apparently he was hungry, because he gulped down his 3 large chicken tenders and half a plate of french fries at this place. And Mr. Burli must have also been thirsty for those 2 Austrian beers that he ordered to go with his Wienerschnitzel.)

4. Put your hooded sweatshirt on backwards so your snacks are handy in the evening. (This tip is good for any one under the age of 5 or if you happen to lose things easily.)
5. Go on a short nature hike the next day to admire the way nature has recovered 5 years after the big fire in this area.
6. Take pictures of interesting plants. These are seed pods from a century plant, I think.
7. Don't forget to meditate by the fire while waiting for your parents to say its time for smores.