This past weekend, a few of us headed out to China Beach again to celebrate birthdays with camping. I wasn’t sure it would happen but we actually had sunshine this time! Saturday began with a light rain, which thankfully started just after Eric and I set up the tent and shelter. The site had high points perfectly sized for the tents (both ours and our friends’), so we didn’t wake up in the middle of a lake. The afternoon’s light drizzle was ideal for games of crazy eights and crib with beer or tea in hand.
Sunday morning brought sunshine (woohoo!) so we made our way down the 1km (ish) trail to Second Beach to stretch our legs. The trail is quite steep in places, but the only real danger was Fenrir and his damned logs. He is not satisfied with mere sticks, noooo. Only the finest logs for him! If anything, he forces you to be aware of your surroundings so he doesn’t sneak up behind out and take you out at the knees.
I think the short hike is totally worth the view at the bottom, don’t you?
Because I can never resist sand drawings…
In the late afternoon, more friends showed up to spend some time with the birthday people. One hike was enough for me, so when they all went down to the beach again, I stayed up at the site and treated myself to some knit & read time. [Knit: plain cotton wash cloth. Read: A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle.] The evening brought more crib games (dammit Adam) and the use-up-the-firewood bonfire meant we were all perfectly warm.
I was so damn close to winning (I was red). Futzing crib games. Grr.
By the time morning came, I think we were all very much looking forward to a shower. (I know I was!) I think the worst part about rainy camping is packing up wet gear – along with having to drape tarps and tents all over the house for a few days so everything dries out. Which reminds me, it’s time to put some gear away.
Till next time, xo
