Camping? Not in a tent!

Tent camping was on my "mobility bucket list" since I regained my mobility. I had never been and I was excited to try it. I had visions of star filled skies, s'mores and peaceful sleep in the fresh air. What I hadn't factored in was the frigid c-o-l-d we would endure.

I have a dear friend who knew I was excited to try this. She and her partner camp in their "too adorable for words" van. Where I might add they remain snug and toasty as two bugs under a rug. They secured us an "impossible to get" camping place on a coveted beach. I was thrilled. Being part mermaid I adore the ocean and go any time I get the chance. I agreed we would join them. 

My husband, two dogs and myself in a two person tent borrowed from my in-laws would join them... On the beach... In April... See where I'm headed?

I think whoever came up with the term "The good, the bad and the ugly" was talking about tent camping. 

It had...

THE GOOD:

The location was stunning.

The beach stretched on for miles.

The S'mores lived up to my expectation.

All the food that day was delicious.

The company could not have been better.

It was fun bundling up during the day and dusk.

The dogs loved it.

We got a lot of exercise.

The air was indeed crisp and fresh.

The stars were the prettiest I'd seen in years and years.

Our campsite was perfect.

The other campers were pretty quiet and respectful.

The tent went up quick and easy.

We didn't forget anything. (Ok... now I'm grasping for good things.)

THE BAD:

Public bathroom. Need I say more?

That was a TON of packing and unpacking.

Where am I supposed to change?

THE UGLY:

Asthma attack from the cold and fire.

We froze all night (the dogs were cozy and fine.)

Prison shower. No thanks.

The cold triggered my muscles to cramp and spasm all night.

It took me days to recover.

Margo hates other dogs and goes NUTS when she sees them. Do you know how many dogs are at a beach and go camping? She could be heard for miles. (Max was a dream.)

A dog walked by our car.

HOW DARE THEY!

All that fuss left a mark in the sand.

Technically I think I still haven't "tent camped" because I slept in the car. It was the only position I could be in where I could breathe. 

I think next time we'll say "goodnight" and book it to a hotel to sleep in. But it was great to have a brand new experience.

A Disabled Car Trip

In a little over a week my mom, myself, Max and Margo will all pile into my mom's Jeep and embark on an eight hour trip to the small beach town my grandpa lives in. I'm very much looking forward to taking both dogs to the ocean and showing them new things. They are great travelers, so I don't think we'll have issues. In fact Max has done this exact trip before.

Max and I the last time we were there. 
This time NO CHAIR!!!

But the big question you might be wondering is what am I packing? And how is that different than what a typical person would bring on a road trip?

I'm so glad you asked.

• Food. This is one of the big differences. I have to bring lots of protein with me and things I can eat. It's hard to eat while on the road and find healthy options. I'll bring the protein balls I like to make (almond or walnut butter - chocolate chips - rolled oats YUM!) Some gluten free crackers, dried fruit, sandwiches and chips. I have powdered vitamin and caffeine drinks that I can just pour into water bottles (to save on space.) I might bring a jar of almond butter with me just to keep in our hotel room. My mom already secured my favorite oat milk creamer for my coffee. 
  
  
•  Drugs. Lots and lots of drugs. I'll need my two different inhalers, my filled pill box's, migraine medications, migraine ear plug (for altitude changes), anti nausea wrist bands and patch, tummy medication in case I eat late... I will have a big bag of drugs with me.
  
  
• Braces. Many of my joins and muscles are still weak. Since I'm not sure exactly how we'll be helping out my papa I'll bring some braces just in case. Ankle, elbow, hands, knee, back. That should do it.
  
  
  Max loves the beach
  
  

These are all things that a typical person doesn't need to even consider when traveling. They can stop and eat anywhere without much of an ill affect. Maybe they'll bring some aspirin or Tums, but that's about it. Not a giant bag of drugs. They'll toss a pair of flip flops in their bag and not think about their joints or muscles much (if at all.) 

We're also going to make frequent stops to stretch, walk the dogs and take turns driving. That will keep all of us healthy on such a long drive. 

Wish us a Bon Voyage!

Don't forget Margo!