March 2022
One of the good things that came out of the pandemic was a tradition of camping. Since that first trip of desperation to get out of isolation, hang out with friends and be outside, we have made the short drive to Harper's Ferry KOA 4 times and we don't see any reason to discontinue it. Each time we have booked the same grouping of cabins with the Brinks and Shumakers, and each get away has been great.
We had Lenten Friday soup and bread. Enjoyed the fire together and snuggled into our cabins for the night. Johanna and I kept waking up at night due to a nibbling sound. Sure enough a mouse had gotten into the Oreos as we tried to sleep. From then on food was stored locked in the van.
Saturday morning Jim made pancakes and sausage for breakfast, as we got ready for our day. This trip we made a point to get to the historic city of Harper's Ferry and take advantage of the National Park shuttles, Museums, and Ranger knowledge. On Saturday most of us went over to the the ranger station, where Johanna got the Junior Ranger badge book and loaded into the shuttles to head into town. We had packed lunches and split up when we arrived, arranging a time to meet for lunch.
Johanna was ready to work on her badge, so I joined her going from museum to museum, reading plaques, checking out maps, looking for specific historic figures and events to learn about and record in her book. Jim, most of the adults and the big kids freely roamed the town. The kids played a game in the stores, looking for the most absurd item and getting bubble tea. When we met back for lunch everyone was smiling and despite a brisk wind and chill we happily ate outside in the park. After lunch we decided to hike up to Jefferson Rock. Jim bowed out because of his knees and he made a good call on that one. That hill was torture.
It wasn't a long hike but it was challenging on the knees. Midway is the historic Catholic church so we stopped for a few pictures, Then headed up on the Appalachian trail to Jefferson Rock. The views were impressive and the beautiful day highlighted the majesty. We continued a little further on to walk through the historic cemetery. Johanna was not fond of this but relaxed as we walked around. The big kids got a kick out reading the names before heading back down the trail into town.
When we descended, Johanna and I went off to finish the badge requirements. She struggled with the horror of the John Brown raid and stories of the slaves he was trying to free. As a parent I was able to summarize and get her through. She said she wouldn't have done what he did but she understood why he did it. We grouped up again and as we did big snow flakes fell, cold wind blew in and hail made brief appearances. It was crazy spring weather. We decided that was our queue to head back to the shuttles.
We got back to crazy wind and most of us headed into the dry warmth of our cabins before regrouping for dinner. We were lucky that the rain we did get was short lived. Jimmy prepared amazing grilled meats for tacos for dinner. It was so yummy. the kids hit the gaga ball pit, and that night Evy taught Bridget how to ride a skateboard. Around the fire that night we sat around having each person pick a song for us to listen too. We got into a funny show tune genre kick. It was cold and the fire was really smoky. One of the great parts was that we spent a lot of time together kids and adults. Joe Brink (freshman in HS) was playing games on his phone and sharing with Johanna. Those two had a blast together.
These camping trips may just be a lovely part of this stage of our lives and for it I am grateful, however long it may last.
