Camping Trip from Hell? pt27

there's the speed bump

kids playing on the bump

she loved laying on it and being bounced around

levetation

trying not to fall

getting ready to run

my better side

The next morning broke to a wonderfully clear and sunny day. I slept in a little while my wife got up and fixed herself some breakfast. I knew we couldn't leave before 9AM because we needed to check in with the office and settle the bill, so I was in no real hurry to get up and start the day.

A little before 9 my wife told me that I needed to get up and stow the gear while she got the kids up and fed. She had to wake me up a couple more times but I finally did crawl out of the bed and tried to act like I wanted to be awake. One thing that got my day started was knowing that we'd be at our destination by the end of the day and our camp on the move would turn into a camp on site for a little while.

I dressed and headed for the office to settle up. As I was heading for the office I finally got to see some of the scenery and was reminded that we're heading into the desert climates. I also noticed a rather large speed bump looking thing off to one side of the office building. I put it out of my mind and opened the door only to find the manager was walking out at the same time and we almost rammed into each other.

After the initial shock I stepped back and got my first look at her. She was an elderly lady by appearance but not by attitude or movement and was on the small side but looked like she kept herself in fighting trim. After exchanging the usual excuse me's and apologizing for nearly knocking each other into next week she turned and went back inside waving me to follow.

I walked inside and we started chatting while she was getting my bill ready. I found out that her and her hubby had moved to Pueblo about a year earlier from Florida to run the campground. She said she needed a change of place and figured here was as good as any. She was quite the spit fire and enjoyed telling me stories about their lives camping and traveling around the country. After a short bit she asked me if I had kids and I said yes I had 4 in the RV. She looked at me for a moment and asked if I'd like to take them to the trampoline for a little bit so they could jump and play before we headed out once more. I quickly replied that I would like that very much and asked her the price. At that she just waved her hand at me and gave me 6 arm bands to wear. I tried to pay her for them but she wasn't having any of that so I eventually gave up and just accepted her gift with a grateful heart.

Remember the speed bump looking thing? That was the trampoline. I must confess it was rather fun bouncing all around and making the kids go flying at random intervals. Anyway I headed back to the RV with the news about the trampoline and how we were going to hang out for a little while before hitting the road again. The kids were excited at the chance to get out of the RV and go play for a bit. They quickly convinced my wife to take them over while I finished unhooking. I would then drive the RV over to the playground and join them.

For the next 2 hours we spent our time trying to keep the kids from killing each other. They were bouncing all around and after watching them for a few minutes I decided to join in the fun. Also I wanted to see how high I could launch them into the air. So we bounced and ran and fell all over the trampoline and just had a grand time of it. Eventually my wife got tired and hot and went into the RV to wait for us. I snapped a couple of pictures and started rounding everyone else up so we could get back on the road again. It took some doing but they eventually came with me to the RV.

Once inside we got them seated and passed out some snacks. I double checked our stowed gear and did a walk around of the camper before settling into the drivers seat once more. Satisfied we were set for the time being we pulled out onto the road looking for the interstate once again. It didn't take long for us to find it and get on it once again. By now the kids were engrossed in the TV and my wife was looking out the windows watching as the miles started passing by once more. I just concentrated on staying in my lane and watching the scenery change more and more.

I knew it would be a long day but I was determined to make it by the end of the day. Routine had settled over us once more only now the kids were tired from all the bouncing they'd done and were being extra quiet. The miles kept rolling until we hit Trinidad not far from the New Mexico border. I was tired of driving, actually I was kind of sick of driving truth be told, and decided to pull over for lunch. Of course sandwiches were lunch dejure, oh did I mention I'm really starting to hate sandwiches by this point. Anyway we sat around eating lunch while I explained that we would be in New Mexico shortly and we'd be at our new base before I finished driving for the day. That was greeted with a very warm reception from the kids. I think they had gotten tired of the trip by now and was more than ready to settle in one place for a while.

After cleaning up and re-stowing some things it was time to get on the road again and start looking for the New Mexico border.

11 Votes
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6.6

{"commentId":9587780,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

Finally another chapter is done. MJV pointed out that I wasn't in any of the pictures to date. I didn't want to let him know I actually was in the Toad River pictures but I could hardly be seen. That said I decided to post a couple of pictures of me I took with a cheap digital camera. I figured if it broke I wouldn't be out much money. ☻

Enjoy!!

{"commentId":9587780,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

2 votes

#1 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 5:50 AM EDT

{"commentId":9587798,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

PS..now you know that the avatar pic is in no way me...it's way cuter...LOL

{"commentId":9587798,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

2 votes

#2 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 5:55 AM EDT

{"commentId":9628972,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}

That you are! From someone who is old enough to be your mother, I think you are a very handsome man!

Boy, didn't you kids have fun! What a great treat for them!

{"commentId":9628972,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}

1 vote

#2.1 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:45 PM EDT

{"commentId":9631187,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

Dowser you just love making me blush...LOL Yeah the kids had a blast at times but at other times it was sheer boredom for them. I actually planned extra days into the trip so we could break things up a little for them.

{"commentId":9631187,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

1 vote

#2.2 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:59 PM EDT

{"commentId":9631737,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}

It is a smart father that understands his kid's needs. Someday, they will remember that-- when they plan their own trips!

{"commentId":9631737,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}

1 vote

#2.3 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:46 PM EDT

{"commentId":9634201,"authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

Its a smart father that have his kids working the fields of his farm from 5am till sundown..and the mother home schools them..

{"commentId":9634201,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

2 votes

#2.4 - Tue Sep 22, 2009 12:28 AM EDT

{"commentId":9635194,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

Par I'd love that life but then again I love to travel too so I guess I need a sugar mama to do both.

Dowser, I hope they do. Family trips can be a lot of fun or a lot of hell just depends on attitude and planning.

{"commentId":9635194,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

1 vote

#2.5 - Tue Sep 22, 2009 3:44 AM EDT

{"commentId":9588822,"authorDomain":"vosm"}

MJV in Wisconsin

LOL ... another thing we have in common, a mustache, although I wear a full beard as well. I'd guess it gets a bit hot for that sort of thing in NM though.

The trampoline looks like way too much fun though.

{"commentId":9588822,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"vosm"}

2 votes

#3 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:36 AM EDT

{"commentId":9595775,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

LOL...actually I'm wearing a beard at the moment...I'm just lazy to shave..LOL And that thing was a blast, I loved watching the kids go flying when I jumped on it.

{"commentId":9595775,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

2 votes

#3.1 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 3:23 PM EDT

{"commentId":9589112,"authorDomain":"cwasylk-1"}

Soovivers

Great story frosty - I like the idea of a trampoline at a camping place - makes sense so parents can tire the kids out before they continue on their journey. It looks like if you jumped on the 'speed bump' the kids would fly 20 feet in the air. Oops...lols

Anyway you are a nice looking man and much larger then I thought although you said you were over 6 ft. No wonder the man at the pump left so quickly back there in Canada (?).

It has been a great trip and I've enjoyed it - probably more then you did at the time....☺☺

{"commentId":9589112,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"cwasylk-1"}

2 votes

#4 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:59 AM EDT

{"commentId":9595823,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

oh they caught air when I jumped for sure. I had to be careful not to go overboard and fling them off..LOL

Actually at the time I was enjoying it pretty well except for the times the kids were whining and giving their mama a hard time.

I'm still not sure if he split because of the look on my face of my wife with the hatchet but it's all good.

Ok, see...now you're just trying to make me blush and melt off a cheek or something..LOL ☻☻

{"commentId":9595823,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

2 votes

#4.1 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 3:27 PM EDT

{"commentId":9589688,"authorDomain":"lindaluke"}

Linda Luke

Wow pt27 and I am still with you frostyone, what a trip, and one to remember.

{"commentId":9589688,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"lindaluke"}

3 votes

#5 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:40 AM EDT

{"commentId":9595840,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

I still can't believe I've had so much to say about the trip but I'm glad ya'll have hung around and have been enjoying it. ☻

{"commentId":9595840,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

2 votes

#5.1 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 3:28 PM EDT

{"commentId":9629017,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}

I"m not going to be ready to put this down until you all are moved in, frostyone. We all need the "closure"--

(((((((((((((frostyone, wife, kids and even the RV)))))))))))))

{"commentId":9629017,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}

#5.2 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":9631218,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

I know exactly what you mean. I think I started writing this story because there were things that happended that bothered me and I needed a way to let them out.

(((((Dowser)))))

{"commentId":9631218,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

#5.3 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:01 PM EDT

{"commentId":9631841,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}

I understand that, too.

I think that is partly why I've been writing about my career... I'm still trying to come to terms with the fact that I am no longer a field geologist, and that all of us are either dead or past the point where we can do things. I need to remember the time when I was adventurous, and remember the times when it wasn't so much fun-- like clinging to the side of the well caisson... I also need to remember how very stressful it was at times, and realize that I just can't do that anymore.

We all need a way to discuss what happens to us. I learn more about myself when I write something, and learn to accept things that are hard to accept. Looking back, if I were up there on that well today, I'd have fallen in for sure. :-)

I'm here for you, frostyone. I understand, and understand how we are both trying to puzzle out what we believe and how we feel. I guess we all do that, all of our lives, until maybe the very end. As my Grandma lay dying, she said, "I finally learned how to live, and now it is time to die." At least she had learned. My fear is that I won't, and will die anyway. But that is all for another posting...

(((((((((((frostyone)))))))))))

{"commentId":9631841,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}

2 votes

#5.4 - Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:54 PM EDT

{"commentId":9635200,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

I look forward to reading that one and your grandma sounds like a sharp cookie.

(((((Dowser)))))

{"commentId":9635200,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

1 vote

#5.5 - Tue Sep 22, 2009 3:46 AM EDT

{"commentId":9593255,"authorDomain":"cookinmama"}

cookin mama

Wow that trampoline looked fun. So when you got settled into the house how long before you ate sandwiches again?

I can see why Mrs. Frosty went after you. You are a good looking young man. Keep the moustache it suits you. I have had a nice vacation this summer with you and your family. Thank you very much. ♥→↓♥

{"commentId":9593255,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"cookinmama"}

2 votes

#6 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 12:56 PM EDT

{"commentId":9595937,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

I still don't eat sandwiches if I have any choice, since I do the shopping I guess I still have the choice..LOL. I't's been a little over a year since the trip ended and the kids have started eating some sandwiches again..but not often.

Well I don't know about good looking but I don't scare children....much, so I don't complain. I like the moustache but I shave it off every once in a while to make me look younger. I'm happy that ya'll have enjoyed the story so far but I will let you in on a little secret....it doesn't end in New Mexico...at least not yet. ♥♥

{"commentId":9595937,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

2 votes

#6.1 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 3:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":9593967,"authorDomain":"tomwcraig"}

tomwcraig

I'm glad to see you had fun that day on the trampoline. Now, we know what you look like up close and personal. Looks like you are sort of dazed, got hit in the head with the frying pan again? <G>

{"commentId":9593967,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"tomwcraig"}

3 votes

#7 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 1:34 PM EDT

{"commentId":9596025,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

Yup, ya got me. At first I wasn't going to post a pic at all but it's been so much fun on the trip that I figured I'd pop in and say Hi.

Actually that was a long hard day and I was ready for hitting the sack but figured I'd take a pic of me for the wife. I generally avoid cameras.

{"commentId":9596025,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

3 votes

#7.1 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 3:40 PM EDT

{"commentId":9596324,"authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

Frosty - it will be snowing before you get home from camping...

{"commentId":9596324,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

2 votes

#8 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 3:59 PM EDT

{"commentId":9596638,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

I tell ya I was starting to wonder if the trip would ever end...but man it was fun.LOL

{"commentId":9596638,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

2 votes

#8.1 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 4:18 PM EDT

{"commentId":9597417,"authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

I think of camping as seclusion - a tent - and none of the fancy stuff.. a fishing pole and and a waterway nearby...and plenty of deet.

{"commentId":9597417,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

3 votes

#8.2 - Sat Sep 19, 2009 5:03 PM EDT

{"commentId":9604108,"authorDomain":"bigmomma"}

rottlady

That trampoline looks like a whole lot of fun! That is a really good idea at a campground, wearing the kids out is a blessing I'm sure!

You are a handsome guy Frosty, thanks for sharing your picture with us.

I'm so glad this story isn't going to end soon, it's really been quite entertaining and refreshing to read.

{"commentId":9604108,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"bigmomma"}

1 vote

#9 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 5:08 AM EDT

{"commentId":9604188,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

it was a great idea and we could've stayed all day but I was ready to hit NM so we only played for a little while.

Aww shucks, I wouldn't go that far but at least I don't scare children...much although at work the other night a mom was trying to get her kid to come with her and the kid wasn't having it. I was ignoring them until the mom told the kid that I'd be mad at the kid for staying. I couldn't help it I turned towards the kid and put on my "angry dad" face. Oh it was priceless...the kid looked up at me and scampered off to her mom. I tried not to laugh until they were out of ear shot.

It takes a turn when we hit our destination and proves interesting or aggravating, I'll let you decide when it's out.

{"commentId":9604188,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

2 votes

#9.1 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 5:40 AM EDT

{"commentId":9605229,"authorDomain":"vosm"}

MJV in Wisconsin

but at least I don't scare children

I seem to. All of my neices and nephews were screaming afraid of me until they were about 18 months ... then their parents are screaming afraid of me (the uncle who gets your kids all riled up just before bed time).

*grin*

{"commentId":9605229,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"vosm"}

1 vote

#9.2 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 9:03 AM EDT

{"commentId":9605673,"authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

Frosty - try camping alone - ha Seems family camping is more trouble than it is worth?

{"commentId":9605673,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

1 vote

#9.3 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 9:44 AM EDT

{"commentId":9607754,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

MJV...I love riling up other people's kids before bed.<G> It just seems to take me off of babysitting lists.lol

Par, oh I use to camp alone and loved it but camping with the family has it's own unique rewards like teaching the kids how to cut kindling and making fire without matches.

{"commentId":9607754,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

1 vote

#9.4 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 12:30 PM EDT

{"commentId":9608608,"authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

Frosty - I can understand the family doing it together thing.. I use to dig holes to bury the food garbage.. nothing paper or stuff like that.. but anyway - one time I had the assistance of one of my kids... it was a great thing him learning how to do things..and he was 8 at the time.. so he was showing me things as we took a break about 1/2 way down .. that he learned in cub scouts.. so we rested for about 10 minutes and then finished the hole.. buried the garbage, and then we packed up and started driving home.. about 2 hours into a 4 hour trip my wife turned to me and asked.. my wife asked Where is Jake? Two camping trips later - there was just my wife and I.

{"commentId":9608608,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

1 vote

#9.5 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 1:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":9609487,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}

*chuckle* I assume he was just fine when you found him and I can imagine exactly how you felt. The panic and worry during the drive back and the relief when you found him again

{"commentId":9609487,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"frostyone"}

1 vote

#9.6 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 2:41 PM EDT

{"commentId":9610167,"authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

Frosty - of course.. ya sure.. right.. ah huh.. right'o .. I was thinking I need my tax deductions..

{"commentId":9610167,"threadId":"680589","contentId":"3286692","authorDomain":"par4thecourse"}

1 vote

#9.7 - Sun Sep 20, 2009 3:28 PM EDT

{"commentId":9613869,"authorDomain":"frostyone"}