Misadventures and Philosophy
Disclosure: I have not been compensated or sponsored in any way for any mentions in this post. I just f*ing love them.
“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
Assateague Island National Park wild horses ©2023.
Taken by Clara Connell @frequentlyunfiltered.com
It was April Fool’s Day — this is called foreshadowing.
We had loaded up the usually roomy car with all of the camping goods and we were off to Assateague Island National Park. I had envisioned picturesque beach moments with beautiful wild horses, their manes whipping in the soft breeze while my family built amazing sandcastles and hunted for gorgeous sea shells.
And the universe said — nope.
It started with the thunderstorm forecasted to last an hour. No problem I said. We would wait out the rain in the visitor’s center, find some cute kitsch, and set up our tent after the rain had stopped.
We got this.
Beach fence Assateague Island National Park ©2023
Taken by Clara Connell @frequentlyunfiltered.com
We successfully got our tent set up in spite of the strong winds (ahem- thanks to my McGyver skills and some extra line attached to our trusty vehicle). I called it a WIN!
After a cramped but delicious snack in our car (can’t eat in the tent gang - park rules ya know), we were off to the previously mentioned picturesque beaches and glorious wild life.
It began with some sprinkles-not an issue- for, I (the smug super planner), had packed our rain gear! We were protected from the elements. Take THAT rain clouds!
Cue ego deflation…
The wind picked up, the rain came down and then ACROSS. That’s right. Horizontal rain. I have not met the rain gear that can keep up with horizontal rain to the face.
Undaunted, we formed a family huddle against a closed snack shack to protect us from the wind and waited. We were damp, but undaunted! We had a rousing game of “I spy” (classic) and talk about sea creatures (always a hit).
The wind gentled slightly, so we ventured out again. Back to the campsite and attempting to make a dinner in the wind and rain. Thank goodness for the freeze dried options from REI - just add boiling water.
Beef stroganoff, you’re a life saver.
Finally, the sun pierced the clouds, the winds softened, and the sea shells were gathered. We soaked up the rays and spread our toes in the sands. That late afternoon was all that I had hoped this trip would be.
Those were the comforting thoughts I held tight as we sprinted through a midnight emergency camp take down due to a tornado in the area!
It was quite the family adventure. We made it home safely and have one heck of a story.
Camping is never boring.
Here’s the lesson I learned: KEEP GETTING BACK UP.
If your trip or adventure fails to meet your expectations, if your travels are rife with the perverse — hold tighter to those sunny moments and laugh your way through the puddles.
I would love to hear about any hilarious misadventures you have had on your travels!
Cheers.
Clara