Dupaix's Law Camping

I've decided that if Murphy can have a law, so can the Dupaixs. Our law would go something like this: "Whatever you are least prepared for will likely happen." That seemed to be the theme of our overnight RV camp-out.

So, here are some things we learned from this experience:

• You should take the generator, even if electricity is provided at the campgrounds. We didn't bring ours, and the power was out of service the whole time we were there.
  
• You should make sure the batteries on the trailer are well-charged before beginning your trip.
  
• Even if you don't think you will need them, take flashlights and extra batteries. Cell phones do work in a pinch, but not as well, and only until they run out of power.
  
• It's a good idea to bring winter-weight sleeping bags, even if you're inside the trailer, in case the heater doesn't work. Fortunately, we did have warm sleeping bags 'cause we didn't have heat!
  
• Consider bringing ice, just in case the fridge doesn't work. Our fridge didn't.
  
• Be flexible in meal planning--you might have to revise things. We had to eat perishables pretty quickly, as the fridge warmed up.
  
• Consider not wearing makeup. That way, if the water heater doesn't work, you don't have to scrub your face with cold water for too long.
  
• Remember to bring and apply sunscreen. Early in the season, nobody has built up a tan yet. This is particularly important around water.
  
• Remember to put chemicals in your RV toilet. I'm not going to explain that one.
  
• Make sure the towing vehicle is in good running order before you leave for vacation. Had we done this, we would have made it all the way home, instead of most of the way home.
  
• Always treat your extended family kindly. They may have to rescue you some day. Thanks Becky, Mike & Dad!!
  
• Kids are amazingly resilient. In spite of all the things that went wrong, ours considered it a grand adventure and never complained. They kept talking about how much better we had it than the pioneers did!

The kids search for tiny shells along the bank of the river.

This was supposed to show the mist rising off the water. It was a hot springs. The water was quite warm.


Andre caught a fish! We think it was a yellow carp. Unfortunately, because the fridge didn't work, we had to give the fish to our cats when we got home. The cats didn't complain!