We decided we should camp for the weekend not long ago. He had to work Friday, so we spend Saturday morning gathering supplies and packing clothing, tent, air mattress, doggy camping supplies for our two furry children, etc. We had scouted out state parks in our area and finally set out around 1 p.m. in an SUV brimming with dogs and stuff. Upon arriving at our destination (with no alternative plans), we were told by the oh-so-cheerful park ranger that the park is full.

We ended up at a local river outfitter, who, thankfully, was willing to take our two very large lab mixes along with our camping fees.

We chose our campsite and commenced tent pitching. One hour and four heated “discussions” later, we had the tent up, but the rain fly was stubbornly uncooperative. After another thirty minutes, we finally figured the rain fly was good enough–after all, forecasted rain chances were low.

Later that evening, after taking the pups swimming in the river, the (pterodactyl-sized) mosquitoes were out in full force–yes, even mosquitoes are bigger in Texas–and a thunderstorm started to roll in. By the time I convinced my husband to head for the tent (with two soaking wet dogs in tow), the drops started to fall.

Had it only been a brief, light shower, we probably would have been fine; however, an hour long steady rain left us apprehensively watching water roll down the insides of tent walls and staring at each other through a fine mist that was slowly engulfing the interior of the tent and blanketing our stuff in a layer of moisture.

The night passed eventfully. Following the storm, the humidity rose to approximately 200% and some campers by the river decided midnight was the perfect time to set off fireworks.

It was this moment when I decided our “fierce furry protectors” have courage levels inversely proportional to their sizes, for my husband and I spend the next hour trying to keep our fairly dry air mattress from becoming soaked by wet dog. I wasn’t so successful and ended up sharing part of my side with the larger (and therefore most fearful) and wetter of the two.

Morning came and brought with it, soap supplies, a breakfast of cold toaster pastries and water. Without hesitation, we packed up and headed for home.

While my husband drove, I contemplated something my grandmother used to say–”nothing ventured, nothing gained”–that seemed to fit. Well, here are a few lessons that I gained:

Lesson #1: Plan ahead and reserve a site ahead of time.

Lesson #2: Make a “dry run” with your tent. Be sure you have all the parts and are comfortable with the directions. Also be sure to pack a hammer and sturdy tent spikes–the ones that come with your tent may not be suitable for the ground you choose.

Lesson #3: Don’t ever “figure” the rain fly is “good enough”, and be sure all seams on your tent are waterproof.

(You can test this during the dry run with a water hose.) A good water seal for can be found at most camping supply stores.

Lesson #4: Bug spray. Lots of bug spray. Look for a type that leaves behind little residue so it’s not as gross to wear.

Lesson #5: Consider a screened enclosure if you don’t like bug spray.

Lesson #6: Travel with your own camp soap and toilet paper.

This just proves that you don’t have to be a newbie to make mistakes. So, stay dry and happy camping.

Now, where’s that anti-itch stuff……