Camping With Zack

Lets start from the beginning, Monday morning. We still hadn't told Zack that we were going to go camping. We didn't know how he would react since a few months back we brought up the idea and he wasn't too thrilled about camping. We just didn't know how to pack the van and not let him know until the last possible moment so there was no negative feelings.

So, we came up with a plan. Monday morning, Jeff would bring Zack to get a fishing licence. We could tell him that much since he had to pick out a pole and he already likes to fish. No problem. Then while they were out, me and my FIL/Grandpy would pack the car.

Yup, we got the van packed with all of our supplies without Zack even knowing what was in store for him. As Jeff asked him to get in the car, Zack noticed all the stuff and he heard that we were staying over (since Grandpy said I will see you tomorrow when I come to visit). Zack asked, are we staying in a hotel? Jeff looked over at me and said, Sure! So, Zack hoped out and got a few things to take along since we weren't going to be back for a little while.

After we hit the road, there were a couple questions - where are we were heading? (since he wanted to know if he could take off his shoes in the car), when were we going to fish? But nothing about all the stuff in the car.

About an hour later, we pulled into the check-in area at Tolland State Forrest. Zack stayed in the van and when we returned I mentioned to Jeff to ask him if he has any idea what we are doing. Jeff asked and Zack said, we are fishing and camping. Bingo I said. And then the questions came pouring in from the back seat. Since he's never been camping, there was a lot to ask. They were the basic, but good ones to know-
Where are we going to sleep?
Are there any animals around?
Where do we put our stuff?
Where do we go to the bathroom?
What do we eat?

Zack and Jeff setting up camp

After answering and showing Zack what our plans were, it was time to set up camp. Jeff immediately involved Zack in the set up process. He let him pick where we would put the tent, let him help pound the steaks in, carry the stuff out of the van (while I was getting things out of the van for the eating area) and load things into the tent.

Our camping area (the green tent covered the picnic table area)

After we were settled in and the van uploaded, Zack wanted to know what we would do? We said relax and spend time with each other in the great outdoors. You could tell he was a little nervous since he didn't know what to expect, but as time went by, he warmed up to the idea.

Our fire keeper

Zack helped run the camp. He kept an eye on the fire and made sure there was plenty of wood in it to keep it high. He also helped make the marshmallow sticks with his new camping knife (hey, we though he was old enough to have his own under our supervision since his mother still treats him like an infant which is obviously not the case).

After the evening wore on, he was able to see first hand how we eat our meals while camping and keep ourselves entertained by playing many games (yatzee, uno, scrabble & poker) . Then we made s'mores and sat around the camp fire. Yeah, he had his PSP, but he barely picked it up (score for us for keeping him away from it). Then it was time to sleep for the first time in a tent outside. I think it went well since we were all in the same tent and just kept telling him there are no bears (well, at least we hoped so).

Our little fisher man and Jeff in the back of the canoe

On Tuesday, it was time to go fishing. Jeff's co-worker has a camp sight there too and he said we could use his canoe to go out and fish. So, we all hoped in the canoe (I believe it was my first time and I know it was Zacks, and we all did alright) and headed to a quite area on the lake. Unfortunately, we didn't catch any fish, but we had fun trying to paddle and stay straight on the water. Yup, we did a few 360's but it was all in good fun.

Zack and Grandpy before fishing

About lunch time, Grandpy came to visit. He brought lots of goodies, including live bait to fish with (we used a lure earlier). After we ate and showed Grandpy around our camping area an a little beyond (you know the important areas like the restroom facilities) it was time to head back to the water and see if we could catch anything this time! The four of use couldn't fit in the canoe, so we fished off the co-workers docked boat (yeah, that was my idea) since he wasn't around to bring us out on the water.

Zacks first fish of the weekend

It took no time before the fish started to bite. Why didn't we think of this area first? But then we wouldn't have had the fun on the canoe! Zack caught 5 fish (we caught and released since its a lake rule). We think the first two were the same, but hey, it was still fun. He was such a big kid since after he caught them, he put the gloves on to hold the fish to help remove them from the hook. He even tried to use the pliers to remove the hook (but daddy and grandpy actually did it while I took pictures) but it didn't work out to good for him.

Me and my first fish I caught since I was 12 years old

After Zack caught his 5 fish, he was all set fishing. But our philosophy was after spending $30 on a licence and grandpy spending $20 on bait, we weren't done yet. So, we all took a crack at it. I caught 2 fish (under the agreement that I didn't have to take them off the hook, why should I since there were 3 guys who had done it 5 times before I picked up the pole....Zack needed the practice anyway, right?).

Jeff and his prize fish

Then Jeff tried a few times and caught one fish. He was trying out in a different area then us to see if the fish would bite there, but no luck. So, he was happy to catch the one fish in the same area as us. Grandy tried, but he had more fun tormenting the fish rather then catching them. He would hold the bait over the boat and move it out of the area before he would actually catch the fish. Oh, well what ever floats his boat (no pun intended).

After fishing again, it was time to eat supper. After we all ate we walked grandpy around the entire state forest camping area for a nice evening walk. Then he hit the road to head home. That evening we were invited back to the co-workers camp for some fire works and a big campfire. It was a wonderful end to a great couple of days.

Yesterday morning, was a little different. We woke up to the sound of rain on our tent. So, we packed up everything in our tent even before checking out the rest of camp. We got outside and realized it wasn't raining hard at the moment, but everything in our picnic area was soaked (the rain must have blown in sideways). So, we decided to skip making breakfast, pack everything up and take care of everything after we got home. Oh well!

Even thought it rained on our last day and cut our camping adventure short, it was still a wonderful first couple of days that we all really enjoyed! Jeff and I will camp one last time before the cold weather comes in the fall and we will definitely do it again next summer with Zack.