We loaded up the tent, kayaks, bikes and bunch of accessories for the Labor Day campout.The weather was great, a little warm during the days, but very comfortable in the evenings and at night for sleeping.
The first thing we did was get the campsite setup before dark.Picking the highest spot in the site for the tent in case of water issues.Next we set up our kitchen area close to the fire pit.This was handy as we could cook in the Dutch oven and on the stove at the same time.We had our complete kitchen kit, which contains spices, cooking utensils, cleaning supplies and coffee and tea bags.Since we were parked close at this campout, we took some of the bigger equipment.
We set up a small tent for storing our tent bags, camping furniture and any other loose items we wanted to keep track of.We like to have this when we are in a crowded campground, as it cuts down on the temptation that might be present for someone to pick something up.After all, good camping equipment is not cheap.
After a leisurely bike ride, we headed back to the campsite for the evening.I built a small fire from wood that we brought with us.We sat down with a hot drink, a book and our favorite camping chair to enjoy the campout and fire until we couldn’t read any more.
The next morning of our campout we were up early for breakfast and to head out in the kayaks.Once there, we dropped the kayaks in the water and loaded the dry wells with lunch, towels and a change of cloths.The water was so peaceful.Only a couple of canoes and kayaks, no cars or trucks making noise were on the water.Just birds, and the sound of water splashing filled the air.We stopped on an island for the lunch we had packed.Before we ate, be stripped down to bathing suits and cooled off with a swim.After having the pfd’s on all morning, it felt great to rinse off.Bird watching and nature photos are always on our list of things to do when we are out on a campout.
Returning to the campsite a little tired from all the activities in the sun and water, we got ready for the evening.Dinner was prepared, devoured and cleaned up within a short period of time.We head out for a short walk to stretch the tired muscles from being in the kayaks all day.Back at the campsite, the wife makes coffee and tea, and I put together an apple cobbler cooked in the Dutch oven, the only way to enjoy a campout.There is enough to share with a couple of sites around us with younger kids, so we make friends with their stomachs and parents.Tonight it’s a glass of wine until the fire goes out on our campout.
Monday morning we rise early again to hit the bike trails before packing up from our campout for home.The campground looks like a war zone, with stuff scattered all over the place.Bike helmets gloves and water are standard equipment for the day.No one wants to end the Labor Day campout with an accident.
After packing up and heading home, we set up our gear to air them out, and clean them up.As we do this, we start thinking of another campout to take this year.New England bike trip, or kayaking in Virginia, not sure which one will win out, but I’m sure we will have a great time with either campout we choose.