Not too long after arriving at the campsite the family had all the tents pitched and the rest of their supplies set up. Ana and Osmond rest for just a few moments while the kids look around a bit to see what kind of things there are to do out in the woods.
After an all too short rest, Osmond decides to head to the Ranger’s Station they had passed while walking earlier. He wants to pick up a couple of brochures and get started planning their next few days.
“I’ll come with you,” Brandon says. “I want to see where the fishing spots are.”
They checked out the map, Osmond got those information brochures and they even picked up a few supplies that they had not thought to bring from home.
“Mom, I’m going to head on over to this lake right here,” Brandon says pointing out the spot on the map, “and catch us some fish for supper.”
“Okay sweetie, but are you sure you aren’t hungry now? I was going to cook lunch when we got back to camp.” No matter that he was grown now, Brandon -all her kids for that matter- will always be her baby, so Ana never stops watching out for him.
“I’ve got a pack of trail mix in my pocket, I’ll be fine.”
While their parents were at the Ranger’s Station, Clara and Celia discussed what they thought of the trip so far.
“I don’t think there’s anything fun to do around here.” Clara whines.
“I don’t know, it is really pretty. I would love to draw a landscape. Or we could go pick some of the pretty wildflowers…” Celia suggested trying to cheer her sister up.
“That’s not fun, at least not for long…” Clara seems determined to have a terrible time.
Always one to enjoy some solitude Brandon was happy to find such a nice fishing spot. He couldn’t get over how beautiful the view was. Willow Creek sure doesn’t have lakes with such crystal clear waters.
Meanwhile Ana and Osmond headed back to camp.
And Ana grilled up something good to eat as promised.
“Clara! Celia! Dani! Come and get it while it’s hot!” Ana called. Osmond and Emma were already digging in.
They had worked up quite an appetite that morning so most of the meal was enjoyed in near silence. There was only the sound of chewing and the occasional “Mmmm” to accompany the sounds of the forest around them as everyone filled their empty stomach with delicious food.
As Emma finished her plate she informed her mother that she needed to make a trip to the little girls room. And it definitely couldn’t wait. There was a little map on one of the brochures Osmond had picked up, so Ana grabbed Emma’s hand and they headed in that direction.
Unfortunately Ana wasn’t that great at reading a map of the woods, so at the first fork in the trail she wasn’t entirely sure which way to take. Fortunately they happened to spot one of the forest rangers close by.
“Excuse me, but could you tell me if we’re heading in the right direction for the restrooms?” Ana asks.
“Yes indeed. Just keep walking a little farther and you’ll see them.” The ranger answered. “First time camping?”
“Is it that obvious?” Ana responded.
“Well, maybe, but no worries. That’s what I’m hear for, to help out whenever needed. Ranger Shawna at your service. There are plenty of fun things to do here and over at the national park. I could talk about it all day, but as you said you’re on your way to the restroom, so I won’t keep you. Just come find me if you have any questions. Enjoy your stay in Granite Falls.” Ranger Shawna seems really friendly and happy to help.
Back at the campsite Osmond asks the teens if they’d like to try their hand at a game of cards on their newly purchased portable game table.
“No thanks, I’m practicing a new song.” Dani answers.
“Can I deal?” Celia asks and Osmond nods in answer. “Awesome! Come on Clara!”
“Grab your chairs and bring them on over.” Osmond tells them. “I hope you know, girls, that I’m not going to take it easy on you.” He challenges after the first hand had been dealt.
“Good, that means when I kick your butt the victory will be even sweeter.” Celia taunts. Then the game beings…
The game started getting competitive fast. Osmond and Celia really enjoyed throwing friendly gibes at each other. Clara lost quickly (she wasn’t really into the game anyway). It’s just Celia and Osmond now… As the end of the game draws near, they’re getting more and more competitive… It’s Osmond’s turn… Then… After an intense stare-down… She had to make him sweat, just a little… but eventually… a little longer… finally… Celia responds to his last turn…
“Go fish!” She says triumphantly.
While the world’s most intense game of Go Fish is going down back at camp, Ana and Emma have a little mini-adventure all their own on their way back from the restrooms.
For the rest of the day the family followed no plan. It was nice to simply hang out doing whatever they wanted without school, homework, housework or anything to worry about.
Ana’s favorite new game is horseshoes.
“Did you see that, honey?” Ana says to her husband. “I did it!” She’s so proud of herself.
“Um… Ana, my love, I think your supposed to get the horseshoe close to or maybe even on the stake to get a point.” Osmond says as gently as he can.
“Oh hush you old grouch! It didn’t land in the grass did it?” She defends her lackluster first attempt.
“When you’re right, you’re right.” Osmond says as he gives her a congratulatory kiss.
Dani spends most of her day practicing a song that she wants to play for the group around the campfire that night.
Brandon stays at the mountain lake, fishing until he has caught enough fish for everyone to have that evening.
Clara is more occupied with her cellphone and taking selfies than anything else. She still isn’t convinced that camping is all it’s cracked up to be.
Emma and Celia eventually talk their parents into playing another card game.
Emma tries to bluff her way to a win.
As the first day of the trip winds down there are definitely some mixed feelings about this trip so far. It’s pretty obvious by this time that camping is not Clara’s idea of fun, but her twin Celia had been having fun.
But her opinion soured a little when it came time that she needed to make a trip to the restrooms herself. That was one of the least enjoyable things Celia has ever experienced.
But most of the group is really having a good time.
Dani and Emma have spent more time with each other today than they have since Dani’s birthday.
“Thank you for braiding my hair, Dani.” Emma tells her big sister after Osmond commented on how cute she looked today.
“Aww, you’re welcome, Em.”
Ana and Osmond are thoroughly enjoying the time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For once they have time to just sit back and relax. That’s something that doesn’t happen very often with such a big family.
And one particular, outdoor enthusiast, in the family couldn’t be happier with the choice of vacation.
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