The best thing about having an old, slow computer? The treasure trove of photos saved over the years!
These gems are from a long ago camping trip with my Boy.
We were at Willingdon Beach (best camp site anywhere!) and we’d scored a coveted spot on the beach. (This was shortly before I learned cougars are strong swimmers and have been seen paddling in the ocean next to our flimsy tent.)
N, who lived just up the hill, stopped by to help us light a fire.
That evening my Boy read, and N and I huddled near the spitting fire talking about nothing and everything.
Soon after N went home, the rains started.
It rained so hard, a kind fellow camper covered our cheap Walmart tent with a tarp.
Instead of lazing around on the beach reading, my Boy and I watched a movie (inside a nice dry theatre) and went swimming (pool water is warmer than rain!)
We ended up leaving a day early due to inclement weather. Once home, I had to spread the camping gear in the backyard to dry so it wouldn’t go mouldy when I put it away.
If you’d asked me how the trip went, I would’ve told you it was a disaster. I would’ve complained about everything from damp sleeping bags to frizzy hair and a shivering Chihuahua.
Now, eight years later, those memories of a visit with my late friend N and a holiday with my adolescent Boy, who was still willing to camp with his mom are golden.
What do you do when it seems like all your good times are in the past?
Long live the swimming cougars!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They outperform us on so many levels!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this: so true that at the time we don’t see our blessings, only when we look back do we see them. But my friend you have blessings now, not least your little pup. Good times seem only in the past because, as humans, we struggle to see what’s in the here & now. Sending a hug ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for this comment. It’s been a weird summer for me, and I’m feeling a bit bereft as it draws to a close. You’re right–I do have many blessings. I just need to focus on what I have, not what I don’t.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! Camping memories are best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! I’m not an outdoorsy person, but I miss those summer camping trips–even the rainy ones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sending you a hug! I know there are good times ahead. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I always get a bit melancholy when it’s time for my Boy to go back to university. It’s probably good I’m going back to work as I’ll be too busy to mope.
LikeLike
I know the feeling. Mine just got engaged today in Barcelona 🤗💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations to your son! It’s amazing to see our children grow up and find their place in the world, but (for me, anyway) there’s a little regret that childhood is over.
LikeLiked by 1 person