Perhaps too dramatic a title but it has a nice ring to it. My camping trips have often been connected with other events such as barbecue contests, weddings and graduations, balloon fests, book signings, wine trails, car cruises, etc. But this week is a first for me--the Iowa State High School Baseball Tournament. My friend Don's grandson plays for Johnston High School, which has been rated #1 in Class 4A the whole season. So he reserved a camping spot at Coralville Lake early on to be sure of a site. Last week, with a win in the substate finals, Johnston's participation was confirmed. Because it was a six day stay, we had decided to use Don's camper with its larger water tanks and more storage. However, a couple of weeks ago, an issue arose with the refrigerator. Times being what they are, the dealer couldn't look at it until last Tuesday, so Agatha was put on standby.
She and I spent most of last week at Beed's Lake and returned home on Saturday. Obviously, while I was gone, someone must have moved the power pole by the alley because after two and a half years of backing her in without incident, Saturday that pole reached out and tore the door off the dump compartment. Meanwhile, the status of Don's camper changed daily and then hourly. Yes, it would be done Friday or Saturday. No, the guy who was supposed to work on it didn't show up for work Friday or Saturday. Yes, two guys were working on it and they should have it done soon. Finally it is ready and can be picked up.
Meanwhile, I checked to see if our site was empty the night before and possibly available early. No it's not, but in addition, due to a septic issue, the shower house and restroom in that campground is closed indefinitely. For a six-day stay, we depend on the campground showers. Since Agatha was not going to head out again the next day, I went ahead and removed the clean clothes and all food except condiments. Don called and said the fridge would run on propane but not electricity. We decided to leap in and take the risk anyway. After all, we're camping, right?
Meanwhile, I checked to see if our site was empty the night before and possibly available early. No it's not, but in addition, due to a septic issue, the shower house and restroom in that campground is closed indefinitely. For a six-day stay, we depend on the campground showers. Since Agatha was not going to head out again the next day, I went ahead and removed the clean clothes and all food except condiments. Don called and said the fridge would run on propane but not electricity. We decided to leap in and take the risk anyway. After all, we're camping, right?
On Sunday, we met at the campground and got set up. Our site overlooked the river, and the refrigerator appeared to be running on electric power. And the shower house problem had been fixed and it was back open. But we soon discovered the drawbacks to the site. The only shade was provided by a new tree, as seen in the photo, The late afternoon sun baked the sitting and cooking area and the picnic table, even with the awning out. With 90s forecast for the week, we decided decisive action was needed. The next morning, we trekked up to the check-in shack and arranged a trade for an empty site on the back of the campground but with plenty of shade. The switch was done in about an hour, and the rest of the week has been lovely, if a little warm.
Meanwhile, back to the reason for the trip and the thrill of victory. The first game was Tuesday at 11:30. Because it was a work day for the surrounding hospitals and clinics, parking was restricted to outlying lots and volunteers delivered spectators to the stadium in golf carts. It was hot. After a slow start, the Johnson Dragons handed a defeat to Iowa City Liberty. They play in the semifinals tonight at 5:00 pm.
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