Camping in the Rain
It is Memorial Day weekend. We have had these sites reserved at Lake Ahquabi State Park south of Des Moines since the ninety day window opened in February. TV ads the last few weeks have shown people outside in bright sun, grilling, swimming, and partying, enjoying the holiday weekend.
It is raining. A solid, steady rain for a while and then it rains harder. Pounds on the roof of the camper relentlessly until it can't possibly rain any harder. And then it rains harder. Vehicles occasionally leave the campground, probably in search of a dry breakfast somewhere. Thunder rumbles, not crashing or threatening--just a reminder that all the checklists in the world don't let you control the weather.
It's cozy inside. Little lights glow around me like the candles and lanterns of yesteryear, but this is the electronic age, after all. A red light on the wall indicates the water pump is on, an orange one on the percolator tells us the coffee is ready, a yellowish nightlight in the shape of a Coleman lantern cozies up a corner, and a green light means the Kindle is done charging. I realize we're not roughing it, but this morning I'm glad not to be in a tent.
I think there will be sausage and corn fritters for breakfast--when I get so inspired. For now a little reading, wrapped in a fleece blanket. It is very peaceful.