Test Camp

For our "test camp" we went to Metzler Park, located near Estacada, along beautiful Clear Creek.  It was about 20 minutes from our house and a total surprise.  It was wonderfully isolated and surrounded by hills covered with towering fir and cedar trees.  Jason spent some time familiarizing himself with the RV, while the girls and I hit the playground.  We took the suspension bridge over Clear Creek to a loop trail that visits a forested hillside and a swimming hole.

During dinner prep I realized that I'd forgotten to pack matches and a can opener, which were both essential for our dinner.  I explained to the nice family camping next to us that we'd jumped into the deep end of the pool when we purchased the RV.  We had very little camping experience and could I please borrow matches and a can opener.

I also attempted a shower.  Jason told me that I would need to turn the water off, when not rinsing, as to avoid filling up the grey tank.  Since the RV was not exactly level, I spent most of the time fighting with my shower wand and the plastic shower curtain (that kept trying to touch me).  When I needed the water, it took a while for the hot and cold to make "warm", so I was alternately burned and frozen.  When we finally reached "warm" it was time to turn it off again.  Then, come to find out, that most of the water ended up on the floor anyway, so filling up the grey water tank wasn't even an issue.  Now I understand why my uncle gave us "leveling bricks" when he found out that we bought an RV.

The nice family camping next door is probably still talking about us, because after borrowing most of their essential stuff, we woke up at 8AM and left the next day.  I failed to bring food for breakfast.