When last seen, JCK was headed to the desert for her first family camping trip. She is proud to say that she is still walking, albeit with a slight hitch in her step. She likes to think of it as the Cowgirl Whoopie Step. Since it might appear to be a bit bow legged ...and all get out. Not to be confused with GET OUT OF MY TENT...it's been 48 hours! A funny thing about camping. You have to sleep on the ground. JCK wishes to point out that this, although seemingly a minor detail... is not.
JCK learned quite a bit this go around, and would like to share her.... Camping 101 Facts for Overly Enthusiastic Parents: 
When your son, the little Rooster, wakes at 5am, after you've had...perhaps 4 hours sleep, it's best to just get the hell up and not debate with a 7 year old on the merits of sleep. You won't win. 
When watching the sun rise over the desert, nothing tastes better than hot tea in a tin cup.
If you are prone to peeing in the middle of the night, don't get all prissy at the very idea! of having a pee bottle. You'll wish you had one at 3am. Otherwise... toilet paper? How about squat and shake your booty. 
Unplugging is good for the soul...
There is nothing better than seeing your children all smudged with happy dirt.
Legos go anywhere.
Arguing over who moved your stuff means there are too many Virgos in one tent.
Extra rope is always handy. For keeping tents from blowing away or tying up a sassy spouse. 
Shoes that slip on and off are key. 
A 1 1/2 hike to a desert oasis is worth every step.
There is something exquisite about flowers in the desert.
You can't get enough.
Beetles can be fun.
Camping with friends who are experienced campers is the only way to do it. 
The best meal ever is hot dogs, beans and corn.
And...the last Camping 101 Factoid for Overly Enthusiastic Parents?
When people tell you that it can get windy in the desert, don't smile politely and think they are exaggerating.
Devil winds blowing from two directions at once, for many hours during the night, with fears of the tent flying to Oz, will negate every sip of whiskey.
Dirt, tents, hot dogs, friends, s'mores...what's not to love.
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