This trip has been titled "Those Thieving Coons!"

Since the kids are still in school, T and i decided to take the camper out and get everything all set up. After two laps around the campground, we decided on a nice big spot overlooking the lake with plenty of shade. The water hook up was a bit far from the camper, but that was ok... i took the advice a fellow camper gave me about having an extra hose (as well as an extension cord for the camper). Within an hour, we were all set up, stuff was strewn about and a new faucet had been installed.

I started setting everything up outside while T cozied up the inside. I unwrapped the brand new water hose, uncoiled it and gave the rubber washer to T and told her to put it in the toolbox for safe keeping - we might need it later. I connected the water hoses together and turned the water on to check for leaks around the faucet. The faucet was ok, but the hoses outside were leaking where i connected them together. I thought it just needed a little Teflon tape and i would bring the tape with us later.

The weather forecast for the entire weekend was rain off and on. On the way home from the campground, we hit a driving rain!

"The Faucet Story" - we popped the camper up earlier this year to clean it out and check everything out. When we flipped the galley into position, the faucet just fell apart. The faucet was impossible to repair, so we installed a new one. It was still under warranty. Next time, i plan to install a real faucet.

We picked the kids up from school (3 p.m.) and on the way home, i informed them we were not going camping today, just wanted to mess with them a little but i could not keep from grinning! They were so excited and the weather seemed to be cooperating.

When we arrived at home, T pointed out everything that needed to go - WOW! I didn't see how we would get all of it in the Blazer. We piled it high, everyone held something and we made it to the campground with all our belongings.

I wanted to try cooking something in a pot this time. Normally, we cook hot dogs and hamburgers over a fire, but we have never used a pot. When we stocked the camper initially, we purchased a cheap set of pots and pans. T told me she brought just the thing... baked beans! I know it really isn't something to get excited about and we will cook more meals to come. Gotta get some recipes together.

My daughter was getting settled in, exploring the side of the hill. She was looking for kindling. In the process she started an acorn and bottle cap collection. My son was just enjoying the Legos in the camper. T was still putting everything up, getting beds sheeted up and all of that good stuff. I was starting to get my "fire stuff" together - i cannot wait to burn wood!

Around 5 p.m., i started the fire. I think i have it down pat now. I use the "square" method of building a fire. I place two large logs on each side, then put the kindling in between them. When the kindling starts burning, i add logs by placing them on the two "side" logs. This seems to work perfect and my fires have not smoked near as bad.

We cooked the baked beans and burnt a few hot dogs. After eating, i made a S'more out two Graham crackers and a Moon Pie. Works pretty good when you forget the chocolate bars!

Around 6 p.m., it rained just a little, but not enough to get the ground wet. Everyone was pretty tired so we showered early and i was sacked out at 9 p.m.

Just before i went inside, i checked to make sure everything was picked up outside. I always look around for things that may draw ants, racoons, etc. I noticed the RubberMaid container of dog food on the ground inside the plastic bag. I thought, the lid is on tight and it will be ok. It wasn't a real big container and i was sure no animals would carry it off.

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