We went on a group camping trip to Sequim last week-end. I love when someone else says this is where we are going, this is when, we have the site reserved, do you want to join? The Jewish hiking club organized this one, and for the first time, we were able to join in.

The Wandering Jews was started by brother-in-law a long time ago. Before we all had partners or kids. It was a chance for Jewish singles to meet and go hiking together. I used to come to town and hit the parties. I still mostly see these people at holiday parties a couple times a year, plus many of us now belong to the same synagogue and hang out after dropping our kids off for religious school. In other words, I certainly know them all, but I wouldn't say we are close friends.

That was not a problem. We all got along fine. I was not shocked when their kids had melt downs, and they did not hold it against me when David refused to come down out of a tree.

The whole trip was very relaxing. I know, a camping trip relaxing? Usually we are in such a panic about getting our kids to sleep at a decent hour or getting the food cooked before the rain storm that we might be appreciating the wilderness but not calm. This time, I at least, found my mellow. We got to the camp site quite late because of ferry schedules. John went right to work cooking dinner, and I set up the tent. It all got done. The kids went right to playing. I think part of the relaxation was David not needing to be constantly entertained. He has needed a lot of being read to, and here were all these kids and toys to play with. (Read the next entry for the most exciting toy.)

Sleep went reasonably well. I mean, 10:00 the first night, but they still functioned the next day. I have learned that my children can survive losing a few hours of sleep; they cannot survive eating meals late. A couple years ago I bought a very fancy camping cot. Since then my back has not gone out every time I've gone camping. It's amazing how much more fun it is to camp when you aren't physically disabled and in constant pain.

Because the kids had just come back from camp, we did a lot of singing. Delightful. And for once in my life, I was not the last one ready to go every day. We all want to do it again next year.