it seemed like a good idea

i learned something this week: not everything goes my way. g and i had been planning a camping trip to joshua tree for the past month. we took time off of work, set aside our camping gear, stocked up on food, and prepared ourselves for a week sans showers, internet, refrigeration, and flushing toilets.

we were excited to get out of the city and enjoy being in the elements with only the essentials. i remembered my camping trips during my childhood: chatting by the fire, cooking food outside, waking up to the sunrise, getting dirty and being okay with it. for this trip, i was looking forward to the same things plus hikes, bike rides, snuggling with g and chase, and taking time to rest.

we packed the car, drove to our campsite, and created our temporary home.

that night, we cooked dinner, sat by the fire, and bundled up in the tent, ready for a good night's sleep. 

well, everything was fine and dandy until...

...monstrous winds kicked in around 2 am; the stakes to our tent loosened, causing it to catch the wind like a kite; everything was blowing away; we weren't able to re-stake the tent; chase was freaking out; we could barely hear each other over the wind's howling; and it was dark, late, and blistering cold.

all we could do at that point was put a heavy rock on top of the collapsed tent, throw everything into the front seat of the car, and sleep in a makeshift bed in the backseat. yep, we felt like the ultimate ragamuffin gypsy family.

throughout the rest of that night, the winds howled relentlessly and shook the car as if it was going to carry it away. although we were snuggled tightly, free from the cold outside, we were far from a comfortable sleep. 

our tent the next morning

notice the empty campsite? yeah, it's all stuffed in the car

when morning rolled around, the winds were still very much present. we decided at that point to head back home since we weren't going to get a break from the forces of nature. and not to mention, the clouds forming in the distance didn't look so promising either. we cooked our oatmeal, ate in the car, and packed our things for the drive home. 

i had a moment before we left joshua tree. i was frustrated with the weather. i was disappointed that we didn't do the things i was looking forward to doing. i was irritated that we prepared and packed and stocked up only to go back home in less than 24 hours. it was lame. 

but then g reminded me of something: you live and learn. there was no way we could have anticipated the wind, and we did everything we could to save our camp. he reminded me that we were all together, through thick and thin, and this would be one more memory to add to our growing list. with a tender hug and "i love you," g brought me an inner peace. and that's what it's all about.

so we trekked home, laughed about the shortest trip of our lives, and prepared a homemade meal as it poured outside. sure, this was no costa rica or paso robles trip, but in the end, i am thankful for the time we shared together - especially before the tent blew away.