July 20, 2001
This was our first camping since I moved to Japan. It was very close to the beach where we used to surf in Ibaraki. The good thing is it is close to Toshi's parents' home so that we could obtain whatever we lack from them.
Toshi's dad is an expert in outdoor activities including camping and fishing so we got a lot of help from him. He went to the camp site with us just to help us to set up everything. Our nephews were happy to play with the airbed which we bought for 2 purposes: for us in camping and for our guests when they come to stay with us. The only thing is we need to do a bit of work out during the process of blowing it up.
At the camp site, everybody except us was very professional campers. Our tent was the smallest one and we had the least equipment and set up compared to others who brought along tables and pans... with big camping truck or vans. But the truth is everybody else came with family/kids while we were the only party with just two people.
After settling down, we went to the beach for a walk, then did some grocery shopping and prepare dinner. We decided to have BBQ. Toshi used the old-fashioned way to cook rice but it turned out to be congee-like. Miso soup was done well with small clams and onions.
The day was hot but it was pretty cool at night. After dinner kids were playing fireworks. The sky was clear enough that shooting stars could be seen.
The next morning was waken up by noisy birds just above our tent, it was about 6am. It didn't take us long time to pack and we finished our first camping trip before 8am.
This was just a rehersal. The next one is going to be with Toshi's whole family, 13 people altogether, 4 tents to be set up. It is gonna be fun! |
