On the Island

This weekend we loaded up the Lance and went camping on Assateague Island. I took along a hexagon tent. Even though the directions read "do not try to erect in moderate or heavy winds" I refused to believe I couldn't get that tent up...in spite of 50 mile per hour gusts. I worked for 45 minutes - got the tent up - and then moved my beach chair inside and sat there until a gust blew the tent over my head and into the dunes. I dismantled it and stowed it away, completely satisfied. I had erected the tent in a heavy wind. I hadn't let a warning meant for lesser mortals stop me. Same with the charcoal grill I had brought along. I have a kitchen in the camper complete with propane range and oven, microwave and refrigerator - but I wanted to cook out - forget the wind and the wet coals. Why? Because I wanted to prove I could. I brought along a float and threw myself into icy water, ignoring the 6 foot waves. Why? Because I knew I could. I swallowed a gallon of salt water and I am still digging sand out of various and sundry orifices but I did it. I swept constantly to keep the camper sand-free - and I did. Even though it meant barring John from the inside until he had removed his waders and showered outside.