Camping Diary: Check the Reference

Sunday: Notes Before Unpacking

1Friday afternoon, I thought the hardest part of our camping weekend would be carrying my pack. Then Aunt Sora handed me the tent bag and asked me to pitch our shelter while she checked the stove. I spread the fabric on the ground and studied the poles. My cousin Dario waited without offering advice, which somehow made me more nervous.

2I wanted to record every step for my diary, but I needed both hands. Dario offered to take notes while I worked. At first, I refused because I wanted the weekend to feel like my own accomplishment. After threading the same pole through the wrong sleeve twice, I passed him my notebook. His record of the setup included a drawing of my tangled elbows.

3On Saturday, we followed a trail to a lookout. My compact flashlight fit into the small pocket of my jacket, leaving room in my pack for lunch. At a narrow section of the trail, we stopped to yield to hikers coming toward us. Dario counted the people passing while I watched where I placed my boots. Nobody needed to hurry.

4That evening, I kept one dry pair of socks in reserve instead of wearing them beside the fire. Aunt Sora called this sensible planning. I called it uncomfortable planning until Sunday morning, when the grass outside our tent was wet. Before packing, I used the campground guide's glossary to check what “tinder” meant. I had confused the word with the larger sticks beside the fire ring. At home, I will add a clear definition to my diary. Dario can add another drawing, if he wants.