A return to camping.

We’ve been out with the camper twice this early season. Mid-May found us at Devil’s Lake State Park – a new to us state park. This past weekend, a familiar place at Lake Emily County Park near Stevens Point.

Devil’s Lake weekend was filled with hiking, some exploration of another nearby state park, and a short trip into Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo. We arrived to our campsite super late, as we pulled off to wait out a severe thunderstorm with some crazy high winds. The tick count was relatively low (oh, how I hate those little things) but they didn’t stop us from hiking through the bluffs. It seemed like a fun area we hope to explore more.

This past weekend we returned to a favorite campground near Dave’s sister and family. It has become one of our favorite places to stay while we visit them. We arrived Thursday night and spent Friday on our own adventure; we visited and hiked Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau (another new park for us), stopped for pinball at one of Dave’s favorite places in Point, and then enjoyed a beer at the Point Brewery beer garden. Saturday we met up with family, starting at a local swap meet (My sister-in-law purchased two goats! This swap meet was other-worldly with chickens, ducks, and rabbits galore.) and then waiting out some rain at the camper with lunch and a movie. S’mores, bowling and pizza followed.

The best purchase to add to the camper this year has been this set of collapsible loveseats/double chairs. (Thanks, Costco!) Emmett has always been an old soul, preferring a chair to the ground. And honestly – we prefer it for the dogs, as it keeps them cleaner. They have adapted well to their new spot.

Once we journey home later today, the camper will stay parked for about a month until we head out for the Fourth of July weekend. A couple weekends at home are needed (so I can to finish planting the garden!) and then we’ll head out for a non-camping trip at the end of the month. More adventures to come!