Going Camping

As I wait for the fog to clear this morning there are signs that perhaps the sun might make an appearance at some point today. I heard a rumour that we might see the pay off for this terrible wet spring by having a hotter and dryer than normal summer. That would suit Jet and I just fine. Right now I am dreaming of camping. Now this is not your regular run of the mill family camping trip. This is a doggie camping extravaganza.
At last count there will be 7 humans and 12 (but I heard there might be a lucky 13 addition to the group by then) canines in our party. Although I am a seasoned camper, last year was Jet's first foray into the wonderful world of camping. I must say I was a little hesitant about how this would all shake out. She isn't the kind of dog one would expect to be content just chilling by the campfire with a nice bevie enjoying a roasted wiennie (ok well maybe the wiennie). Not to mention the fact that I sleep in a tent (low budget camping - no motor home or fancy trailer for me), on an air mattress. I had many sleepless nights leading up to that first camping trip wondering if I was going to be up all night trying to quiet my dog down as she alerted to every sound coming from the campgrounds.
I need not have worried. She took to camping like an old pro.
She hung out in her expen when I need to have hands free to cook or drink (ok more drinking than cooking took place). She even decided to make her own tent out of the lovely grass mat I put down for her. Not one to be left out of things...that's my girl!

 I was going to have her sleep in the crate in my tent at night to hopefully avoid her ripping the zipper or windows out in an attempt to get at whatever was creeping around outside. Jet had other plans however. The first night as I was changing for bed - she hopped up on the air mattress (double high queen size by the way - go big or go home is my motto), curled up in a ball and seemed to have found her place. I decided to risk it, knowing I could always resort to the crate in the middle of the night if the need arose. I crawled in beside her, and pulled the sleeping bag up around me ready for a wonderful sleep in the fresh night air. Jet took one look, shoved her nose at the sleeping bag and burrowed her way inside, heaved a big sigh and there she stayed until morning. Waking up in the morning with her warm breath at my cheek (she had wiggled up to the top at some point in the night), was sheer camping bliss.

70 more sleeps until camping...Jet and I will be ready!