Wow, we’re just a wee bit behind on posting photos. All the pictures were uploaded and arranged on this page back in July, but no one had the energy to write the words for it. That should give you somewhat of an idea what the latter half of 2021 was like for the Derecola clan.

Anyway (I think I say that all the time after my lead-in), we kept the tradition of camping over the 4th of July weekend in 2021. I was about six weeks removed from my heart attack and we had a reservation only about an hour from home, we kept our plans as a way to have a chill weekend away from things. With me just out of the hospital and Dash Point State Park being so close, we decided to take my GTI as a spare car. It’s not “true” to the van camping life, but sometimes you have to make adjustments.

Dash Point sites (with power and water) didn’t have a great deal of privacy, but this campground had a good mix on day activities for families with small kids and/or parents recovering from heart attacks. We did a couple short day hikes, visited the beach at the other end of the campground, and counted many many “asparagus” (rabbits – long story involving our imaginations). We made use of our propane fire pit, which is a recent conversion after years of backyard pits that use wood. I have been conflicted about it, but it’s actually the only fire we were allowed to use because of summer burn bans. This summer was particularly hot… although multi-month burn bans have become the norm around here every year.

No internet at camp, so it was music, audiobooks, or… for some of us… actual books. There were toys, a soccer ball, a hammock, drone flights, and a day on a boat rental out of Tacoma. That location is considered part of our membership, so it was great to be able to drive ~20 min away and explore a new part of the south Sound. Not much to see from that outing, as we spent of it motoring around the area looking at whatever we could find. Thirty-seven miles is legit!

So, yeah. Van camping. No regrets. We’re doing the same weekend in 2022. Different spot, though.