I'm on my way from misery to happiness

August 24, 2008

(anyone remember the proclaimers song "i'm on my wey from misery to happiness todaey, uh huh, uh huh", man I love that song)

Somewhere up the Aziscohos mountain trail, or maybe looking out over Mooselookmegunticook or Umbagog Lake (I am not making these names up) I lost the self-pity, intense disappointment and guilt of the first day of my vacation.

That second day as we hiked up the mountain we talked about how we could connive to afford Nikon's basic entry level slr and a 50mm f/1.4 lens, if we sold some stuff we own (we actually like downsizing) and saved all my birthday, Christmas and personal "weekly allowance" cash.

That gave me some hope that sooner than later I could start down the path to better photography. And, in all honesty I was a happy camper. How could I complain when this was the view.

The week progressed and we pitched our tent in a different northern Maine campground close to another area of lakes, mountains and rivers. But unfortunately also close to ATV's and RV's, lots of them. Camera issues were mostly forgotten as we dealt with camping issues. Specifically answering the question: What should a vacation look like?

I prefer lazy activities, like beaches and strolls and think there is nothing better than buying fresh vegetables from local organic farmers and cooking up a gourmet supper back at camp. Damien is an active guy who prefers mountain streams and hikes and is content with previously prepared, dehydrated and camp reconstituted (but uber healthy) trail backpacking type food. Since Damien did all the camping prep (he's a keeper) food tended to his tastes but we worked on compromises and we'll continue to work that out in the future. But we both agree - next time round we will try to find campgrounds that don't cater to RV's. Satellites, in-house showers and refrigerators, that just ain't camping.

We worked through our issues in time for our vacation finale, camping with my parents for the weekend. They drove from their home in Nova Scotia to meet us near the coast of Maine. The weekend included a lovely beach, nearby free folk festival, starry night skies, wonderful food (where do you think I get my taste for gourmet from?), campfires and conversations with my folks.

The time with my parents was lovely. They are new to tenting but are troopers and eager to share in our family's outdoor adventures. This particular weekend they blessed us with their friendship, wonderful grandparenting, and an unexpected generous financial gift. Funny thing is they had planned their gift a long time prior to finding out about my camera despair. The timing of the gift was just kind of "coincidental".

What can I say, our camping vacation was great. I'm glad I was able to change my attitude from despair to "we'll work it out" early on in the trip. But the unexpected gift was truly icing on the cake of a wonderful week with my family. Thanks Mom & Dad. Looks like I will be getting that fancy pants camera afterall - sweet.

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