Now, camping in the USA is much easier than in the UK. Most tents here aren't even waterproof, because who would go out when water is falling from the sky? We chose Pohick Bay to visit, together with Tracey and Virginia, because it had air-conditioned showers, and mini-golf, and a marina. Which almost made up for having to leave behind the essentials of life like wi-fi and espresso machines.
The only real discomfort was having to sleep in 95F heat. It has never been 95F at night in the UK, and the experience was like trying to doze in warm soup. I even removed my socks in bed! There were the bugs too - spiders and ants, some the size of small cats, roaming around as if they owned the place and constantly threatening to drag the old and infirm away.
In the end no harm was done, beyond several cuts and bruises to Pete that had his teachers asking me exactly what we'd got up to this weekend. My enthusiasm for camping was actually somewhat revived, which is nice given how far back my scouting days now are. Do they still do "father and son" camps? Would anyone object if I took my espresso machine?
Before we pitched our tents we paddled out into Pohick Bay.
Hannah looking epic in her kayak.
Us looking less epic on our pedalo.
Some people on the campsite put up the tents. Others...
...lazed around.
Kids can entertain each other when they're older! This is amazing.
Virginia the pirate.
A round of golf before dinner.
One of Europe's wildcards in this year's Ryder Cup.
Dinner time!
Give a child a glowstick and they won't stop moving.
Time for smores! Over the gas, because we didn't really need a fire given the weather.
Yum.
Father and son camp.
Next morning. Don't worry, we didn't make them sleep in here.
A discussion about breakfast.
And the result! Camping's not too bad, is it?
