I can see it now - - me, wearing a plaid jacket...in a CHEX-tv commercial...inviting you down to my used RV dealership. Free coffee and donuts...and balloons for the kids!
As it stands now, I've got 2 tent trailers popped up in our driveway. One of them is our very first family tent trailer, which we've put up for sale. It was time to move up to a larger model now that the kids are getting older. The dog also needed more space to "lounge"...and there's talk of our recently-adopted cat coming along for the ride this summer too (Hmmmm...I don't think cats and camping are a natural "mix"...but I may be out-voted on that issue).
I guess I didn't realize until last year that we had outgrown it. That's because in recent years, our camping excursions have included our friends Mike and Loretta from Port Perry, who own a 32-foot travel trailer....complete with solid cherry cabinetry, dining room set, tv, dvd player, and sofa. Basically, it's a Bungalow-on-Wheels. So on those cold, rainy nights we go into their trailer...tweak the furnace a bit...turn on the "fake fire" dvd...pull out some smoked lake trout and crackers...open up some cold beverages - - you know, "roughing it"!
But, last August we went on our own to Lake St. Peter (north of Maynooth) for a week of solid rain. Two adults, two teenagers and a wet dog in a tent trailer - - not such a good time. So, the hunt was on for something a little "roomier". No, we didn't end up with a 32-footer like our friends - - we opted for just a larger tent trailer. (I'm a really practical kinda guy. We plan on hauiling the new trailer to the Maritimes this summer - - the thought of handing over half my paycheck to a gas company to tow a monsterous travel trailer wasn't an option).
I've gotta be honest though - - I'm a little sad to see the old one go. I think it really hit me when I was setting it up and putting the For Sale signs on it. Our kids looked at it and said, "Gee, we had a lot of memories in that trailer".
They're right.
There was that wicked windstorm at Sandbanks. The tornado at Bon Echo. The tree that came crashing down a few sites away. Cursing under my breath while setting up the dining tent. Ahhhh...good times.
But, for 10 years, it served as a place where we could all hang out as a family, grow, make friendships, and make memories. Knowing that our kids recognize and appreciate that time together too makes it all worthwhile.
Here's to a season of new memories...in our new trailer.