Grand camping – Part 4

Final in a four-part series

Now it’s time for the After Party: So where’d everybody go?

Today, when there’s a big event, it isn’t necessarily over when it’s over. The cool thing to do is have an “After Party” too. The “after party” after a camping/fishing/family vacation road trip usually involves eating up the leftovers that don’t smell too funny and unloading three truckloads of gear.

But what if you give an “after party” and nobody comes? Just ask me. The photo of the gear at the right is just some of the stuff that had to find it’s rightful place at my after party following the fun family camping vacation a few weeks back. But that’s okay.

Getting extra hugs from the grandkids because “Riding and driving the boat is my favorite ever” and holding the kids steady while they to drive the pontoon boat across the open waters, hearing that they recanted the whole weekend in their “thank you for” portion of their good night prayers back home or getting a running hug as we load up with a “You’re the best Poppa Ever” makes it all worthwhile. I know we made memories that will last a lifetime. And thanks to my whole family for making it another wonderful set of memories for Grand D and Poppa K!

If you’ve gone on such adventures, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, start planning one now. Make it your own style. Do your own thing. Come to D’Arbonne. Go to Claiborne. Or enjoy one of north Louisiana’s other fine state park facilities or campgrounds.  Even if, after it’s over, you are the only one that shows at the After Party…. And try to find a copy of Ollie Hopnoodle’s Haven of Bliss for proper planning and direction. You’ll be glad you did.

** PS – if you are just now reading this, check back on the first three parts and it’ll make more sense.