On Saturday morning, I got up super early and drove to a campground to spend some time with my family. The GPS did a good job, right up until it decided I need to turn “RIGHT NOW” down a road that did not exist. It was fine with the next road, but started to freak out again and I turned it off and just followed the signs.
I got to the campground before anyone was awake and waited until folks started moving around a bit. We had breakfast, played with a giant bubble maker, and road bikes for a bit. I had a few small gifts for my Dad for an early father’s day – then off to the playground and ice cream on the way back.
We were sitting around and chatting for a bit, then the thunder started to sound. We got all the gear under cover as the rain started and then, curiously, it did not stop. So, dinner was under the canopy and so was dessert and also the clean up and the rain just kept coming down. We emptied the canopy a few times as pockets filled up with water.
My sister and brother-in-law cleared some space in their camper so we could get out of the rain and play games.
While were playing, there was a sudden crash from outside. Looking out the windows we saw an animal had pulled down the water-logged trash bag. Here’s what happened:
I rushed outside and confronted the beast. It was enormous, nearly as wide as the camper and filled with rage at being disturbed. I brandished my weapon – glowing with an eldrich light – and charged forward, shouting a war cry as I flung myself into battle.
The creature responded with a roar, fire and acid pouring from its fang-lined mouth in turn. I shouted again and it retreated a step, wary of my aggressive posture. Another step back and then it surged forward again – intent on my destruction.
But I would not be cowed. My family, nay, civilization depended on me and my next actions would shape the course of destiny. I raised my weapon and drove it back into the darkness, hissing and sputtering in impotent rage.
I stared into the darkness, into the abyss of its absence, and the abyss stared back into me.
From the perspective of my family, it looked to them like a raccoon got into the trash and I chased it off a couple of times while holding a glow stick.
But it was a big raccoon. Seriously.
With the rain stopped and the crisis averted, I brushed my teeth and went to bed in a tent.
I was up early the next morning – having not slept well and needing to use the bathroom – and waited until the rest of the crew was up. We hung out a bit, packed up the gear, and headed out.
Again, my GPS played games with me and sent me on a short, but extra wild, goose chase before settling down and directing me home.
A good trip, despite the rain and the wildlife. I think my Dad enjoyed the early father’s day celebration and I know my nieces had fun too.
Next time, I’ll try to document the raccoon if it comes back.
Seriously, it was huge.