[Captain Pike]

My wife, my son and I set out on a camping trip last weekend. Now, I'm a C-5 quad, and very dependent. We picked up her two children and they brought a couple of friends, my son joined his friend, making our complement eight in total. Getting to the campground late in the afternoon, we set up our three tents along the river.

So here I am with seven able-bodied people, the sun is setting and the bugs are coming out full force. It's kind of a frustrating thing; being prostrate in my wheelchair while everybody else is getting busy. I was able to lend a hand, reading the directions for the assembly of a new tent. One thing good I learned is that mosquito bites outside of my area of sensation don't itch!

We brought along my alternating pressure mattress -- this thing has really saved my skin. It is a very sad and calamitous affair, trying to get me inside of the tent, lying down on this air mattress, however. We brought along and used a Hoyer lift. The second night, my wife and I slept in our conversion van. This was kind of nice, listening to "19 Minutes", a new book by Jody Picoult, on audio CD and then later the RAIN, pitter-pat on the roof of the van!



We took the kids to a theme park one day. I was somewhat dismayed at having to pay a $10 "walk around" pass -- I was tempted to try to return it -- it didn't work -- I couldn't walk. This place, FUNTOWN USA, boasts one of the largest all-wood roller coasters. It rained like hell in the afternoon, so we all got out and caught a movie. Our group was split between Shrek III and Pirates of the Caribbean/At Worlds End, I saw the latter and understood it less than the other two. I felt grateful at having been brought along at all. I did enjoy myself but felt sad and guilty because my wife and my son had to work so hard to accommodate me. I recall thinking once "cheer up chum, don't make them regret it."



I guess I sound a little grim. Sometimes I get to thinking I've got it bad. And then I take a look at something like this and realize, I've got the best support guy could have, I continue to have a wonderful life.

This post has been edited by Captain Pike: 05 June 2007 - 06:51 PM

[Joed]

Hey Cap'n!

Looks like a good time was had by all, in spite of some of the difficulties involved. Now you've got me thinking about how to adapt a tent for w/c access. If you have a tent repair business local to you, it'd be a cinch for them to come up with something.

It's probably a good thing that you spent the night in the van when it rained....my experiences with tents and rain haven't been pleasant ones....but the pitter-patter is always nice.

Quote

We took the kids to a theme park one day. I was somewhat dismayed at having to pay a $10 "walk around" pass -- I was tempted to try to return it -- it didn't work -- I couldn't walk.

They just don't make those passes like they used to.

[ParaforGod]

Hi Captain Pike,
Its so good to hear you all had such a good time. I know when we do new things its hard not to think of the things we can't do but like you said you are lucky and they wouldn't have wanted to go if you had not gone. Love the pictures. What a nice looking family you have.

[edlee]

Time away, with people you love and who love you!!!

It don't get much better!!!!

ed