Church camping at Nehalem Bay State Park

   I went camping last weekend, with my church group and my newly purchased, set up in 10 minutes, little bright green tent.  What fun.  Adele enjoyed the adventure with me at at Nehalem Bay State Park. 
   Now, I have not done anything like this in years...even left all my camping gear with ex-hubby in CA, thinking I'd never do this again....wrong...(I'm considering a call to him to see if he kept everything, he is not the "camper"....this would be nice to pick up on my October CA visit).
   Some things have changed since my younger days. First thing, sleeping bag is on an air mattress. I bought an air mattress several years back, when my oldest daughter, Kandi, came to visit, great for extra sleeping beds. Twin size, it was on sale for $25 at Big Five, and has a battery operated pump...the "bomb" for quick and easy inflation. Upper side has a velour lining which "holds" the sleeping bag or blankets in place, no slipping off in your sleep. My back and hips "thanked me" the next morning.
  

       
   Also, as there was a plug in for RVer's....I took a heavy duty electric cord and surge protector along for my toaster (made waffles at home, took them for breakfast or instant snacks) and "coffee pot".  NO camp coffee grounds for me!!   One of the gals in the group has even brought her microwave.  I did consider that, but, room in my PT was at a premium.....LOL

     Friday night I fixed a large chicken breast, which had marinated all day.   Fried some freshly dug up potatoes and tomato.  Found that I had not brought something to wash dishes in, did bring the soap.  Plastic container borrowed from neighbor worked.
    The beach was just over the dunes behind me, it was so pretty.  The entire weekend was perfect weather, long walks on the beach, Adele and I walked around the camp ground section visiting friends from church and making new friends.  Invited to campsites to enjoy fires.  Adele didn't sleep well the first night, as she could not see out of the tent and was a little paranoid.  The next day after our long walk on the beach, she made up for lost sleep.   

  
   I love the beach, and this area was beautiful.

      My daughter and family came Saturday for the night, great family time had. Saturday night was a "potluck" with other church campers.  I fried up a large bunch of fresh red potatoes, onions and marjoram, brought from my garden.  The food choices were unending.  Sunday morning was church in the open, what a wonderful way to worship. 
   It was a great weekend and nothing beats family and s'mores around the camp fire!!