Page 5 of Daddy's Little Camping Trip
He chuckled. “All our plumbing is indoors, sir, but I understand. Not a tent guy.”
“No, I’m sure not. So…can you help me? It would certainly make my summer…err…funner.”
“My husband came up with that line. He insists it’s catchy, but it’s not my favorite. I just…”
“Keeping the peace is important.” I might be single, but I knew that much. “So, a cabin?”
“Let me check that for you. A moment, please.”
A long moment of silence ensued while I crossed my fingers. If I could get a cabin, even if it was a little homely, I might enjoy the weekend after all. But before I got too happy about it, Sandy returned to the line.
“Sorry, sir. I checked and every cabin is booked for the weekend.”
Disappointment hung heavy as I pictured myself in line for an outhouse. “Can you put me on the waitlist?”
“Really, there’s nothing.”
“That’s all right. I’m sure you did your best. And I’ll do the same.” My sigh emerged before I could stop it.
“You really do not like camping.”
“No, but I like the people attending, so I’ll make do. I really do appreciate your trying to help.” I prepared to disconnect.
“Don’t hang up quite yet,” Sandy, who by now I was assuming was one of the owners, said. “I don’t have anything in the actual campground, but I may have another solution for you if you’re interested.”
“Does it involve sleeping in a building?”
“Sir, it’s a lot better than that. We’ve been testing out a new experience on another piece of property and you would need to walk through the woods to get there.”
Through the woods?
“I couldn’t drive it?”
“No. At this point, the only way to access the new property is on foot.”
“Tell me more about the place. Is it a cabin as well?” A shack?
“We are experimenting with glamping. Rocky, my husband, thinks there is an untapped local market for people who, like you, might enjoy a weekend in the great outdoors but with all the conveniences. These are domes, and the first one is ready for occupancy.”
“Domes? Are those like yurts?”
“No. At least ours isn’t. It is equipped with every luxury.”
“But there is no road to it? Not even for an ATV?” How odd that the luxury accommodations had no way to get to them except on foot.
“There was, but the spring rains washed out the contractor’s road, and we won’t have a more permanent one until fall when they are ready to install the second and third units. Are you interested?”
“I am.” If it truly was a luxury experience, it might be a better weekend than I’d expected.
“All right.” He paused a moment then said, “Your name?”
Now I laughed. “I didn’t even give you that, did I? Sorry!”
After giving my credit card information to Sandy, he rattled off a confirmation number and assured me my dome would be ready. And that it wasn’t too far through the woods.
But when I hung up, I realized that I’d have to be trudging through the woods not only in daylight but at night after the weekend activities. For a second, I wondered how much wildlife might be out there then I shrugged it off. I had a nice room with all the comforts. It was worth a little risk.
Hopefully.
