Tent Raising

Last weekend we went camping with our friends Gary and Leah and their fabulous kids. Before we headed out, I needed to get us a new tent since we have grown out of our two man backpacking tent. Kids in tow I waded into Costco where Evan had spotted a large 6 man tent for $80 (after having browsed through the tents at REI we decided $80 was more our new camping style!). Because our Costco doesn't open until 11, exactly the time Ivor is in dire need of his morning nap and 30 minutes before Eliot is chomping at the bit for her lunch, I am ready to do a superspeed tent buying Costco run.

In I go, there is the tent, I pick it up and toss it into the cart, ready to book it towards the check stand I see it, under the boxes of 6 man tents... a gray box, Kelty written on the side, "8 man tent with attached vestibule" sings to me from the pile. I pause. The kids start getting antsy. 20 feet by 8 feet I read. Quick math in my head, is 20 feet really big, or really really big? Not sure, I try calling Evan at work, no answer. A minute and a half have passed since entering Costco and the kids are close to their breaking point. I grab the tent. How big could it be, really?

20 feet is too big to test the tent in our livingroom or front lawn so I have to take it on faith that Kelty has honorably included all the pieces before we head off on our trip.

Upon arrival at our site, Leah and I pull the tent from its bag and lay it out on the ground. Huh, looks a little big we say as it draps over the camp pad.

 

 

Getting bigger...