We’re 5 days out from our upcoming kayak camping trip and I’m in full over planning mode. On Friday evening, I met up with my fellow adventurers Lauren and Stacey for dinner and beers. After the typical chit chat, I pulled out a series of maps and a pad of paper, ready to work out the details of our trip. My maps were met with laughter and mocking, but they’ll appreciate my navigation skills when we’re 4 miles deep into the swamp. Together, we worked out the basic logistics of our trip. We’re going to try to fit all 3 boats onto one vehicle, but can take two cars if needed. I’ll bring the tent and other camping gear while Lauren shares her artisan Missouri beef jerky and summer sausage. Stacey wigs out a little when she hears the words ‘latrine’ and ‘bucket’. Even though I have a camp stove and propane, we think it’ll be easier to just pick up a sandwich and some snacks for dinner. If we don’t cook, we don’t have to worry about cleaning pans and utensils. We all agree that a personal bottle of wine is an essential item to pack.

On Saturday, I dug out my old 4-man tent that my husband and I bought when we had just started dating. We upgraded to a much roomier tent years ago, but I’m glad I’ve kept the small one around. One of the support poles has split in half after years in the garage, but it’s nothing a little duct tape can’t fix. I pitched the tent in my backyard and applied a waterproofing spray. Here’s our home for Saturday night:

Our home for Saturday pitched in the back yard

I also bought a new 3 season compact sleeping bag for this trip, since there’s no way my usual sleeping bag will fit on my boat. This sleeping bag on Amazon was only $32.00 and is rated for temperatures down to 46° F. Since it’s probably going to be a bit chillier than 46°, I’m planning to line this sleeping bag with a fleece sleeping bag I have. One thing I wish I had is a sleeping pad, but the highly rated ones are expensive. So if I have room, I’ll strap my yoga mat to my boat for a little extra cushion and insulation.

New sleeping bag and a curious cat

New sleeping bag unrolled

Cozy fleece sleeping bag liner for extra warmth

Now that I know where and how I’m sleeping, I can move on to stressing about something I can’t control: the weather. As of Monday, the weather for Saturday varies widely between forecasting sources. NOAA is predicting a 40% chance of showers, partly sunny, with a high near 71°. The Weather Channel says 70% chance of rain in the morning, then clearing with a high of 65°. Weather Underground’s forecast is similar to The Weather Channel’s, with rain in the morning and then clearing in the afternoon. I think as long as it isn’t a total wash, we’re going on this trip. Keeping clothing and sleeping bags dry will be essential, but if we stay warm, a little rain won’t hurt.

This isn’t an expedition to Antarctica, it’s one night in the woods. Maybe we’ll just have pack an extra bottle of wine and enjoy the adventure.