I passed the cup to Hanna. She had been driving for nearly an hour. “Your coffee has to be cold by now.”
She shrugged. “I don’t mind cold coffee.”
“Need a break?”
“Nope, it’s only another hour. I’ve got this.”
I let out a happy breath as I checked the time. “I can’t wait to get there. The tent will only take a few minutes to set up, then we’ll toss our sleeping bags and Bandit’s blanket inside and leave everything else locked in the car for the time being. I want to check out the sights for an hour or so and then we’ll finish unloading when we get back. Bandit probably wants to stretch his legs, anyway.”
“I bet he does. Too bad pets have to be on leashes and he can’t just run free.”
I had to agree. City pets rarely had the chance to let loose and go. It was only when we went to the dog park that Bandit had that opportunity. Even though country living had its appeal, I would never give up my family home, plus driving into the city for work every day with Chicago’s traffic would make it unbearable.
I grinned. “I can’t believe you’ve never camped, fished, or been in a canoe.”
She glared at me. “I grew up in Brooklyn.”
“I know, I know, but didn’t you ever go on vacations?”
“Sure, to Long Island.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Hey, don’t knock it. It was still a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Montauk. We’d stay at the cottages near the beach, and every morning, Mom and I would leave after breakfast and spend hours building sandcastles and playing in the water. In the afternoon, we’d visit the lighthouses and the parks. Our vacations usually consisted of long weekends several times a year. On our way home, Dad would treat us to a few hours in the Hamptons. Mom and I window-shopped at fancy stores while Dad sipped bourbon at the restaurant we’d eat at later. After that, we returned to Brooklyn and looked forward to our next three-day weekend. We did that twice a summer.”
“Sounds like fun. Did you ever wish you had a sibling?”
She smiled. “Of course, but that wasn’t my call to make. We made it work.”
I pointed at the road sign. “Only ten miles to go. I better see what campsites are available near the lake.” I dialed the reservations number I had programmed into my phone yesterday, and after three rings, a woman picked up on the other end.
“Giant City State Park, how can I help you?”
“Hi, I’m wondering what campsites are available near the lake.”
“Almost all of them, sir, since that’s farther away from the lodge, cabins, and most of the activities. The sites near amenities fill up faster. Do you need electricity?”
“No, we’re tent campers.”
“Sure. Just follow the signs and pick a site that looks vacant. You can come to the registration building and pay within twenty-four hours of arriving.”
“Perfect, and thanks a lot.” I clicked off the call. “That was easy enough. We’ll look for the best campsite and plant our asses right there.”
Hanna laughed. “I’ll leave that decision up to you. You’re the expert.”
“That reminds me. I better get my phone fully charged.”
“Planning on using it? I thought we were staying off the grid.”
“We are, but just in case of an emergency. You know, like if you tip over the canoe and drown me.” I waited for it, and she delivered—a punch to my left shoulder. I winced and rubbed it harder than necessary for effect. “Ouch, you packed a lot of power behind that.”
“Guess I never told you I took boxing lessons as a teenager.”
I raised my brows. “Really? That’s awesome.”
She sputtered as she laughed. “No, dummy, I’m just kidding.”
I shook my head. “This is going to be an interesting week, that’s for sure.” I pointed at the next right-hand turn. “I think that’s our road coming up.” I looked up at the sign—Grassy Road. “Yep, turn here. Looks like another few miles and we’ll be at the campground.”
We reached the park a few minutes after twelve. As Hanna drove through the narrow winding roads, I watched the campsites for the one that stood out above the others. We needed tree cover, a smooth spot to pitch the tent on, and close proximity to the lake.
“Stop here. Let’s take a look at that one.”
Hanna pulled in and killed the engine. I clipped the leash onto Bandit’s collar, and we got out. He instantly sniffed the ground, and I was sure the scents were unlike anything he’d smelled before. The aromas of pine and oak filled the air along with the animal scents Bandit probably caught wind of right away.
“This site is great, and Bandit seems to like it. What do you think, babe?”
“It’s nice, and there’s already a ring of rocks for a campfire.”
“Good, then it’s settled. Campsite Twelve-C is ours for the next week. Later on, we’ll drive to the welcome center, check out the area, and pay for our site. Let’s set up the tent and then go for a walk around the lake. Maybe we’ll see some fish jumping.”
I found the best spot to place the tent, and it was near several large oak trees. I planned to string a line between two of them so we could hang our lantern as well as clothes and towels on it.
“Are there bears out here?”
I chuckled. “Not sure, but I bet there are plenty of deer. You didn’t check that out online before you chose Giant City?”
“No. Guess I didn’t think of it then.”
I gave her a hug before pulling the tent out of the vehicle. “As long as I can outrun you, I’ll be fine.” I held her hands so she couldn’t punch me again.
“You’re terrible. Come on. Let’s get the tent up.”