Some thoughts on camping

Section 17. Public address systems and amplified music
It is unlawful to operate or use any radio, television, stereo, musical instrument, electric generating plant, power saws, chain saws, power tools of any kind or public address system whether fixed, portable, or vehicular-mounted, in or on any area except by special-use permit.
–Adopted from Iowa Code 350.10.

That’s funny, because I swear I could hear Staind coming from one direction and Kenny Chesney coming from the other, not to mention the little kids running around, cars driving up and down the camp roads, and some guy screaming, “Fuck you! I’m only here because I don’t have a fucking ride! I fucking wish you weren’t my brother!” Did I mention there were kids around? Then some car alarms went off, and a lady at the campsite next to mine spent an hour on the phone complaining about her spoiled brat daughter who was going to some show at the House of Bricks and hadn’t called, yet. This particular conversation was a gem because the woman, who definitely slurred most of her words, also let the conversation unfold by repeating simple phrases like, “I swear, she never used words longer than three letters. I mean, can’t she talk to me? None of her words were longer than three letters.” She also complained that this girl was telling her friends her parents were drunks. The next morning, I was scavenging some wood from their campsite and found a half dozen Natty Ice cans burned in the fire ring. If the shoe fits, lady, get some help from Social Services.

My night of quiet solace in nature was more like a vacation in tenement housing. I probably should have just asked Derek if I could borrow his backyard. The morning was better, though. Most of the noisest people broke camp early and took off, so I stayed at the park until almost one in the afternoon enjoying the peace and quiet. Patience pays off.