Sometimes even the back-up plan has a hiccup…
Each week Rochelle Wisoff-Fields posts a pic to write a 100 word story about. This week photo is:
PHOTO PROMPT © Karen Rawson
Making the Best of It
Henry, you said a getaway in the woods.
I did.
A return to nature.
I did, too.
This is not my idea of what you promised.
And Gloria, neither is it mine. The ad said a cabin in the sky, stairway to heaven, and
waters at your feet. And it’s all true, but not exactly as promised or, at least,
imagined.
Well, Henry, we’re here already. Let’s make the best of it. Get out the hot dogs. At least
we can have a decent cookout.
Honey, where did you put the ice chest?
Randy Mazie
The Writer's Village 
We have all been there. Expectations far from exceeded. Nice take on the prompt
Thanks,
Expectations are one thing, misrepresentation and forgetfulness are another.
😉
Randy
Oh no! Let’s hope they find the ice chest and also something beautiful there that makes it all okay. At least they have each other. An advantage in such a deserted place.
Having your loved one with you is always the best, isn’t it?
Randy
True that. Every time I go camping I am amazed and appalled at all the crap I bring.
Ha. And all the crap we forget to bring.
Randy
Dear Randy,
I’d say it’s time to pile back into the car, find a restaurant and a nice motel. Jews don’t camp.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS I enjoyed and related to your story…it’s always something.
I love it. You made me laugh and laugh and laugh.
Oy!
Just as an aside, This Jew and my wife attempted to hike the Appalachian Trail last year. But then, we packed up, went to a restaurant and found a nice motel. Now we’re moving up there to be close to trail but live in a nice house.
Randy
Actually, this Jew enjoys camping. 😉 But as I get older I’ll admit to preferring a nice hotel room with strong wifi.
😉
Going back to nature doesn’t suit everybody I guess. Me? I love it! Liked you tale too.
My FriFic tale is called Solace!
Do you bring hot dogs?
If yes, I’m going with you when you go.
😉
Randy
Plenty for everybody!
😉
Camping – that’s a complete anathema to me. I only did it once, but I learned all I needed to know. I hope they have a pleasant break – ice chest or no ice chest.
I had anathema attack one time when I was camping.
😉
Randy
That’s not going to be a good review on Trip Adviser then! Good fun Randy.
I’ll pass that along – maybe next time he’ll check those before he makes the reservation.
Randy
Love that last line… I forsee a true battle about to happen here! Great write.
Over hot dogs? I hope not, but I’ve seen worse fights ensuing over stressful moments like these.
Randy
Ice chest? Oops.
double oops!
Randy
That was a nice read! 🙂
If only the place was as nice as the read.
LOL.
Randy
Hahaha! Yes! XD
Should have looked for reviews online! There are going to be some serious fallings out over this trip … Nice story
As the hot dogs would say: (to be read with emphasis)
bun-ba-bun-bun!
Randy
Haha!
I sense another hike down and up the stairs for the cooler. Renter beware, I guess.
Or a hike into town.
And yes, Caveat Rentor.
LOL.
Randy
Love their positive attitude.
I think it’s about to become a lee-tle less positive.
Randy
Gotta give the advertising people top marks for creativity! And now he’s left the food behind…
Advertising people: it’s amazing what a few descriptive words can do. As writers, don’t we know that!
And who said he left it behind? I suspect that’s going to be next bone of contention. Watch for part 2 titled, “F–k Making the Best of It”.
Randy
We always planned a “break-the-ice” weekend camping trip, not too far from home, to see what we forgot, what we needed, what we didn’t… That way, when we went on our real trips, we were on the ball…. for most of the stuff!
This was a fun one, Randy.
Thanks.
My wife and I did the same, keeping notes each time of what we needed to bring and what we didn’t. Still always missed something.
Randy
Same with us!
Oh no! I’ve had similar experiences on my travels coupled with that horrible sinking feeling! Well portrayed. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks.
For the sinking feeling, we recommend bringing Pepto Bismal or an antacid.
Randy
Not exactly as advertised!! Buyer beware! Will have to make sure they read the fine print the next time.. 😉
Caveat Renter.
Randy
As long there’s a clean bed inside. Trust me, I’ve been to worse places. Those pesky travel sites don’t paint the complete picture.
Good point.
Still hate to go to bed hungry.
Randy
So true, the holiday Ad is always a hundred years out of date.
Funny reading 100 years out of date.
The place looks like it was from 1918.
Randy
One of those moments when “Oh, bother,” isn’t quite enough. Nor, for that matter, is “I’m sorry, darling.” I really enjoyed this story. I also thoroughly enjoyed your one-liners sprinkled throughout the comments, especially an-athema attack.
Thank you.
I try to make the commentary as funny as the story.
Sort of puffing out my chest, or ice chest in this case.
😉
Randy
Ah, no ice chest, which means making the best of it will be even harder. Perhaps they’ll enjoy foraging for mushrooms and berries then. Not a trip either of them expected.
No berries, but maybe some magical mushrooms will make the place beautiful.
Randy
Oh no! Guess they’ll have to fish for their dinner 🙂
Really? Fish in that creek?
Let’s try comment number two instead.
How about frogging?
LOL
Randy
I remember camping once and mother had left the hot dogs at home so we had mustard/onion sandwiches. We laughed about it for years but those accidental mistakes make some of the best memories. Oh, we didn’t catch any fish either. Nicely done!
Mustard and onion sandwiches.
I like your mother, I just wouldn’t want to be invited over to dinner by her.
LOL
Randy
I hate such misleading advertisements. Great tale! Thank god those people are optimistic and are trying to make the best of it. Otherwise the whole experience will be ruined.
Shivam
I think you’re being optimistic.
I think they are going to have melt down.
Randy
sometimes you just can’t win. Nothing is going right – loved the dialogue.
time to pack it up and pack it out.
Randy