This is the last of a three part series about camping at Site 23 in Potholes State Park.

We were settled into our favorite campsite, Site 23 at Potholes State Park, within an hour after we arrived. This was our first camping trip of the year.

Ah, yes the relaxing aspect of a camping trip; change into shorts, prepare the fire for ignition, relax in folding chairs in the shade beside the trailer.

Ouch, pow... Nailed the mosquito and then another one and another one...

Back in the trailer we connect computers, and then check e-mail, Facebook and other computer sites. The antenna is erected and a station is dialed into clear view.

In past years, we have heard and seen the mosquito spray plane, which reduced the number of pesky critters. This year the flying insect population seems to be exploding. We could slather a bunch of bug spray and try to escape and evade the bugs or stay inside. We stayed inside, at least for now. Still the camping experience is enjoyable. Writing my columns is an honor, no matter where my computer is located, but writing at Site 23 is especially enjoyable. Our Hideout travel trailer has a large picture window on the tail end. We try to position the window so we observe a pleasant view.

At this site we have an expanse of lawn which ends at a row of evergreens, two trees deep as our view. We can also see the main road to the boat launch and across the road into the day-use area.

Several bird species pass through our view during each day, plus the antics of the local squirrels are enjoyable. Hawks and eagles pass by from time to time, along with mule deer and coyotes.

We decide to cook inside on our first night, with bratwurst cooked in beer on the menu. Garnet purchased a package of macaroni salad, plus another of potato salad as side dishes. We retired after watching a couple of our favorite shows, with a cool breeze blowing through the slightly open windows.

I'm up at 6 a.m. and start the furnace, eventually raising the inside temperature in the low 50s to 72. In the past we have used hot water and single coffee bags, similar to a tea bag, for your morning coffee. Last year we purchased and now have as a permanent appliance living in the trailer a 12-cup drip coffee maker, similar to the one we use at home.

Monday: A planned trip to our home base was started at 10 a.m. on our first day of camping. We conducted our business and headed back to the trailer after four hours. Although we would rather stay at the site all week long, we have commitments in Moses Lake each week. We view the trip home as comparable to a situation where a family living in the Potholes Reservoir area drives to work in Moses Lake every day.

Garnet had a plan for meals on the days we returned home for a few hours. On the first day she started a slow cooker dish of pork chops and cream of chicken soup, with a packet of ranch dressing for seasoning, while at home. We enjoyed a sandwich lunch.

The slow cooker accompanied us to the trailer in the afternoon, the contents served as our evening meal, with the same side dishes available. We were unable to eat all of the pork chop meal, so the leftovers were refrigerated and served the next evening.

Tuesday: Yep, another weekly commitment sent us home, with another sandwich lunch, which is rather common at our house. After a few hours, we were again at the campsite.

We enjoyed a fire in the evening, but retreated when mosquitoes became a bother. The leftovers were served over rice, making this a different meal, even if the meat was cooked the day before.

Our camping trip included a trip home on each of the four days. We have vowed to change this schedule on our next trip. My argument centers around the fact we could stay at the site for two nights straight, perhaps three, even with our commitments, without a trip home. We will see.

We will be headed back to Site 23 later this month. Our favorite site is the same as in years past, except the weeds are growing fast. How long will they be allowed to grow? Will they be controlled soon? If not they are sure to go to seed and spread. Plus when dry they may become a fire hazard.

Still we are looking forward to our next trip to Site 23, just a few days away.